Correlation between Abdominal Wall Subcutaneous Fat Thickness and Heart Weight in Southern Chinese Population / 法医学杂志

Objective To study the correlation between the abdominal wall subcutaneous fat thickness and heart weight, so as to provide reference for prediction methods of normal range of heart weight that is suitable for autopsy in China. Methods The forensic pathology autopsy cases accepted by Center for Medicolegal Expertise of Sun Yat-sen University from 1998 to 2017 were collected. Then the exclusion criteria were determined, and according to them the total case group was selected, and the 6 disease groups and the normal group were further selected from the total case group. The rank sum test was used to compare the heart weight of the normal group and the disease groups to determine the influence of diseases on heart weight. Then the Spearman rank correlation analysis of abdominal wall subcutaneous fat thickness and heart weight in different genders and different ages in the total case group and the normal group was conducted to get the correlation coefficient （rs）. Results In the total case group, correlation between abdominal wall subcutaneous fat thickness and heart weight was shown in males of all ages （P<0.05）; while in females, the correlation had no statistical significance （P>0.05） in 15-<20 age and 50-<60 age, but was statistically significant （P<0.05） in other age groups. For the males in the normal group, rs was respectively 0.411, 0.541 and 0.683 in the 15-<40 age, the 40-<60 age, and the ≥60 age. For the females, rs was respectively 0.249 and 0.317 in the 15-<40 age and the 40-<60 age. The correlation in the ≥60 age had no statistical significance（P>0.05）. Conclusion In the general population and the normal population, abdominal wall subcutaneous fat thickness is correlated with the heart weight of males. It is of significance to include the abdominal wall subcutaneous fat thickness in the prediction of normal range of heart weight for males in China.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral abdominal wall blocks

The practice of regional anesthesia is in a state of progressive evolution, mainly due to the advent of ultrasound as an anesthesiologist's instrument. Alternative techniques for postoperative analgesia of abdominal surgeries, such as transversus abdominis plane block, oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block, rectus abdominis muscle sheath block, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, and quadratus lumborum plane block, have proven useful, with good analgesic efficacy, especially when neuroaxial techniques (spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia) are not possible. This review discusses such blockades in detail, including the anatomical principles, indications, techniques, and potential complications.

Bloqueos de tronco / Truncal blocks

Truncal blocks have recently been positioned as an alternative to neuraxial analgesia. The injection of local anesthetics in interfascial planes was initially guided by anatomical landmarks, to later evolve towards a more selective administration when guided by ultrasound. Successful execution of truncal blocks requires detailed knowledge of the chest and abdominal walls anatomy. The same logic allows us to understand its potential benefits concerning perioperative analgesia, as well as its limitations and therapeutic margins. Secondary to a growing interest in less invasive techniques and analgesic techniques with a more favorable risk-benefit profile, the available evidence in this field is in continuous development. Thus, in the present review, the technical aspects of these blocks will be evaluated, emphasizing the sonoanatomy, and assessing the best evidence to support the use of each technique.

Los bloqueos de tronco se han posicionado recientemente como una alternativa frente a la analgesia neuroaxial. La inyección de anestésicos locales en planos interfasciales inicialmente fue guiado por referencias anatómicas, para posteriormente evolucionar hacia una administración más selectiva al ser guiada por el ultrasonido. La ejecución exitosa de los bloqueos de tronco requiere un conocimiento detallado de la anatomía de las paredes del tórax y abdomen. Esta misma lógica nos permite entender sus potenciales beneficios en relación con la analgesia perioperatoria, como también sus limitaciones y margen terapéutico. La evidencia disponible está en continuo desarrollo, dado el creciente interés que concitan técnicas menos invasivas y con un perfil de riesgo-beneficio potencialmente más favorable. En la presente revisión se evaluarán los aspectos técnicos de cada bloqueo, poniendo énfasis en la sonoanatomía, y evaluando la mejor evidencia que sustente el uso de cada técnica.

Proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training of the abdominal wall muscles in healthy subjects: a quasi-experimental study

SUMMARY The present quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) thickness in healthy subjects with the proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training in abdominal wall muscles. A sample of 41 healthy participants (age: 31.9 ± 4.5 y; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 68.3 ± 13.1 kg; body mass index, BMI: 22.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in this study. Ultrasound images of the EO, IO, TrA, rectus anterior (RA) and interrecti distance (IRD) were measured and analyzed by the ImageJ software. Measurements were made at rest and during the abdominal drawing-maneuver (ADIM) developed by the patients with the Stabilizer™ located in the low back holding 40 mmHg for 10 seconds with a visual stimulus provided by a circular pressure marker. Ultrasound measurements for the abdominal wall muscles showed statistically significant differences (Π < .05) for a thickness decrease of the EO, IO and a thickness increase of TrA. A proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training produced a thickness increase in TrA muscle and a thickness decrease in EO and IO muscles in healthy subjects. These findings suggest that a proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training could be useful in individuals with low back pain and lumbopelvic pain.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o transverso abdominal (TrA), o oblíquo interno (OI) e a espessura oblíqua externa (EO) em indivíduos saudáveis com o treinamento proprioceptivo Stabilizer™ nos músculos da parede abdominal. Uma amostra de 41 participantes saudáveis (idade: 31,9±4,5 y, altura: 1,7±0,1 m; peso: 68,3±13,1 kg; índice de massa corporal, IMC: 22,9±2,7 kg / m2) foram recrutados para participar deste estudo. As imagens de ultrassom do EO, IO, TrA, reto anterior (RA) e distância interrecti (IRD) foram medidas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ. As medidas foram feitas em repouso e durante a manobra de desenho abdominal (Adim) desenvolvida pelos pacientes com o StabilizerTM localizado na parte inferior das costas segurando 40 mmHg por 10 segundos com um estímulo visual fornecido por um marcador de pressão circular. As medidas de ultrassom para os músculos da parede abdominal apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P<0,05) para uma diminuição da espessura do EO, IO e um aumento de espessura do TrA. Um treinamento proprioceptivo Stabilizer™ produziu um aumento de espessura no músculo TrA e uma diminuição da espessura nos músculos EO e IO em indivíduos saudáveis. Esses achados sugerem que um treinamento de Stabilizer™ proprioceptivo poderia ser útil em indivíduos com dor lombar e dor lombo-pélvica.

Validación de prueba diagnóstica. Valor del ultrasonido hidrogástrico en la detección del cáncer gástrico / Validation of diagnostic test. Value of hydrogastric ultrasound in the detection of gastric cancer

Fundamento: el cáncer gástrico constituye la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en el mundo. Objetivo: validar el ultrasonido hidrogástrico en el diagnóstico del cáncer gástrico avanzado. Métodos: el ultrasonido hidrogástrico fue realizado por dos observadores independientes a 100 pacientes, 30 con cáncer gástrico avanzado, confirmados por endoscopia y biopsia; y 70 pacientes sin cáncer gástrico. Resultados: por regresión logística se determinó que el engrosamiento de la pared gástrica fue el único signo con valor como predictor de la presencia de CG. La sensibilidad, especificidad, certeza, valor predictivo positivo y valor predictivo negativo del ultrasonido hidrogástrico fueron de 83,3 por ciento; 90, por ciento; 88,0 por ciento; 78,1 por ciento y 92,6 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: el ultrasonido hidrogástrico es una modalidad diagnostica útil en el diagnóstico del cáncer gástrico avanzado(AU)

Background: gastric cancer still remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Objective: to validate the Conventional hydrogastric ultrasound in the diagnosis of the advanced gastric cancer. Methods: the hydrogastric ultrasound was carried out by two independent observers 30 with cancer patients with advanced gastric cancer, confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy; and 70 patients without gastric cancer. Results: for logistical regression it was determined that the thickening of the gastric wall was the only sign with value like predictor of the presence of advancedgastric cancer. The sensibility, specificity, certainty, value positive predictive and value negative predictive of the hydrogastric ultrasound in the diagnosis of gastric cancer were of 83,3 percent; 90;0 percent; 88,0 percent; 78,1 percent y 92,6 percent respectively. Conclusions: the Hydrogastric ultrasound is a diagnostic modality useful in the diagnosis of the advanced gastric cancer(AU)

Un recorrido por la pared abdominal: evaluación de las hernias por tomografía computada multidetector / A tour of the abdominal wall: assessment of hernias by multidetector computed tomography

Si bien el diagnóstico de hernias de la pared abdominal es clínico y el estudio más indicado es la ecografía, en una gran cantidad de casos es difícil su evaluación o no se sospecha su presencia debido al biotipo del paciente, la ausencia de síntomas, la aparición de complicaciones o corresponde a algún tipo de hernia poco frecuente. Además, la debilidad de la pared abdominal generada por una cirugía predispone a la eventración de órganos, a veces poco habituales, como el hígado, la vejiga o el apéndice. La utilización de la tomografía computada multidetector (TCMD) brinda grandes ventajas cuando resulta dificultoso establecer el diagnóstico por otros métodos. También puede ser un hallazgo incidental a tener en cuenta por sus posibles complicaciones futuras. En el presente trabajo describimos los principales hallazgos por TCMD de las hernias y eventraciones de la pared abdominal (como la umbilical, epigástrica, hipogástrica, inguinal, de Spiegel, lumbar, obturatriz, intercostal e incisional) y su contenido.

Although the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias is clinical, and the most appropriate study is ultrasound, in a lot of cases they are difficult to evaluate, or their presence is not suspected because of the biotype of the patient, the absence of symptoms, the presence of complications, or the appearance of rare hernias. Surgery weakness generated in the wall leads to organ hernia, sometimes unusual, as in the liver, bladder, or appendix. The use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a great advantage in these situations where the diagnosis can be difficult to determine with other methods. It also can be an incidental finding to consider eventual complications. In this paper, the main MDCT findings in abdominal wall hernias are described, including umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric, inguinal, Spiegel, lumbar, obturator, intercostal, and incisional, as well as their content.

Endometriosis e la pared abdominal / Endometriosis and the abdominal wall

ANTECEDENTES: La presencia de endometriosis de la pared abdominal (EPA) suele confundirse con otras patologías médico-quirúrgicas que aparecen en la misma zona. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las características clínicas de la EPA. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de todas las pacientes hospitalizadas con el diagnóstico histopatológico de EPA entre enero de 1997 y diciembre de 2005. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 14 pacientes, con edad promedio de 33,2 años. Los principales síntomas fueron: dolor cíclico (71,4%), masa abdominal (100%), dispareunia (21,4%) y dismenorrea (42,8%). Todas la pacientes tuvieron al menos una cirugía ginecológica (2 con procedimientos laparoscópicos) u obstétrica (85,7% cesárea). Sólo una paciente se había diagnosticado previamente de endometriosis. Los síntomas comenzaron en promedio 3,5 años posteriores a la última cirugía. Las EPA tenían un tamaño promedio de 3,2 cm. El diagnóstico pre-operatorio fue correcto en el 64,3% de las pacientes. Los diagnósticos incorrectos correspondieron a 3 granulomas, una hernia inguinal y un lipoma. Todas las pacientes requirieron cirugía y en el 64,3% fue necesario la utilización de mallas polytetrafluoethyleno. Cuatro pacientes (28,5%) presentaron recurrencias. 60% de los diagnósticos iniciales incorrectos v/s 11,1% de los acertados recurrieron. CONCLUSIONES: La EPA puede encontrarse en cicatrices tanto ginecológicas como obstétricas. Los síntomas comunes son masas con dolor cíclico. La ecografía de pared abdominal fue suficiente para enfrentar el diagnóstico diferencial. El diagnóstico pre-operatorio es importante para planificar la cirugía porque redujo las recurrencias. El tratamiento de elección es la cirugía con resección amplia de los bordes.

BACKGROUND: The presence of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) used to be confused with other surgical pathologies that may appear in these zones. Objective: To evaluate the AWE clinical characteristics. METHOD: Retrospective study of all the patients hospitalized with the histopathologycal diagnosis of AWE, between January 1997 and December 2005. RESULTS: There was found AWE only in 14 patients. Their mean age was 33.2 years old. The symptoms were: cyclic pain (71.4%), abdominal wall mass (100%), dyspareunia (21.4%) and dysmenorrhea (42.8%). All patients had at least one gynecologic (2 patients with laparoscopic procedures) or obstetric surgery (85.7% had previous cesarean section). Only one patient had previously been diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis. Their symptoms started after an average of 3.5 years after surgery. The AWE had a mean size of 3.2 cm. The preoperative diagnosis was correct in 64.3%. The incorrect preoperative diagnoses were 3 granuloma, 1 inguinal hernia and 1 lipoma. All patients required surgery. 64.3% of the patients it was necessary a polytetrafluoethylene mesh. Four patients (28.5%) had AWE recurrences. 60% of the wrong initial diagnosis recurred versus 11.1% of the correct ones. CONCLUSION: AWE may be present in gynecologic or obstetric scars. Their common symptoms are masses with cyclic pain. Ultrasonography is enough to approach the differential diagnosis. The correct preoperative diagnosis is important to plan surgery and reduce recurrences. The surgical wide excision is the preferable treatment. Establishing clear endometriosis limits reduce the recurrences.