Intracranial Atherosclerosis And The Earlobe Crease (Frank's Sign). A Population Study / Aterosclerosis Intracraneal Y Pliegue Auricular (Signo De Frank). Estudio Poblacional

ABSTRACT Background: The earlobe crease (ELC) has been linked to coronary artery disease and other vascular conditions, but there is no information on its association with intracranial atherosclerosis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons (as a surrogate of intracranial atherosclerosis) and ELC in community-dwelling adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods: Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years underwent head CT to estimate calcium content in the carotid siphons, and visual inspection of both earlobes to evaluate the presence of ELC. The association between both variables was assessed by logistic regression models, after adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Of 651 enrolled individuals (mean age: 59.7±12.8 years; 54% women), 225 (35%) had ELC, and 143 (22%) had high calcium content in the carotid siphons. Univariate logistic regression showed a borderline (non-significant) association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons and ELC presence (OR: 1.44; 95% C.I.: 0.99 - 2.12; p=0.057), which disappeared when age (OR: 0.98; 95% C.I.: 0.65 - 1.48; p=0.923) and other covariables (OR: 0.97; 95% C.I.: 0.63 - 1.49; p=0.890) were added to the model. Conclusion: This population study shows no association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons and ELC presence.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El pliegue auricular se ha relacionado con enfermedad coronaria y otras patologías vasculares, pero no hay información sobre su asociación con aterosclerosis intracraneal. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos (como un sustituto de aterosclerosis intracraneal) y el pliegue auricular en adultos viven en zonas rurales de Ecuador. Métodos: Los residentes de Atahualpa de 40 años o más fueron sometidos a TC de cerebro para estimar el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos. Además, ambas orejas fueron examinadas para detectar la presencia de pliegues auriculares. La asociación entre ambas variables se evaluó mediante modelos de regresión logística, ajustados por factores demográficos y de riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados: De 651 individuos enrolados (edad media: 59,7±12,8 años, 54% mujeres), 225 (35%) tuvieron pliegues auriculares y 143 (22%) tuvieron alto contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos. La regresión logística univariada mostró una asociación limítrofe (no significativa) entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos y la presencia de pliegue auricular (OR: 1.44, 95%IC: 0.99 - 2.12, p=0.057), que desapareció cuando la edad (OR: 0.98; 95% I.C.: 0,65 - 1,48; p=0,923) y otras covariables (OR: 0,97; 95% I.C.: 0,63 - 1,49; p=0,890) fueron agregadas al modelo estadístico. Conclusión: El presente estudio no mostró asociación entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotídeos y la presencia de pliegue auricular.

Discoursing on Soxhlet extraction of ginseng using association analysis and scanning electron microscopy / 药物分析学报

Soxhlet extraction is a common method of sample preparation. However, there has been no discussion about the efficiency of Soxhlet extraction from different batches and the factors that cause content fluctuation. In this study, Panax ginseng was selected as a model sample. Soxhlet extraction by means of a water bath, which has always been neglected, was identified as a novel key factor in the poor repeat-ability in different batches of Soxhlet extraction, as it can affect the siphon times and reflux time, which have been positively correlated with the ginsenoside contents. By substituting round bottom flasks in the same column, the relative standard deviation of the most fluctuated compound, ginsenoside Rb1, was decreased from 24.6% to 5.02%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the breakdown of the surface of the ginseng powder in the Soxhlet extraction led to a better dissolution of ginsenosides, indicating that chloroform may promote the extraction of ginsenosides by disrupting the cell structure. Moreover, 70% methanol was regarded as the better solvent for extracting the ginsenosides. Overall, this work offers a practical and effective protocol for improving the accuracy and repeatability of Soxhlet extraction methodology for ginsenosides and other analytes.

Siphoning diesel: a fatal mistake

Diesel is commonly used as fuel for engines and is distilled from petroleum. Diesel has toxic potential and can affect multiple organs. Exposure can occur after ingestion, inhalation or through the dermal route. The practice of siphoning diesel using a rubber tubing and the mouth is common in rural communities. This can lead to accidental ingestion and aspiration. Here we report a case of a patient who accidentally ingested diesel during siphoning, which caused extensive erosion of the oral cavity and oesophagus leading to pneumomediastinum and severe chemical lung injury. The patient responded well initially to steroids and supportive care but required prolonged hospitalisation. He developed complications of nosocomial infection and succumbed 23 days after admission.

Application of thin-section computed tomographic images in measurement of safe range from foramen rotundum to siphon of internal carotid artery for operation through pterygopalatine fossa / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To measure the safe range from the foramen rotundum to the siphon of internal carotid artery using three-dimensional reconstruction technique, and to provide guidance for operation through pterygopalatine fossa.Methods:The skulls of 121 volunteers were scanned to get the final results with thin-section computed tomographic images.The position of the siphon of internal carotid artery (point A)and foramen rotundum (pointB)were ascertained.Three-dimensional reconstruction technique was used to build a coordinate system paralleled to the frankfort horizontal plane and the nasal septum plane.The coordinate system took point A as the coordinate origin.Point C and point D were the projections of point A in two planes parallel with frankfort horizontal plane and nasal septum plane which included point B.The distances of AC,AB,and BC were measured. The angles of the line went through A and B to the three planes were also measured.Results:The distance of AC was measured as 13.22 (3.79)mm (range,8.33 - 105.67 mm;95%CI:8.55 - 21.39 mm).The angle to the sagittal plane was measured as 33.54 (9.23)° (range,5.38- 66.58°;95%CI:30.88 - 34.20°). The angle to the coronal plane was measured as 53.17 (10.48)°(range,5.60-75.02°;95%CI:51.29-55.06°).The angle to the horizontal plane was measured as 9.43 (12.91 ) mm (range,- 28.44 - 82.22;95% CI:7.11 - 11.76 ). Conclusion:The safety distance from foramen rotundum to the siphon of internal carotid artery in the operation through pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) under nasoendoscope is obtained by thin-section computed tomographic images.

Study of correlation between the elder brain atrophy and calcification score at siphon segment of internal carotid artery / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To explore the correlation between the elder brain atrophy and calcification score at siphon segment of internal carotid artery.Methods The brain CT examination was detected in 327 elders.The brain atrophy occurrence were observed, and the calcification score at siphon segment of internal carotid artery were determined and calculated.Accroding to the calcification score, all the cases were divided into calcification 0 score group, calcification 1-199 score group, calcification 200-399 score group, calcification 400-599 score group and calcification ≥600 score group.The situation of brain atrophy were compared among these groups.And the correlation between the brain atrophy and calcification score were analyzed.Results Accroding to the calcification score, there were 63 cases in calcification 0 score group, 133 cases in calcification 1-199 score group, 72 cases in calcification 200-399 score group, 28 cases in calcification 400-599 score group and 31 cases in calcification ≥600 score group.There were 13 cases ( 20.63%) of brain atrophy in calcification 0 score group, 64 cases (48.12%) in calcification 1 -199 score group, 51 cases (70.83%) in calcification 200 -399 score group, 23 cases (82.14%) in calcification 400-599 score group and 28 cases (90.32%) in calcification≥600 score group;the differences of the brain atrophy rate among these groups were statistical significant ( all P<0.05 ) .The brain atrophy was mainly mild-moderate in calcification 0 score group and calcification 1 -199 score group;which was mainly severe in calcification 200 -399 score group;and mainly moderate-severe in calcification 400 -599 score group and calcification≥600 score group (all P<0.05).Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the degree of brain atrophy were positive correlated with calcification score at siphon segment of internal carotid artery ( r=0.717, P<0.05) .Conclusions The elder brain atrophy is significantly correlated with calcification score at siphon segment of internal carotid artery.The calcification score higher, the brain atrophy rate higher and the degree more severe.Calcification score can be used as an important indicator of the elder brain atrophy.

Multislice Spiral CT-based Simulation in Enlarging Exposure Extent of Internal Carotid Artery Siphon Before and After Removing Anterior Clinoid / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To study the exposure extent of internal carotid artery siphon (ICAS) before and after removing anterior clinoid process (ACP) using multislice spiral CT (MSCT) simulation, and to improve the tumor resection rate and ensure the operation effect. Materials and Methods MSCT three-dimensional images reconstruction simulating supraorbital keyhole approach of 100 patients (200 sides) were observed, the distance between the crotch of anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery and ICAS before and after removing ACP (exposure extent) was measured. Results In 100 patients (200 sides ACP), the exposure extent before and after removing ACP were (14.3±3.9) mm and (30.5±4.2) mm, respectively on the left side with statistical difference (t=45.278, P0.05). Conclusion MSCT simulating supraorbital keyhole approach in removing ACP can effectively increase the exposure length of ICA, and enlarge the exposure extent of sella region, thus provide reliable imaging information for removing tumor and selecting surgical project in this region.

Jailing Technique Using a Catheter-based Open-cell Stent System in Internal Carotid Artery Sidewall Aneurysms Unfeasible to Simple Coiling

OBJECTIVE: An open cell stent system may offer better apposition of cell struts to vessel wall than a closed cell stent system in acute vasculature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of coiling using the jailing technique with the Neuroform EZ stent system. METHODS: The jailing technique using the open-cell stent system of the Neuroform EZ stent was planned in 22 consecutive patients with 22 cerebral aneurysms. We retrospectively evaluated the technical success of the jailing technique and the occurrence of interference between two microcatheters as well as the factors influencing this interference. RESULTS: The jailing technique was successful in 19/22 patients (86.4%), and interference between two microcatheters occurred in 6/21 (28.6%). The jailing technique failed in 3/22 patients, with problems that included failure of the stent delivery system to advance into the positioned microcatheter in one, interference between the microcatheters during the advancement of the stent delivery system in one, and failure of microcatheter insertion into the aneurysm sac in the remaining patient. Interference between the two microcatheters developed during the advance of the stent delivery system into the positioned microcatheter in all cases. One factor that influences interference between two microcatheters more than expected by chance is the carotid siphon angle (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The acuteness of the carotid siphon angle influences the interference between two microcatheters. Therefore, the jailing technique using the Neuroform EZ stent should be performed carefully in cerebral aneurysms with an acute carotid siphon angle because the procedure may possibly fail.

Carotid siphon geometry and variants of the circle of Willis in the origin of carotid aneurysms / Geometria do sifão carotídeo e variantes do polígono de Willis na origem de aneurismas da carótida

This study evaluated anatomical variants in the carotid siphon and of the circle of Willis in patients with aneurysms. We performed a retrospective analysis of cerebral angiographies. The Control Group was composed of patients without aneurysms. Posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms were more common in women (p<0.05), and the anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms in men (p<0.1). The incidence of fetal-type PcomA was higher in cases with co-occurring PcomA aneurysm (24 versus 8%, p<0.05). Patients with AcomA aneurysm had higher incidence of A1 hypoplasia (p<0.0001, OR=32.13, 95%CI 12.95-79.71) and lower frequency of fetal-type PcomA compared to their control counterparts (p=0.0125). The angle of carotid siphon was narrower in patients with PcomA aneurysm (27.3±19.1 versus 34.8±22.6, p=0.028). In conclusion, a narrower carotid siphon or the presence of fetal-type PcomA or A1 hypoplasia may cause hemodynamic stress, thereby promoting the formation of aneurysms in susceptible individuals.

O presente estudo avaliou as variantes anatômicas do sifão carotídeo e da parte posterior do polígono de Willis em pacientes com aneurismas. Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de angiografias cerebrais. O Grupo Controle foi composto por pacientes sem aneurismas. Aneurismas da artéria comunicante posterior (ACP) foram mais frequentes em mulheres (p<0,05), e aqueles da anterior (ACA) em homens (p<0,1). A incidência do tipo fetal da ACP foi maior nos casos com co-ocorrência de aneurisma da ACP (24 versus 8%, p<0,05). Pacientes com aneurisma da ACA tiveram maior incidência de hipoplasia A1 (p<0,0001, OR=32,13, IC95% 12,95-79,71) e menor frequência do da ACP fetal comparados com os controles (p=0,0125). O ângulo do sifão carotídeo era mais estreito em pacientes com aneurismas da ACP (27,3±19,1 versus 34,8±22,6, p=0,028). Em conclusão, um sifão carotídeo estreito e a presença de ACP fetal ou hipoplasia A1 podem causar estresse hemodinâmico, promovendo a formação de aneurismas em indivíduos suscetíveis.

Treatment of carotid-siphon aneurysms by using Willis stent-graft: an angiographic and histopathologic study in dogs / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To establish a carotid siphon aneurysm model in dogs in order to test the mechanical features of a newly-designed Willis covered stent-graft and to investigate the histological reaction of the stent-implanted vessel during a follow-up period of 12 months.Methods Twenty-four saccular sidewall aneurysms were surgically created in twelve dogs(group A)and 12 carotid siphon aneurysms in another twelve dogs(group B).A Willis stent-graft was implanted in each aneurysm.Angiography was performed immediately after the procedure and 1,3,6 and 12 months after the implantation to investigate the aneurysm isolation,endoleak,stent angulation,and the patency or restenosis of the parent artery.Light and scanning electronic microscopy were used to identify aneurysmai sac thrombi,intima hyperplasia and endothelial progress of the stent-loaded arterial segment.Results In group B,postoperative immediate angiography demonstrated that two aneurysms had mild endoleak and three stents became angulated.Follow-up exam 12 months after the procedure revealed that all previous endoleaks disappeared,one parent artery became occluded and three parent arteries developed mild stenosis(＜50%).In group A.occlusion of parent artery was seen in one and mild stenosis(＜50%)in 2 cases.Electronic microscopy revealed new intima formation in all stents,and all aneurysmal sacs were filled with thrombi.In group B.the endothelialization process was not completed until 12 months after the stent implantation,and a marked correlation existed between endothelial cell arrangement and the hemodynamic orientation.Conclusion It is feasible to treat carotid-siphon aneurysm in dog with a Willis stent-graft.The complete endothelialization of the covered stent in tortuous vessel takes longer time than that in rather straight vessel.

Surgical Outcome of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus according to the Shunt Devices

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of shunt devices on the surgical outcome in the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus(NPH), the authors present a retrospective analysis of 39 elderly patients who underwent shunt operations between November 1994 and May 2000, retrospectively. METHODS: The patients enrolled in this study did not have the history of intracranial hemorrhage, head injury, infection, cerebral infarction and brain tumor. The mean age was 69.9(range:52-89) years. Thirteen patients who received operations with simple pressure-control shunt valves(Group I), 22 patients with siphon-control shunt valves(Group II), and four patients with flow-regulating shunt valves (Group III). Final outcome with the clinical improvement and shunt associated complications were evaluated at the last follow-up and the mean follow-up period was 14.7 months. RESULTS: Signs or symptoms of shunt dysfunction were found in eight of 39 patients(20.5%) in the subsequent course. In group I, five out of 13 patients had suffered from symptomatic subdural hematomas and one from overdrainage symptoms(46.2%);in group II, two out of 22 from underdrainage(9%);in group III, one out of four from symptomatic subdural hematomas(25%). Five patients required operative shunt revisions and five underwent burr-hole trephinations for subdural hematomas. Clinical improvements were observed in 10(79.6%), 19(86.4%), and 3(75%) patients in group I, II, and III respectively. Surgical outcomes were better for patients with siphon-control shunt valves than there with the other shunt valves in terms of shunt associated complications and functional improvements(p=0.05). CONCLUSION: The shunt operation with siphon-control shunt valves might be good for the elderly patients with idiopathic NPH.

The diagnostic value of transorbital doppler and mr angiography in carotid siphon disease

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic power of transorbital Doppler (TOD) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in detecting carotid siphon disease (CSD) confirmed by conventional angiography (CA) and elucidate the diagnostic role of TOD in CSD. METHODS: We recruited the patients who underwent TOD, MRA and CA within 2 months. TOD velocities above 75cm/sec or no flow was defined as abnormal. Carotid siphon on MRA and CA was divided into C2 & C4 segments; stenosis more than 50% or occlusion on the segment corresponding to the flow direction of TOD was defined abnormal. RESULTS: Sixty patients (44 males and 16 females, mean age: 55.4+/-12.2 years) were recruited. In 117 available carotid siphons 16 vessels (13.7%) were detected as abnormal by CA, 23 vessels (19.7%) by TOD, and 29 vessels (24.8%) by MRA. When CA was used as a gold-standard, the sensitivity and specificity of TOD were 75.0% and 89.1% while those of MRA were 87.5% and 85.1%, respectively. Positive predictive value was about half (52.2% in TOD and 48.3% in MRA) and negative predictive value was over 95% (95.7% in TOD and 97.7% in MRA). The diagnostic accuracy was 87.2% in TOD and 85.5% in MRA. When TOD and MRA were normal, CA was also normal in 98.7% and when both tests were abnormal, CA was abnormal in 78.6%. But when one of two tests was abnormal, CA was abnormal only in 16.7%. Diagnostic consistency of TOD & MRA was acceptable (kappa value = 0.409). Among 23 carotid siphons, which were abnormal on TOD, 11 vessels were normal on CA; false positive rate was 47.8%. But we could find the presumed causes of false positive results in most of cases, such as contralateral proximal ICA occlusion, ipsilateral ICA stenosis just proximal to carotid siphon, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Transorbital Doppler is as good as MRA in noninvasive detection of carotid siphon disease. Despite of the relatively low positive predictive value of TOD and MRA, the combination of their results increases the diagnostic accuracy in carotid siphon disease and may reduce the need of conventional angiography.

The correlation study of the applied anatomy of internal carotid artery with brain DSA / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To provide the exact anatomic basis for guidance of inserting catheter promptly.Methods Thirty five cases of adult crania were fixed by 10% liquor formaldehyde. In turn with precise discection of surrounding tissues and exposing carotid C 5～C 1 segments, paid attention to observe and measure vessel's trend, angulations, and direction of routes. Analysis of 50 cases of negative result of normal brain DSA is then taken as the basis for further application. Results Angulations of siphon were divided into 3 kinds of angulation and 1 characteristic curve but, the difference with the counter part is insignificant. Conclusions Mastering the applied anatomy of carotid could improve catheter maneuver and the rate of success.

Slit Ventricle Syndrome

Authors report four cases of hydrocephalic patients with slit ventricle syndrome, three of whom evidenced reexpansion of the ventricular system following insertion of high resistance value or anti-siphon devices. The results of the treatment were dramatic in two cases of anti-siphon divice application and relatively good in one case of high resistance valve application. The authors reviewed the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the slit ventricle syndrome.