Search

BACKGROUND In cryoballoon ablation, applications for right superior pulmonary veins (RSPVs) inevitably need to be interrupted for some safety reasons. We retrospectively investigated the RSPV isolation durability after single interrupted short freezes. METHODS Data from 30 patients who underwent repeat procedures 8.2 (4.1-13.8) months after an inevitably interrupted single short freeze (

Background Ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is one of the rare complications during the superior mediastinal node dissection for lung cancer. However, very few reports of contralateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis during the procedure are available. Case presentation Two women aged 74 and 80 years developed hoarseness after undergoing right upper lobectomy and right superior mediastinal node dissection for primary lung cancer. Postoperative laryngoscopy in the two patients confirmed left vocal cord paralysis. Conclusion Node dissection is performed in the standard procedure for right upper lobe lung cancer. At this time, care must be taken not to cause damage not only to the recurrent laryngeal nerve on the ipsilateral side but also to the recurrent laryngeal nerve on the contralateral side.

While neuro-cognitive work examining aggression has examined patients with conditions at increased risk for aggression or individuals self-reporting past aggression, little work has attempted to identify neuro-cognitive markers associated with observed/recorded aggression. The goal of the current study was to determine the extent to which aggression by youth in the first three months of residential care was associated with atypical responsiveness to threat stimuli. This functional MRI study involved 98 (68 male; mean age = 15.96 [sd = 1.52]) adolescents in residential care performing a looming threat task involving images of threatening and neutral human faces or animals that appeared to be either loom or recede. Level of aggression was negatively associated with responding to looming stimuli (irrespective of whether these were threatening or neutral) within regions including bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, right superior/middle temporal gyrus and a region of right uncus proximal to the amygdala. These data indicate that aggression level is associated with a decrease in responsiveness to a basic threat cue-looming stimuli. Reduced threat responsiveness likely results in the individual being less able to represent the negative consequences that may result from engaging in aggression, thereby increasing the risk for aggressive episodes.

Background The pulmonary veins (PVs) have unique electrophysiological properties triggering and maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF). Bigeminal PV electrical activity (PV bigeminy) during sinus rhythm has been reported; however, its mechanisms and clinical implication remain unclear. We hypothesized that PV bigeminy indicates arrhythmogenic activities and influences clinical outcome. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed electrophysiological studies in 465 patients with AF who underwent first session PV isolation (PVI). PV bigeminy was observed in 30 PVs of 23 patients (4.9% of patients). PV bigeminy was observed in left inferior PV (LIPV) in 15 patients, which was the most prevalent, followed by left superior in seven and right superior in seven and right inferior in one. In response to atrial extra stimulus, the second PV potentials (PV2) showed decremental conduction properties, suggesting reentrant mechanisms involved (n = 5). Interestingly, AF was initiated from the 23 PVs with bigeminy in 21 patients (76.7% of 30 PVs with bigeminy), spontaneously or in response to drugs, which was significantly more prevalent from the AF initiation rate from each PV in the control 442 patients (182 firings in 1290 PVs, 14.1%, P, PV bigeminy is relatively rare but a unique electrophysiological finding that indicates arrhythmogenic PV triggering AF.

A 54-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using a 28-mm second-generation cryoballoon catheter. Unexpected electrical superior vena cava (SVC) isolation during cryoballoon application to the right superior PV was observed in the first procedure. Thirteen-months after cryoballoon-based PV isolation, sustained SVC fibrillation was confirmed irrespective of sinus rhythm. Voltage mapping visualized a low voltage area around the SVC was close to that around the right superior PV. SVC isolation was obtained by cryoballoon application to the right superior PV and persisted for over a year.

The novel fourth-generation cryoballoon (4th-CB) is characterized by a shorter-tip that potentially facilitates better time-to-isolation (TTI) monitoring. We sought to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the 4th-CB compared to the second-generation cryoballoon (2nd-CB) in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Forty-one and 49 consecutive atrial fibrillation patients underwent 2nd-CB and 4th-CB PVIs using 28-mm balloons and short freeze strategies. When effective freezing was not obtained, the CB was switched to the other CB. The rate of successful PVIs was significantly higher for 2nd-CBs than 4th-CBs (162/162[100%] vs. 178/193[92.2%] PVs, p

A healthy, asymptomatic woman was referred after incidental discovery of a right superior incongruous hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a schizencephalic cleft passing through Meyer’s loop of the left optic radiation. The lesion may have resulted from a focal vascular accident or disruption of cortical neurogenesis during gestation.

Studies of socioeconomic disparities have largely focused on correlating brain measures with either composite measure of socioeconomic status (SES), or its components—family income or parental education, giving little attention to the component of parental occupation. Emerging evidence suggests that parental occupation may be an important and neglected indicator of childhood and adolescent SES compared to absolute measures of material resources or academic attainment because, while related, it may more precisely capture position in social hierarchy and related health outcomes. On the other hand, although cortical thickness and surface area are brain measures with distinct genetic and developmental origins, large‐scale neuroimaging studies investigating regional differences in interaction of the composite measure of SES or its components with cortical thickness and surface area are missing. We set out to fill this gap, focusing specifically on the role of parental occupation on cortical thickness and surface area by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging scans from 704 healthy individuals (age = 3–21 years). We observed spatially distributed patterns of (parental occupation × age2) interaction with cortical thickness (localized at the left caudal middle frontal, the left inferior parietal and the right superior parietal) and surface area (localized at the left orbitofrontal cortex), indicating independent sources of variability. Further, with decreased cortical thickness, children from families with lower parental occupation exhibited lower self‐esteem. Our findings demonstrate distinct influence of parental occupation on cortical thickness and surface area in children and adolescents, potentially reflecting different neurobiological mechanisms by which parental occupation may impact brain development., Parental occupation may be an important and neglected indicator of childhood and adolescent socioeconomic status (SES) compared to absolute measures of material resources or academic attainment because, while related, it may more precisely capture position in social hierarchy and related health outcomes. By analyzing magnetic resonance imaging scans from 704 healthy individuals (age = 3–21 years), we observed spatially distributed patterns of (parental occupation × age2) interaction with cortical thickness (localized at the left caudal middle frontal, the left inferior parietal and the right superior parietal) and surface area (localized at the left orbitofrontal cortex), indicating independent sources of variability. Our findings demonstrate distinct influence of parental occupation on cortical thickness and surface area in children and adolescents, potentially reflecting different neurobiological mechanisms by which parental occupation may impact brain development.

Background: In the 123-study, we prospectively assessed, in a randomized fashion, the minimal cryoballoon application time necessary to achieve pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with the aim to reduce complications by shortening the application duration. The first results of this study demonstrated that shortened cryoballoon applications (

BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive resection for lesions in segments 7 or 8. We compare outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and Open parenchymal sparing liver resections at two high-volume centers. METHODS From 2003 to 2016 we identified patients who underwent MIS or Open resections for lesions in segments 7 or 8 at two institutions (MSKCC and SGH). Outcomes were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Two-hundred and forty-five patients underwent resection of lesions in segments 7 or 8 (MIS 30% and Open 70%). Compared to the Open group, the MIS group had longer operative time (223 ± 88 vs 188 ± 72 minutes, P = .003), lower blood loss (297 ± 287 vs 448 ± 670 mL, P = .03), and shorter mean length of stay (5.2 ± 7.4 vs 8.3 ± 11.7 days, P

We report an adult male with the sole condition of recurrent nephrolithiasis, with no other associated symptoms nor family history, who was later diagnosed with Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to a giant right superior parathyroid adenoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few well-documented cases of this rare presentation in a male patient of the Dominican Republic. This case should affect the practice of physicians who interact with primary hyperparathyroidism and are involved in their management.

Background: Increasing evidence from modern neuroimaging has confirmed that cervical dystonia (CD) is caused by network abnormalities. Specific brain networks are known to be crucial in patients suffering from CD. However, changes in network homogeneity (NH) in CD patients have not been characterized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the NH of patients with CD.Methods: An automated NH method was used to analyze resting-state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) data from 19 patients with CD and 21 gender- and age-matched healthy controls (HC). Correlation analysis were conducted between NH, illness duration and symptom severity measured by the Tsui scale.Results: Compared with the HC group, CD patients showed a lower NH in the right superior medial frontal gyrus. No significant correlations were found between abnormal NH values and illness duration or symptom severity.Conclusion: Our findings suggest the existence of abnormal NH in the default mode network (DMN) of CD patients, and thereby highlight the importance of the DMN in the pathophysiology of CD.

Postoperative chylothorax occurs relatively rarely after pulmonary resections, often caused intraoperatively by injury to the thoracic duct. We describe a case of postoperative chylothorax after lung cancer surgery with an aberrant thoracic duct course. A 66-year-old man showed abnormal findings on chest computed tomography (CT) during health screening and was suspected with primary lung cancer. Then, he underwent a right upper lobectomy with mediastinal lymph-node dissection. The histopathological findings confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. However, the patient developed a postoperative chylothorax and underwent revision surgery. An abnormally running thoracic duct, which was expected to flow into the right venous angle, was found at the cranial side of the right superior mediastinal dissection area and was clipped. Considering the many variations in the route of the thoracic duct, thoracic surgeons should remain alert for postoperative chylothorax when performing lung cancer surgery with mediastinal lymph-node dissection and prepare treatment strategies accordingly.

A 28-year-old driver was found dead in his car after impact with a truck. At the scene he was seated in the driver's seat partially hanging out of the vehicle with the sash component of the seatbelt tightly pressed into his neck. At autopsy there was evidence of neck compression with bilateral conjunctival petechial hemorrhages and fracture of the right superior horn of the thyroid cartilage. Limb fractures and internal injuries were not associated with significant hemorrhage. There was no evidence of brain trauma. Death was, therefore due to neck compression from the seatbelt demonstrating an additional rare lethal mechanism that may be encountered in vehicle crashes. External bruises and abrasions may not be present around the neck due to padding from clothing, however conjunctival petechiae and neck injuries are supportive of the diagnosis.

Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor that is relatively rare in the spine. Here, we report two cases of symptomatic solitary osteochondroma of the lumbar spine. The first case was a 61-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of right leg numbness. Imaging findings showed that the cause of the radiculopathy was osteochondroma of the right inferior articular process at L4. The tumor was removed en bloc, and the numbness resolved. The second case was a 62-year-old man with osteochondroma of the right superior articular process at L5 that caused pain and numbness in the right leg. En bloc resection of the osteochondroma with the ligamentum flavum relieved the symptoms. Spinal osteochondroma occurs relatively frequently in elderly individuals compared with peripheral lesions and mimics a degenerative spinal disorder. Careful physical examination and imaging evaluation can reveal this tumor and surgery is effective for relieving the symptoms.

Atrial tachyarrhythmias often originate from the superior vena cava (SVC), and right superior (RSPV) and inferior pulmonary veins (RIPV). However, a precise differentiation of those origins is challenging using the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) P-wave morphology due to the anatomical proximity. The recently developed synthesized 18-lead ECG provides virtual waveforms of the right-sided chest and back leads. This study evaluated the utility of the synthesized 18-lead ECG to differentiate atrial arrhythmias originating from 3 adjacent structures. Synthesized 18-lead ECGs were obtained during SVC-, RSPV-, and RIPV-pacing in 20 patients with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to develop an algorithm. The P-wave morphologies were classified into 4 patterns: positive, negative, biphasic, and isoelectric. Subsequently, the algorithm’s accuracy was validated prospectively in another 40 patients. In retrospective analyses, isoelectric P-waves in synthesized V7 distinguished RIPV-pacing from the others (sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 92%) (first criteria). The P wave morphologies in Leads II (sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 94%) and V1 (sensitivity = 84%, specificity = 80%) distinguished SVC- and RSPV-pacing (second criteria). In a prospective evaluation, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], and accuracy of the first criteria for identifying RIPV-pacing was 97%, 90%, 78%, 99%, and 92%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, RPV, NPV, and accuracy of the second criteria (amplitudes > 1 mV in lead II or biphasic P-waves in lead V1) for discriminating SVC- and RSPV-pacing was 66%, 95%, 98%, 50%, and 74%, respectively. The P wave morphology pattern in lead V7 in synthesized 18-lead ECGs is useful for differentiating RIPV origins from RSPV/SVC origins.

Background The electrophysiological characteristics of residual conduction gaps between the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) after HotBalloon-based wide antral ablation (HBWA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to characterize the residual gaps by means of ultra-high-resolution mapping.Methods and Results:A total of 55 AF patients underwent HBWA by a predetermined protocol (6-shot total-based antral approach). LA-PV maps were created using 64-electrode minibasket catheters. In total, 55 residual gaps were identified among 26 (47%) patients. Residual gaps included 33 left superior (LS: 60%), 10 left inferior (18%), 6 right superior (11%), and 6 right inferior (11%) PVs. Those gaps demonstrated both extremely lower bipolar amplitudes (0.11 [interquartile range: 0.06-0.27] mV) and conduction velocities (0.75±0.27 m/s); however, the length was confined (10.3±4.1 mm) except for the LSPV anterior carina (12.2±2.4 mm) region. Among the carina regions, all gaps had far-field potentials consistently added to the PV potentials. Left atrial appendage pacing to split the far-field activity identified confined gap regions (6.7±1.9 mm). Touch-up ablation eliminated the residual PV potentials in all cases. Conclusions HBWA resulted in a certain degree of residual gap conduction in particular antral regions. These gaps exhibited narrow lengths with lower amplitudes, and often had far-field recordings from the left atrial appendage. Combined with pacing maneuvers, ultra-high-resolution activation maps could both visualize all confined gaps and ensure a bare minimum of touch-up ablations in all patients with gap conduction.

Orbit is an important bony cavity which lodges eyeball and associated structures for our fundamental sense of vision. Knowledge regarding accurate morphometric measurements of its margins and depth will help in diagnosis and treatment plans of various optic functions. Previous studies showed racial differences in different populations we want to collect data in local population of Asian region as we are lacking data in this region. This study was carried out on 64 bony orbits of 32 dry Asian human skulls. Measurements from right and left bony orbits were taken by digital vernier calipers in millimeters and entered in SPSS 18.0 for calculation of mean and standard deviation.Results were obtained from different orbital margins. Right superior, inferior, medial and lateral orbital margins showed results as 31.30 ± 2.329 mm, 33.59 ± 3.35 mm, 29.57 ± 2.28 mm and 28.37 ± 2.023 mm respectively. While left superior, inferior, medial and lateral orbital margins were 30.944 ± 2.1080 mm, 31.19 ± 2.54 mm, 29.567 ± 2.36 mm and 28.14 ± 2.286 mm respectively. Right sided depth from optic canal to frontomaxillary suture was 41.40 ± 2.88 and left sided depth was 39.93 ± 3.33 mm. Data collected in Asian population showed differences from other races. This study covers important area regarding helpful in surgeries of this region as precise measurements could avoid injuries and postoperative complications.Key Words: Orbital Margin, Pakistan

The aims were to study the pattern of right bronchial tree with multi-detector CT. 238 patients were enrolled. The three-dimensional bronchial tree images were acquired using the post-processing technique of CT. There were mainly four types for right superior lobe bronchial tree, i.e., (140/238, B1–B2–B3); (44/238, B1 + 2, B3); (28/238, B2, B3); (22/238, B1, B2 + 3). There were two types for right middle lobe bronchial tree, i.e. (229/238, B4, B5); trifurcation of right middle lobe bronchi (9/238). There were mainly four types for right inferior lobe bronchial tree, i.e., (135/238, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10); (42/238, B6, B7, B8, B10); (25/238, B6, B7, B8 + 9, B10); (21/238, B6, B7, B8-B9-B10). The present study describes variations in the anatomy of the right bronchial tree, and reveals that there were mainly four types for right superior lobe bronchial tree, two types for right middle lobe bronchial tree, and four types for right inferior lobe bronchial tree.

A primary pulmonary angiosarcoma is an extremely rare entity with fewer than 30 cases reported in the literature. We found no reports of primary pulmonary angiosarcoma presenting as a Pancoast tumor. We describe a case of pulmonary angiosarcoma located in the right superior sulcus that was treated by surgery.

Supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage is commonly associated with a left-sided ascending vein draining into innominate vein. We present a case of a newborn with a right-sided ascending vein, draining into the right superior caval vein with stenosis at the SVC-ascending vein junction, posing a surgical dilemma in corrective surgery. Usage of three-dimensional computed tomographic scan was essential in delineating the anatomy and aiding surgery. The case demonstrates the rarity of this type of cardiac disease and the complications that develop.

A 78 years-old woman was found with worsening hypercalcemia, osteopenia and memory loss during the past 2 years. Multiple, repeated imaging studies failed to reveal the aetiology of the primary hyperparathyroidism. Bilateral neck exploration revealed a 4.5X2,3 cm right superior parathyroid adenoma in an ectopic position.

Background: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome is a disease that occurs veryrare. Clinical presentation consists of Tullio’s phenomenon and Hennebert’s sign. This case presentationis atypical and clinician should be aware. Purpose: to present the rare case of Superior semicircular canaldehisence (SSCD) Case presentation: A 65-year-old woman with complaints of dizziness from 2 years agoand her recurrence. The audiogram showed bilateral sensorineural deafness with a mean hearing thresholdof 58 decibels (dB) of the right ear and 48 dB of the left ear. There is also an air-bone gap in the right earat low frequencies (250 Hz). The tympanogram revealed a type A result in both ears. Positive results wereobtained on the examination of Romberg sharpened, positive Fukuda step to the right, and the Gans test. CTscan showed dehiscence of the right superior semicircular canal. Therapy in patients was given conservativetherapy because the participants refused to undergo surgery. Conclusion: SSCD has a specific symptom ofTullio’s phenomenon and CT scan shows dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal.

Insight means solving a trivial unknown problem through a sudden spark which gives an experience of enthusiasm or ‘Aha!’ feeling. This study involves identification of neural correlates during performance of cognitive task, during an insightful experiment such as remote associates test and rebus puzzle on E-Prime 3.0. The data is recorded using 32 channels EEG and Brain Vision recorder, and the analysis is done using Brainstorm software. The experiment is performed on 25 healthy right-handed subjects of age group 19–22 years. Temporal analysis of recorded EEG data indicates there is a positive correlation of activation in right parietal occipital region corresponding to ‘Aha’ and non-Aha! feelings; there is a negative correlation of activation of temporal region in the right hemisphere, clearly indicating that T8 and FC6 is activated when the problem is solved through insight. Spectral analysis of EEG indicates that there is a sudden increase in gamma activity/gamma burst in right superior temporal region (0.35 s prior to button press) just after the activation of alpha at right parietal occipital region (0.75 s prior to button press).

Although some researches proved the influence of radiation therapy (RT) on pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators, little has been reported on cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRTDs). We experienced a case of RT on CRTD and had a new finding.A patient with CRTD implanted for dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed with lung squamous cell carcinoma and started receiving RT. All the implanted devices, including the main body of CRTD, left ventricular lead (LV), right ventricular lead with high-voltage conductor, and right atrial lead, were from the same manufacturer. The radiation targeted the tumor of 67 mm in diameter in the right superior lobe for 5 min per session. The CRTD was outside the radiation field, which is 65 mm, but the leads were inside. Plan 1 used 2 Gy/fr with 8 megavolt photons, and Plan 1 was irradiated at 0° and 180° for 16 RT sessions. The dosage was increased to 3 Gy for Plan 2 for 4 sessions. Plan 3 used 2 Gy with 6 and 8 megavolt photons, and Plan 3 was irradiated at 27.7° and 200.7° for 11 RT sessions. Changes in measured parameters were assessed before and after RT.Changes in impedance of LV and high-voltage lead exceeded prespecified threshold. However, no significant errors were detected in the CRTD on the dosages and energy we used.We hypothesize that the lead insulator could have been affected by radiation.

Anomalous superior vena cava drainage is a rare congenital cardiac defect where the right superior vena cava anomalously drains into the left atrium causing a right to left shunt. We present a case of a 17-day-old male who presented with cyanosis without respiratory distress and was found to have a right superior vena cava draining anomalously into the left atrium.

This cross-sectional study examines the differences in cortical volume and gray-to-white matter contrast (GWC) in first episode schizophrenia patients (SCZ) compared to healthy control participants (HC) and in SCZ patients as a function of exposure to second generation antipsychotic medication. We hypothesize 1) SCZ exhibit regionally lower cortical volumes relative to HCs, 2) cortical volume will be greater with longer exposure to second generation antipsychotics prior to the MRI scan, and 3) lower GWC with longer exposure to second generation antipsychotics prior to the MRI scan, suggesting more blurring from greater intracortical myelin. To accomplish this, MRI scans from 71 male SCZ patients treated with second generation oral risperidone and 42 male HCs were examined. 3D T1-weighted MPRAGE images collected at 1.5T were used to estimate cortical volume and GWC by sampling signal intensity at 30% within the cortical ribbon. Average cortical volume and GWC were calculated and compared between SCZ and HC. Cortical volume and GWC in SCZ patients were correlated with duration of medication exposure for the time period prior to the scan. First-episode SCZ patients had significantly lower cortical volume compared to HCs in bilateral temporal, superior and rostral frontal, postcentral gyral, and parahippocampal regions. In SCZ patients, greater cortical volume was associated with (log-transformed) duration of second-generation antipsychotic medication exposure in bilateral precuneus, right lingual, and right superior parietal regions. Lower GWC was correlated with longer duration of medication exposure bilaterally in the superior frontal lobes. In summary, second generation antipsychotics may increase cortical volume and decrease GWC in first episode SCZ patients.

Cardiology was called to review a neonate with cyanosis at 6 hours of life. The oxygen saturations averaged 70% at baseline with no preductal and postductal difference. No cardiac murmurs were heard, but the chest X-ray showed an enlarged heart. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated a small patent arterial duct and a patent oval foramen, both with left-to-right flow across. TTE also showed dilatation of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) (figure 1A), suggesting increased flow to the left—heart (figure 1B). The atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial connections were normal. Figure 1 Image panel outlining the diagnostic approach to the echocardiographic evaluation of the patient. …

A 20-year-old female presented with a slowly growing solitary left thyroid nodule for 1 year. USG and CECT neck showed a 4 × 3 cm solid-cystic nodule in the left lobe of thyroid, with notable absence of the right lobe. FNAC from the nodule was Bethesda V. Operative findings confirmed right thyroid lobe agenesis with corresponding absence of right superior thyroid vessels. The right sided RLN, ESBLN, superior and inferior parathyroids, and inferior thyroid vasculature were in their anatomical positions. She underwent standard left hemithyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed follicular variant of papillary carcinoma.

Brain structure & function 225(7), 2017-2028 (2020). doi:10.1007/s00429-020-02106-6, Published by Springer, Berlin ; Heidelberg

In addition to conventional strategies for parathyroidectomy, endoscopic and video-assisted approaches have been developed to minimize pain, improve cosmesis, and enhance patient satisfaction. Endoscopic parathyroidectomy, first introduced by Gagner in 1996, was one of the earliest such innovations. Although techniques utilizing low-pressure continuous CO2 insufflation are not currently in widespread use, other endoscopic and remote-access parathyroid approaches have been hinged on this idea, including approaches from breast, axillary, and retroauricular entry points. Unfortunately, these require extensive dissection to reach the target site and have a protracted learning curve, long operative times, and potential risks related to CO2 absorption. This chapter describes a minimally invasive video-assisted right superior parathyroidectomy.

A right superior parathyroid adenoma—a mass identified as adjoining the superior pole of the right thyroid lobe—can be identified through imaging with ultrasound and Tc 99 m sestamibi SPECT/CT scans, as illustrated in the four cases seen in Figs. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4.

Vein of Galen malformation (VGM) is a rare intracranial vascular malformation. High output heart failure is common in infancy and is characterized by dilatation of all the cardiac chambers. We report an unusual case of VGM in a 3-month-old infant without dilatation of the right-sided cardiac chambers. We then demonstrate importance of comprehensive evaluation in detecting rare coexistence of anomalous right superior caval vein connection to the left atrium.

Persistent left superior vena cava is an extremely rare venous anomaly affecting 0.5% to 2% of the general population. Persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava, also termed as “isolated persistent left superior vena cava.” Persistent left superior vena cava, without associated cardiac anomalies, is usually innocuous. Its discovery, however, has important clinical implications. It can pose clinical difficulties with central venous access, hemodialysis catheter placement, and pacemaker implantation. We hereby present a case of persistent left superior vena cava that was incidentally encountered after the placement of a hemodialysis catheter through the left internal jugular vein. This case highlights the pertinent radiologic findings and emphasizes the importance of familiarity to such an anatomic anomaly.

Introduction Traumatic hip dislocation is a severe injury with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Bilateral hip dislocation is rare representing 1.25% of all hip dislocations. Presentation of the case A 19-year-old male had a high-speed motor vehicle accident. After stabilizing the patient, it was noticed that the position of the right lower limb was in adduction and internal rotation while the left was in external rotation and abduction. Pelvis x-ray showed right superior posterior and left anterior inferior hip dislocations. Closed reduction was performed within 3 hours from the trauma for both sides. The post reduction CT scan showed adequate reduction of both hips with no associated fractures. During his three-year follow-up, he never had any complaints and the clinical examination and radiographs did not reveal any abnormalities. Discussion Early reduction of hip dislocations minimizes the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The current recommendations state that a hip dislocation must be reduced within 6 hours. Conclusion This is a rare case of bilateral asymmetric hip dislocations with no concomitant fractures. It is important to reduce hip dislocation within 6 hours from the time of injury to prevent osteonecrosis of the femoral head., Highlights • A 19-year-old male had a high-speed MVA. • He sustained bilateral asymmetric hip dislocations. • No fractures were identified on the CT. • Closed reduction was performed in both sides. • The outcome after a three-year-follow up is presented.

Background: Third-generation cryoballoon (CB3) is characterized by a 40% shorter distal tip designed to increase the rate of pulmonary veins real-time signal recording in order to measure time necessary to isolate veins, the “Time to effect” (TTE). Few data are currently available on clinical follow up of CB3 treated patients. Methods: Sixtyeight consecutive patients (mean age 57.8 ± 9.6 years, 48 male) with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled. Thirthyfour (25 paroxysmal AF) underwent to a 28 mmCB3 pulmonary veins isolation and were compared to 34 treated (21 paroxysmal AF) with 28 mmCB2. Results: CB3 use was correlated to significant increase of the possibility to measure TTE in every treated veins (left superior 82,35% vs 23,53%, left inferior 70,59% vs 38,24%, right superior 58,82% vs 14,71%, right inferior 52,94% vs 17,65%). When it is measured, TTE wasn't different between two groups. Higher nadir temperature was observed in CB3 patients (−39.4 ± 5.2 °C vs −43.0 ± 7.2 °C, p = 0.03). CB3 procedures were shorter (91.4 ± 21.7 vs 110.9 ± 31.8 min, p = 0.018), with a significant reduction in cryoenergy delivery time (24.2 ± 8.5 vs 20.3 ± 6.7 min, p

A 55 year old male presented to us with history of recurrent episodes of syncope following which he was detected to have sick sinus syndrome and was planned for a permanent pacemaker implantation. During the procedure he was incidentally detected to have a persistent left superior venacava with absent right superior venacava as probably his initial echocardiogram was overlooked and the procedure was replanned to a later date. A 64 slice MDCT scan was done to delineate the venacaval and great arterial relationship which confirmed a persistent left superior venacava with absent right superior venacava. We planned to proceed with a permanent pacemaker implantation (VVI) with active fixation through the left subclavian vein following which he had a lead dislodgement on the 7th post procedure day. The pacemaker lead was later repositioned in a more stable position with a smaller loop and he is doing well on follow up. Permanent pacemaker implantation through a persistent left superior venacava is a technically challenging procedure and prone for complications and hence the importance of this case.

Biatrial drainage of the right superior caval vein is an extremely rare cardiac anomaly that generally presents in childhood. We present a case of anomalous connection of the right superior caval vein with superior sinus venosus atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in a 5-month-old male presenting with unexplained cyanosis and hypoxia.

Introduction The optimal delivery of stereotactic radiotherapy for kidney tumours requires an effective motion management strategy. This study assessed the effectiveness of a pneumatic abdominal compression belt in reducing kidney motion during free breathing. Methods Thirteen patients, with four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) of the abdomen in free breathing with and without a pneumatic abdominal compression belt, were retrospectively reviewed. Points of Interest (POI) were placed on each kidney to determine the greatest magnitude of displacement in all directions. Results Without compression, all patients had >5.0 mm motion in the craniocaudal (CC) direction in at least one kidney. Median CC excursion of the left superior pole was reduced with compression from 8.0 mm (range 2.0 mm–18.0 mm) to 4.0 mm (range 2.0 mm–10.0 mm, P = 0.047) and right superior pole from 10.0 mm (range 4.0 mm–16.0 mm) to 6.0 mm (range 2.0 mm–10.0 mm, P=value 0.051). A benefit was less evident for the left and right inferior poles with median CC excursion of 6.0 mm versus 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm versus 4.0 mm without and with compression, respectively. Median displacement in the anteroposterior direction (≤3.2 mm) and lateral directions (≤1.3 mm) was similar for left and right kidneys and not significantly altered by compression. Overall, seven patients had kidney motion reduced by >5.0 mm with two reduced by 10.0 mm. Conclusion A pneumatic abdominal compression belt reduced kidney motion by >5.0 mm in seven of thirteen patients. The relative benefit is patient and location specific and should be assessed on an individual basis.

BACKGROUND Anatomically guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the position where to confirm electrical isolation is ill-defined. The aim of the current study was to quantify the relationship between the anatomical and electrical definition of the pulmonary vein ostium. METHODS We analyzed 20 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI using radiofrequency energy and an electroanatomical mapping system. The anatomical ostium was defined based on the geometry obtained from preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The electrical ostium was defined at the position with a far-field atrial signal preceding a sharp pulmonary vein (PV) signal without any isoelectric interval in between. RESULTS The electrically defined ostia were 8.4 ± 4.7 mm more distal in the PV compared to the anatomically defined ostia. The distances varied considerably between the four PVs and were 10.5 ± 6.5 mm, 7.4 ± 4.3 mm, 5.3 ± 4.0 mm, and 8.3 ± 3.4 mm for the left superior, left inferior, right superior, and right inferior PVs, respectively (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The position of the electrical and anatomical ostium differs markedly. The site of the electrical ostium is variable within the PV but always more distal in the PV compared to the site of the anatomical ostium.

Changes in the size of the attentional focus and task difficulty often co-vary. Nevertheless, the neural processes underlying the attentional spotlight process and task difficulty are likely to differ from each other. To differentiate between the two, we parametrically varied the size of the attentional focus in a novel behavioral paradigm while keeping visual processing difficulty either constant or not. A behavioral control experiment proved that the present behavioral paradigm could indeed effectively manipulate the size of the attentional focus per se, rather than affecting purely perceptual processes or surface processing. Imaging results showed that neural activity in a dorsal frontoparietal network, including right superior parietal cortex (SPL), was positively correlated with the size of the attentional spotlight, irrespective of whether task difficulty was constant or varied across different sizes of attentional focus. In contrast, neural activity in the ventral frontoparietal network, including the right inferior parietal cortex (IPL), was positively correlated with increasing task difficulty. Data suggest that sub-regions in parietal cortex are differentially involved in the attentional spotlight process and task difficulty: while SPL was involved in the attentional spotlight process independent of task difficulty, IPL was involved in the effect of task difficulty independent of the attentional spotlight process. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4996-5018, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background Achieve catheters are cryoballoon guidewires that enable pulmonary vein (PV) potential mapping. The single catheter approach in conjunction with the Achieve catheter is currently standard practice in second-generation cryoballoon ablation, yet circumferential mapping catheters are the gold standard for evaluating PV isolation (PVI). The study sought to validate the ostial PVI verified by an Achieve catheter alone. Methods One-hundred fifty-one paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients undergoing PVI using exclusively 28-mm second-generation cryoballoons were enrolled. PV recordings were analyzed during (real-time recordings) and after cryoballoon applications with 20-mm Achieve mapping catheters, and subsequently validated by 20-mm conventional circumferential mapping catheters. Results Out of 596 PVs, 576(96.6%) were isolated using cryoballoons, and 20 required touch-up ablation. PVI was verified during cryoballoon applications with real-time monitoring in 299, and after applications in 280 PVs by Achieve catheters alone. The time-to-isolation was 27.2±22.0 seconds. Validation with standard circumferential mapping catheters confirmed ostial PVIs in 296 of 299(99.0%) PVs that real-time PVI was obtained during applications, and in 242 of 280(86.5%) PVs that PV activities were not visible during applications and PVI was verified after the applications. The accuracy of ostial PVIs with Achieve catheters in PVs without obtaining real-time PV recordings was 40/47(85.1%), 58/65(89.2%), 77/79(97.5%), 61/81(75.3%), and 6/8(75.0%) in left superior, left inferior, right superior, right inferior, and left common PVs, respectively. Conclusions In second-generation 28-mm cryoballoon ablation, verification of ostial PVIs using Achieve mapping catheters alone might not be sufficient to accurately confirm an ostial PVI when real-time PVI was not obtained. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Background Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVST) can occur after first-generation cryoballoon ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, severity, and characteristics of PVST after second-generation cryoballoon ablation. Methods In total, 103 patients underwent PV isolation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using second-generation cryoballoons with a single big-balloon 3-minute freeze technique. Cardiac enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed both before and a median of 6.0[4.0-8.0] months after the procedure in all. PVST was classified as follows: minimal ( 70%). Results In total, 406 PVs were analyzed. MDCT demonstrated PV stenosis in 10(2.5%) PVs among 8(7.8%) patients. In detail, minimal and mild PVSTs were observed in 6 and 4 PVs, respectively. PVST occurred in the left superior (LSPV), left inferior, and right superior PVs in 6, 1, and 3 PVs, respectively. No stenosis was observed in 15 PVs with active balloon deflations during freezing. All PVSTs had concentric patterns except for 2 PVs with minimal stenosis. Balloon deformities were observed during freezing of 2 PVs with mild stenosis. When the PVST was defined as a >25% decreased diameter, the incidence was 0.98% (4/406) (including 3 LSPVs). PVST did not progress further during the follow-up period. Conclusions Although the incidence of PVST was low, it could occur even if a single big-balloon short freeze technique was applied. The risk of PV stenosis significantly differed among the 4 PVs, and reaching balloon temperatures of -60°C and active balloon deflations during freezing were not associated with any PV stenosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

The spatial location of an object can be represented in two frames of reference: egocentric (relative to the observer's body or body parts) and allocentric (relative to another object independent of the observer). The object positions relative to the two frames can be either congruent (e.g., both left or both right) or incongruent (e.g., one left and one right). Most of the previous studies, however, did not discriminate between the two types of spatial conflicts. To investigate the common and specific neural mechanisms underlying the spatial congruency effect induced by the two reference frames, we adopted a 3 (type of task: allocentric, egocentric, and color) × 2 (spatial congruency: congruent vs. incongruent) within-subject design in this fMRI study. The spatial congruency effect in the allocentric task was induced by the task-irrelevant egocentric representations, and vice versa in the egocentric task. The nonspatial color task was introduced to control for the differences in bottom-up stimuli between the congruent and incongruent conditions. Behaviorally, significant spatial congruency effect was revealed in both the egocentric and allocentric task. Neurally, the dorsal-medial visuoparietal stream was commonly involved in the spatial congruency effect induced by the task-irrelevant egocentric and allocentric representations. The right superior parietal cortex and the right precentral gyrus were specifically involved in the spatial congruency effect induced by the irrelevant egocentric and allocentric representations, respectively. Taken together, these results suggested that different subregions in the parieto-frontal network played different functional roles in the spatial interaction between the egocentric and allocentric reference frame. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2112-2127, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aim. To evaluate the speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) application in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients during catheter treatment, by the data from intracardiac echocardiography (ICE).Material and methods. Totally, 30 patients included, with persistent and paroxysmal AF. In 25 (84%) the main disease was arterial hypertension, of those 14 (46%) had hypertension together with coronary heart disease. In 16% cases (4 patients) AF was idiopathic. All patients had indications for catheter treatment of the arrhythmia.Results. Before the start of radiofrequency intervention (RFI), superior pulmonary vein (PV) deformation was 24,5±1,5%, after the intervention 17,5±1,1%, tissue deformation decreased by 7% (р