Choroidal macrovascular and capillary alterations in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the choroidal vascular alterations and effect of surgical treatment in the setting of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Methods: The structure of the choroid was studied in 33 patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membrane using optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography. Eyes with epiretinal membrane underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to evaluate changes in choroidal structure after surgery and compare with the healthy fellow eyes. Results: The choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio of the eyes with epiretinal membrane were higher than those of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively) and decreased postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). The choriocapillaris flow of eyes with epiretinal membrane was lower than that of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.001) and increased after surgery compared with the preoperative value (p=0.04). The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow values of the healthy fellow eyes were comparable at baseline and final visit. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, the final choroidal vascularity index correlated with the final choriocapillaris flow (r=-0.749, p=0.008) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane appears to affect the choroidal structure with increased choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio and decreased choriocapillaris flow. These macrovascular (choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness) and microvascular (choriocapillaris flow) alterations appear to be relieved by surgical treatment of the epiretinal membranes.

Quantitative Measurements of Macular and Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow Parameters Following Cataract Surgery in Eye Department, Red Cross Tertiary General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Objective: To evaluate the effect of uncomplicated cataract surgery on macular and optic nerve head blood flow with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). Retinal vascular changes and macular vessel remodeling following cataract surgery is an area of interest, as the effect, cause and duration of such changes remain debatable.Setting: Eye Department, Red Cross Tertiary General Hospital, Athens, Greece.Methods: In this study, we recruited cataract surgery candidates who had regular post operative visits and underwent longitudinal OCT-A examinations before and after surgery.Results: Macular vessel density increased in the post operative visits both in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary network (DCP) (P<0.001) and showed a persistent effect over 3 months follow-up. Macular thickness increased over the first postoperative month, but returned to preoperative values at 3 months. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements and vessel density at radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) were unaffected.Conclusions: OCT-A enables a quantitative analysis of blood flow by regular patient monitoring. In this study, we found that after cataract surgery, macular blood flow increased significantly. The reason for this could be attributed to post operative inflammatory process or vascular remodeling due to change in retinal metabolic demands.

Acute and chronic changes in porcine rete mirabile after embolization with the Menox system: angiographic and histopathological analyses / Alterações angiográficas e histopatológicas agudas e crônicas da rete mirabile no modelo suíno com sistema embólico líquido Menox

Abstract Objective: To evaluate acute and chronic changes seen on angiographic and histopathological studies of porcine rete mirabile, comparing those treated with the Menox liquid embolic system (LES) and those treated with the Onyx LES. Materials and Methods: Five pigs, each weighing approximately 35 kg, were submitted to rete mirabile embolization under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance, with the Menox LES or Onyx LES. Four animals were treated with the Menox LES and underwent cerebral angiography, followed by euthanasia, at 1, 30, 60, and 90 days after embolization. One animal was treated with the Onyx LES underwent the same procedures at 30 days after embolization. In a subsequent histopathological analysis, we compared the Menox LES and Onyx LES in terms of the acute and chronic changes observed. Results: We observed no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or electrocardiographic parameters that could be attributed to the super-selective infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide or the Menox embolic agent. Fluoroscopy showed adequate material opacity, appropriate progression to the center of the rete mirabile and complete unilateral embolization. Microcatheters were uneventfully detached from the embolized nidus. We observed mild to moderate intravascular and extravascular inflammatory responses, without histological evidence of necrotizing arteritis. There were no adverse neurovascular events. Conclusion: The Menox LES appears to be safe and effective, as well as being apparently equivalent to the Onyx LES in terms of the postprocedure angiographic and histopathological findings.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações angiográficas e histopatológicas agudas e crônicas em rete mirabile suína tratadas com o Menox liquid embolic system (LES) e comparar essas alterações com a embolização com Onyx LES. Materiais e Métodos: A embolização da rete mirabile com Menox LES e Onyx LES foi realizada em cinco suínos pesando cerca de 35 kg sob anestesia geral e orientação fluoroscópica. Quatro animais tratados com Menox LES foram submetidos a angiografia cerebral seguida de eutanásia após 1, 30, 60 e 90 dias e um animal tratado com Onix LES foi submetido ao mesmo procedimento após 30 dias. A análise histopatológica subsequente para alterações agudas e crônicas avaliou o desempenho do Menox LES comparado ao Onyx LES. Resultados: Não foram observadas alterações significativas atribuíveis à infusão superseletiva de dimetilsulfóxido ou Menox nos parâmetros de pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca ou eletrocardiograma. A fluoroscopia mostrou opacidade adequada do material, progressão adequada para o centro da rete mirabile e embolização unilateral completa. Os microcateteres foram retirados do nidus embolizado sem complicações. Observou-se resposta inflamatória intravascular e extravascular leve a moderada, sem indício histológico de arterite necrosante. Nenhum dos casos apresentou eventos neurovasculares adversos. Conclusão: A injeção de Menox LES mostrou-se segura e eficaz, além de ser equivalente ao Onyx LES em relação aos achados angiográficos e histopatológicos pós-procedimento.

Intraoperative assessment of blood supply to the femoral head after femoral neck fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To explore intraoperative assessment of blood supply to the femoral head after femoral neck fracture, and the correlation between the blood supply and postoperative osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of the 63 patients with femoral neck fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University by open reduction and internal fixation with hollow compression screws from April 2016 to March 2021. They were 39 males and 24 females with an age of (44.9±13.6) years. There were 42 cases of Garden type Ⅲ and 21 cases of Garden type Ⅳ. Time from injury to operation was (4.1±2.4) days. After internal fixation, a hole was drilled using a 2.0 mm Kirschner wire at 2.0 cm above the femoral head-neck junction to observe the velocity, color, and characteristics of the blood oozing at the drill hole. The patients were divided into a good oozing group of 51 cases in whom bright red blood oozing was observed within 15 seconds after drilling and a poor oozing group of 12 cases in whom dark red blood oozing was observed beyond 15 seconds after drilling. The incidence of postoperative femoral head necrosis, Harris hip score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were compared between the 2 groups. Single factor and multi factor analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model to analyze the factors influencing postoperative femoral head necrosis in the patients.Results:The 63 patients were followed up for 24 (18, 36) months. The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between them ( P>0.05). Femoral head necrosis was observed in 3 cases in the good oozing group and in 5 cases in the poor oozing group, showing a significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). The Harris hip score [90.0 (86.0, 92.0)] and the VAS pain score [1.0 (1.0, 2.0)] at 1 year after surgery in the good oozing group were significantly better than those in the poor oozing group [85.5 (71.3, 88.8) and 2.5 (1.0, 3.8)] ( P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Garden type Ⅳ ( HR=6.784, 95% CI: 1.324 to 35.664, P=0.023) and intraoperative poor blood oozing ( HR=10.744, 95% CI: 2.359 to 51.774, P=0.003) were risk factors for femoral head necrosis after cannulated compression screw fixation of fractures of displaced femoral neck ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The blood supply to the femoral head after femoral neck fracture can be directly assessed by drilling a hole in the femoral head after open reduction and internal fixation. Intraoperative poor blood oozing is a risk factor for the femoral head necrosis after cannulated compression screw fixation of fractures of displaced femoral neck.

Impact of COVID-19 epidemic on inventory of red blood cells in local and municipal blood stations in China / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate and analyze the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on inventory of red blood cells (RBCs)in local and municipal blood stations in China, and to provide reference for the management of public health emergencies. 【Methods】 Relevant data from 2018 to 2021 were collected, and the differences in the volume of qualified RBCs, the usage efficiency of inventory RBCs, the average daily distribution of RBCs,the blood distribution rate of RBCs prepared by 400 mL whole blood, the difference in the average storage days of RBCs at the time of distribution, the average daily inventory of RBCs and the time of the average daily inventory of RBCs to maintain the distribution in 24 local and municipal blood stations in China during the COVID-19 epidemic and non-epidemic periods were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 Compared with non-epidemic periods, the volume of qualified RBCs [(117 525.979 ±52 203.175)U] and the average daily distribution of RBCs [( 156. 468 ± 70. 186) U ] increased significantly, but the usage efficiency of inventory RBCs decreased(97.24%±0.51%) significantly (P0.5). 【Conclusion】 During the COVID-19 epidemic, the inventory management of RBCs operated well, the overall inventory remained relatively stable, the stock composition and storage period showed no significant change.

Analysis of red blood cells supply before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 from 2018 to 2021 in 18 domestic blood centers / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the supply data of red blood cells(RBCs) from 18 blood centers in China before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 during 2018 to 2021. 【Methods】 Eight indicators related to RBCs supply from 18 blood centers in China during 2018-2021 were collected retrospectively, including the storage of total amount of qualified RBCs (referred to as the total amount of storage), the distribution of total amount of RBCs (referred to as the total amount of distribution), the distribution amount of RBCs per 1 000 population (referred to as the amount of distribution per 1 000 population), the distribution amount of RBCs from 400 mL original blood per 1 000 population [referred to as the amount of distribution per 1 000 population (400 mL)], the average daily distribution amount of RBCs (referred to as the average daily distribution amount), the average daily storage amount of RBCs (referred to as the average daily storage amount), the average storage days of RBCs when distribute (referred to as the RBC storage days), and the expired amount of RBCs (referred to as the expired amount). Based on the outbreak time of COVID-19, the data of 2018 and 2019 were the pre-pandemic group, and the data of 2020 and 2021 were the post-pandemic group. 【Results】 Data on RBCs supply in 18 blood centers from 2018 to 2021(comparison of the pre-pandemic group and the post-pandemic group): the amount of distribution per 1 000 population (median 14.68 U>13.92 U) decreased, the amount of distribution per 1 000 population (400 mL) (median 10.16 U>9.21 U) decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P99 084.08 U) decreased, the amount of distribution per 1 000 population (median 15.04 U>12.19 U) decreased, the amount of distribution per 1000 population (400 mL) (median 10.11 U>8.94 U), the average daily distribution amount(322.66 U>270.73 U) decreased and RBC storage days (median 10.50 d324.46 U), the average daily inventory (median 3 222.00 U0.00 U) decreased, the difference has statistical significance (P<0.05). The results of ANOVA showed that there were significant differences on the data related to RBCs supply (except expired amount) in different blood centers (P<0.05). The ratio of average daily stock to average daily distribution in the post-outbreak group (median 12.36 d) was higher than that in the pre-outbreak group (median 10.92 d), the difference has statistical significance (P<0.05), with significant difference among different blood centers (P <0.05). 【Conclusion】 The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on RBCs supply in different blood centers. In the second year of the pandemic, the supply capability had recovered to some extent, and there were differences in RBCs supply in different blood centers.

Variations of the cerebral arterial circle: morphological and clinical analysis / Variaciones del círculo arterial cerebral: análisis morfológico y clínico

SUMMARY: The variations knowledge of the cerebral arterial circle (CAC) is relevant due to its influence on the development of ischemic encephalic disorders. Among these variations, when the external diameter of the posterior communicating artery exceeds the posterior cerebral artery caliber, we have a fetal conformation of this circle. The aim of this study was to describe the variations of the CAC in Chilean individuals and to know the type of arterial conformation. Thirty adult brains were used to measure lengths and caliber of the pre-communicating segments of the anterior (A1) and posterior (P1) cerebral arteries, and the anterior (ACoA) and posterior (PCoA) communicating arteries. The arterial conformation type was established, and the length and caliber of these vessels were compared according to the right or left side. It was observed that 76.6 % of the CACs presented aplasia and / or hypoplasia. Of its components, PCoA was hypoplasic in 53.3 %, appearing bilaterally in 40 % of the subjects. The comparison according to the side, indicated that the mean length of A1 and PCoA on the right side was slightly higher. In the case of caliber, the mean of A1, P1 and PCoA was higher on the left side. Regarding P1 and PcoA caliber, 33 % of the CACs presented unilateral fetal conformation. Regardless of the variability presented by the CAC, there is consensus that PCoA exhibits the greatest variability. The understanding of this variability requires an analysis of the embryonic aspects that can explain the fetal conformation of the CAC in the adult.

RESUMEN: El conocimiento de las variaciones del círculo arterial cerebral (CAC) resultan relevantes por su influencia en el desarrollo de trastornos isquémicos encefálicos. De estas variaciones, los cambios del calibre de la arteria comunicante posterior (ACoP) determinan una conformación fetal de este círculo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las variaciones del CAC en individuos chilenos y conocer el tipo de conformación arterial. Se utilizaron 30 encéfalos adultos a los que se midieron las longitudes y calibres de los segmentos precomunicante de las arterias cerebrales anteriores (A1) y posteriores (P1), y de las arterias comunicante anterior (ACoA) y ACoP. Se estableció el tipo de conformación arterial y se comparó la longitud y calibre de estos vasos según lateralidad. Se observó que el 76,6 % de los CAC presentaron agenesias y/o hipoplasias. De sus componentes, la ACoP fue hipoplásica en el 53,3 %, presentándose bilateral en el 40 %. La comparación según lateralidad indicó que la longitud media de A1 y ACoP del lado derecho fueron levemente superiores. En el caso de los calibres, la media de A1, P1 y ACoP fue superior en el lado izquierdo. Respecto de los calibres de P1 y ACoP, el 33 % de los CAC presentaron conformación fetal unilateral. Independientemente de la variabilidad que presenta el CAC, existe consenso de que la ACoP exhibe la mayor variabilidad. La comprensión de esta variabilidad requiere un análisis de los aspectos embrionarios que pueden explicar la conformación fetal de esté círculo arterial en el adulto.

Assessment of retinal nerve fiber thickness and optic nerve head blood flow in female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome / Avaliação da espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina e fluxo sanguíneo da cabeça do nervo óptico em pacientes do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de síndrome de fibromialgia

ABSTRACT Purpose: Numerous neuroimaging and ophthalmic studies suggest optic nerve involvement in fi­bromyalgia syndrome. To further elucidate the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome, we compared optic nerve head blood flow area and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between patients and controls and investigated the associations of these measures with fibromyalgia syndrome severity. Methods: Participants were divided into the following three groups according to Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score: mild-moderate fibromyalgia syndrome (Group 1, n=47), severe fibromyalgia syndrome (Group 2, n=38), and healthy controls (Group 3, n=38). The optic nerve head blood flow area and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography and compared among groups by ANOVA. Associations with fibromyalgia syndrome severity were evaluated by Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: Optic nerve head blood flow area did not differ between fibromyalgia syndrome Groups 1 and 2 (1.61 ± 0.08 vs.1.63 ± 0.09 mm2), but it was significantly lower in control Group 3 (1.49 ± 0.10 mm2, all p=0.001). Average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values were significantly lower in Group 2 (101.18 ± 6.03 mm) than in Group 1 (103.21 ± 10.66 mm) and Group 3 (106.51 ± 8.88 mm) (p=0.041 and 0.020, respectively). The inferotemporal (134.36 ± 12.19 mm) and inferonasal (109.47 ± 16.03 mm) quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 [inferotemporal (142.15 ± 17.79 mm), inferonasal (117.94 ± 20.53 mm)] and Group 3 [inferotemporal (144.70 ± 16.25 mm), inferonasal (118.63 ± 19.01 mm)] [inferotemporal, p=0.017 and 0.010, respectively; inferonasal, p=0.047 and 0.045, respectively]. The nasal-superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness value was higher in Group 3 (91.08 ± 12.11 mm) than in Group 1 (84.34 ± 13.09 mm) and Group 2 (85.26 ± 13.11 mm) (p=0.031 and 0.038, respectively). A weak correlation was detected between disease severity and optic nerve head blood flow area. Conclusion: Neural and vascular structures of the eye are altered in fibromyalgia syndrome, particularly among severe cases. Therefore, optical coherence tomography angiography may provide valuable information for the diagnosis and elucidation of fibromyalgia syndrome pathophysiology.

RESUMO Objetivo: Numerosos estudos de neuroimagem e oftalmologia sugerem o acometimento do nervo óptico na síndrome de fibromialgia. Para esclarecer a etiopatogenia da síndrome de fibromialgia, comparamos a área de fluxo sanguíneo da cabeça do nervo óptico e a espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina entre pacientes e o grupo controle, e examinamos as associações dessas medidas com a severidade da síndrome de fibromialgia. Métodos: Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a pontuação no Questionário de Impacto da Fibromialgia: síndrome de fibromialgia leve a moderada (Grupo 1, n=47), síndrome de fibromialgia grave (Grupo 2, n=38) e controles saudáveis (Grupo 3, n=38). A área de fluxo sanguíneo da cabeça do nervo óptico e a espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina foram medidas por angiotomografia de coerência óptica e comparadas entre os grupos por ANOVA. As associações com a severidade da síndrome de fibromialgia foram avaliadas pela análise de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: A área de fluxo sanguíneo da cabeça do nervo óptico não diferiu entre os Grupos 1 e 2 da síndrome de fibromialgia (1,61 ± 0,08 contra 1,63 ± 0,09 mm2), mas foi significativamente menor no Grupo 3, de controle (1,49 ± 0,10 mm2, todos com p=0,001). Os valores médios da espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina foram significativamente menores no Grupo 2 (101,18 ± 6,03 mm) em comparação com o Grupo 1 (103,21 ± 10,66 mm) e o Grupo 3 (106,51 ± 8,88 mm) (p=0,041, p=0,020). Os valores da espessura da camada de fibras nervosas no quadrante inferotemporal (134,36 ± 12,19 mm) e inferonasal (109,47 ± 16,03 mm) foram significativamente menores no Grupo 2 em comparação com o Grupo 1 (inferotemporal 142,15 ± 17,79 mm, inferonasal 117,94 ± 20,53 mm) e o Grupo 3 (inferotemporal 144,70 ± 16,25 mm, inferonasal 118,63 ± 19,01 mm) Para o quadrante inferotemporal, foram obtidos p=0,017 e p=0,010 para o Grupo 2 em comparação respectivamente com os Grupos 1 e 3, e para o quadrante inferonasal, p=0,047 e p=0,045, respectivamente para os mesmos grupos. A espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina no quadrante nasal superior foi maior no Grupo 3 (91,08 ± 12,11 mm) que no Grupo 1 (84,34 ± 13,09 mm) e no Grupo 2 (85,26 ± 13,11 mm); p=0,031 e p=0,038. Houve uma correlação fraca entre a severidade da doença e a área de fluxo sanguíneo na cabeça do nervo óptico. Conclusão: As estruturas neurais e vasculares do olho estão alteradas na síndrome da fibromialgia, principalmente nos casos graves. Assim, a angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica pode fornecer informações valiosas para o diagnóstico e elucidação da fisiopatologia da síndrome de fibromialgia.

COVID-19 pandemic and blood transfusion services: The impact, response and preparedness experience of a tertiary care blood center in southern Karnataka, India

Abstract Introduction With the outbreak of COVID-19 and its containment measures, blood centers faced a huge challenge in balancing blood demand and supply and devising a preparedness plan to withstand the uncertain situation. This study assesses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services and discusses the appropriate mitigation strategies adopted. Methods We analyzed our center's blood transfusion services during the first half-period of the pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years 2018(Y1) and 2019(Y2) in two-quarters Q1 (pre-lockdown), from January to March and Q2 (post-lockdown), from April to June. The blood donation variables, the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) demand and the utilization pattern were compared between pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2) in each quarter. The mitigation strategy adopted at every step of the transfusion service is highlighted. Results During post-lockdown (Q2) of the pandemic year (Y3), the blood donation was majorly by repeat donors (83%) from the in-house site (82.5%). Furthermore, the proportion of outdoor donation, deferral, blood collection, demand and issue demonstrated a significant drop of 50%, 32.6%, 33%, 31.8% and 32.3%, respectively, in comparison to Q2 of the non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2), with a statistically significant difference for surgical and hemorrhagic indications (p < 0.05). Coping strategies, such as blood donor education and motivation using e-platforms emphasizing eligibility during the pandemic, staggering of donor in-flow, postponement of elective surgeries and donor and staff' COVID-19 safety assurance, were followed. Conclusion The timely adoption of coping strategies played a crucial role in the better handling of shortcomings at our center's blood transfusion services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of thoracic artery blood supply on the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant peripheral pulmonary lesions / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate whether the existence of thoracic artery blood supply in peripheral pulmonary lesions is the key factor affecting the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant lesions.Methods:From June 2020 to December 2021, a total of 170 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions were consecutively enrolled in Xi′an Chest Hospital, and all patients underwent conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS). Taking ΔAT(lesion-lung arrival time difference ) of 2.5 seconds as the cut-off point for differentiating benign and malignant lesions(ΔAT<2.5 s for benign, ΔAT≥2.5 s for malignant), and the final pathological results as the gold standard, these patiens were divided into correct classification group and wrong classification group, and the main influencing factors of wrong classification were analyzed.Results:Compared with the correct classification group, the proportion of thoracic artery blood supply in the wrong classification group was significantly higher ( P<0.001). After adjusting the dendritic venous reflux, thoracic artery blood supply was an independent influencing factor for CEUS misclassification ( OR=3.531, 95% CI=1.805-6.908, P<0.001). In the patients with thoracic artery blood supply, the sensitivity of the absence of dendritic venous reflux in judging malignant peripulmonary lesions was 75.0%, the specificity was 91.3%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.832 (95% CI=0.715-0.915, P<0.001), while the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of CEUS in judging malignant peripulmonary lesions were 68.7%, 67.4% and 0.659 (95% CI=0.528-0.775, P=0.006), and there was significant statistical difference in the AUC between them( P<0.001). In the group of patients without thoracic arterial blood supply, the sensitivity of the absence of dendritic venous reflux in judging malignant peripulmonary lesions was 82.8%, the specificity was 63.3%, and the AUC was 0.730 (95% CI=0.636-0.811, P<0.001), while the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of CEUS in judging malignant peripulmonary lesions were 62.1%, 81.0% and 0.684 (95% CI=0.587-0.770, P=0.003), and there was no significant difference in the AUC between them ( P=0.425). Conclusions:The presence of thoracic artery blood supply significantly decrease the diagnostic efficiency of CEUS in differentiating benign and malignant of peripheral pulmonary lesions. For peripheral pulmonary lesions with thoracic arterial blood supply, the diagnostic efficiency of dendritic venous reflux is better than CEUS, while for lesions without thoracic artery supply, the diagnostic efficiency of dendritic venous reflux is equivalent to CEUS.

Establishment and evaluation of a competitive performance evaluation system for blood centers / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the establishment of a competitive performance evaluation management program for blood centers to ensure the blood supply. 【Methods】 A competitive performance evaluation system for Blood Donor Service Department of blood centers in eastern Shenzhen was established. The data concerning blood collection after (May to October 2021, the experiment group) and before (the corresponding period in 2020, the control) the launch of evaluation system was compared, including the proportion of total/novel blood donors in fixed donation sites, the donation rate of 400 mL and pre-collection deferral rate; collected units per shift, the average collection volume of staff, and the growth rate of per capita donation; the proportion of first-time/repeated/double-dose platelet apheresis donors; the proportion of transfer-in/transfer-out of red blood cells; the ratio of group to street blood donors. 【Results】 The proportion of total/novel blood donors in fixed donation sites(81.13% vs 75.87%), the donation rate of 400 mL(58.14% vs 57.91%) and pre-collection deferral rate(76.55% vs 65.92%) in the experimental group was higher than that of the control, while the proportion of pre-collection deferral was lower(18.87% vs 24.13%) (P<0.05). Compared by the control, the units collected per shift, the average collection volume of staff and the blood donation per capita at fixed sites in the experiment group increased by 54.29%, 52.21%, and 3.36% (P<0.05). The proportion of first-time platelet donors was greater than that in the control(43.90% vs 19.61%), while the proportion of repeated platelet donors was lower (56.10% vs 80.39%). The proportion of double-dose platelet donors was lower than that in the control(12.62% vs 22.19%) (P<0.05). The amount of red blood cells transfer-in was 0%, lower than 2.38% in the control group(P<0.05), while the amount of red blood cell transfer-out was 1.86%, higher than 0% in the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of group blood donors decreased from 24% to 15.19%, while street blood donors increased from 76% to 84.81% (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Proper competitive performance evaluation system can effectively mobilize employee motivation, improve the efficacy of blood collection and internal management, and ensure clinical blood supply.

SARS-CoV-2 epidemic and blood safety / 中国输血杂志

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen that causes novel coronavirus pneumonia. The SARS-CoV-2 mainly transmits through respiratory tract. However, RNA of this virus can be detected in blood samples of some infected cases. This paper herein reviewed the risk of transfusion transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and relevant preventive measures. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 endemic on blood supply and the corresponding strategy were also discussed in this article.

Endoscopic management of sinonasal vascular tumors without embolization: Our experience with vessel ligation

Objective@#To present our surgical experience and technique in performing endoscopic sinus surgery for vascular sinonasal tumors without pre-operative embolization using intraoperative ligation of the external carotid artery or its distal branches.@*Methods@#Design: Retrospective Series. Setting: Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital. Participants: Seven Patients. @*Results@#Out of 7 patients (5 males, 2 females, aged 12 to 64 years old) with non-embolized vascular sinonasal tumors, 2 had juvenile angiofibroma, 3 had a benign vascular tumor (hemangiopericytoma, hemangioma and a vasoformative solitary fibrous tumor), and 2 had a malignancy (rhabdomyosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma). Four (57.1%) had external carotid artery ligation, two (28.6%) had internal maxillary artery ligation and one (14.2%) had sphenopalatine artery ligation. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 2447.1 mL (range 900mL to 5,000mL) and average operation duration was 7.6 hours (range 2.9 hours to 14.5 hours). The average amount of transfused blood products was 1785.7mL (zero to 3,000mL). The average hospital stay was 7 days (range 2 to 13 days) with one post-operative complication (ICU admission for hypotension from intraoperative blood loss). @*Conclusion@#Intraoperative ligation of the ECA or its distal branches to disrupt the vascular supply of sinonasal tumors may provide a viable means of preventing excessive intraoperative blood loss in patients with non-embolized vascular sinonasal tumors.

The left gastro-omental vessels are able to maintain the entire spleen blood supply / Os vasos gastromentais esquerdos são capazes de manter o suprimento sanguíneo de todo o baço

Abstract The spleen is supplied by blood flow through the splenic artery and vein. The purpose of this communication is to report an ectopic spleen supplied only by reverse flow through the left gastro-omental vessels. A 14-year-old boy presented with pelvic splenomegaly supplied only by the left gastro-omental artery and veins connected to the inferior polar vessels, which were the only vessels communicating with the spleen. After detorsion of the spleen and splenopexy, the spleen returned to normal dimensions. The patient had uneventful follow-up. In conclusion, the left gastroepiploic vessels are able to maintain the entire spleen blood supply.

Resumo O baço é suprido pelo fluxo sanguíneo da artéria e veia esplênicas. O objetivo desta comunicação é apresentar um baço ectópico suprido apenas pelo fluxo sanguíneo reverso proveniente dos vasos gastromentais esquerdos. Um paciente de 14 anos apresentou esplenomegalia pélvica suprida apenas por artéria e veia gastromentais esquerdas, conectadas aos vasos polares inferiores, que eram os únicos presentes nesse baço. Após a distorção do baço e a esplenopexia, o baço voltou às dimensões normais. Não houve intercorrências no acompanhamento do paciente. Em conclusão, os vasos gastromentais esquerdos são capazes de suprir o fluxo sanguíneo de todo o baço.

Optimization of red blood cell unit storage during SARS-COV-2 Pandemic: adopting new strategies to ensure supply in a decentralized blood bank in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: As coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) spread worldwide and social restrictions were intensified, difficulties in blood supply were expected to result in a shortage of blood donors, logistic issues and a change in blood consumption. Consequences could be detrimental to the meeting of the blood supply demand, especially in a decentralized blood bank in the State of São Paulo responsible for providing blood to more than 100 hospitals, mostly of the public health system. Aiming to minimize negative effects and focusing on maintenance of the blood supply, a different approach was discussed and adopted. Materials and methods: Briefly, strategies were related to monitoring and promoting measures to achieve a positive RBC unit balance. Thus, the number of donors, transfusions, RBC unit inventory, RBC unit loss and RBC units within up to 5 days from the expiration date were evaluated. Results: Several strategies were adopted to ensure sufficient availability of RBC units: blood donation was improved with social media and extra blood collections, a restrictive transfusion protocol was implemented, a new logistic process to use RBC units closer to the expiration date was established and non-isogroup transfusions were avoided. Conclusion: Altogether, described strategies were crucial to optimize blood storage during the pandemic. Investing in monitoring and logistics contributed to a positive RBC unit balance and conserving these strategies could be useful.

Prostatic artery embolization for giant prostatic hyperplasia: a single-center experience / Embolização das artérias prostáticas para o tratamento da hiperplasia prostática gigante: experiência de um único centro

Abstract Objective: To describe the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with a markedly enlarged prostate. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study including 18 consecutive patients (mean age, 74 years) with benign prostatic hyperplasia, all with a prostate volume ≥ 200 cm3, who were enrolled to receive PAE for the treatment of moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Results: The PAE procedure was technically successful in 17 patients (94.4%). During follow-up, clinical failure (defined as an International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥ 8) was observed in two (11.1%) of those 18 patients. At 3 months of follow-up, there was significant improvement over baseline in all relevant outcome measures: total IPSS (from 15.7 to 2.9); IPSS quality of life score (from 5.2 to 1.0); prostate specific antigen (from 11.4 to 1.82 ng/mL); peak urinary flow rate (from 7.45 to 18.6 mL/s); prostate volume (from 252.4 to 151.6 cm3); and post-void residual volume (from 143.7 to 28.3 mL)-p < 0.05 for all. Of the 18 patients, one (5.6%) presented detachment of prostate tissue and self-limited hematuria, which did not require specific treatment. Conclusion: In patients with a markedly enlarged prostate, PAE proved to be safe and effective, resulting in significant improvements in clinical, imaging, and urodynamic parameters.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a segurança e eficácia da embolização das artérias prostáticas (EAP) em pacientes com próstatas muito aumentadas (≥ 200 cm3). Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 18 pacientes consecutivos com hiperplasia prostática benigna portadores de próstatas ≥ 200 cm3 (idade média de 74 anos), que foram submetidos a EAP para tratar sintomas de trato urinário inferior moderados a graves. Resultados: A EAP foi tecnicamente bem-sucedida em 17 pacientes (94,4%). Falha clínica (IPSS ≥ 8) foi detectada em dois pacientes durante o seguimento (11,1%). Observamos melhora significativa em todos os parâmetros relevantes aos três meses de acompanhamento: IPSS: 15,7 vs. 2,9; qualidade de vida: 5,2 vs. 1,0); PSA: 11,4 vs. 1,82 ng/mL; pico de fluxo urinário: 7,45 vs. 18,6 mL/s); volume prostático: 252,4 vs. 151,6 cm3; e volume urinário residual: 143,7 vs. 28,3 mL - p < 0,05 para todos). Um paciente (5,6%) apresentou eliminação de tecido prostático e hematúria autolimitada durante o seguimento, que não necessitou de tratamento específico. Conclusão: A EAP em pacientes com próstata muito aumentada foi segura e eficaz, com significativas melhoras clínica, urodinâmica e imaginológica.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with ocular and non-ocular Behcet disease / Achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with Behçet disease with and without ocular involvement. Methods: A total of 40 patients with Behçet disease and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Retinal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus, foveal avascular zone area and perimeter, acirculatory index, foveal density, and nonflow area in the superficial retina were automatically measured using the optical coherence tomography angiography software AngioVue and compared between the groups. Results: The mean parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus and foveal density were significantly lower in the eyes with Behçet uveitis compared to the eyes without Behçet uveitis and eyes of the healthy controls. In the eyes with Behçet uveitis, logMAR visual acuity showed a moderate correlation with parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities and foveal density (r=-0.43, p=0.006; r=-0.62, p<0.001; r=-0.42, p=0.008; respectively). Conclusion: Behçet disease with posterior uveitis was associated with significant perifoveal and parafoveal vascular decrements in the superficial and deep retina.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular. Métodos: Foram incluídos 40 pacientes com doença de Behçet e 30 controles saudáveis. A densidade vascular retiniana nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, a zona avascular foveal, o índice de circularidade, a densidade foveal e a área sem fluxo da retina superficial foram medidos automaticamente, através do software AngioVue para angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica, e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: A densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal média nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, bem como a densidade foveal, foram significativamente menores nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet em comparação com os olhos sem uveíte de Behçet e os olhos dos controles saudáveis. Nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet, a acuidade visual logMAR mostrou correlação moderada com a densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal e com a densidade foveal (respectivamente, r=-0,43, p=0,006; r=-0,62, p<0,001; e r=-0,42, p = 0,008). Conclusão: A doença de Behçet com uveíte posterior foi associada a decréscimos significativos da vascularização perifoveal e parafoveal na retina superficial e profunda.(AU)

Location and Vascular Classification of 188 parathyroid glands in New Zealand White Rabbits / [Localização e Classificação Vascular de 188 glândulas paratireoidianas em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia]

The function and protection of the parathyroid glands are increasingly popular research topics. New Zealand white rabbits are the most commonly used animal model of parathyroid ischemia. However, information on the vasculature of their parathyroid glands is limited. We used 94 healthy New Zealand white rabbits, 3-4 months of age and 2-3kg in weight, for exploration of the parathyroid glands, which were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) after removal. The following types were classified according to the relationship between the position of the inferior parathyroid gland and the thyroid: Type A, Close Type, Type B, and Distant Type. There were 188 cases, 4 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located near the dorsal side of thyroid (2.13%), 8 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located superior to the upper pole of the thyroid (4.26%), 20 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located parallel to the thyroid (10.64%), and 155 cases where the inferior parathyroid glands were located inferior to the lower pole of thyroid (82.45%). Identifying the location and classifying the vasculature of the parathyroid glands in New Zealand white rabbits will provide an anatomical model to assist in future research.(AU)

A função e proteção das glândulas paratireoidianas é um tópico de pesquisa cada vez mais popular. Coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia são o modelo animal mais comumente usada para isquemia da paratireóide. Porém, informação sobre a vasculatura de suas glândulas paratireóides é limitada. Foram usados 94 coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia saudáveis, com 3-4 meses de idade, 2-3kg de peso, para exploração das glândulas paratireóides, que foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) após a remoção. Os seguintes tipos foram classificados de acordo com a relação entre a posição da glândula paratireoidiana inferior e a tireoide: Tipo A, Tipo Próximo, Tipo B e Tipo Distante. Houve 188 casos, 4 em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas próximas ao lado dorsal da tireoide (2.13%), 8 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas superiores ao polo superior da tireoide (4.26%), 20 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas paralelo à tireoide (10.64%) e 155 casos em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas inferiores ao polo inferior da tireoide (82.45%). A identificação da localização e a classificação da vasculatura das glândulas paratireóides em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia fornecerão um modelo anatômico para auxiliar em pesquisas futuras.(AU)

Research Progress on Assessment of Blood Supply of Spinal Tumors and Methods of Reducing Intraoperative Blood Loss / 肿瘤防治研究

In order to avoid the intra- and post-operative risks caused by massive blood loss, there are various clinical methods for evaluating the blood supply of the tumor and the distribution of blood vessels around the tumor before surgery, such as dynamic enhanced CT, dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, digital subtraction angiography, etc. And there are a variety of pre- and intra-operative methods to reduce tumor bleeding, such as transarterial vertebral tumor embolization, percutaneous or transpedicular injection of Onyx/NBCA, antifibrinolytic drugs, controlled deliberate hypotension, etc. This article reviews on spinal tumor blood supply assessment and the methods to reduce the amount of surgical bleeding.

Investigation and analysis of clinical blood supply in Xi′an / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the development and changes of blood use in various hospitals through statistical analysis of clinical blood use data in Xi′an, so as to provide basis for the decision making of blood banks to formulate and adjust the blood donation recruitment, collection, preparation and supply plan. 【Methods】 The clinical blood supply data of Shaanxi Blood Center from 2015 to 2019 were collected, and statistical analysis was conducted in terms of red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. 【Results】 The blood supply in Xi′an showed an upward trend from 2015 to 2019, and the blood supply in 2019 was the highest in history(737 852 U). Both tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals had shown an increasing trend in blood consumption, and the average consumption of red blood cells and plasma per person in operation kept decreasing year by year. The consumption of red blood cells in municipal hospitals and private hospitals had increased greatly, and the average consumption of red blood cells per person in operation had shown a downward trend. The amount of platelet use in all kinds of hospitals increased significantly. The proportion of platelet supply in the total annual blood supply kept increasing year by year. The ratio of platelet consumption to red blood cells consumption (hereinafter referred to as platelet-to-red blood cells ratio) in tertiary hospitals was higher than that in secondary hospitals. The platelet-to-red blood cells ratio of all kinds of hospitals had increased year by year. 【Conclusion】 The increase in the number of clinical diagnosis and treatment is the main reason for the increasing demand for clinical blood supply year by year. On this basis, the government and blood banks can predict the clinical blood demand and adjust the plan of blood donation in time. There is still much room for improvement in the annual platelet collection in Xi′an. Hospitals with higher levels of clinical disciplines have relatively high plate-to-blood ratios.The ratio of plasma to red blood cells consumption in tertiary hospitals is abnormal, there might be unreasonable use of blood.