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The effectiveness and safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) are comparable to those of carotid endarterectomy in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis, but real-world outcomes are not well-known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the real-world clinical outcomes of CAS in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. We conducted a nationwide retrospective registry study of 156 centers between January 2015 and December 2019. We enrolled consecutive patients with CAS managed by certified specialists from the Japanese Society of Neuroendovascular Therapy. Outcomes between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were compared. The primary outcome was a composite of ischemic stroke and all-cause death at 30 days after CAS. Secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke, all-cause death, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and procedural complications. We analyzed 9,792 patients (symptomatic, n = 5,351; asymptomatic, n = 4,441). The mean age was 73.5 years, and men were dominant (86.4%). Embolism protection devices were used in 99% of patients. The primary outcome was not significantly different between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (120 [2.2%] vs 65 [1.5%]; adjusted OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.92-1.83). The incidences of symptomatic ICH, any ICH, acute in-stent occlusion, and hyperperfusion syndrome were significantly more prevalent in the symptomatic group (47 [0.9%] vs 8 [0.2%], aOR: 4.41 [95% CI: 1.68-11.6]; 73 [1.4%] vs 12 [0.3%], aOR: 3.56 [95% CI: 1.71-7.39]; 45 [0.8%] vs 19 [0.4%], aOR: 2.18 [95% CI: 1.08-4.40]; and 102 [1.9%] vs 36 [0.8%], aOR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.17-2.71], respectively). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The complication rate after specialist-involved CAS at 30 days was low in real-world practice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are developmental anomalies formed by splitting the arachnoid membrane's layers. ACs contribute around 2% of all intracranial space–occupying lesions. ACs are more prevalent in children. Because of varied clinical presentation, there has been a constant need for clinicoradiologic risk stratification with a possible role in outcome prediction. The present study describes the management strategies and outcomes in symptomatic intracranial ACs. All biopsy-proven symptomatic patients who underwent surgical management over last 15 years were included in this study (January 2008–December 2022), while those with non-conclusive biopsies were excluded. Patients presenting with acute deterioration were managed in the emergency department with or without cerebrospinal fluid diversion and decompression of the AC. The microsurgical or endoscopic approach was the preferred surgical modality. Postoperative clinicoradiologic improvement was evaluated at 3 months follow-up visit. A total of 108 patients were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The median age of the patients was 27.5 years (range, 1 to 76 years). Headache was the most typical clinical presentation. Supratentorial ACs (n = 59, 54.6%) were higher than the infratentorial ACs (n = 49, 45.4%). Forty-seven patients belonged to the pediatric age group (<18 years), and seizure was their presenting complaint. In this observational study, there was no statistical difference in operative duration between microsurgical technique versus endoscopic decompression (P = 0.23). ACs are uncommon brain lesions having a broad spectrum of symptoms. The location and clinical presentation of ACs decide the preferred surgical approach. Individuals in high-risk groups must be treated on priority to achieve long-term relief of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Treatment of the underlying cause of Lhermitte's phenomenon (LP) varied by etiology. • No randomised studies exist to support use of symptomatic therapy in LP treatment. • Most common cause of medication-induced LP were platinum-based chemotherapy agents. • Non-pharmacological therapies were linked to mild-moderate improvement in symptoms. • Further controlled studies are needed to investigate the optimal management of LP. Lhermitte's phenomenon (LP) is a transient shock-like sensation that radiates down the spine into the extremities, usually with neck flexion. The potential efficacy and tolerability of various symptomatic therapies in the management of LP have not been systematically reviewed previously. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to August 2022 for peer-reviewed articles describing the treatment of patients with Lhermitte's phenomenon. The review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. This systematic review included sixty-six articles, which included 450 patients with LP. Treatment of the underlying cause varied by aetiology. Whilst LP is most commonly considered in the context of structural pathology of the cervical cord, medication-induced LP was a common theme in the literature. The most common cause of medication-induced LP was platinum-based chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In medication-induced LP, symptoms typically resolved with cessation of the causative agent. Non-pharmacological treatment options were associated with mild-moderate symptomatic improvement. The most commonly used agents to treat patients with LP were carbamazepine and gabapentin, which resulted in variable degrees of symptomatic benefit. No randomised studies currently exist to support the use of symptomatic therapies to treat LP. Observational data suggest that some therapies may yield a symptomatic benefit in the management of LP. However, this systematic review identified a significant paucity of evidence in the literature, which suggests that further controlled studies are needed to investigate the optimal management of this common neurologic phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic evaluation of the ID NOW coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) assay in various real-world settings among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Depending on the setting, the ID NOW testing was performed using oropharyngeal swabs (OPSs) taken from patients with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, asymptomatic close contacts, or asymptomatic individuals as part of outbreak point prevalence screening. From January to April 2021, a select number of sites switched from using OPS to combined oropharyngeal and nasal swab (O + NS) for ID NOW testing. For every individual tested, two swabs were collected by a health care worker: one swab (OPS or O + NS) for ID NOW testing and a separate swab (OPS or nasopharyngeal swab) for RT-PCR. A total of 129 112 paired samples were analysed (16 061 RT-PCR positive). Of these, 81 697 samples were from 42 COVID-19 community collection sites, 16 924 samples were from 69 rural hospitals, 1927 samples were from nine emergency shelters and addiction treatment facilities, 23 802 samples were from six mobile units that responded to 356 community outbreaks, and 4762 O + NS swabs were collected from three community collection sites and one emergency shelter. The ID NOW assay sensitivity was the highest among symptomatic individuals presenting to community collection sites (92.5%; 95% CI, 92.0–93.0%) and the lowest for asymptomatic individuals associated with community outbreaks (73.9%; 95% CI, 69.8–77.7%). Specificity was >99% in all populations tested. The sensitivity of ID NOW severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing is the highest when used in symptomatic community populations not seeking medical care. Sensitivity and positive predictive value drop by approximately 10% when tested on asymptomatic populations. Using combined oropharyngeal and nasal swabs did not improve the performance of ID NOW assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimal surgical treatment for symptomatic recurrent Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) is unclear. • This study compared cyst wall resection, drainage with intrasellar stent insertion, and resection with intracystic bleomycin. • Cyst wall resection was associated with the highest risk of symptomatic recurrence at 58.8% • There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates between the treatment arms. The optimal management of symptomatic recurrent Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) is unclear. Here, we compared the outcomes of various surgical approaches for symptomatic recurrent RCCs. PubMed and Embase were systematically reviewed for studies that reported individual-participant data on outcomes after surgical treatment for symptomatic recurrent RCCs presenting with headache and/or visual field defect. The primary outcome was symptomatic recurrence, and the secondary outcome was postoperative complications. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the number of recurrences, duration since initial surgery, previous treatment, and symptoms of recurrence. Of the 713 studies screened, 14 studies (30 recurrences in 24 patients) were included in the meta -analysis. Cyst wall resection was the most common treatment (n = 17, 56.7 %), followed by drainage with intrasellar stent insertion (n = 7, 23.3 %) and resection with intracystic bleomycin (n = 6, 20.0 %). Most of the cases were first recurrences (56.7 %, n = 17). The mean (SD) duration between the initial treatment and onset of symptomatic recurrence was 3.0 (3.6) years. Over a median [IQR] follow-up period of 1.2 [0.4, 2.5] years, patients who underwent cyst wall resection had a significantly higher incidence of symptomatic recurrence at 58.8 %, compared to a 0 % symptomatic recurrence rate in patients treated with drainage and intrasellar stent insertion or resection with intracystic bleomycin (p = 0.014). Patients who underwent cyst wall resection also had the highest risk of symptomatic recurrence on subgroup analysis, though this was statistically significant only among patients who underwent cyst wall resection as their preceding treatment (p = 0.021). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rates between the treatment arms. In conclusion, for patients with symptomatic recurrent RCCs presenting with headache and/or visual field defects, drainage with intrasellar stent insertion and intracystic bleomycin may be superior to cyst wall resection alone. This approach may reduce the risk of another symptomatic recurrence within one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bivalent original/BA.4–5 and monovalent XBB.1.5 mRNA boosters were offered to UK healthcare workers (HCWs) in the autumn of 2023. We aimed to estimate booster vaccine effectiveness (VE) and post-infection immunity among the SIREN HCW cohort over the subsequent 6-month period of XBB.1.5 and JN.1 variant circulation. Between October 2023 to March 2024, 2867 SIREN study participants tested fortnightly for SARS-CoV-2 and completed symptoms questionnaires. We used multi-state models, adjusted for vaccination, prior infection, and demographic covariates, to estimate protection against mild/asymptomatic and moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Half of the participants (1422) received a booster during October 2023 (280 bivalent, 1142 monovalent), and 536 (19%) had a PCR-confirmed infection over the study period. Bivalent booster VE was 15.1% (−55.4 to 53.6%) at 0–2 months and 4.2% (−46.4 to 37.3%) at 2–4 months post-vaccination. Monovalent booster VE was 44.2% (95% CI 21.7 to 60.3%) at 0–2 months, and 24.1% (−0.7 to 42.9%) at 2–4 months. VE was greater against moderate infection than against mild/asymptomatic infection, but neither booster showed evidence of protection after 4 months. Controlling for vaccination, compared to an infection >2 years prior, infection within the past 6 months was associated with 58.6% (30.3 to 75.4%) increased protection against moderate infection and 38.5% (5.8 to 59.8%) increased protection against mild/asymptomatic infection. Monovalent XBB.1.5 boosters provided short-term protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly against moderate symptoms. Vaccine formulations that target the circulating variant may be suitable for inclusion in seasonal vaccination campaigns among HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at 6 and 10 months after disease onset. Blood samples were collected at three different time points from 27 asymptomatic individuals and 69 symptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Virus-neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed. The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had higher neutralizing antibodies at 3 months and 1–2 months post polymerase chain reaction confirmation, respectively. However, neutralizing antibodies in both groups dropped significantly to lower levels at 6 months post-PCR confirmation. Continued monitoring of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 is key to controlling the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) is an increasingly diagnosed disease. However, multicentre studies to support clinical decision making are limited. This multicentre retrospective study aimed to investigate the characteristics, treatment options, and outcomes of IMAD. Data from consecutively enrolled patients with IMAD between October 2009 and May 2021 at three hospitals were collected retrospectively. One hundred and ninety uncomplicated symptomatic IMAD patients were divided into two groups: conservative (n = 141) and operative (n = 49). The costs, length of hospital stay, factors affecting outcomes, symptom relief, and complete remodelling of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were analysed between the two groups. Compared with patients who received operative treatment, patients receiving conservative treatment had shorter hospital stays (8.2 ± 4.6 vs. 11.9 ± 6.4 day, p <.020) and lower hospital costs (14 900 ± 1 048 vs. 60 400 ± 7 733 yuan, p <.001). In contrast, patients receiving operative treatment showed higher complete SMA remodelling (95.9% vs. 51.8%, p <.001). The cumulative rate of symptom relief was similar between the groups (p =.71). The rates were 78% vs. 79%, 87% vs. 87%, 89% vs. 87% at one, 12, and 60 months in the conservative and operative groups, respectively. Further subgroup analysis showed that endovascular treatment of IMAD had the advantage of shorter hospital stays than open surgery (10.7 ± 4.5 vs. 25.2 ± 9.4 days, p <.010). Univariable analysis showed that Sakamoto type II was associated with failed complete SMA remodelling (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence intervals 0.13 – 0.91; p =.031). IMAD patients achieved good long term survival and symptom relief regardless of the treatment. Sakamoto type II IMAD is a risk factor for failed complete SMA remodelling. Although endovascular treatment provided a higher rate of complete SMA remodelling, the conservative group had statistically significantly shorter hospital stays, lower hospital costs, and similar cumulative rates of symptom relief. Therefore, this study supports conservative treatment as the main strategy for uncomplicated symptomatic IMAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana and other parts of West Africa have experienced lower COVID-19 mortality rates than other regions. This phenomenon has been hypothesized to be associated with previous exposure to infections such as malaria. This study investigated the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the influence of previous malaria exposure. Blood samples were collected from individuals with asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 (n = 217). A variety of assays were used to characterize the SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response, and malaria exposure was quantified using Plasmodium falciparum ELISA. The study found evidence of attenuated immune responses to COVID-19 among asymptomatic individuals, with elevated proportions of non-classical monocytes and greater memory B cell activation. Symptomatic patients displayed higher P. falciparum -specific T cell recall immune responses, whereas asymptomatic individuals demonstrated elevated P. falciparum antibody levels. Summarily, this study suggests that P. falciparum exposure-associated immune modulation may contribute to reduced severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living in malaria-endemic regions. [Display omitted] • Asymptomatic COVID-19 shows lower T cell response and higher P. falciparum antibodies • Symptomatic COVID-19 shows higher T cell exhaustion and lower P. falciparum antibodies • People with asymptomatic COVID-19 were more likely to show recent exposure to malaria Tapela et al. study the impact of previous malaria exposure on people with COVID-19. Prior malaria exposure may influence the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and might be linked to milder COVID-19 cases in malaria-endemic regions, offering valuable insights for viral disease management and outbreak control in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifid ribs are a type of, generally asymptomatic, congenital chest wall abnormality. However, patients sometimes complain about chronic chest pains, deformities and respiratory difficulty. There is limited literature regarding treatment of symptomatic bifid ribs. We present the results of two cases of symptomatic bifid ribs causing intercostal nerve impingement who underwent surgery. Two patients aged 22 and 33 presented to the outpatient clinic with chronic chest pains. After physical examination and 3D CT-scans they were diagnosed with intercostal nerve impingement caused by a bifid rib. Both patients underwent surgery to resect the upper arch of the bifid rib. Upon follow-up nine and seven months post-operatively patients reported complaints had been completely resolved and follow-up was ended. Although bifid ribs are generally asymptomatic they can sometimes cause intercostal nerve impingement. These cases demonstrate that these symptoms might only start after experiencing minor trauma or a growth spurt. Intercostal nerve blockades might me a useful tool in diagnostic work-up to confirm the diagnosis. Resection of symptomatic bifid ribs is a safe and viable treatment option. • Bifid ribs are generally asymptomatic but can cause intercostal nerve impingement • In cases of intercostal nerve impingement surgery is a successful treatment option • Intercostal nerve blockades can be used during diagnostic work-up [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to enhance understanding of the role of platelet biomarkers in the pathogenesis of vascular events and risk stratifying patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Systematic review conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A systematic review collated data from 1975 to 2020 on ex vivo platelet activation and platelet function/reactivity in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria; the majority included patients on antiplatelet therapy. Five studies showed increased platelet biomarkers in patients with ≥ 30% asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) vs. controls, with one neutral study. Preliminary data from one study suggested that quantification of "coated platelets" in combination with stenosis severity may aid risk stratification in patients with ≥ 50% – 99% ACS. Platelets were excessively activated in patients with ≥ 30% symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS) vs. controls (≥ 11 positive studies and one neutral study). Antiplatelet-High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity (HTPR), previously called "antiplatelet resistance", was observed in 23% – 57% of patients on aspirin, with clopidogrel-HTPR in 25% – 100% of patients with ≥ 50% – 99% ACS. Aspirin-HTPR was noted in 9.5% – 64% and clopidogrel-HTPR in 0 – 83% of patients with ≥ 50% SCS. However, the data do not currently support the use of ex vivo platelet function/reactivity testing to tailor antiplatelet therapy outside of a research setting. Platelets are excessively activated (n = 5), with increased platelet counts (n = 3) in recently symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients, including those without micro-emboli on transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring (n = 2). Most available studies (n = 7) showed that platelets become more reactive or activated following carotid endarterectomy or stenting, either as an acute phase response to intervention or peri-procedural treatment. Platelets are excessively activated in patients with carotid stenosis vs. controls, in recently symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients, and may become activated/hyper-reactive following carotid interventions despite commonly prescribed antiplatelet regimens. Further prospective multicentre studies are required to determine whether models combining clinical, neurovascular imaging, and platelet biomarker data can facilitate optimised antiplatelet therapy in individual patients with carotid stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Patients with adult spinal deformity suffer from disease related disability as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for which surgery can result in significant improvements.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to show the change in overall and individual components of the ODI in patients aged 60 years or older following multi-level spinal deformity surgery.Study Design: Prospective, multicenter, multi-continental, observational longitudinal cohort study PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients ≥60 years undergoing primary spinal fusion surgery of ≥5 levels for coronal, sagittal or combined deformity.Outcome Measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) METHODS: : Patients completed the ODI pre-operatively for baseline, then at 10 weeks, 12 months and 24 months post-operatively. ODI scores were grouped into deciles, and change was calculated with numerical score and improvement or worsening was further categorized from baseline as substantial (≥20%), marginal (≥10-<20%) or no change (within 10%).Results: Two-hundred nineteen patients met inclusion criteria for the study. The median number of spinal levels fused was 9 [Q1=5.0, Q3=12.0]. Two-year mean (95% CI) ODI improvement was 19.3% (16.7%; 21.9%; p<.001) for all age groups, with mean scores improved from a baseline of 46.3% (44.1%; 48.4%) to 41.1% (38.5%; 43.6%) at 10 weeks (p<.001), 28.1% (25.6%; 30.6%) at 12 months (p<.001), and 27.0% (24.4%; 29.5%) at 24 months (p<.001). At 2 years, 45.5% of patients showed 20% or greater improvement in ODI, 23.7% improved between 10% and 20%, 26.3% reported no change (defined as±10% from baseline), 4.5% of patients reported a worsening between 10% to 20%, and none reported worsening greater than 20%. 59.0% of patients were severely disabled (ODI >40%) pre-operatively, which decreased to 20.2% at 2 years. Significant improvement was observed across all 10 ODI items at 12 and 24 months. The largest improvements were seen in pain, walking, standing, sex life, social life and traveling.Conclusions: In this prospective, multicenter, multi-continental study of patients 60 years or older undergoing multi-level spinal deformity surgery, almost 70% of patients reported significant improvements in ODI without taking into account surgical indications, techniques or complications. Clear data is presented demonstrating the particular change from baseline for each decile of pre-operative ODI score, for each sub-score, and for each age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are increasingly being managed with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We aimed to identify the outcomes of symptomatic and ruptured AAAs that had undergone EVAR with a chimney or snorkel technique (ChEVAR). A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from March 2013 to July 2019. All patients with symptomatic and ruptured AAAs with a proximal aortic zone of disease from 6 to 9 who had undergone ChEVAR were included. The outcomes were analyzed in accordance with the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards for EVAR. ChEVAR was performed in 77 patients (ruptured, 35 [45.5%]; symptomatic, 42 [54.5%]). The median age was 73.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 67.0-81.0 years), and 54 patients (70.1%) were men. The median maximum aneurysm diameter was 67.5 mm (IQR, 54.5-83.3 mm). All patients had American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III. For the patients with ruptured AAAs, the mean lowest preoperative systolic blood pressure was 95.3 ± 29.3 mm Hg. The fluoroscopy time was 57.4 minutes (IQR, 41.2-79.0 minutes). The proximal aortic zone of disease was zone 6 in 9 (11.7%), zone 7 in 21 (27.3%), zone 8 in 36 (46.8%), and zone 9 in 11 (14.3%) patients. ChEVAR involved more than one vessel in 55 patients (71.4%). No significant difference was found in 30-day mortality between the patients with ruptured vs symptomatic AAAs (11.4% vs 7.1%; P =.695). Reintervention was required for 10 patients (13.0%) at a median of 9 postoperative days, 2 (20.0%) of whom died. Postoperatively, 31 patients (40.3%) had experienced a major complication. A type I endoleak had occurred in nine patients (11.7%), two (22.2%) of whom died. Long-term follow-up data were available for 38 patients (49.4%) at a median of 406.5 days (IQR, 326.8-602.0 days) postoperatively. Of the 18 patients with long-term radiographic data, sac growth was detected in 4 (22.2%). A total of 14 patients had died at a median of 26.5 days (IQR, 3.0-468.5 days). ChEVAR for symptomatic and ruptured AAAs can be performed with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. Long-term data are needed to determine the durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, data on the association of asymptomatic PAD with AAA are limited. We explored the association of symptomatic and asymptomatic PAD with AAA. We primarily assessed a prospective association of symptomatic (based on clinical history) and asymptomatic (ankle-brachial index ≤0.9) PAD at baseline (1987–89 [ages 45–64 years]) with incident AAA in a biracial community-based cohort, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. We secondarily investigated a cross-sectional association of PAD with ultrasound-based AAA (diameter≥3.0 cm) (2011–13 [ages 67–91 years]). Of 14,148 participants (55.1% female, 25.5% black, 0.9% with symptomatic PAD) in our prospective analysis (median follow-up 22.5 years), 530 (3.7%) developed incident AAA. Symptomatic PAD had a higher hazard ratio (HR) of incident AAA [4.91 (95%CI 2.88–8.37)], as did asymptomatic PAD with ABI≤0.9 [2.33 (1.55–3.51)], compared to the reference ABI>1.1–1.2 in demographically-adjusted models. Crude 15-year cumulative incidence of AAA in these three groups were 12.3%, 3.9%, and 1.5%, respectively. The associations remained significant after accounting for other potential confounders [corresponding HR 2.96 (95%CI 1.73–5.07) and 1.52 (95%CI 1.00–2.30), respectively]. The cross-sectional analysis demonstrated similar patterns with ultrasound-based AAA [odds ratio 2.46 (95%CI 1.26–4.81) for symptomatic PAD and 3.98 (1.96–8.08) for asymptomatic PAD in a demographically-adjusted model]. Our prospective and cross-sectional data show elevated risk of AAA in both symptomatic and asymptomatic PAD. Our data support the current recommendation of AAA screening in symptomatic PAD patients and suggest the potential extension to asymptomatic PAD patients as well. [Display omitted] • Symptomatic and asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients are independently associated with a higher risk of incident clinical abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) based on a 22.5-year follow-up. • Symptomatic and asymptomatic PAD patients are associated with ultrasound-based AAA based on cross-sectional analysis. • Our data support the current recommendation of AAA screening in symptomatic PAD patients. • AAA screening may be appropriate for asymptomatic PAD patients as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis (GA) is a benign rare condition that is mostly asymptomatic but can present as abdominal pain. GA usually occurs in the middle-aged population with an equal sex distribution. A case of a 49-years-old female who sought medical care several times due to abrupt abdominal pain. She underwent echography, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic GA. The pathology report confirmed acalculous cholecystitis in the presence of GA. In fact, echography can reveal the "comet- tail" sign, the CT can show the "rosary sign"; and MRI shows the "pearl necklace" sign. These signs, in the absence of gallstones, can justify the abdominal pain hence the diagnosis of symptomatic GA. GA is being increasingly reported; however, symptomatic cases remain the exception. We believe that awareness to this entity should be raised so that healthcare professionals can establish the diagnosis efficiently. • GA is being increasingly reported; however, symptomatic cases remain the exception • Abdominal echography, Computed- Tomography scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging have pathognomonic sings that help establish this diagnosis • Surgical indication is limited to symptomatic cases in the context of acalculous cholecystitis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The risk of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 may be higher than anticipated. • Asymptomatic cases made up 50% of a random sample of index cases. • Infectivity rates were similar for asymptomatic and symptomatic index cases. • Asymptomatic-to-asymptomatic transmission was the most common transmission. • Middle-aged males were the most common transmitters of the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to over 92 million cases and 1.9 million deaths worldwide since its outbreak. Public health responses have focused on identifying symptomatic individuals to halt spread. However, evidence is accruing that asymptomatic individuals are infectious and contributing to this global pandemic. Observational data of 320 index cases and their 1289 positive contacts from the National COVID-19 Database in Bahrain were used to analyze symptoms, infectivity rate and PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) values. No significant difference (p = 1.0) in proportions of symptomatic (n = 160; 50.0%) and asymptomatic index cases (n = 160; 50.0%) were seen; however, SARS-CoV-2 positive contact cases were predominantly asymptomatic (n = 1127, 87.4%). Individuals aged 0−19 years constituted a larger proportion of positive contact cases (20.8%) than index cases (4.7%; p < 0.001). A total of 22% of the positive contacts were infected by symptomatic male index cases aged between 30−39 years. The total numbers of exposed contacts (p = 0.33), infected contacts (p = 0.81) and hence infectivity rate (p = 0.72) were not different between symptomatic and asymptomatic index cases. PCR Ct values were higher in asymptomatic compared to symptomatic index cases (p < 0.001), and higher in asymptomatic compared to symptomatic positive contacts (p < 0.001). No differences between the infectivity rates of index cases with Ct values <30 and values ≥30 were observed (p = 0.13). These data reveal that the high asymptomatic incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Bahrain and subsequent positive contacts from an index case were more likely to be asymptomatic, showing the high "silent" risk of transmission and need for comprehensive screening for each positive infection to help halt the ongoing pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears are likely at least as common as full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and it is critical for surgeons to have knowledge of the tear progression rate of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears when determining surgical or nonsurgical treatment. However, a systematic review investigating the rate of tear progression of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears has not been performed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature and determine the rate of full-thickness progression in nonoperatively treated partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines and checklist using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. English-language studies of Level I through IV evidence examining partial-thickness rotator cuff tears with description of the change in tear size were included. Studies using imaging modalities other than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography (US) for serial imaging and studies without description of the number of tears that progressed to full-thickness tears were excluded. The primary outcome was to determine the per-month progression rate from a partial-thickness tear to a full-thickness tear confirmed on either MRI or US. The progression rates, which were divided into 3 groups—symptomatic, asymptomatic and combined (asymptomatic + symptomatic)—were calculated using a random effects model with binomial within-study variance. Four studies were included, and 257 tears were analyzed statistically for tear progression. The average follow-up was 34 months (standard deviation, 19 months). The overall rate of progression to a full-thickness tear was 0.26% per month (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15%-0.36% per month). In the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, the rates were 0.22% per month (95% CI, 0.09%-0.34% per month) and 0.32% per month (95% CI, 0.15%-0.49% per month), respectively, which showed no significant difference (P =.341). This study demonstrated that partial-thickness tears progress to full-thickness tears over time but at a relatively low rate at short- to intermediate-term follow-up. There was no significant difference in the per-month rates of full-thickness progression between symptomatic and asymptomatic tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Serum IgG developed in 95% mildly symptomatic patients by day 14 and all seroconverted by day 30. • Serum IgM and IgA antibody responses were lower and less frequent than corresponding IgG responses. • Serum IgM and IgA responses peaked and declined earlier in 100% of mild symptomatic individuals. • <45% of asymptomatic infected individuals had seroconverted by day 30 post-PCR diagnosis. • Impact on modeling of herd immunity. Studies on serological responses following coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been published primarily in individuals who are moderately or severely symptomatic, but there are few data from individuals who are mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic. We measured IgG, IgM, and IgA to the receptor-binding domain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in mildly symptomatic (n = 108) and asymptomatic (n = 63) on days 1, 7, 14, and 30 following RT-PCR confirmation in Bangladesh and when compared with pre-pandemic samples, including healthy controls (n = 73) and individuals infected with other viruses (n = 79). Mildly symptomatic individuals developed IgM and IgA responses by day 14 in 72% and 83% of individuals, respectively, while 95% of individuals developed IgG response, and rose to 100% by day 30. In contrast, individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 but who remained asymptomatic developed antibody responses significantly less frequently, with only 20% positive for IgA and 22% positive for IgM by day 14, and 45% positive for IgG by day 30 after infection. These results confirm immune responses are generated following COVID-19 who develop mildly symptomatic illness. However, those with asymptomatic infection do not respond or have lower antibody levels. These results will impact modeling needed for determining herd immunity generated by natural infection or vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is an immune mediated disease and causes oro-mucosal burning sensation that reduces food intake and hence resulting in nutritional deficiency. The present study was done to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with symptomatic OLP and establish an association between reduced B12 levels and OLP. Serum vitamin B12 was assessed in 60 symptomatic cases of oral lichen planus and 60 healthy age and gender matched controls. Serum vitamin B12 was significantly reduced (p value < 0) in patients with oral lichen planus when compared to healthy individuals. 43.33% of cases (26 out of 60) had B12 levels less than 187 pg/ml. Oral lichen planus causes serum vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is linked with normal functioning of immune and neuropsychologic system which has a role to play in etiopathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral lichen planus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, enlargement of arachnoid cysts (ACs) has been found mostly in cases occurring during early childhood. Therefore, progressively enlarged ACs found to be symptomatic in elderly patients are extremely rare, and the mechanisms have remained unexplored. Our first patient was a 72-year-old woman with memory disturbance, who had presented with a large cyst beneath the right temporal convexity 9 years previously. The annual follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies had revealed that the cyst had progressively enlarged. In addition, her memory disturbance had become advanced. Endoscopic cyst fenestration was performed between the cyst and lateral ventricle, resulting in a reduction of her symptoms. Our second patient was a 79-year-old woman with unsteadiness, who had presented with a large cyst under the right parietal convexity 6 years previously. The annual follow-up MRI studies had shown that the cyst had gradually enlarged. She subsequently developed left hemiparesis. Because the pyramidal tract was located between the cyst and ventricle, a cyst–ventricle shunt was placed to allow the cystic fluid into the lateral ventricle, with complete resolution of her symptoms. In both cases, MRI showed obliteration of the subdural spaces around the cysts. Endoscopic observations revealed that the arachnoid membrane was lined under the surrounding brain, leading to the diagnosis of an AC. The establishment of stable communication between a cyst and the normal cerebrospinal fluid space is important to treat symptomatic ACs characterized by progressive enlargement, even in elderly patients. The 1-way entry of the cerebrospinal fluid into the cyst and the closure of the surrounding subdural space might result in AC enlargement internally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the feasibility, success rate, and safety of endovascular revascularization of nonacute symptomatic proximal extracranial vertebral artery occlusion (PEVAO). In a retrospective, single-center study, we analyzed clinical and imaging data from consecutive patients with PEVAO who underwent endovascular revascularization from June 2011 to March 2018. The study enrolled 23 patients (mean age, 59 years; range, 42–77 years; 17 men). The rate of successful technical revascularization was 91.3% (n = 21), and the rate of complications was 4.3% (n = 1). At 3-month follow-up, the patients with successful endovascular revascularization of nonacute symptomatic PEVAO did not present any neurologic symptoms and computed tomography angiography did not show restenosis of the stent. Endovascular revascularization of nonacute symptomatic PEVAO is feasible and associated with a high rate of procedural success and low rate of procedural complications. A large, multicenter, randomized study is warranted to confirm the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of conservative treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (PTRCT). Here, we aim to identify the predictors of failure after conservative treatment in a large series of patients with symptomatic PTRCT. The outcome of conservative treatment in a retrospective cohort of 272 patients with symptomatic PTRCT was evaluated. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics were extracted from the patients' medical records. Subjective assessments included Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain), activities of daily living (ADL) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, all performed at the first visit. The association of treatment failure with the patient/tear characteristics was assessed. The bursal-type PTRCT was associated with male gender (P =.02), earlier referral of the patients (P =.001), more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption (P =.004), more positive painful arc syndrome (P =.006), and lower CSS (P <.001). These symptoms subsided completely or considerably in 172 (63.2%) patients after the conservative treatment, from which the disease relapsed in 21 (12.2%) patients at the mean follow-up of 22.2 ± 8.8 months. The symptoms led to surgery in the remaining 100 (36.8%) patients. The failure rate of conservative treatment was significantly higher in the dominant injuries (P =.015), the bursal type (P <.001), and tears involving more than 50% of the depth of the tendon (P <.001). The bursal type tear, dominant tears, and tears involving >50% of the tendon depth are factors capable of predicting failure after conservative management of PTRCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The CREST-2 Registry (C2R) was approved by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-National Institutes of Health in September 2014 with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and industry collaboration to enroll patients undergoing CAS. The registry credentials interventionists and promotes optimal patient selection, procedural-technique, and outcomes.Objectives: This study reports periprocedural outcomes in a cohort of carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed for asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis.Methods: Asymptomatic patients with ≥70% and symptomatic patients with ≥50% carotid stenosis, ≤80 years of age, and at standard or high risk for carotid endarterectomy are eligible for enrollment. Interventionists are credentialed by a multispecialty committee that reviews experience, lesion selection, technique, and outcomes. The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke and death (S/D) in the 30-day periprocedural period. Myocardial infarction and access-site complications were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: As of December 2018, 187 interventionists from 98 sites in the United States performed 2,219 CAS procedures in 2,141 patients with primary atherosclerosis (78 were bilateral). The mean age of the cohort was 68 years, 65% were male, and 92% were white; 1,180 (55%) were for asymptomatic disease, and 961 (45%) were for symptomatic disease. All U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stents and embolic protection devices were represented. The 30-day rate of S/D was 1.4% for asymptomatic, 2.8% for symptomatic, and 2.0% for all patients.Conclusions: C2R is the first national registry for CAS cosponsored by federal and industry partners. CAS was performed by experienced operators using appropriate patient selection and optimal technique. In that setting, a broad group of interventionists achieved very low periprocedural S/D rates for asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Modifiable risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA) have not been studied in detail. This study aimed to determine lifestyle-related modifiable factors of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in an East Asian population.Study Design: This 5-year cohort study involved 11,091 individuals (age range 40-72 years) living in the Murakami region of Niigata, Japan, who did not have a history of knee OA. At baseline, information on sociodemographic characteristics, body size, lifestyle, and living condition was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire.Main Outcome Measures: Incident symptomatic knee OA observed at hospitals and orthopaedic clinics in the five years to 2016. Clinical grades of knee OA were based on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. P for trend was assessed to examine linear associations between predictors and the outcome in multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: The mean age of participants was 58.1 (SD 9.3) years. The number of cases of grade 2 or more incident knee OA was 429. In men, older age (P for trend < 0.0001), higher BMI (P for trend < 0.0001), higher METs score (P for trend = 0.0150), less smoking (P for trend = 0.0249), and lower green tea consumption (P for trend = 0.0437) were associated with incident knee OA. In women, older age (P for trend < 0.0001), higher BMI (P for trend < 0.0001), and alcohol consumption (P = 0.0153) were associated with incident knee OA.Conclusions: Several lifestyle-related factors were found to be associated with incident knee OA and exhibited sex-dependent differences. In particular, higher consumption of green tea was associated with a lower incidence of knee OA in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ankle fractures account for 9% of all fractures and 40% require surgical management. The ankle is the most common site of hardware removal. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence, indication and economic cost associated with removal of hardware from the ankle.Methods: We conducted a ten-year retrospective review of 1482 patients treated by open reduction internal fixation for an unstable ankle fracture. Skeletally immature patients were excluded. Data collected was cross referenced from patient medical records, the radiological and electronic patient database. The casemix and hospital inpatient enquiry system (HIPE) were used to calculate costs.Results: The mean age was 39.9 years with 53.6% male. 185 patients (12.5%) underwent hardware removal with unplanned removal performed in 6% of cases. The average cost of removal was €1113.Conclusion: Removal of hardware continues to be a common operation with significant costs to all involved. More than one in 10 patients underwent future removal of hardware.Level Of Evidence: Level 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Th1/Th2 pattern not involved in human scrub typhus infection. • A possible role of IL-10 in disease phenotypic presentation is suggested. • Over secretion of IL-10 significantly associated with disease severity. • Protective immune mechanism may exist with low level of IL-10. Scrub typhus (ST), caused by a gram negative intracellular bacteria– Orientia tsutsugamushi, is one among the leading causes of febrile illness across Southeast Asia, including India. Clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic to severely fatal. Th1-cell mediated immunity has been suggested to play an important role against ST infection in animal models. However, human data on protective immunity are limited. The present study was undertaken to identify host immune correlates that could confer protection in individuals that remain clinically asymptomatic/sub-clinical. Serum cytokine profiling and mRNA expression levels of Th1 (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2) and Th2 (IL-10, IL-6, IL-4) cytokines was studied amongst the clinical and sub-clinical infections. It was observed that a Th1/Th2 pattern is not involved in human ST infection irrespective of being a symptomatic or asymptomatic presentation. However, significant difference was observed in IL-10 serum and gene expression levels. This study suggests a possible role of IL-10 in disease phenotypic presentation. Over-production of IL-10 was found to be a significant factor contributing to the severity of the disease whereas a protective immune mechanism might exist with a low level of IL-10 in ST infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid tandem lesions are a multilevel significant (>50%) atherosclerotic disease involving both the internal carotid artery (ICA) and either the ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA) or the innominate artery (IA). These lesions may be challenging to treat. Current guidelines offer no definitive recommendation on the optimal treatment algorithm. The aim of this analysis was to assess the long-term outcome of patients undergoing surgical revascularisation for tandem lesions. In two centres, consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for a symptomatic carotid artery stenosis between 2003 and 2017 were screened retrospectively for the presence of a carotid artery tandem lesion. All eligible patients were treated by a hybrid approach, consisting of retrograde stenting of the proximal CCA or IA followed by CEA. All patients had a yearly clinical check up including duplex ultrasound. The primary outcome was occurrence of any stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were any stroke, death, MI, or TIA and occurrence of restenosis ≥50% during follow up. Sixteen of 2368 symptomatic patients were included. Besides a high grade ICA stenosis, patients had a significant ipsilateral stenosis of the CCA (n = 13) or IA (n = 3). Within 30 days there were no deaths, strokes, or TIAs. Two patients had a clinical MI. During a median follow up of 73 (interquartile range 22–85) months, three patients died. One patient developed a symptomatic restenosis of the ICA (ipsilateral TIA). Two patients (without restenosis) developed an ipsilateral stroke and a MI. In this small case series, hybrid revascularisation of carotid tandem lesions in symptomatic patients seems feasible and safe. Long-term data show a relatively high number of any adverse events. These surgical outcomes need to be offset against the natural course in patients with a symptomatic carotid tandem lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Determine if using different fluoroscopic views of the knee (Notch or Tangential) improves accuracy of screw lengths assessment compared to the standard posteroanterior (PA).Participants and Methods: Orthopaedic surgeons at three ACGME-accredited residency programs were asked via survey to assess screw lengths on PA, femoral notch, and tangential radiographic views.Results: Responders correctly identified screw length using PA, femoral notch, and medial tangential views at rates of 46.75%, 52.27%, and 44.37% respectively. Respondents detected overall screw length discrepancies most accurately using the femoral notch view (Odds Ratio 1.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.47; P < 0.005). There was no statistical difference between the residents and faculty cohort in ability to detect screw length discrepancy.Conclusion: Differentiating distal interlocking screw lengths on traditional imaging (AP/Notch/Tangential) is poor. The femoral notch view significantly improves accuracy in radiographic determination of screw length. The femoral notch view should be used in conjunction with the traditional PA view to maximize sensitivity and specificity for detecting prominent screws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surgical intervention in a case of internal carotid artery stenosis with moyamoya vessels has not been well described. We present a case with detailed description of the surgical procedure and perioperative management. Case Description A 58-year-old man with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis had concurrent moyamoya vessels intracranially. He had motor weakness and numbness in the left upper extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an ischemic lesion in the right frontal lobe and right chronic subdural hematoma. On day 18 after surgery for subdural hematoma, carotid artery stenting was performed under proximal balloon protection and distal filter protection. After carotid artery stenting, systolic blood pressure was maintained at <120 mm Hg. Hyperperfusion syndrome or hemorrhagic complication did not occur. The patient was discharged without any neurologic deficits. Conclusions In our patient with internal carotid artery stenosis with moyamoya vessels, strict control of blood pressure likely contributed to prevention of hyperperfusion syndrome or hemorrhagic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Symptomatic distal interlocking screws in retrograde femoral nailing are common due the difficulties of imaging the trapezoidal femur. Screws appearing to have appropriate length on imaging may possibly be prominent, creating symptoms. Screw trajectory may influence the degree of this radiographic error. We hypothesize that external rotation of screw trajectory will increase measurement error of screw length.Design: Retrospective.Setting: Urban Level I Tertiary Trauma Center.Participants: 283 patients with Computer Tomography (CT) scans of the native knee were retrospectively identified. Simulation was done of the trajectory of an interlock at 20 mm and 40 mm proximal to the nail entry point, which represent common screw positions associated/not associated respectively, with removal. The distance between the radiographic medial cortex and the tip of the transverse screw was calculated (D). The angle (Ψ) between the transverse trajectory and a modified trajectory aimed at the most medial cortex to avoid radiographic measurement error was calculated. Geometric modeling was utilized to calculate the measurement error (D) in the event of accidental external rotation. The angle of the medial slope was also measured (Θ).Intervention: Review of CT imaging of normal distal femora.Main Outcome Measurements: CT measurements of distal femora.Results: The mean distance (D) at 20/40 mm was 4.21 [95%CI 4.02-4.402] and 2.03 mm [95%CI 1.78-2.83], respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean angle (Ψ) between the transverse and modified trajectory at 20/40 mm was 12° [95%CI 11.5-12.5] and 9.60° [95%CI 9-10.2], respectively (p < 0.0001). External rotation by a similar amount nearly triples the measured difference (D). The measured medial slope was significantly increased as screws were placed more proximal (Θ20 mm 46.5 vs Θ40 mm: 48.7 °, p < 0.00001).Conclusion: The distance between the perceived medial cortex and the tip of the most transverse screw is 4.21 mm and could account for painfully prominent screws. In more proximal screws this distance is decreased. Internal rotation of the screw trajectory 12° can reduce this distance (D), which has implications in nail design. External rotation, amplifies this difference nearly three-fold. Surgeons should avoid external rotation of the aiming arm to prevent prominent screws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Pathological flatfoot is a prevalent condition in school-age children. • The flatness of the MLA should have less importance than the presence of aetiologies and symptoms of flatfoot. • The excessive heel valgus, obesity, pain, and joints hypermobility are the risk factors of the pathological flatfoot. Abstract Background Prevalence of pathological flatfoot has not been well defined in the literature. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of pathological flatfoot in school-age children and investigate the factors associated with this deformity. Methods A total of 667 children (327 girls and 340 boys) were recruited for this cross-sectional study with multi-stage clustered random sampling. The diagnosis of flatfoot was based on clinical observations and measurements using a suggested systematic protocol. Pathological flatfoot in this study did not merely screen for structural flatfoot, it included symptomatic conditions as well as musculoskeletal risk factors predisposing a progressive flatfoot in children. Results Prevalence of pathological flatfoot was 10.3% in children aged 7–14 years, but this prevalence decreased with age. There was no difference in prevalence of pathological flatfoot between the genders. Children with high BMI were more likely to have pathological flatfoot. Heel valgus (r = 0.1; p = 0.01) and dorsiflexion range (r = 0.14; p < 0.001) were both significantly associated with the presence of pathological flatfoot in children; but with only small correlations. Conclusions Pathological flatfoot was a prevalent condition in school-age children in Iran. Forty six percent of the flatfeet observed in school-age children were classified as pathological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid revascularization may be considered for severe stenosis, but its use for symptomatic mild stenosis (<50%) with vulnerable plaque or ulcer remains uncertain. The characteristics of patients with symptomatic mild stenosis who underwent revascularization are reviewed.Methods: The subjects of this study were 18 patients with symptomatic mild stenosis (<50%) on angiography from among 175 patients who underwent revascularization in our department. The plaques were evaluated by black-blood magnetic resonance imaging (BB-MRI) and ultrasonography (US) and classified into 2 types: type 1 (n = 15), a lesion with an ulcer or mobile plaque or thrombosis on angiography or US; and type 2 (n = 3), a lesion without any of the above. Fourteen patients underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and 4 patients underwent carotid artery stenting.Results: The stenosis on angiography was 27.2% ± 10.7 (5%-41%), and the area carotid artery stenosis rate on US was 69.8 ± 14.5% (44.5%-97%). The stenosis rate of these 2 methods was not at all correlated. In type 1 plaque that underwent CEA, 10 of 11 patients had vulnerable plaque by histopathology, and 1 patient had thrombus on the plaque by operative findings. In type 2 plaque that underwent CEA, all patients had vulnerable plaque by histopathology. During the follow-up period, none of the patients had restenosis or stroke.Conclusions: The findings of US and BB-MRI in patients with symptomatic mild stenosis (<50%) on angiography are important for determining treatment. If BB-MRI or US shows the findings of vulnerable plaque in mild stenosis, surgical treatment may be considered for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis occurs from increased stress on the plantar aponeurosis as a result of progressive, repetitive microtears, and degeneration. Plantar fasciitis is largely a clinical diagnosis based on clinical examination; thus using history and physical examination findings. Initial therapy involves addressing of possible modifiable disease factors. Surgical management of plantar fasciitis is considered after an unsuccessful course of nonoperative management, with open or endoscopic release. This article reviews the diagnostic and treatment management for patients with symptomatic plantar fasciitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We hypothesize that routine daily transtelephonic monitoring (TTM) transmissions can accurately detect supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in asymptomatic infants and/or assuage parental concerns rather than being used solely to diagnose arrhythmias.Study Design: Single center, retrospective chart review of 60 patients with fetal or infant SVT prescribed TTM for at least 30 days, January 2010-September 2016. Patients were excluded if initial SVT was not documented, was perioperative, was atrial flutter/fibrillation, or chaotic atrial tachycardia. Categorical variables expressed as mean ± SD. Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and Fisher exact tests were used for continuous and categorical variables respectively.Results: Sixty patients were included. There were 2688 TTM transmissions received from 55 of 60 patients over 61.1 ± 66.7 days (0.73 ± 0.65 TTM/patient/days). Routine asymptomatic TTM transmissions revealed actionable findings in 5 of 2801 TTM transmissions sent by 5 patients (8.3%). No patient presented in shock or died. Forty-five of 2688 TTM transmissions were sent for parental concerns/symptoms in 16 patients (25.8%) with findings of normal sinus rhythm in 37 of 45 TTM transmissions and SVT in 8 of 45 TTM transmissions. Symptomatic actionable findings were more likely sent by patients discharged on class I or III antiarrhythmics (95% CI = 11.5%-68.3%, P = .004) and patients with prolonged initial hospitalizations (95% CI = 6.98%-59.7%, P = .01). Flecainide was discontinued in 1 patient after widened QRS was noted on routine TTM.Conclusions: TTM accurately diagnose asymptomatic recurrent SVT in neonates and infants before they develop signs of congestive heart failure or shock and is helpful for recurrent SVT management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cysts are being increasingly diagnosed in children due to the increasing use of ultrasound scanning (USS). Most are asymptomatic, but they may present with flank pain, haematuria, palpable mass or even urinary tract infections or urosepsis. There is a wide range of management options for symptomatic cysts, the choice of which depends on patient factors as well as surgeons' preference. In this case series, we present our experience in the management of five cases of symptomatic renal cysts which have been treated in varying ways, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to drain and sclerose the cysts, to more invasive procedures to excise and deroof the cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background The objective was to observe for 1 year all patients in Norway operated on for symptomatic carotid stenosis with respect to (i) the time from the index event to surgery and neurological events during this time; (ii) the level in the healthcare system causing delay of surgical treatment; and (iii) the possible relationship between peri-operative use of platelet inhibitors and neurological events while awaiting surgery. Methods This was a prospective national multicentre study of a consecutive series of symptomatic patients. Patients were eligible for inclusion when referred for surgery. An index event was defined as the neurological event prompting contact with the healthcare system. All 15 departments in Norway performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) participated. Results Three hundred and seventy one patients were eligible for inclusion between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015, and 368 patients (99.2%) were included. Fifty-four percent of the patients contacted their general practitioner on the day of the index event. Primary healthcare referred 84.2% of the patients to hospital on the same day as examined. In hospital median time from admission to referral for vascular surgery was 3 days. Median time between referral to the operating unit and actual CEA was 5 days. Overall, 61.7% of the patients were operated on within 2 weeks of the index event. Twelve patients (3.3%) suffered a new neurological event while awaiting surgery. The percentage of patients on dual antiplatelet therapy was lower (25.0%) in this group than among the other patients (62.6%) ( p = .008). The combined 30 day mortality and stroke rate was 3.8%. Conclusion This national study with almost complete inclusion and follow-up shows that the delays occur mainly at patient level and in hospital. The delay is associated with new neurological events. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with reduced risk of having a new neurological event before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Clinical approaches to manage PD include symptomatic therapies, serving to compensate for the effects of dopaminergic neuronal deficits, as well as more recently a move toward disease modification, with the goal of slowing or stopping disease progression. This perspective surveys the approved therapies for PD treatment as well as provides a view of the ongoing clinical approaches aimed at improving outcomes for PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Duplication of the alimentary tract is a relatively rare congenital anomaly. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, with ileum being the most common site. These malformations are believed to be congenital, formed before the differentiation of epithelial lining, and therefore named for the organ with which they are associated. Duplication cysts of the stomach represent four percent of all alimentary tract duplications. Case report Here, we report a rare case of symptomatic duplication cyst of stomach associated with ectopic pancreas presenting in adult. Discussion Gastrointestinal duplication is a relatively rare anomaly that may occur at any level from oral cavity to rectum with ileum being the most common site. Duplication cysts of the stomach are quite rare, and most of them have been reported in children. Duplication cysts of ileum are usually located on the mesenteric border, whereas the usual location for gastric duplication cysts is along the greater curvature. The duplication cyst is entirely separated from the adjacent bowel but shares a common wall. Complete removal is the treatment choice to avoid the risk of possible complications such as obstruction, torsion, perforation, hemorrhage, and malignancy. A non-communicating GDC is classically treated by complete excision of the cyst and resection of the shared wall between stomach and the duplication cyst. Conclusion This unusual developmental anomaly should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic masses of the gastrointestinal tract, and the possibility of malignancy should also be considered, so as be treated surgically by complete resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to verify the potential correlation between the detected amount of gramnegative bacteria and the radiographic sizes of the lesions in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the RANKL/OPG ratio are differentially regulated in both groups. Design: Twenty patients with periapical lesions were divided into two groups: symptomatic (SYM) n = 10 and asymptomatic (ASYM) n = 10. After periapical surgery, the lesions were collected and processed for histological examination, and immunohistochemistry. The percentage of RANKL- and OPG-immunopositive areas relative to the total area of the microscopic field was calculated. For gram staining, the number of gram-negative cells per microscopic field was assessed. The radiographs of each patient were processed and measured. The Student's t-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient were performed. Results: The SYM group showed a significantly higher number of gram-negative cells (p = 0.007) when compared to the ASYM group. A higher number of gram-negative bacteria occurred more frequently in larger periapical lesions and the SYM group (p = 0.03). The expression for RANKL and OPG and the RANKL/OPG ratio were not significantly different between the groups. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of bacteria and OPG levels in the SYM group (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The number of bacteria seems to influence the symptoms and the radiographic size of a periapical lesion. Gram-negative bacteria may play an important role in OPG activity in the SYM group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcifying odontogenic cysts (COC) are rare lesions classified as developmental cysts and occur mostly in the maxillary and mandibular bone. Some of the COCs are related to odontogenic lesions. We report a 60-year-old man with COC of the maxillary bone, presenting after tooth extraction. The patient has a palpable tender mass at the right upper tooth area. Imaging shows a well-defined radiolucency in the 7–3 tooth area of the right upper jaw. The combination of radiologic data and histopathologic findings was in keeping with the calcifying odontogenic cyst. Total enucleation is the chosen treatment for COC. No recurrence is proved by X-ray imaging after 1-year follow-up. COC is a rare entity of odontogenic cysts and needs an exact diagnosis by pathology examination to estimate behavior. Our case report offers significant data that could help clinicians and surgeons as well as pathologists with the diagnosis and management of these lesions. • Calcifying odontogenic cysts are rare, representing 0.3 % of odontogenic cysts. • The accurate recognition of odontogenic lesions is important due to aggressive behavior and the potential for recurrence. • Clinical examination and X-ray imaging follow-up for the long term is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human Norovirus (NoV) is recognized as a major etiological agent of sporadic acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Objectives This study describes the clinical features associated with Human NoV occurrence in children and determines the prevalence and estimated viral burden of NoV in symptomatic and asymptomatic children in rural South Africa. Study design Between July 2014 and April 2015, outpatient children under 5 years of age from rural communities of Vhembe district, South Africa, were enrolled for the study. A total of 303 stool specimens were collected from those with diarrhea (n = 253) and without (n = 50) diarrhea. NoVs were identified using real-time one-step RT-PCR. Results One hundred and four (41.1%) NoVs were detected (62[59.6%] GII, 16[15.4%] GI, and 26[25%] mixed GI/GII) in cases and 18 (36%) including 9(50%) GII, 2(11.1%) GI and 7(38.9%) mixed GI/GII in controls. NoV detection rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic children (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 0.66–2.33) were not significantly different. Comparison of the median C T values for NoV in symptomatic and asymptomatic children revealed significant statistical difference of estimated GII viral load from both groups, with a much higher viral burden in symptomatic children. Conclusions Though not proven predictive of diarrhea disease in this study, the high detection rate of NoV reflects the substantial exposure of children from rural communities to enteric pathogens possibly due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. The results suggest that the difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic children with NoV may be at the level of the viral load of NoV genogroups involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The phase 3 ALSYMPCA trial enrolled metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with or without baseline opioid use. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of radium-223 dichloride (radium-223) versus placebo in ALSYMPCA patients by baseline opioid use. Design, setting, and participants Nine hundred and twenty one patients enrolled at 136 centers globally. Intervention Radium-223 (50 kBq/kg, intravenous injection) every 4 wk for six cycles or matching placebo, each plus best standard of care. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Primary endpoint (overall survival [OS]), main secondary efficacy endpoints, and safety were evaluated by baseline opioid use. Additional analyses included time to first opioid use, time to first external beam radiation therapy for bone pain, and safety of concomitant external beam radiation therapy. Results and limitations At baseline, 408 (44%) patients had no pain and no analgesic use or mild pain with nonopioid therapy (World Health Organization ladder pain score 0–1 [nonopioid subgroup]), and 513 (56%) had moderate pain with occasional opioids or severe pain with regular daily opioids (World Health Organization ladder pain score 2–3 [opioid subgroup]). Radium-223 significantly prolonged OS versus placebo in nonopioid (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.93; p = 0.013) and opioid (HR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54–0.86; p = 0.001) subgroups, and significantly reduced risk of symptomatic skeletal events versus placebo, regardless of baseline opioid use (nonopioid subgroup: HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39–0.82, p = 0.002; opioid subgroup: HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53–0.98, p = 0.038). Time to first opioid use for bone pain was significantly delayed with radium-223 versus placebo (HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46–0.85, p = 0.002). Adverse event incidences were similar between opioid subgroups. Conclusions Radium-223 versus placebo significantly prolonged OS and reduced symptomatic skeletal event risk with a favorable safety profile in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with symptomatic bone metastases, regardless of baseline opioid use. Patient summary In this ALSYMPCA opioid subgroup analysis, baseline symptom levels did not appear to impact radium-223 dichloride efficacy or safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) is a relatively rare but important complication of necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NAP). Clinical manifestations and severity of this complication in different patients vary greatly, ranging from mild abdominal discomfort even asymptomatic to lethal gastrorrhagia or hepatic failure. The aim of the present study was to develop a model to predict the clinical manifestations of SVT in NAP patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of Jinling Hospital. Patients with the presence of both pancreatic necrosis and SVT were selected for possible inclusion. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied using 12 indices including age, gender, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (APACHE II), CRP(C - reactive protein) levels, etc to assess potential predictors for symptomatic pancreatic splanchnic venous thrombosis (PSVT) in this cohort. A prognostic nomogram was also applied to develop an easy-to-use prediction model. Results A total of 104 patients with necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NAP) and splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) from January 2012 to December 2013 were enrolled for analysis. A quarter of study subjects (26 of 104, 25%) developed variable symptomatic manifestations including variceal bleeding, persistent ascites and enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance during the disease course. In the multivariable regression model, the following factors were found to be associated with the occurrence of symptomatic SVT: Balthazar's computed tomography (CT) score (OR = 1.818; 95% CI: 1.251–2.641; P = 0.002), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) (OR = 1.172; 95% CI: 1.001–1.251; P = 0.043 and presence of SMVT (OR = 6.946; 95% CI: 2.290–21.074; P = 0.001). A prediction model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.842. Conclusions Balthazar's CT score, IAP and SMVT are predictors of symptomatic SVT in NAP patients. The nomogram we conducted can be used as an easy-to-use risk stratification tool in either clinical practice or future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in patients with ultrasound assessed symptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis (20–49% NASCET) treated solely with modern medical treatment. Method This was a retrospective, observational register cohort study. Three groups of patients were recruited from a database of all carotid Doppler ultrasound examinations performed in the Gothenburg region between 2004 and 2009. Patients with symptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis ( n = 162) were compared with patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis ( n = 301) of equal degree and a group of patients with surgically (CEA) treated symptomatic moderate or severe carotid artery stenosis ( n = 220). Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the primary outcome (ipsilateral ischaemic stroke) between groups. Results After a 3 year follow up, the cumulative incidence of recurrent ipsilateral stroke in patients with symptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis was 7.4%. Patients with symptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis had a substantially increased risk of recurrent ipsilateral stroke compared with asymptomatic patients with equal degree of stenosis (HR 5.5. 95% CI 1.8–17.1; p = .003) as also compared with patients with CEA treated symptomatic moderate or severe stenosis (HR 7.8. 95% CI 1.62–37.8; p = .011). Conclusions The present study on patients with symptomatic mild carotid artery stenosis, as determined by Doppler ultrasound, shows that there is still a substantial risk of recurrent stroke in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In symptomatic individuals with non-hydrocephalic pineal cysts (PCs), it remains controversial what causes the symptoms. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers, we proposed that PC-associated crowding of the pineal recess may cause central venous hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare pulsatile and static ICP in patients with PCs and chronic daily headache (CDH), and compare ICP data in PC patients with the previously identified MRI biomarkers. Methods All patients assessed with over-night ICP monitoring for PCs or CDH who had been ruled out for idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema (IIHWOP) were retrieved from the database. The symptoms as well as the pulsatile and static ICP scores were compared between the PC and CDH patients, and ICP scores were compared with the MRI biomarkers indicative of central venous hypertension. Results The pulsatile ICP was significantly increased in the symptomatic patients with non-hydrocephalic PCs as compared to the CDH patients. Pulsatile ICP was significantly increased in the individuals with PC-grades 3–4, who had MRI biomarkers indicative of central venous hypertension. The tectum-splenium-cyst ratio correlated positively with pulsatile ICP and an index of thalamic edema. Conclusions Pulsatile ICP is increased in symptomatic patients with PCs and imaging evidence of central venous hypertension, supporting the hypothesis that PC-induced crowding of the pineal recess and venous obstruction may cause a central venous hypertension syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While most pineal cysts (PCs) are asymptomatic, some PCs are accompanied with symptoms of variable severity. We suggested that symptom severity in symptomatic patients with non-hydrocephalic PCs relates to venous compression causing central venous hypertension. This study explored whether possible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers of central venous hypertension could differentiate the severity of symptoms in individuals with non-hydrocephalic PCs. Methods The study included all individuals with PCs and MRI available for analysis followed conservatively within the department from 2003 to 2014. Severity of symptoms at follow-up were assessed from a questionnaire. Suggested MRI biomarkers indicative of central venous hypertension were explored, in addition to MRI measures of cyst size, aqueduct stenosis, and tectal compression. Results The study included 66 patients. As compared to the 27/66 patients (41%) with “None-Moderate” symptoms at follow-up, the 39/66 patients (59%) with “Much-Severe” symptoms presented with significantly altered indices of central venous hypertension (tectum-splenium-cyst ratio and indices of thalamic and periventricular edema). PC grading based on MRI biomarkers of central venous hypertension differentiated the severity of symptoms. Conclusion The results indicate an association between severity of symptoms and MRI biomarkers of central venous hypertension in symptomatic individuals with non-hydrocephalic PCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cerebral cavernous malformations are more common than generally thought, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 adults. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic or have a relatively benign course, but a small minority behave aggressively and present with recurrent episodes of symptomatic hemorrhage. A safe and effective medical treatment option for the management of this latter group would be useful. Propranolol has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma, a close pathologic counterpart of cavernous malformations. These results suggest a potential role for propranolol treatment in the management of patients with symptomatic cavernous malformations. Methods Low-dose propranolol (20 mg, three times daily) was used to treat 2 adult female patients in their mid- to late fifties, both of whom had symptomatic cavernous malformations and a history of repeated hemorrhage. Serial magnetic resonance imaging studies after the initiation of propranolol demonstrated regression of the lesions and no evidence of recurrent hemorrhage. Conclusions Propranolol may offer a safe and effective treatment for patients who have cavernous malformations with symptomatic hemorrhage. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]