Percutaneous Endovascular Management of a Splenic Vein Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Pancreatic Pseudocyst.

CLINICAL IMPACT: This case report sheds light on a rare complication of pancreatitis, splenic vein pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated percutaneously using a covered stent. The article also emphasizes the utilization and safety of transhepatic approach to interventions related to portal vein and its tributaries.

The prognostic significance of duodenal wall invasion in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The most recent edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual (AJCC, 8th edition) relies only on tumor size for staging resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the presence of duodenal wall invasion (DWI) no longer has an impact on staging. However, very few studies have evaluated its significance. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prognostic significance of DWI in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We reviewed 97 consecutive internal cases of resected pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma, and clinicopathologic parameters were recorded. All cases were staged according to the 8th edition of AJCC, and the patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of DWI. RESULTS: Out of our 97 cases, 53 patients had DWI (55%). In univariate analysis, DWI was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis (AJCC 8th edition pN stage). In univariate analysis of overall survival, age > 60, absence of DWI, and African American race were associated with worse overall survival. In multivariate analysis, age > 60, absence of DWI, and African American race were associated with worse progression-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Although DWI is associated with lymph node metastasis, it is not associated with inferior disease-free/overall survival.

Is fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous bone biopsy of diabetic foot with suspected osteomyelitis worthwhile? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot infection, particularly osteomyelitis, is a major risk factor of amputation in persons with diabetes. Bone biopsy with microbial examination is considered the gold standard of diagnosis of osteomyelitis, providing information about the offending pathogens as well as their antibiotics susceptibility. This allows targeting of these pathogens with narrow spectrum antibiotics, potentially reducing emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Percutaneous fluoroscopy guided bone biopsy allows accurate and safe targeting of the affected bone. METHODS: In a single tertiary medical institution and over 9 year period, we performed 170 percutaneous bone biopsies. We retrosepctively reviewed the medical record of these patients including patients' demographics, imaging and biopsy microbiology and pathollogic results. RESULTS: Microbiological cultures of 80 samples (47.1%) were positive with 53.8% of the positive culture showed monomicrobial growth and the remaining were polymicrobial. Of the positive bone samples 71.3% grew Gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen from positive bone cultures with almost one third showing methicillin resistence. Enterococcus species were the most frequently isolated pathogens from polymicrobial samples. Enterobacteriaceae species were the most common Gram-negative pathogens and were more common in polymicrobial samples. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous image-guided bone biopsy is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that can provide valuable information about microbial pathogens and therefore enable targeting these pathogens with narrow spectrum antibiotics.

Subclinical high-resolution chest CT scan features in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Although psoriasis is considered a systemic disease, no clear association has been established between psoriasis and lung diseases. This study aims to detect and describe subclinical pulmonary involvement in psoriasis patients with various degrees of cutaneous manifestations. METHODS: Adult psoriasis patients with no known active pulmonary disease or respiratory symptoms were screened for subclinical pulmonary manifestations and possible parenchymal changes using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest. Patients were classified according to the severity of skin manifestations. The clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of these patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with psoriasis were included, among which 47 (79.7%) had abnormal HRCT scan features. Micronodules were the most common detected lung lesions (66.1%), followed by nonspecific interstitial changes (32.2%), including pleuro-parenchymal band/atelectasis, scarring, and focal ground-glass opacities. Other HRCT findings included emphysematous changes and calcified granulomas. Abnormal HRCT findings correlated with older age and duration of psoriasis but not with the severity of skin manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Micronodules and minor focal nonspecific interstitial changes were the most detected lung alterations in patients with psoriasis. These findings of the pilot study highlight a possible pulmonary involvement in patients with psoriasis. Larger multicenter studies are needed to clarify these findings further. LIMITATIONS: A major limitation of the study, is the lack of a control group with similar radiologic findings of different conditions done in the same geographical region.

Primary placement of low-profile or 'button' versus traditional balloon-retention radiologically inserted gastrostomy catheters in adults: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: De novo percutaneous placement of radiologically inserted low-profile or 'button-type' gastrostomy catheters (LPG) is infrequently reported in adults. This study compares the safety and clinical outcomes of primary percutaneous placement of LPG catheters and traditional balloon-retention gastrostomy catheters (TG) using image guidance at a single institution. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, single-institution review comparing initial LPG and TG radiologically inserted catheter placements in a 36-month time period. The age, gender, indication, catheter type and method of anaesthesia of 139 consecutive initial gastrostomy placement procedures were recorded. Total catheter days without intervention, major and minor complications, reasons for reintervention, and procedure fluoroscopy times were compared. RESULTS: During the 36-month study period, 61 LPG and 78 TG catheters were placed. Mean total catheter days prior to intervention was 137 days in the LPG group and 128 days in the TG group (p=0.70). Minor complications including cellulitis, pericatheter leakage and early catheter occlusion occurred in 4.9% (3/61) in the LPG group and 9% (7/78) in the TG group (p=0.5). Major complications including early catheter dislodgement and bleeding requiring transfusion (in one patient) occurred in 4.9% (3/61) in the LPG group and 7.7% (6/78) in the TG group (p=0.4). Procedure fluoroscopy time was lower in the LPG group (2.56 min) compared with the TG group (4.21 min) (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Primary placement of low-profile or 'button-type' gastrostomy catheters is technically feasible with a low complication rate similar to that of traditional radiologically inserted gastrostomy catheters.

Feasibility of Creation of an Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients Undergoing Preoperative Vascular Mapping.

Background: The first endovascular arteriovenous fistula (endoAVF) device (WavelinQ), a novel percutaneous technique of AVF creation, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 and has been placed in a small number of United States patients on hemodialysis. It is unknown how often patients with advanced CKD have vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ creation. The goal of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ creation and to assess patient characteristics associated with such suitability. Methods: All patients referred for vascular access placement at a large academic medical center underwent standardized preoperative sonographic vascular mapping to assess suitability for an AVF. During a 2-year period (March 2019 to March 2021), we assessed the suitability of the vessels for creation of WavelinQ. We then compared the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and vascular mapping measurements between patients who were or were not suitable for WavelinQ. Results: During the study period, 437 patients underwent vessel mapping. Of these, 51% of patients were eligible for a surgical AVF, and 32% were eligible for a WavelinQ AVF; 63% of those suitable for a surgical AVF were also suitable for a WavelinQ AVF. Patients with a vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ were younger (age 55±15 versus 60±14 years, P=0.01) but similar in sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. Conclusions: Among patients with CKD with vascular anatomy suitable for a surgical AVF, 63% are also suitable for a WavelinQ endoAVF. Older patients are less frequently suitable for WavelinQ.

De Novo Central Vein Stenosis in Hemodialysis Patients Following Initial Tunneled Central Vein Catheter Placement.

Background: Central vein stenosis (CVS) is a common complication in hemodialysis patients following tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. Little is known about its incidence, association with patient characteristics, or relationship with duration of CVC placement. We systematically evaluated central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients receiving their first CVC exchange at a large medical center. Methods: All new hemodialysis patients underwent an ultrasound before their internal jugular tunneled CVC placement, to exclude venous stenosis or thrombosis. After the initial CVC insertion, if the patients were referred for CVC exchange due to dysfunction, a catheterogram/venogram was performed to assess for hemodynamically significant (≥50%) central vein stenosis. During a 5-year period (January 2016 to January 2021), we quantified the incidence of CVS in patients undergoing CVC exchange. We also evaluated the association of central vein stenosis with patient demographics, comorbidities, and duration of CVC dependence before exchange. Results: During the study period, 273 patients underwent exchange of a tunneled internal jugular vein CVC preceded by a catheterogram/venogram. Hemodynamically significant CVS was observed in 36 patients (13%). CVS was not associated with patient age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or CVC laterality. However, the frequency of CVS was associated with the duration of CVC dependence (26% versus 11% for CVC duration ≥6 versus <6 months: odds ratio (95% CI), 3.17 (1.45 to 6.97), P=0.003). Conclusions: Among incident hemodialysis patients receiving their first tunneled internal jugular CVC exchange, the overall incidence of de novo hemodynamically significant central vein stenosis was 13%. The likelihood of CVS was substantially greater in patients with at least 6 months of CVC dependence.

The ethics of practicing defensive medicine in Jordan: a diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Defensive medicine (DM) practice refers to the ordering or prescription of unnecessary treatments or tests while avoiding risky procedures for critically ill patients with the aim to alleviate the physician's legal responsibility and preserve reputation. Although DM practice is recognized, its dimensions are still uncertain. The subject has been highly investigated in developed countries, but unfortunately, many developing countries are unable to investigate it properly. DM has many serious ramifications, exemplified by the increase in treatment costs for patients and health systems, patients' exposure to risks, and negative effects on the psychological health of both health providers and recipients. Ultimately, the most serious consequence is the ethical consequences. METHODS: This work is based on a review of the literature related to DM worldwide and a comparison with the available knowledge found in Jordan. It is qualitative with a descriptive nature, aiming to diagnose the current DM practice in Jordan. RESULTS: This is the first published article that discusses DM in Jordan by diagnosing its ethical and economic consequences for the health system as well as for patients. Despite the knowledge of the reasons that support its practice, little is being done to solve this issue. The absence of agreeable medical malpractice law, the dearth of unified medical protocols, the overwhelming pressure imposed by patients on medical staff, and the deteriorating patient-physician relationship are some of the causes of DM practice. Surely, the solution to these issues is to focus on fortifying the ethical and humanitarian aspects on the side of both the physician and the patient to ensure positive collaboration. The ethical aim of the physician to treat the patient faithfully and do what is possible to help combined with the appreciation of the physician's efforts and the choice to not take advantage of the physician through litigation could be the most reasonable solution in the near future. CONCLUSION: Jordan is suffering from DM due to the limited financial expenditure on the health sector and the impracticality of medical malpractice law. The authors highlight that the cardinal step in solving this dilemma is restoring the ethical dimension of the patient-physician relationship.

Chronic splenic artery occlusion with gastric wall arterial ectasia, an unusual cause of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Life-threatening upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage can occur as a result of bleeding from a variety of arterial and venous sources. We present an unusual cause of life-threatening upper GI hemorrhage arising from ectatic gastric wall arterial branches in a 49-year-old male with previously unrecognized chronic splenic artery thrombosis. The patient developed a recurrence of bleeding despite coil embolization of an accessory left gastric artery branch supplying the gastric fundus suspected to be the site of active bleeding. The patient subsequently underwent splenectomy and surgical ligation of a bleeding gastric artery branch. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing this unusual cause of upper GI hemorrhage for proper management and prevention of recurrence. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of the case report including accompanying images.

Clinicopathological features of incidental parotid lesions.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of primary malignancy of asymptomatic parotid lesions incidentally discovered on cross-sectional imaging. METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 154 patients underwent 163 ultrasound-guided parotid lesion biopsies at our institution. This retrospective chart review included 89 lesions in 87 patients with asymptomatic parotid lesions discovered on cross-sectional imaging studies performed for unrelated clinical indications. The histopathologic findings of all sampled lesions were reviewed. We evaluated the patient demographics and pathological diagnoses of sampled parotid lesions to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of malignancy. RESULTS: The average age was 67.5 years and 92 % were males. 25 % of patients had bilateral lesions. The average size of the parotid lesions was 1.5 cm and 91 % were located in the superficial lobe. 92.1 % of lesions were benign with Warthin tumor being the most common diagnosis followed by pleomorphic adenoma. 2.3 % of lesions were primary parotid malignant neoplasms, while 5.6 % were metastatic lesions in patients with known malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of primary parotid malignant neoplasm in asymptomatic incidentally discovered parotid lesions is low. Imaging or clinical follow-up may be considered in patients with incidental parotid lesions who prefer to avoid biopsy.

Overview of Upper Airway Management During COVID-19 Outbreak: Head and Neck Surgeon's Perspective.

At the end of December, 2019, a new virus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 appeared in Wuhan, China, and the disease caused is called as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization, which to date having infected more than 3,588,773 people worldwide, as well as causing 247,503 deaths. A human to human transmission is thought to be predominantly by droplet spread, and direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview as well as to highlight essential evidence-based guidelines for how head and neck surgeon and healthcare providers need to take into consideration during their management of the upper airway during the COVID-19 pandemic safely and effectively to avoid the spread of the virus to the health provider.

Bilateral internal mammary artery laceration after cardiac pulmonary resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for the survival of cardiac arrest patients. High-quality chest compressions are critical for survival, but energetic resuscitation efforts can lead to chest injuries. Internal mammary artery (IMA) injury is a rare complication of CPR, but can lead to life-threatening intrathoracic hemorrhage. Early detection of IMA injury should be considered in all post cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) with anemia refractory to transfusion. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of CPR-associated bilateral IMA laceration have ever been reported. We report a unique CPR complication resulting in anterior mediastinal hemorrhage that was detected by ECHO, verified by computed tomography angiography, and treated with endovascular intervention.

Image-guided biopsy: what the interventional radiologist needs to know about PET/CT.

Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is increasingly used in evaluation of oncology patients. Because PET/CT can demonstrate malignancy before morphologic changes are evident, application of PET/CT information to image-guided biopsy can facilitate early histologic diagnosis and staging. However, because FDG uptake is not specific to cancer, PET/CT findings may raise questions about whether uptake in a lesion is an indication for biopsy. To properly select patients for image-guided biopsy, interventional radiologists should be familiar with the biologic significance of FDG uptake and various causes of false-positive uptake. PET/CT images may also become a source of confusion in the interpretation of biopsy results. Various causes of false-positive and false-negative FDG uptake need to be considered, especially when there is a discrepancy between biopsy results and PET/CT findings. False-negative FDG uptake can result from cancers that are too small to be observed or not FDG avid. False-positive FDG uptake can be due to underlying inflammation from recent treatment. Conversely, complete resolution of FDG uptake in a treated lesion does not necessarily indicate absence of viable cells. When questions about PET/CT findings arise in the context of image-guided biopsy, discussion with experienced nuclear imaging physicians is essential.

Radiological features of acute gastric volvulus in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological features of acute gastric volvulus in adults and correlate these features with operative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical, radiological and operative findings of five adult patients (four males and one female with mean age of 50.4 years) who presented or referred to King Abdullah University hospital over 4 year's period with symptoms of acute gastric volvulus were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal barium study and two of them had computed tomographic (CT) scans preoperatively. The radiological features demonstrated on upper gastrointestinal barium exams and CT scans were analyzed and compared with operative findings. RESULTS: Radiological and operative findings revealed organo-axial gastric volvulus in all patients in our study. All of them had associated diaphragmatic defect or hiatal hernia. The upper gastrointestinal barium studies demonstrated the classic radiological features of organo-axial volvulus. CT done on two of our patients confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Upper gastrointestinal barium study is an accurate way to diagnose and characterize acute gastric volvulus in adult patients. CT scan can also be used to diagnose this clinical entity.

A case report of cranial polyneuropathy in Behcet's disease.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystem relapsing inflammatory disorder. Nervous system involvement is the most serious manifestation of BD. Neuro-Behcet's disease (n-BD) is classified into parenchymal meningoencephalitis pattern and non-parenchymal vascular patterns. Isolated meningitis is rarely the sole presenting feature of n-BD. We report a 19-year-old man with BD who presented with cranial polyneuropathy secondary to aseptic meningitis. He made a gradual though incomplete recovery with steroid therapy. Cranial polyneuropathy secondary to meningeal involvement can be a presentation of n-BD, and Behcet's disease should be a consideration in patients with idiopathic cranial polyneuropathy.

The role of preoperative CT scan in patients with chronic otitis media.

Chronic otitis media may be due to chronic mucosal disease or cholesteatoma. Differentiating the two is usually achieved by clinical examination. The computed tomography (CT) scan is the standard imaging technique for the temporal bone, but its exact role in the preoperative assessment of patients with chronic otitis media is controversial. In this retrospective study we compared preoperative CT results with operative findings in 50 patients who had scan between January 2003 and December 2007. We analyzed the clinical presentation and checked if CT scan confirmed or excluded the presence of cholesteatoma and if this was affected by previous surgery. We concluded that CT scan could not be relied on to differentiate cholesteatoma from chronic mucosal disease. It should be used selectively in the preoperative preparation only if complications of the disease suspected.

Renal impairment and hydronephrosis in a premature infant following morphine infusion: case report.

This is a case report of an association between morphine administration and occurrence of hydronephrosis with acute renal failure. This premature female infant born at 27 weeks of gestation had moderate hydronephrosis with acute renal impairment while receiving morphine infusion for pain management after chest-tube insertion. All these findings were reversed after stopping morphine and urinary catheterization. Follow-up renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram showed resolution of hydronephrosis with no evidence of vesicoureteral reflux. Morphine is associated with reversible hydronephrosis and renal impairment in premature infants.

Left atrial emptying fraction correlation with vascular pedicle width in patients with normal systolic function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation and diagnostic utility of impaired left atrial emptying fraction, an indicator of diastolic dysfunction, with raised intravascular volume determined by vascular pedicle width on upright postero-anterior chest roentgenogram. DESIGN: Cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia from October till December 2002. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two out of 56 patients with normal systolic function (ejection fraction >50%) on echocardiogram were included in the study. Left atrial dimensions were measured at the end of left ventricular diastole (LADed) and systole (LADes) on M-mode tracing. Left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) was calculated by dividing LADed by LADes. Ratio of peak early diastolic velocity (E/A) to peak late diastolic velocity, isovolemic relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time of E-wave (DT) were also recorded on transmitral Doppler signal. Postero-anterior views of chest X-rays done within 48 hours of echocardiogram were studied for the measurement of vascular pedicle width (VPW) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). Univariate and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify possible predictors of VPW. Receiver operator curves were constructed to see diagnostic utility of impaired LAEF for raised intravascular volume measured by VPW. RESULTS: Mean age for the patients was 58.56 +/- 17 years. There were 15 females (46.9%) and 17 males (54.1%). LADes, LADed, LAEF and DT were 2.89 +/- 0.63 cm, 3.81 +/- 0.53 cm, 0.75 +/- 0.10 and 202 +/- 49.9 msec respectively. VPW and CTR were 55.81 +/- 10.2 mm and 0.54 +/- 0.08. Significant independent predictors of VPW on univariate regression analysis were entered into multiple regression models, which revealed LAEF and DT as the only predictors of VPW. The final regression equation was VPW = 15.43 + 35.7 (LAEF) + 0.06 (DT), R2 = 0.35, p = 0.0008. LAEF > 0.75 had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 94% for diagnosing raised intravascular volume defined as VPW > 53 mm. CONCLUSION: LAEF > 0.75 is a reliable indicator of intravascular volume expansion in patients with normal systolic function signifying diastolic dysfunction and activation of salt and water retaining mechanisms.