Application of back-forward Bending CT localization image in the prediction of proximal junctional kyphosis after spinal deformity surgery in adults / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of predicting proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in adults after spinal deformity surgery based on back-forward Bending CT localization images and related predictive indicators.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed for 31 adult patients with spinal deformity who underwent posterior osteotomy and long-segment fusion fixation between March 2017 and March 2020. There were 5 males and 26 females with an average age of 62.5 years (range, 30-77 years). The upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) located at T 5 in 1 case, T 6 in 1 case, T 9 in 13 cases, T 10 in 12 cases, and T 11 in 4 cases. The lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV) located at L 1 in 3 cases, L 2 in 3 cases, L 3 in 10 cases, L 4 in 7 cases, L 5 in 5 cases, and S 1 in 3 cases. Based on the full-length lateral X-ray film of the spine in the standing position before and after operation and back-forward Bending CT localization images before operation, the sagittal sequence of the spine was obtained, and the relevant indexes were measured, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA) [the difference between the different positions before operation (recovery value) was calculated], kyphosis flexibility, hyperextension sagittal vertical axis (hSVA), T 2-L 5 hyperextension C 7-vertebral sagittal offset (hC 7-VSO), and pre- and post-operative proximal junctional angle (PJA). At last follow-up, the patients were divided into PJK and non-PJK groups based on PJA to determine whether they had PJK. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), number of fusion segments, number of cases with coronal plane deformity, bone mineral density (T value), UIV position, LIV position, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, osteotomy grading, and related imaging indicators were compared between the two groups. The hC 7-VSO of the vertebral body with significant differences between groups was taken, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate its accuracy in predicting the occurrence of PJK.@*RESULTS@#All 31 patients were followed up 13-52 months, with an average of 30.0 months. The patient's PJA was 1.4°-29.0° at last follow-up, with an average of 10.4°; PJK occurred in 8 cases (25.8%). There was no significant difference in gender, age, BMI, number of fusion segments, number of cases with coronal plane deformity, bone mineral density (T value), UIV position, LIV position, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and osteotomy grading between the two groups ( P>0.05). Imaging measurements showed that the LL recovery value and T 8-L 3 vertebral hC 7-VSO in the PJK group were significantly higher than those in the non-PJK group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in hyperextension TK, hyperextension LL, hyperextension LKCA, TK recovery value, LL recovery value, kyphosis flexibility, hSVA, and T 2-T 7, L 4, L 5 vertebral hC 7-VSO ( P>0.05). T 8-L 3 vertebral hC 7-VSO was analyzed for ROC curve, and combined with the area under curve and the comprehensive evaluation of sensitivity and specificity, the best predictive index was hC 7-L 2, the cut-off value was 2.54 cm, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 60.9%.@*CONCLUSION@#Preoperative back-forward Bending CT localization image can be used to predict the occurrence of PJK after posterior osteotomy and long-segment fusion fixation in adult spinal deformity. If the patient's T 8-L 2 vertebral hC 7-VSO is too large, it indicates a higher risk of postoperative PJK. The best predictive index is hC 7-L 2, and the cut-off value is 2.54 cm.

Arritmia ventricular maligna asociada a un gossypiboma: reporte de un caso / Malignant ventricular arrhythmia associated to gossypiboma: clinical case report / Arritmia ventricular maligna vinculada a gossypiboma: reporte de um caso clínico

Un gossypiboma, oblitoma o textiloma se define como todo cuerpo extraño olvidado en el interior de un paciente durante una intervención quirúrgica. Representa una complicación posquirúrgica poco frecuente pero de consecuencias potencialmente graves. En general, se manifiesta con cuadros clínicos variables: una masa o pseudotumor, sangrados, fiebre, dolor, varios meses o años después de la cirugía original. También puede ser un hallazgo accidental. Describimos el caso clínico de una paciente con un gossypiboma vinculado a una cirugía cardíaca que se realizó 40 años antes al cuadro clínico actual, que se presenta con arritmia ventricular maligna.

A gossypiboma, oblitoma or textiloma is defined as a surgical object left in the interior of the body after surgery. It represents an uncommon but potentially life threatening post-surgery complication. Clinical manifestations are variable and depend on location, relations and size, from pseudo-tumoral masses, bleeding, fever, pain and other nonspecific presentations. The onset of symptoms is unpredictable, occurring from months or years after surgery. Patients may course asymptomatically and be diagnosed incidentally as an imaging finding. We describe a case of a patient with gossypiboma diagnosed 40 years after undergoing cardiac surgery, who presented with a malignant ventricular arrhythmia.

Um gossypiboma, oblitoma ou textiloma está definido como todo corpo estranho esquecido no interior de um paciente durante um procedimento cirúrgico, representando uma complicação pos cirúrgica pouco frequente, mas com consequências potencialmente graves. Geralmente, se manifesta com quadros clínicos variáveis: uma massa ou pseudotumor, sangramentos, febre, dor, varios meses ou anos após a cirurgia original ou ser um hachado acidental. Descrevemos o caso clínico de uma paciente com um gossypiboma vinculado a uma cirurgia cardíaca realizada 40 anos antes do quadro clínico atual, que se apresenta com arritmia ventricular maligna.

Hallazgos imagenológicos de la apendicitis de muñón / Imagenological findings of stump apendicitis

Resumen La apendicitis del muñón es una complicación poco frecuente de la apendicectomía. Puede aparecer desde unas semanas a varios años luego del procedimiento quirúrgico. Para arribar a su diagnóstico es necesario un alto índice de sospecha. El objetivo de esta publicación es hacer una reseña de dos casos de esta entidad ocurridos en nuestra institución y mencionar sus hallazgos imagenológicos más frecuentes. La tomografía computarizada es un excelente método para valorar esta entidad, no solo para su diagnóstico sino también para descartar otras patologías que presentan un cuadro clínico similar.

Abstract Stump appendicitis is a rare complication of appendectomy. It may develop from a few weeks to several years after the surgical procedure. To achieve its diagnosis a high index of suspicion is necessary. The objective of this publication is to make a re view of two cases of this entity that occurred in our institution and to mention its most frequent imaging findings. Computed tomography is an excellent method to assess this entity, not only for its diagnosis but also to rule out other pathologies that present similar clinical features.

Echocardiographically measured epicardial fat predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: The current study aims to investigate the role of echocardiographically measured epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in the prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients scheduled to undergo isolated on-pump CABG due to coronary artery disease were enrolled to the current study. Patient characteristics, medical history and perioperative variables were prospectively collected. EAT thickness was measured using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Any documented episode of new-onset postoperative AF (POAF) until discharge was defined as the study endpoint. Fortyfour participants with POAF served as AF group and 80 patients without AF served as Non-AF group. Results: Two groups were similar in terms of baseline echocardiographic and laboratory findings. In laboratory findings, the groups were similar in terms of the studied parameters, except N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT Pro-BNP), which was higher in AF group than in Non-AF group (P=0.035). The number of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts was not different in both groups. AF group had higher cross-clamp (CC) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times than Non-AF group (P=0.01 and P<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EAT was found an independent predictor for the development of POAF (OR 4.47, 95% CI 3.07-5.87, P=0.001). Conclusion: We have shown that EAT thickness is associated with increased risk of AF development and can be used as a prognostic marker for this purpose.

Lesión quirúrgica del conducto hepático derecho: tratamiento combinado laparoscópico-endoscópico / Right hepatic bile duct injury: a single stage combined laparoscopic-endoscopic treatment

RESUMEN El tratamiento de las lesiones quirúrgicas de las vías biliares (LQVB), empleando procedimientos quirúrgicos de mínimo acceso en forma conjunta, a pesar de sus beneficios, ha sido escasamente reportado. Describimos el tratamiento combinado láparoendoscópico, en una paciente con fístula biliar y estenosis postoperatoria del conducto hepático derecho (CHD). Con base en la descripción de un caso clínico, ilustramos la técnica quirúrgica y evaluamos su aplicabilidad y resultados. Empleando colangiografía laparoscópica, identificamos la fistula biliar y demostramos la oclusión del CHD por un clip metálico, el cual fue retirado mediante guía fluoroscópica. Realizamos maniobra de "rendezvous" biliar y colocamos de prótesis plástica endoscópica. La fístula biliar resolvió en 12 días y a 40 meses de seguimiento, la paciente permanece sin alteraciones. El abordaje láparo-endoscópico, aunque técnicamente demandante, resultó efectivo para el tratamiento de esta paciente. Su seguimiento es fundamental y de especial interés, a fin de evaluar los resultados a largo plazo.

ABSTRACT Treatment of bile ducts injuries (BDI) treatment, combining minimally access surgical techniques, although their benefits, has been scarcely reported. We described a combined laparoscopic-endoscopic procedure, carried out in a patient with postoperative right hepatic duct (RHD) injury associated to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Based on a clinical case description, we illustrate the surgical technique and assess their applicability and results. A biliary fistula was identified employing laparoscopic cholangiography and a metallic clip applied, producing RHD occlusion, was retrieved under fluoroscopic guidance. A biliary "rendezvous" maneuver was done for positioning an endoscopic biliary stent. The biliary fistula disappeared within two weeks and during 40-months of follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic. Laparoscopic-endoscopic approach, although technically demanding, resulted effective to treat this patient. A Continuous follow-up is essential for evaluating the long-term results.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch after surgical aortic valve replacement: neither uncommon nor harmless

Abstract Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is an issue that has been overlooked (not to say neglected). Cardiac surgeons must bear in mind that this is a real problem that we must tackle. The purpose of this paper is to be a wake-up call to the surgical community by giving a brief overview of what PPM is, its incidence and impact on the outcomes. We also discuss the increasing role played by imaging for predicting and assessing PPM after SAVR (with which surgeons must become more acquainted) and, finally, we present some options to avoid PPM after the surgical procedure.

Protocolo ultrasonográfico enfocado en cirugía cardiaca posquirúrgica CCROSS (Cardiac, Cerebral, Renal, Optic nerve, lung ultraSound Study) / Ultrasonographic protocol focused on post cardiac surgery CCROSS (Cardiac, Cerebral, Renal, Optic nerve, lung ultraSound Study)

Resumen El uso de ecocardiografía enfocada es de gran utilidad en la valoración, tratamiento y seguimiento del paciente en estado crítico. Es, junto con la clínica y el estetoscopio, una herramienta que complementa el actuar del médico ante las diversas etiologías que determinan un estado de choque o aumentan la morbimortalidad, especialmente en pacientes posquirúrgicos de cirugía cardíaca, en quienes no se tiene algoritmos de manejo emergente en el posquirúrgico. Ante tal situación, en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez se ha realizado y propuesto un algoritmo de manejo en los pacientes posquirúrgicos cardíacos: mediante ultrasonografía enfocada, abarcando ecoscopia transtorácica, ultrasonido pulmonar, ultrasonido del nervio óptico y renal mediante la valoración de índices resistivos renales. Diversas sociedades han creado sus protocolos de abordaje en pacientes en estado crítico, por lo que en el Instituto, específicamente en la terapia intensiva cardiovascular, ha creado el protocolo CCROSS (Cardiac, Cerebral, Renal, Optic nerve, lung ultraSound Study) para el abordaje inicial de estos pacientes y se encuentra en marcha actualmente un estudio para su validación, reproducibilidad y eficacia.

Abstract The use of echocardiography is very useful in the evaluation, treatment and follow-up of the patient in critical condition. Along with clinic and the stethoscope, it is a tool that complements the act of the physician faced with the diversity of etiologies that determine the state of shock and increase morbidity and mortality, especially in post cardiac surgery patients, in whom there are no management emergency postsurgical algorithms. In view of this situation, at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, a management algorithm has been made and improved in cardiac postsurgical patients: through focused ultrasonography, including transthoracic echography, pulmonary ultrasound, optic nerve ultrasound, and renal ultrasound by evaluating renal resistive indices. Several societies have created their protocols for addressing patients in critical condition, so in the Institute, specifically in cardiovascular intensive therapy, has created the CCROSS protocol (Cardiac, Cerebral, Renal, Optic nerve, lung UltraSound Study) for the initial approach of these patients, and it is being carried out a study for its validation, reproducibility and efficacy.

Posttraumatic biloma formation: diagnosis and management

One of the rarest complications of the hepatic trauma is a biloma, defined as an abnormal bile collection outside the biliary tree, with intra or extrahepatic localization. Patients with biloma do not present with specific clinical features, which demands a challenging radiological diagnosis. In this report, we present a case of biloma due to blunt hepatic trauma, in which the patient experienced a changing symptomatic spectrum after surgery and had an interesting radiological investigation. The clinical course, imaging features, and management of this case are discussed. (AU)

The Role of Quantitative Aortographic Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation by Videodensitometry in the Guidance of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation / Papel da Avaliação Aortográfica Quantitativa da Regurgitação Aórtica por Videodensitometria na Orientação do Implante da Valva Aórtica Transcateter

Abstract Background: Balloon post-dilatation (BPD) is often needed for optimizing transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation, since paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is associated with poor outcome and mortality. Quantitative assessment of PVL severity before and after BPD is mandatory to properly assess PVL, thus improving implantation results and outcomes. Objective: To investigate a quantitative angiographic assessment of aortic regurgitation (AR) by videodensitometry before and after BPD. Methods: Videodensitometric-AR assessments (VD-AR) before and after BPD were analysed in 61 cases. Results: VD-AR decreased significantly from 24.0[18.0-30.5]% to 12.0[5.5-19.0]% (p < 0.001, a two-tailed p < 0.05 defined the statistical significance). The relative delta of VD-AR after BPD ranged from -100% (improvement) to +40% (deterioration) and its median value was -46.2%. The frequency of improvement, no change, and deterioration were 70% (n = 43), 25% (n = 15) and 5% (n = 3), respectively. Significant AR (VD-AR > 17%) was observed in 47 patients (77%) before and in 19 patients (31%) after BPD. Conclusions: VD-AR after THV implantation provides a quantitative assessment of post-TAVI regurgitation and can help in the decision-making process on performing BPD and in determining its efficacy.

Resumo Fundamento: A pós-dilatação com balão (PDB) é normalmente necessária para otimização do implante da válvula cardíaca transcateter (THV), uma vez que o "escape" ou leak paravalvar (PVL) após implante de valva aórtica transcateter está associada com desfecho ruim e mortalidade. A avaliação quantitativa da gravidade do PVL antes e após a PDB é mandatória para se avaliar adequadamente o PVL e, assim, melhorar os resultados e os desfechos do implante. Objetivo: Investigar uma avalição angiográfica quantitativa da regurgitação aórtica (RA) por videodensitometria (VD-RA) antes e após a PDB. Métodos: Resultados da VD-RA antes e após a PDB foram analisados em 61 casos. Resultados Houve diminuição significativa da VD-RA de 24,0(18,0-30,5)% para 12,0(5,5-19,0)% (p < 0,001; p < 0,05 bilateral foi definido como significância estatística). O delta relativo de VD-RA após a PDB variou de -100% (melhora) a +40% (piora) e o valor mediano foi -46,2%. As frequências de melhora, ausência de mudança, e piora foram 70% (n = 43), 25% (n = 15) e 5% (n = 3), respectivamente. Observou-se RA significativo (VD-RA > 17%) em 47 pacientes (77%) antes e em 19 pacientes (31%) após a PDB. Conclusões: A VD-RA após o implante de THV possibilita a avaliação quantitativa da regurgitação pós-TAVI, e pode auxiliar na tomada de decisão quanto à realização ou não da PDB, bem como na avaliação de sua eficácia.

Resonancia magnética cardíaca en el seguimiento alejado de pacientes con tetralogía de Fallot / Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in long term follow-up of Tetralogy of Fallot

INTRODUCCIÓN: La tetralogía de Fallot (TF) es la cardiopatía congénita cianótica más frecuente. La insuficiencia pulmonar (IP) y dilatación del ventrículo derecho (VD) son las complicaciones más frecuentes a largo plazo. La resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) es el "gold standard" para la evaluación del VD. OBJETIVO: Analizar la información obtenida de las RMC en el seguimiento de pacientes con TF. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se incluyeron RMC realizadas entre 2007 y 2012 a pacientes con TF, reparados con parche transanular (PTA) o ampliación infundibular (AInf) y sin recambio valvular pulmonar (RVP). La fracción de regurgitación pulmonar (FRP), el volumen y función ventricular fueron evaluados. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 122 RMC a 114 pacientes. Edad promedio al examen 15,4 ± 7,4 años. 53,3% presentó IP severa (> 40%). La media del volumen de fin de diástole del VD (VFDVD) fue 157,3 ± 38,6 ml/m2, fin de sístole (VFSVD) de 85,3 ± 27 ml/m2 y fracción de eyección (FEVD) 46,4 ± 7,1%. 48,4% presentaba un VFDVD mayor de 150 ml/m2 y el 32,8% mayor a 170 ml/ m2. El PTA se relacionó con mayores volúmenes de VD que la AInf. VFDVD mayor a 170 ml/m2 mostraron peor FEVD (FEVD 47,9 ± 7% vs 43,2 ± 6,4%, p < 0,01). DISCUSIÓN: Casi la mitad mostró una significativa dilatación del VD demostrando que la indicación de RMC es tardía en el seguimiento. El PTA se asoció con mayores VFDVD y VFSVD pero no a peor FEVD.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most frequent cyanotic congenital heart disease. Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and right ventricle (RV) enlargement and dysfunction are the most common long-term complications. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for RV evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze CMR results in the follow-up of TOF patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: All CMR performed between 2007 and 2012 in TOF patients with transannular patch (TAP) repair or infundibular widening, and without pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) were included. Pulmonary regurgitant fraction (PRF), ventricular end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), and ejection fraction (EF) were examined. RESULTS: 122 CMR were performed in 114 patients. Average age at CMR was 15.4±7.4 years. 53.3% of them presented severe PR (> 40%). RVEDV was 157.3 ± 38.6 ml/m2, RVESV was 85.3 ± 27 ml/m2 and RVEF was 46.4 ± 7.1%. RVEDV was > 150 ml/ m2 in 48.4% and > 170 ml/m2 in 32.8% of patients. Patients with TAP showed larger RV volumes compared with those with infundibular widening. RVEDV > 170 ml/m2 showed worse RVEF that those with lower RVEDV (47.9 ± 7% vs 43.2 ± 6.4%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the pa tients showed significant RV enlargement, demonstrating that the indication of CMR is late in their follow-up. TAP was associated with higher RVEDV and RVESV, but no worse RVEF.

Renal oncocytoma in a kidney transplant patient: the imaging features on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS): a case report / Oncocitoma renal em paciente transplantado: achados de imagem na ultrassonografia com contraste

Abstract Renal oncocytoma is an infrequently reported renal neoplasm, often asymptomatic, which usually behaves as a benign entity and is identified accidentally on radiological imaging. Transplant patients under long-term immunosuppressive drugs have a high prevalence of cancers, such as skin cancers, lymphoproliferative disorders, and renal carcinomas. We present a case report of an asymptomatic renal oncocytoma in a kidney transplant recipient presenting persistent hematuria. The features of computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are presented. This was the first time we used CEUS in a transplant kidney recipient presenting a renal mass, allowing the real-time visualization of contrast-enhancement patterns during all vascular phases for the differential diagnosis of renal tumors. Although the pattern of intense vascularization could mislead to an early judgment as a malignant lesion, it could help to exclude other renal lesions without inducing nephrotoxicity.

Resumo O oncocitoma renal é uma neoplasia renal raramente relatada, muitas vezes assintomática, que geralmente se comporta como uma entidade benigna e é identificada acidentalmente em imagens radiológicas. Pacientes transplantados em regimes imunossupressores de longa duração apresentam alta prevalência de neoplasias tais como câncer de pele, distúrbios linfoproliferativos e carcinomas renais. Apresentamos o relato de um caso de oncocitoma renal assintomático em receptor de transplante renal com hematúria persistente. São apresentados os achados de imagens de tomografia computadorizada e ultrassonografia (US) com contraste. Foi a primeira vez que utilizamos a US com contraste em um receptor de transplante renal que apresentava massa renal, permitindo a visualização em tempo real dos padrões de realce do contraste em todas as fases vasculares para o diagnóstico diferencial dos tumores renais. Embora o padrão de vascularização intensa possa induzir uma avaliação precoce de lesão maligna, o exame ajuda a excluir outras lesões renais sem induzir nefrotoxicidade.

Ensayo pictórico: Imágenes en trasplante de páncreas: ¿qué debemos buscar? / Pictorial essay: Imaging in pancreas transplants: what should we look for?

El trasplante de páncreas es una alternativa terapéutica para pacientes diabéticos con complicaciones metabólicas severas y/o enfermedad renal crónica terminal. En el 80% de los casos, se realiza trasplante simultáneo de páncreas y riñón. El ultrasonido (US) es la técnica de elección para una primera evaluación del injerto, principalmente el modo Doppler espectral. Este último permite la evaluación de la vasculatura y perfusión de injerto. La tomografía computada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) se reservan para la evaluación de complicaciones (Tabla 1). Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de una serie casos de trasplante páncreas-riñón realizada en nuestra institución entre los años 2014 y 2017, con un total de 12 casos.

Pancreas transplantation is a therapeutic alternative for diabetic patients with severe metabolic complications and/or terminal chronic kidney disease. In 80% of cases, a simultaneous transplant of pancreas and kidney is performed. Ultrasound (US) is the technique of choice for a first evaluation of the implant, mainly the spectral Doppler mode, which allows evaluation of the graft vasculature and perfusion. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reserved for the evaluation of complications (Table). A retrospective review of a series of cases of pancreas-kidney transplantation performed at our institution between 2014 and 2017 was carried out, with a total of 12 cases.

Evaluación ecocardiográfica de pacientes pediátricos post-trasplante cardiaco en Chile: Aplicación inicial de un protocolo funcional con Strain longitudinal global / Echocardiographic evaluation after pediatric heart transplant in Chile: initial application of a functional protocol with global longitudinal strain

Resumen: Introducción: La evaluación ecocardiográfica de pacientes post-trasplante cardiaco pediátrico es una herramienta útil. Sin embargo, aún es necesario definir un protocolo óptimo de seguimiento. Obje tivo: Caracterizar los resultados de la aplicación de un protocolo de evaluación ecocardiográfica fun cional en pacientes en control post-trasplante cardiaco pediátrico ortotópico. Pacientes y Método: Posterior al trasplante cardiaco pediátrico se realizó una ecocardiografía con un protocolo funcional que incluyó strain longitudinal global. Se evaluaron además los datos de la biopsia endomiocárdica y del estudio hemodinámico contemporáneos. Resultados: De un total de 9 pacientes sólo 1 presentó disfunción sistólica de ventrículo izquierdo según parámetros clásicos, pero casi la totalidad presentó un strain longitudinal global alterado. No se observaron episodios de rechazo moderado o severo en estos pacientes. Todos los pacientes presentaban disfunción sistólica ventricular derecha. No se ob servó correlación entre estos parámetros y la presión de arteria pulmonar. Conclusiones: Se observó disfunción sistólica biventricular subclínica en la mayoría de los pacientes de esta serie. No hubo aso ciación con episodios de rechazo o con hipertensión pulmonar, lo que podría estar en relación con la ausencia de episodios de rechazo moderado o severo en la biopsia contemporánea y con el reducido tamaño muestral. Sólo el seguimiento a largo plazo de estos pacientes permitirá definir la relevancia clínica de los hallazgos descritos.

Abstract: Introduction: The echocardiographic evaluation of patients after heart transplantation is a useful tool. However, it is still necessary to define an optimal follow-up protocol. Objective: To describe the results of the application of a functional echocardiographic protocol in patients being followed after pediatric heart transplantation. Patients and Method: Alls patients being followed at our institution after pediatric heart transplantation underwent an echocardiographic examination with a functional protocol that included global longitudinal strain. Contemporaneous endomyocardial biopsy results and hemodynamic data were recorded. Results: 9 patients were evaluated with our echocardiographic functional protocol. Of these patients, only 1 showed systolic left ventricular dysfunction according to classic parameters. However, almost all patients had an abnormal global longitudinal strain. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was observed in all patients. No epidodes of moderate to severe rejectiom were recorded. No correlation was observed between these parameters and pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusions: Subclinical biventricular systolic dysfunction was observed in the majority of the patients in this study. No association with rejection episodes or pulmonary hypertension was observed, which may be related to the absence of moderate or severe rejection episodes during the study period, and to the small sample size. Long term follow-up of these patients may better define the clinical relevance of our findings.

The efficacy of thoracic ultrasonography in postoperative newborn patients after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: In this study, the efficacy of thoracic ultrasonography during echocardiography was evaluated in newborns. Methods: Sixty newborns who had undergone pediatric cardiac surgery were successively evaluated between March 1, 2015, and September 1, 2015. Patients were evaluated for effusion, pulmonary atelectasis, and pneumothorax by ultrasonography, and results were compared with X-ray findings. Results: Sixty percent (n=42) of the cases were male, the median age was 14 days (2-30 days), and the median body weight was 3.3 kg (2.8-4.5 kg). The median RACHS-1 score was 4 (2-6). Atelectasis was demonstrated in 66% (n=40) of the cases. Five of them were determined solely by X-ray, 10 of them only by ultrasonography, and 25 of them by both ultrasonography and X-ray. Pneumothorax was determined in 20% (n=12) of the cases. Excluding one case determined by both methods, all of the 11 cases were diagnosed by X-ray. Pleural effusion was diagnosed in 26% (n=16) of the cases. Four of the cases were demonstrated solely by ultrasonography, three of them solely by X-ray, and nine of the cases by both methods. Pericardial effusion was demonstrated in 10% (n=6) of the cases. Except for one of the cases determined by both methods, five of the cases were diagnosed by ultrasonography. There was a moderate correlation when all pathologies evaluated together (k=0.51). Conclusion: Thoracic ultrasonography might be a beneficial non-invasive method to evaluate postoperative respiratory problems in newborns who had congenital cardiac surgery.

Intraparenchymal hematoma as a late complication of retrograde intrarenal surgery

ABSTRACT A 34 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left flank pain. A non-contrast enhanced computerized tomography (NCCT) revealed a 1.5x2cm left proximal ureter stone. Patient was scheduled for ureterorenoscopy (URS) and stone removal. She was submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). At the postoperative 1st day, the patient began to suffer from left flank pain. A NCCT was taken, which revealed a subcapsular hematoma and perirenal fluid. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous fluid, antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and was discharged at the postoperative 6th day. Two weeks after the discharge the patient was admitted to emergency department with severe left flank pain, palpitation and malaise. KUB (kidney-ureter-bladder) radiography showed double-J stent (DJS) to be repositioned to the proximal ureter. Patient was evaluated with contrast enhanced CT which revealed an 8cm intraparenchymal hematoma/abscess in the middle part of the kidney. A percutaneous drainage catheter was inserted into the collection. The percutaneous drainage catheter and the DJS were removed at the 10th day of second hospitalization. RIRS surgery is an effective and feasible choice for renal stones with high success and acceptable complication rates. However, clinician should be alert to possible complications.