Search

Portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC) refers to morphological changes in the intrahepatic, extrahepatic biliary system, along with the gallbladder (GB), induced by portal cavernoma (PC). Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents an infrequent clinical manifestation of PCC. Given the inadequacy of documentation within medical literature, AAC may go undiagnosed among patients with PC presenting symptoms of right upper quadrant pain. The current study aims to report a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis secondary to portal cavernoma, focusing on radiological findings, with a brief review of literature.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is commonly used to treat or prevent thromboembolic events in patients with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, in patients after coronary artery stenting, cerebral artery stenting or artificial heart valves, etc. Although they significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality from thromboembolic events, dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with the risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common and dangerous events when using dual antiplatelet therapy for a long time. According to studies, nearly half of the major bleeding cases related to dual antiplatelet therapy arise from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We report the case of a 74-year-old female patient with lower gastrointestinal bleeding after using dual antiplatelet therapy that was successfully treated endovascularly with a coil.

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is a severe consequence that typically follows acute myocardial infarction (MI) and can occur in nonischemic cardiomyopathies. In patients who have experienced an ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), LVT is seen up to 15% of the time; for patients without an ischemic cardiomyopathy, it is only 2% to 36% of the time. According to Virchow's triad, the cornerstone of LVT formation includes endothelial injury, blood stasis, and hypercoagulability. However, LVT increases morbidity and mortality in patients with both ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies by increasing the risk of stroke or systemic embolism. Studies on nonischemic etiology are limited, and the majority of LVT case series concentrate on ischemic cardiomyopathies. We present this case with the nonischemic cardiomyopathies caused by LVT. Specifically, the patient underwent coronary artery assessment using photon-counting computed tomography, which is among the most advanced systems worldwide.

Achalasia is an uncommon disorder affecting esophageal motility. Occasionally, the appearance of a dilated esophagus in achalasia may resemble an extracardiac tumor when observed through transthoracic echocardiography. Left atrial compression due to extensive esophageal dilation is also rare, potentially leading to hemodynamic compromise. Here, we present a rare case involving left atrial compression caused by esophageal dilation in achalasia, with echocardiographic findings mimicking those of an extracardiac tumor.

Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome (PINs) is a rare nerve compression syndrome that affects the deep branch of the radial nerve in the supinator muscle region. In this article, we aimed to report a case of a 58-year-old male who had clinical symptoms, electromyographic, ultrasound, and MRI features suggestive of PINs due to compressing the arcade of Frohse. He subsequently underwent surgical correlation at our hospital, and the clinical symptoms were improved significantly.

Background:. Rhinoplasty in patients with previous unilateral cleft lip repair is a surgical challenge due to complex nasal deformities, including a horizontally positioned nasal wing, wide cleft side nostrils, nasal base defects, and a short and deviated nasal columella. To comprehensively address these complexities, we exclusively utilized autologous costal cartilage in rhinoplasty procedures, using various surgical techniques. Methods:. This study presents a comprehensive case series of 39 patients who had previously undergone unilateral cleft lip surgery but still had nasal deformities. Rhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage was performed at Cho Ray Hospital, Vietnam. Costal cartilage was partially crushed and then finely cut to shape the dorsal area and raise the nasal base on the cleft side. Partially crushed cartilage was also used to shape shield grafts, cap grafts, and alar batten grafts, whereas sliced cartilage was utilized for septal extension grafts. Evaluation was based on improvements in anthropometric indicators, patient satisfaction using Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scale and FACE-Q scores. Results:. The average age of patients was 25.13 years. All postoperative anthropometric indicators showed significant improvements. Postsurgery, the total ROE score was three times higher than before surgery (P < 0.001), and the total FACE-Q score was 2.26 times higher (P < 0.001). No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions:. This procedure effectively addresses complex nasal deformities in patients with prior unilateral cleft lip repair, emphasizing the value of autologous costal cartilage in rhinoplasty for such individuals.

Background:. Closed incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) has become increasingly used on surgical sites to attempt to minimize postoperative complications. The literature describing the benefits of ciNPT in reducing donor site morbidity after free tissue transfer is limited. This review compares the effectiveness of ciNPT and conventional dressings in reducing donor site complications after free tissue transfer. Methods:. A systematic review of PubMed and Ovid (MEDLINE) utilizing the search terms ((flap) AND (donor)) AND ((negative pressure) OR (vacuum)) was conducted. Bibliographies of selected articles were also searched. Relevant outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results:. After screening 156 articles, 12 studies were included in the study with a total of 1074 donor sites. The following postoperative complications at the donor site after a free tissue transfer were analyzed: wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, and skin necrosis. Use of ciNPT was associated with lower incidence of wound dehiscence compared with conventional dressings (OR: 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23–0.58). The incidence of infection, seroma, hematoma, and skin necrosis were overall lower in the ciNPT group; although, this was not statistically significant. Conclusions:. Use of ciNPT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of free flap donor site wound dehiscence compared with conventional dressings. The use of ciNPT on free flap donor sites appears to have overall lower rates of other wound complications such as seroma, hematoma, skin necrosis, and infection.

Purpose: Recruiting prospective physicians to radiation oncology can be challenging, because of limited familiarity with the field. The Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRC) program can help provide trainees early exposure to radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: The ACRC program involves hiring a college graduate to provide administrative and research support for faculty members. The program was developed with our institution's clinical trials office, which provided guidance on regulatory compliance and training. A structured selection process identifies top candidates, and a rigorous onboarding process ensures smooth transitions between ACRCs. We report characteristics and outcomes of ACRC employees and surveyed them to assess their program experience using a Likert scale. Results: From 2005 to 2023, the ACRC program paired 73 ACRCs with faculty. Most faculty (68%) are currently supported by ACRCs. In 2023, 113 applications were received for 4 positions. ACRCs have contributed to research publications (293 as coauthors and 43 as first authors) and taken on leadership roles in the department. Most program alumni have attended medical school (34 of 64 program graduates; 53%). Eight have chosen to specialize in radiation oncology (13%; 2 applying into radiation oncology, 1 in residency, and 5 attendings). Of the 25% of alumni who responded to our survey, 77% responded that the mentorship provided by the ACRC program was very or extremely effective in guiding their academic development. All respondents rated the research opportunities as good or excellent, and 77% rated the clinical experience opportunities as good or excellent. Most (77%) reported that the ACRC program had substantial or significant influence on their choice of career path. Conclusions: The ACRC program provides an opportunity to address recruitment challenges in radiation oncology by offering early exposure to the field, clinical research skills, and mentorship. With the strong interest in our job posting this year, there is potential to expand this program to other institutions.

Objective:. To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a comprehensive regional program, including the Minimally Invasive Recovery and Empowerment Care (MIREC) pathway, that can significantly reduce hospital stays after laparoscopic gastrectomy without increasing adverse events. Background:. Cost-effectiveness and improving patient outcomes are crucial in providing quality gastric cancer care worldwide. Methods:. To compare the outcomes of gastric cancer surgery using 2 different models of care within an integrated healthcare system from February 2012 to March 2023. The primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay. The secondary endpoints were the need for intensive care unit care, emergency room (ER) visits, readmission, reoperation, and death within 30 days after surgery. Results:. There were 553 patients, 167 in the pre-(February 2012–April 2016) and 386 in the post-MIREC period (May 2016–March 2023). Perioperative chemotherapy utilization increased from 31.7% to 76.4% (P < 0.0001). Laparoscopic gastrectomy increased from 17.4% to 97.7% (P < 0.0001). Length of hospitalization decreased from 7 to 2 days (P < 0.0001), with 32.1% and 88% of patients discharged home on postoperative day 1 and postoperative day 2, respectively. When comparing pre- and post-MIREC, intensive care unit utilization (10.8% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.0001), ER visits (34.7% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.0002), and readmission (18.6% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.019) at 30 days were also considerably lower. In addition, more patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (31.4% to 63.5%, P < 0.0001), and the time between gastrectomy and starting adjuvant chemotherapy was also less (49–41 days; P = 0.002). Conclusion:. This comprehensive regional program, which encompasses regionalization care, laparoscopic approach, modern oncologic care, surgical subspecialization, and the MIREC pathway, can potentially improve gastric cancer surgery outcomes. These benefits include reduced hospital stays and lower complication rates. As such, this program can revolutionize how gastric cancer surgery is delivered, leading to a higher quality of care and increased value to patients.

Spontaneous idiopathic vulvar edema during the second trimester is a rare condition. The approach to managing this condition involves relieving symptoms, identifying underlying causes, and implementing appropriate treatment. Managing such cases during pregnancy is challenging because of concerns for potential adverse fetal outcomes. Conservative management expects the condition to be relieved spontaneously postpartum, whereas invasive treatment offers a more rapid resolution. Treatment choices are controversial because each method has its pros and cons and influences the delivery process to a certain extent. Surgical drainage becomes a viable option when patients are not responsive to medications. We report a case of spontaneous massive vulvar edema in a 22-year-old primigravida in her 23rd week of pregnancy. After ruling out other notable causes of vulvar edema, we decided to intervene using an invasive procedure because she complained of progressive symptoms and discomfort. Subsequently, the edema subsided postprocedure, and the patient experienced successful labor with no complications. This report aims to alert clinicians that drainage attempts should be considered in pregnant patients with worsening symptoms.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTLP), a unique variant of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, clinically mimics subcutaneous panniculitis. It is typified by the development of multiple plaques or subcutaneous erythematous nodules, predominantly on the extremities and trunk. Epidemiological findings reveal a greater incidence in females than males, affecting a wide demographic, including pediatric and adult cohorts, with a median onset age of around 30 years. Diagnosis of SPTLP is complex, hinging on skin biopsy analyses and the identification of T-cell lineage-specific immunohistochemical markers. Treatment modalities for SPTLP are varied; while corticosteroids may be beneficial initially for many patients, a substantial number require chemotherapy, especially in cases of poor response or relapse. Generally, SPTLP progresses slowly, yet approximately 20% of cases advance to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), often correlating with a negative prognosis. We report a case of a young male patient presenting with prolonged fever, multiple skin lesions accompanied by HLH, a poor clinical course, and eventual death, diagnosed postmortem with SPTLP. In addition, we also present a literature review of the current evidence of some updates related to SPTLP.

Anatomical variations of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon are rare. Variations are typically asymptomatic, yet knowledge of these variations poses significance in the setting of dorsal approaches to wrist surgery. We present a case of an accessory EPL tendon that was discovered intraoperatively in the fourth dorsal compartment during open repair of a distal radius fracture with a dorsal spanning plate. If not correctly identified, the accessory EPL could have been entrapped beneath the plate, resulting in limited thumb extension and potentially tendon rupture.

Summary:. Autologous breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is an excellent option for many patients proceeding with mastectomy for surgical management of their breast cancer. As microsurgical techniques and results improve and ensure consistent flap survival, optimizing aesthetic outcomes may become a primary focus. This article outlines 20 tips that can improve aesthetic results in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, based on our senior author’s 8-year career in microsurgical breast reconstruction, with an emphasis on enhanced cosmesis. We highlight tips on preoperative planning, intraoperative, and revision stages of the reconstruction and provide a schematic for integrating the tips into a reader’s microsurgical breast reconstruction practice.

MET protooncogene (MET) alterations are known driver oncogenes in NSCLC. Since the identification of MET as a potential therapeutic target, extensive clinical trials have been performed. As a result, MET-targeted therapies, including MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and MET antibody–drug conjugates now play important roles in the standard treatment of MET-altered NSCLC; they have considerably improved the outcomes of patients with tumors that harbor MET oncogenic drivers. Although clinical agents are currently available and numerous other options are in development, particular challenges in the field require attention. For example, the therapeutic efficacy of each drug remains unsatisfactory, and concomitantly, the resistance mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, there is an urgent need for optimal drug sequencing and combinations, along with a thorough understanding of treatment resistance. In this review, we describe the current landscape of pertinent clinical trials focusing on MET-targeted strategies and discuss future developmental directions in this rapidly expanding field.

Introduction: NSCLC transformation to SCLC has been best characterized with EGFR-mutant NSCLC, with emerging case reports seen in ALK, RET, and KRAS-altered NSCLC. Previous reports revealed transformed SCLC from EGFR-mutant NSCLC portends very poor prognosis and lack effective treatment. Genomic analyses revealed TP53 and RB1 loss of function increase the risk of SCLC transformation. Little has been reported on the detailed clinicogenomic characteristics and potential therapeutic targets for this patient population. Methods: In this study, we conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of clinical and genomic characteristics of patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC transformed to SCLC. Demographic data, treatment course, and clinical molecular testing reports were extracted from electronic medical records. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate survival outcomes. Next generation sequencing-based assays was used to identify EGFR and co-occurring genetic alterations in tissue or plasma before and after SCLC transformation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on a patient-derived-xenograft model generated from a patient with EGFR-NSCLC transformed SCLC tumor. Results: A total of 34 patients were identified in our study. Median age at initial diagnosis was 58, and median time to SCLC transformation was 24.2 months. 68% were female and 82% were never smokers. 79% of patients were diagnosed as stage IV disease, and over half had brain metastases at baseline. Median overall survival of the entire cohort was 38.3 months from initial diagnoses and 12.4 months from time of SCLC transformation. Most patients harbored EGFR exon19 deletions as opposed to exon21 L858R alteration. Continuing EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor post-transformation did not improve overall survival compared with those patients where tyrosine kinase inhibitor was stopped in our cohort. In the 20 paired pretransformed and post-transformed patient samples, statistically significant enrichment was seen with PIK3CA alterations (p = 0.04) post-transformation. Profiling of longitudinal liquid biopsy samples suggest emergence of SCLC genetic alterations before biopsy-proven SCLC, as shown by increasing variant allele frequency of TP53, RB1, PIK3CA alterations. ScRNA-seq revealed potential therapeutic targets including DLL3, CD276 (B7-H3) and PTK7 were widely expressed in transformed SCLC. Conclusions: SCLC transformation is a potential treatment resistance mechanism in driver-mutant NSCLC. In our cohort of 34 EGFR-mutant NSCLC, poor prognosis was observed after SCLC transformation. Clinicogenomic analyses of paired and longitudinal samples identified genomic alterations emerging post-transformation and scRNA-seq reveal potential therapeutic targets in this population. Further studies are needed to rigorously validate biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this patient population.

Prosthetic mechanical valve thrombosis has traditionally been managed with urgent surgical intervention. However, the risk of redo sternotomy can be prohibitively high in some patients. Thrombolytic therapy as a noninvasive treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis is a well-recognized alternative, but optimal dosing and patient selection remain incompletely characterized for right-side mechanical valves.

Various types of dermal fillers have been developing for soft tissue augmentation. Even though many fillers have been approved and strictly regulated by authorities, homemade products for body contouring procedures are widely available and easily purchased on websites without prescriptions. It is challenging for radiologists to interpret radiological findings of complicated breast augmentation of unknown origin. While ultrasound is the modality of choice for initial work-up, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a role as the gold standard in evaluating the integrity of prosthetic implants. Using silicone or water-only MRI sequences may also be able to distinguish them. We report a rare case of breast abscess of a young female patient after self-injection of the mixture of ultrasound gel and shoe glue. The clinical and imaging aspect, especially MRI imaging, will be discussed.

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are among the most common orthopaedic injuries treated surgically, with indications well- established. However, post-operative care protocols remain controversial and vary widely between surgeons. This prospective controlled trial compared functional outcomes of the local institutional standard (control group) of nonweightbearing (NWB) for two weeks in a short leg splint followed by weightbearing as-tolerated (WBAT) in a boot with range of motion (ROM), versus immediate unprotected weightbearing (IMWB). Methods: 40 consecutive patients undergoing ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) at a single level-1 trauma center meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled into the control group, and the next 40 consecutive patients were enrolled in the IMWB group. The study sample size was powered to detect a statistically significant difference in the Olerud- Molander score (OMAS), the primary study outcome. Secondary outcome measures included the Euroquol-5D (EQ5D) self reported patient score and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP) scores, ankle ROM, wound complications, time to return to work, radiograph measurements and loss of fracture reduction. Patients underwent ankle ORIF with surgical technique and implant choice left to the surgeon’s discretion. Postoperative follow-ups were done at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Demographics of the two groups were similar except for the control group having 4 patients with type II diabetes and the IMWB group having none. There was no statistically significant difference in OMAS at any time point. There were also no statistically significant differences in the EQ5D or WPAI:SHP scores, ROM, time to return to work, or radiographic measurements at any time point. The IMWB group had 5 superficial wound complications versus 1 in the control group. There were 2 cases of loss of reduction in the IMWB group versus none in the control group. Both loss of reductions were determined to not be related to the post operative protocol. Conclusion: Immediate unprotected weightbearing after ORIF of ankle fractures results in equivocal functional outcomes compared with 2 weeks of NWB followed by protected weightbearing and ROM over the first 3 postoperative months. An increased number of wound healing complications was seen in the IMWB group which requires further investigation.

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs. Those reactions which are rare in children can be especially severe and challenging to diagnose and manage. Herein we present a 59-month-old male who presented with a rash, fever, and multiple organ dysfunction initiation of Phenobarbital for epilepsy. Diagnosis of ovelaping SJS and DRESS syndrome had been made based on clinical manifestations accompanied with skin biopsy according to RegisSCAR diagnostic criteria. A therapy with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), corticosteroids and supportive care was given successfully for the patient. This case underscored the significance of promptly and effectively recognizing and managing these intricate reactions.

We reported a case of a 48-year-old female patient admitted to the hospital due to balance disorder which progressed rapidly within 1 week. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed significant atrophy and hyperintensities at the middle cerebellar peduncles and the “hot cross bun” sign of the pons. The final diagnosis was probable multiple system atrophy, cerebellar subtype. The clinical and imaging findings will be discussed as well as a brief literature review.

Summary:. Measuring skin color for medical research in an objective and nonbiased manner usually requires expensive equipment such as spectrophotometry and requires the subject to be present in person. We present a novel method to measure skin color from photographs using the Skin Analyzer application as a more effective, accessible, and efficient alternative. A desktop application, the Skin Analyzer, was developed to convert skin samples collected from digital images to the L*a*b color space and uses those values to calculate an individual typology angle that correlates to a Fitzpatrick skin type. To assess accuracy in variable lighting, six known colors representing the six Fitzpatrick skin types were printed and photographed in 15 separate locations within the hospital. To account for user variability in sample selection, interrater reliability was calculated with data generated by 13 untrained users testing the app on six subjects. The accuracy of measuring known values, which is the classification accuracy, was calculated to be 80%. Krippendorff alpha test was used to evaluate interrater reliability. The obtained alpha of 0.84 indicates a high interrater reliability. The high accuracy and reliability make the Skin Analyzer a suitable method of objectively determining Fitzpatrick skin type from images. The app may be used to investigate the effects of skin tone in various areas of interest, especially in retrospective studies where skin colorimeters cannot be used.

Background: Laminectomy with fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) are common posterior decompression procedures used to treat multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). There is debate on their relative efficacy and safety for treatment of DCM. The goal of this study is to examine outcomes and costs of LF and LP procedures for DCM. Methods: This is a retrospective review of adult patients (.05). Patients were successfully weaned off opioids at similar rates (LF: 88%, LP: 86%). Fixed and variable costs respectively with LF cases hospital were higher, 15.7% and 25.7% compared to LP cases (p=.03 and p

Introduction: MET amplification is a known resistance mechanism to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Dual EGFR-MET inhibition has been reported with success in overcoming such resistance and inducing clinical benefit. Resistance mechanisms to dual EGFR-MET inhibition require further investigation and characterization. Methods: Patients with NSCLC with both MET amplification and EGFR mutation who have received crizotinib, capmatinib, savolitinib, or tepotinib plus osimertinib (OSI) after progression on OSI at MD Anderson Cancer Center were included in this study. Molecular profiling was completed by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Radiological response was assessed on the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Results: From March 2016 to March 2022, 23 treatments with dual MET inhibitor and osi were identified with a total of 20 patients included. Three patients received capmatinib plus OSI after progression on crizotinib plus OSI. Median age was 64 (38–89) years old and 75% were female. MET amplification was detected by FISH in 14 patients in the tissue, NGS in 10 patients, and circulating tumor DNA in three patients. Median MET gene copy number was 13.6 (6.4–20). Overall response rate was 34.8% (eight of 23). In assessable patients, tumor shrinkage was observed in 82.4% (14 of 17). Median time on treatment was 27 months. Two of three patients responded to capmatinib plus OSI after progression on crizotinib plus OSI. Dual EGFR-MET inhibition was overall well tolerated. Two patients on crizotinib plus OSI and one pt on capmatinib plus OSI discontinued therapy due to pneumonitis. One pt discontinued crizotinib plus OSI due to gastrointestinal toxicity. Six patients were still on double TKI treatment. At disease progression to dual EGFR-MET inhibition, FISH and NGS on tumor and plasma were completed in six patients. Notable resistance mechanisms observed include acquired MET D1246H (n = 1), acquired EGFR C797S (n = 2), FGFR2 fusion (n = 1, concurrent with C797S), and EGFR G796S (n = 1, concurrent with C797S). Four patients lost MET amplification. Conclusions: Dual EGFR and MET inhibition yielded high clinical response rate after progression on OSI. Resistance mechanisms to EGFR-MET double TKI inhibition include MET secondary mutation, EGFR secondary mutation, or loss of MET amplification.

Numerous investigations have documented active tuberculosis (TB) infection following biologic treatment. One of the most secure biologic medications for infections is secukinumab. Additionally, no cases of active TB while receiving secukinumab therapy were recorded. Secukinumab 150 mg per month has been administered for a 19-year-old man with spondyloarthritis since May 2020. A diagnosis of pulmonary TB was made when the patient complained of a moderate fever, a productive cough, and weight loss after 2 years. His fever and respiratory symptoms were relieved after 6 weeks of treatment by stopping secukinumab and utilizing 4 antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduced his joint and back discomfort. During biological therapy, even with secukinumab, annual screening for latent and active TB is crucial. We require additional study on secukinumab-treated patients with active TB in nations with high TB burdens, including Vietnam.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is an extremely rare, high-grade malignancy. Here, we describe the case of a 44-year-old male patient with a heart tumor in the left atrium wall, which caused a large amount of pericardial effusion that invaded the surrounding area and is visible on transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The postoperative histopathological results confirmed this case as a primary cardiac epithelioid angiosarcoma.

In atrial arrhythmias, amiodarone is usually given either intravenously for acute management, requiring in-hospital monitoring, or orally for chronic control, as doses given 60 times per half-life, requiring weeks to reach full effect. A high-risk, 245-kg male with heart failure exacerbated by atrial flutter was successfully cardioverted using an atypically large, 8000-mg oral amiodarone dose. The only adverse effect was transient sinus arrest, which did not require intervention, only 24 hours of inpatient monitoring. Amiodarone’s unique pharmacokinetics, including its long elimination half-life and its extensive distribution into a large volume of adipose tissue, make high-dose oral amiodarone boluses a reasonable strategy for cardioversion of atrial arrhythmias. Résumé: En présence d’arythmie auriculaire, l’amiodarone est généralement administrée par voie intraveineuse dans la phase aiguë de la prise en charge, ce qui nécessite une surveillance du patient en milieu hospitalier, ou encore par voie orale dans le cadre d’un traitement au long cours à des doses représentant 60 fois la demi-vie, le plein effet du médicament n’étant obtenu qu’au bout de plusieurs semaines. Un homme de 245 kg à haut risque souffrant d’insuffisance cardiaque aggravée par un flutter auriculaire a subi avec succès une cardioversion médicamenteuse faisant appel à une dose exceptionnellement élevée d’amiodarone – 8000 mg – administrée par voie orale. Le seul effet indésirable a été une pause sinusale n'ayant pas nécessité d'intervention, seulement 24 heures de surveillance en milieu hospitalier. Vu la pharmacocinétique particulière de l’amiodarone, notamment sa longue demi-vie d’élimination et sa distribution étendue dans un grand volume de tissu adipeux, l’administration perorale de ce médicament en dose de charge constitue une stratégie raisonnable de cardioversion en cas d’arythmie auriculaire.

Summary: Background: Only around 20–30% of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NCSLC) have durable benefit from immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Although tissue-based biomarkers (eg, PD-L1) are limited by suboptimal performance, tissue availability, and tumour heterogeneity, radiographic images might holistically capture the underlying cancer biology. We aimed to investigate the application of deep learning on chest CT scans to derive an imaging signature of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and evaluate its added value in the clinical context. Methods: In this retrospective modelling study, 976 patients with metastatic, EGFR/ALK negative NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors at MD Anderson and Stanford were enrolled from Jan 1, 2014, to Feb 29, 2020. We built and tested an ensemble deep learning model on pretreatment CTs (Deep-CT) to predict overall survival and progression-free survival after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also evaluated the added predictive value of the Deep-CT model in the context of existing clinicopathological and radiological metrics. Findings: Our Deep-CT model demonstrated robust stratification of patient survival of the MD Anderson testing set, which was validated in the external Stanford set. The performance of the Deep-CT model remained significant on subgroup analyses stratified by PD-L1, histology, age, sex, and race. In univariate analysis, Deep-CT outperformed the conventional risk factors, including histology, smoking status, and PD-L1 expression, and remained an independent predictor after multivariate adjustment. Integrating the Deep-CT model with conventional risk factors demonstrated significantly improved prediction performance, with overall survival C-index increases from 0·70 (clinical model) to 0·75 (composite model) during testing. On the other hand, the deep learning risk scores correlated with some radiomics features, but radiomics alone could not reach the performance level of deep learning, indicating that the deep learning model effectively captured additional imaging patterns beyond known radiomics features. Interpretation: This proof-of-concept study shows that automated profiling of radiographic scans through deep learning can provide orthogonal information independent of existing clinicopathological biomarkers, bringing the goal of precision immunotherapy for patients with NSCLC closer. Funding: National Institutes of Health, Mark Foundation Damon Runyon Foundation Physician Scientist Award, MD Anderson Strategic Initiative Development Program, MD Anderson Lung Moon Shot Program, Andrea Mugnaini, and Edward L C Smith.

Background:. Dupuytren disease is associated with inflammation and myofibroblast overgrowth, as is stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger). Both are linked with fibroblast proliferation, but a potential associative link between the diseases is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the progression of trigger finger following treatment for Dupuytren contracture in a large database. Methods:. A commercial database encompassing 53 million patients was utilized from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2020. The study cohort included patients diagnosed with either Dupuytren disease or trigger finger utilizing International Classification Codes 9 and 10. Terminology codes were used to identify common Dupuytren procedures, as well as trigger finger release. Logistic regression analysis was used to define independent risk factors for developing trigger finger. Results:. A total of 593,606 patients were diagnosed with trigger finger. Of these patients, 15,416 (2.6%) were diagnosed with trigger finger after diagnosis of Dupuytren disease, whereas 2603 (0.4%) patients were diagnosed with trigger finger after treatment of Dupuytren contracture. Independent risk factors for trigger finger included age 65 years or older (OR 1.00, P < 0.05), diabetes (OR 1.12, P < 0.05) and obesity (OR 1.20, P < 0.005). Patients who received collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment (OR 0.34, P < 0.005) for Dupuytren contracture were significantly less likely to develop trigger finger. Conclusions:. Dupuytren contracture is associated with inflammation and subsequent trigger finger development at a higher rate than the background population frequency. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection may lead to a decreased risk of trigger finger requiring surgical intervention in patients with risk factors.

Background: Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder typically located in the gluteal cleft. Treatment varies from antibiotic therapy to extensive surgical resection and reconstruction; however, complications and recurrence are common. To understand risk factors, outcomes, and costs associated with various treatments, we performed a retrospective chart review of all patients treated for pilonidal disease at a single health care system from 2008 to 2018. Methods: Patients with an ICD diagnosis code associated with pilonidal disease were identified. Charts were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and cost information related to pilonidal disease encounters. Data were analyzed for risk of recurrence by Cox proportional hazards regression and economic burden by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: During the study time frame, 513 patients were diagnosed with pilonidal disease. Primary treatment included 108 patients (21%) with wide excision, 167 (32%) with antibiotics alone, 79 (15%) with incision and drainage, and 109 (21%) with incision and drainage plus antibiotics. The rate of recurrence following antibiotic therapy, incision and drainage, or wide excision was 36.7%, 35.9%, and 21.3%, respectively. Sex, body mass index, obesity, or hidradenitis suppurativa was not associated with recurrence; however, smokers who underwent incision and drainage had a higher risk of recurrence (P

Purpose: Infection after distal radius fracture fixation can be a devastating complication, leading to potential hardware removal, prolonged antibiotic courses, multiple office visits, and increased costs. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for infectious complications after distal radius fracture fixation and assess the impacts on cost. Methods: This study used the PearlDiver national database, encompassing 53 million unique patients from January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2020. The cohort included patients undergoing distal radius fracture fixation. The endpoint was postoperative infection within 180 days of fixation. Two-sample t test was used to compare rates of infection between open and percutaneous fracture fixation techniques. A propensity-matched cohort was created using patient age, gender, and open fracture. Logistic regression analyses defined independent risk factors for developing a postoperative infection among all patients and within the matched cohorts. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare costs of care with and without infection. Results: The database included 87,169 patients who underwent distal radius fracture fixation. Postoperative infections were identified in 781 patients (0.9%). There was a significant difference in rates of postoperative infection with percutaneous fixation (1.3%) versus open fixation (0.8%). Logistic regression analysis identified male gender, open fracture, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, obesity, and tobacco to be independent risk factors for developing a postoperative infection. Logistic regression analysis of the propensity-matched cohorts identified tobacco use as a significant risk factor. The average cost of care for patients undergoing fracture fixation without an infection was $6,383, versus $23,355 for those with an infection, which was significantly different. Conclusions: Multiple risk factors for postoperative infection were identified. Cost is significantly increased after postoperative infection, by almost 4-fold. Attempts to correct or optimize modifiable risk factors may lead to substantial cost savings, and potentially decreased rates of infection. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic III.

Background:. The purpose of this study was to evaluate opioid demand after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures in patients with and without a diagnosis of cannabis use. Methods:. The PearlDiver database was queried for all patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups: (1) those with an active diagnosis of cannabis use (case) and (2) those without (control). The primary outcome measure was morphine milligram equivalents per prescription filled within 30 days after surgery. A logistic regression was used to determine potential risk factors associated with increased opioid filling patterns. Results:. The rates of prescription refills before and after surgery were congruent in both the case and control populations and did not show significant differences (P > 0.05). The average morphine milligram equivalents of patients’ first opioid prescription was significantly reduced in the case population compared with the control (352.26 versus 480.61 morphine milligram equivalents/prescription, P = 0.005). A history of chronic opioid use was the strongest predictor of prolonged opioid prescription refills after surgery. Conclusions:. This study found a significant reduction in opioid volume in patients with a diagnosis of cannabis use who filled an opioid prescription after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Mental health diagnoses, specifically depression, showed an increased risk of multiple opioid prescription refills in patients without a diagnosis of cannabis use.

Background This study aimed to develop and validate predictive models based on machine learning (ML) algorithms for patients with bone metastases (BM) from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and to identify appropriate models for clinical decision-making. Methods In this retrospective study, we obtained information on ccRCC patients diagnosed with bone metastasis (ccRCC-BM), from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015 ( n = 1490), and collected clinicopathological information on ccRCC-BM patients at our hospital ( n = 42). We then applied four ML algorithms: extreme gradient boosting (XGB), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and Naive Bayes model (NB), to develop models for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with bone metastasis from ccRCC. In the SEER dataset, 70% of the patients were randomly divided into training cohorts and the remaining 30% were used as validation cohorts. Data from our center were used as an external validation cohort. Finally, we evaluated the model performance using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, specificity, and F1-scores. Results The mean survival times of patients in the SEER and Chinese cohort were 21.8 months and 37.0 months, respectively. Age, marital status, grade, T stage, N stage, tumor size, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, and surgery were included in the ML model. We observed that all four ML algorithms performed well in predicting the 1-year and 3-year OS of patients with ccRCC-BM. Conclusion ML is useful in predicting the survival of patients with ccRCC-BM, and ML models can play a positive role in clinical applications.

Urachal adenocarcinomas are rare cancers of the urinary bladder. Both CT and MRI are useful imaging modalities for the diagnosis and evaluation of urachal adenocarcinoma. Unlike CT or MR, there have been variable FDG PET findings with urachal tumours potentially due to considerable variation in their hypermetabolism. We present the case of a 24 year-old female patient who was diagnosed with urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma with characteristic features on CT and MRI which also exhibit moderately increased FDG avidity.

A cardiac cavernous hemangioma is a rare, primary, benign tumor that is usually diagnosed in young or middle-aged patients. In this article, we report the case of a 71-year-old male patient whose doctors incidentally discovered a heart tumor on his transthoracic echocardiography. Triple-phase computed tomography (CT) (pre-contrast, arterial and portal venous) missed the lesion, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a small, oval tumor attached to the wall of the right ventricle. The tumor was successfully removed surgically, and the patient recovered after 2 weeks. A histopathological examination resulted in the diagnosis of a benign cavernous hemangioma.

Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm due to intravenous drug use is a rare pathologic entity. A 6.6-cm left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm immediately distal to the origin of the vertebral artery was discovered in a 39-year-old man with neck swelling, bacteremia, and a history of intravenous drug use. The pseudoaneurysm was resected through a median sternotomy and left supraclavicular incision, without reconstruction. This operative approach was opted for given the presence of infection and the ongoing intravenous drug use.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most severe types of primary traumatic brain injury. In recent years, MR imaging has been gaining popularity as an adjunctive imaging method in patients with DAI. In this case report, we describe MRI findings of an 11-year-old male patient diagnosed with DAI and discuss the role of different sequences in the evaluation of DAI.

Background:. Breast cancer impacts millions of people yearly affecting various aspects of their lives—including but not limited to mental health. Patients with a known psychiatric history, specifically generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and/or depression, have previously been shown to have an increased number of revisions after breast reconstruction. Methods:. A commercially available database of 91 million unique patients, PearlDiver, was used to identify patients with breast cancer who underwent autologous free flap breast reconstruction. An average number of revisions were calculated from each group of patients—those with a history of anxiety and/or depression and patients without a history of anxiety and/or depression. A logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors associated with patients undergoing revision surgery. Results:. A total of 39,683 patients with a history of breast cancer underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2020, of which 6308 (15.9%) patients had a history of GAD and/or depression before autologous reconstruction. A total of 13,422 (33.8%) patients received at least one revision surgery. Patients with GAD only, depression only, and concomitant GAD and depression received 1.40 revisions each with no significant differences between the control and any of the study groups (P = 0.956). Logistic regression did not find psychiatric history to be associated with patients undergoing revision surgery (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89–1.00). Conclusion:. Patients who underwent autologous reconstruction for breast cancer demonstrated no difference in rates of secondary surgical revision, regardless of a concurrent mental health history.