[Research advances on the mechanism of extracellular vesicles of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in promoting wound angiogenesis].

Wound healing involves complex pathophysiological mechanism, among which angiogenesis is considered as one of the key steps in wound healing, and promoting wound angiogenesis can accelerate wound healing. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have been proven to produce equivalent effects of wound healing promotion comparable to stem cell therapy, with the advantages of low antigenicity and high biocompatibility. The specific mechanism by which extracellular vesicles facilitate wound healing is still not fully understood and is thought to involve all stages of wound healing. This article focuses on the possible mechanism of extracellular vesicles of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in promoting wound angiogenesis, so as to provide ideas for further study on the mechanism of extracellular vesicles to promote wound healing.

[External rhinoplasty based on the classification of alar retraction associating with exposure of the nostrils].

Objective: To introduce a classification of alar retraction, and to discuss the therapeutic strategy of alar retraction with cartilage graft and the satisfaction evaluation of patients after operation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 88 patients with alar retraction admitted to the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2015 to December 2020, including 20 males and 68 females, aged 20 to 48 years, with an average age of 28.98 years. All patients underwent external rhinoplasty according to a series of treatment plans determined by the classification of alar retraction based on nostril exposure. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) were used to conduct satisfaction survey before and 12 months after operation. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 88 patients were included in this study. According to the classification of alar retraction based on nostril exposure, 45 cases were mild, 23 cases were moderate, and 20 cases were severe. There were 16 cases of unilateral and 72 cases of bilateral alar retraction. The patients were followed up for 12 to 18 months, with an average of 13.37 months. The VAS score and ROE score after each type of surgery were higher than those before surgery, with statistically significant (all P<0.05). Among them, the difference in VAS score (6.75±1.29) and in ROE satisfaction (67.70±7.38) of patients with severe alar retraction were the most significant improvement. Conclusion: The classification of alar retraction based on nostril exposure in the frontal view can comprehensively evaluate the severity of alar retraction, and makes the treatment algorithms systematic and comprehensive. The satisfaction of patients is relatively high.

[Establishment and application of three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on computed tomography angiography].

Objective: To explore the establishment and application of three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: Six patients with breast absence after modified radical mastectomy because of breast cancer, 5 patients with congenital absence of vagina, and 6 patients with Paget's disease of penis and scrotum were hospitalized in our unit from January 2012 to April 2017. The size of wounds after excision of the lesion or that of flaps needed for reconstruction ranged from 17 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×9 cm. Abdominal CTA was performed before the surgery, and data of CTA were sent to CT workstation to make three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap according to shape and size of wound. The number, course, and location of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and the superficial inferior epigastric vein were observed in the above-mentioned three-dimensional model. The rectangular plane coordinate system with the umbilicus as the origin was established to locate and observe course and type of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforator in left and right side. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were designed and deep inferior epigastric artery perforators etc. were marked according to three-dimensional models of the flaps before the surgery. The condition observed in three-dimensional model of the flap was compared with the clinical condition in the surgery of free transverse bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for breast reconstruction and longitudinal pedicled thinned unilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation for vagina reconstruction and wound repair of Paget's disease of penis or scrotum. The size of flap ranged from 17 cm×6 cm to 25 cm×10 cm. Results: Seventeen three-dimensional models of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were established, including 6 bilateral models and 11 unilateral models. Seventy-two reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were observed in the three-dimensional model with 3.2±0.7 in the right and 3.1±0.8 in the left. The locations of the largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators in the right and left were [(-3.2±1.4) cm, (-1.0±0.7) cm] and [(4.0±1.2) cm, (-1.2±1.1) cm] respectively. Fourteen largest deep inferior epigastric artery perforators coursed directly and nine coursed tortuously in the rectus muscle. Twenty-three superficial inferior epigastric veins were detected in the three-dimensional models of the flaps. The number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery and vein and superficial inferior epigastric vein observed in the three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap were in accordance with the condition observed in the surgery. Seventy reliable deep inferior epigastric artery perforators were detected in the surgery, and the other 2 perforators were unclear due to bleeding. Course of these perforators were in accordance with the condition observed in the three-dimensional model. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps of all patients survived well with no complication except that 1 patient suffered from delayed healing of wound in perineum. During follow-up of 1 to 12 months, all flaps survived with good shape and texture. Conclusions: The three-dimensional model of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap based on CTA can be established easily and can provide information of number, location, and course of deep inferior epigastric artery, vein, and their perforators, and superficial inferior epigastric vein to guide preoperative design and intraoperative dissection of the flap effectively.

Mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescences of the heart: case report and literature review.

Mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescences (MICE) of the heart are rare benign entities that have only been diagnosed incidentally, following cardiac surgical procedure. To date, totally 35 cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe an additional case of cardiac MICE presenting with severe aortic regurgitation for aortic valve replacement in a 20-year-old Chinese male patient. On microscopic examination, the findings initially were confused with true neoplasm. However, the related gross appearance, clinical history and further immunohistochemical staining enabled an accurate diagnosis. We review the relevant literature and found that immunohistochemical staining, especially the anti-cytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3) and KP1 (CD-68) that were used by most investigators previously, was significant while making the diagnosis, because the two components of the cells show a contrast immunoreactivity to these two makers. The pathologists should always be alert to this entity while diagnose a cardiac surgery specimen.

Recurrent cerebral embolism and impending detachment of a previous nonmobile left atrial thrombus following initiation of anticoagulant therapy in a patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

A 65-year-old female with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who presented with a transient ischemic attack was admitted to our hospital. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a nonmobile thrombus attached to the wall of the left atrial appendage. She suffered from a new episode of syncope on the 8th day following initiation of anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up TEE indicated not only that the left atrial (LA) thrombus decreased in size but also that the previous nonmobile thrombus became mobile and showed impending detachment. Urgent surgery was subsequently performed to remove the LA thrombus, and the patient recovered uneventfully. In conclusion, anticoagulant therapy may precipitate partial fragmentation or partial detachment of LA thrombus.

Usefulness of head-up tilt test in the evaluation and management of unexplained syncope or pre-syncope.

This study included 87 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope or pre-syncope who had undergone the head-up tilt (HUT) test with concomitant isoproterenol infusion. A positive response was defined as development of syncope or pre-syncope in association with substantial hypotension (decline of systolic blood pressure > or = 20 mmHg). Coronary artery spasm was suggested from the clinical symptoms and electrocardiographic findings in 1 patient (1/87= 1.1%). Intolerance to isoproterenol infusion was noted in 8 cases (8/87 = 9%). Of the 78 patients who completed the study, 73 showed positive responses (73/78 = 94%). (baseline systolic blood pressure = 125 +/- 23 mmHg endpoint systolic blood pressure = 76 +/- 11 mmHg, p < 0.05; baseline heart rate = 73 +/- 14 beats per minute vs endpoint HR = 80 +/- 24 beats per minute, p < 0.05). In 73 patients who showed positive responses, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) returned to a safe level at 2 minutes when the patients were returned to a supine position (post-study 2 minutes SBP = 124 +/- 18 mmHg vs baseline SBP 125 +/- 23 mmHg, p = NS; post-study 2 minutes HR = 82 +/- 18 beats per minute vs baseline HR = 73 +/- 14 beats per minute, p < 0.05). All 73 patients with a positive HUT test received Atenolol therapy (50 mg daily). Only 35 of these 73 patients took Atenolol regularly and had a repeat HUT test. After atenolol therapy, persistent positive responses were observed in 19 cases (19/35 = 54%) and negative responses were noted in 16 cases (16/35 = 46%). The mean dosage of isoproterenol needed to provoke a positive HUT test in 19 patients who had received Atenolol therapy and had a positive repeat HUT test was 2.3 +/- 1.2 microg/min at baseline and 3.5 +/- 0.9 microg/min for post-Atenolol therapy (p < 0.001). Sixteen patients with a negative repeat HUT test were treated continuously with Atenolol and followed for a mean period of 13 +/- 11 months (range, 1-34 months). All 16 patients were free of syncope or pre-syncope during the period of follow up. In conclusion, the HUT test is mostly well tolerated and safe, even though the test has a low rate of adverse effects. Atenolol is effective for the prevention of provoked or spontaneous recurrent syncope or pre-syncope.

Isolated right atrial tear following blunt chest trauma: report of three cases.

Blunt chest trauma causing isolated right atrial tear and cardiac tamponade in three patients is reported. All three patients presented with hypotension, elevated central venous pressure and altered consciousness. Echocardiographic examination demonstrated pericardial effusion in all three cases. All three patients underwent operation with a median sternotomy approach without using cardiopulmonary bypass. At operation, two patients had one tear in the right atrium, the other had two tears in the right atrium. All three patients recovered uneventfully. Early use of echocardiography to detect the presence of hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade in patients with suspected atrial rupture following blunt chest trauma is advocated.

[Pulmonary embolism: clinical and laboratory features in 62 patients].

The clinical and laboratory features in 62 patients with acute pulmonary embolism were analized. There were 26 males, and 36 females with mean age of 63 +/- 11 (range 37 to 90). The clinical symptoms include: dyspnea (92%), chest pain and/or chest tightness (65%), cough (50%), wheezing (29%), leg swelling (32%), hemoptysis (24%), syncope (18%), leg pain (10%). Clinical signs include: tachypnea (respiratory rate > or = 20 per minute) (79%), tachycardia (37%), deep vein thrombosis (29%), cyanosis (8%), fever (> 38.5 degrees C) (2%). The possible predisposing factors include: immobilization (18%), surgery (5%), deep vein thrombosis, ever(5%), malignancy (5%), pulmonary embolism, ever (3%). Arterial blood gas analysis (while patients breathed room air) revealed mean PH of 7.46 +/- 0.06, mean PO2 of 64.5 +/- 12.1 mmHg, mean PCO2 of 35.3 +/- 4.6 mmHg, mean Alveolar-arterial O2 difference of 36.5 +/- 16.6 mmHg. The electrocardiographic changes include; nonspecific ST-T change (61%), sinus tachycardia (20%), S1Q2T3 pattern (15%), atrial fibrillation (16%), incomplete right bundle branch block (10%), complete right bundle branch block (8%), atrial premature contraction (7%), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (2%). The chest x-ray findings include: cardiomegaly (48%), regional hypovascularity (31%), atelectasis (5%), pleural effusion (5%), wedge-shaped infiltrate (3%), elevated diaphragm (6%). Venous plethysmography was performed in 49 of 62 patients. Of these 49 patients, 28 patients revealed positive finding. Of these 28 patients with positive finding, 18 patients had clinical evidence of deep venous thrombosis. The in-hospital mortality rate was 10% (6/62).

Echocardiographic detection of reversible right ventricular strain in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: report of 2 cases.

This report presents serial echocardiographic changes recorded before and after anticoagulant therapy was administered to 2 patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Dilatation of the right ventricle, abnormal motion of the interventricular septum and mild tricuspid regurgitation were noted in both patients. The results of the echocardiogram suggested that the patients had right ventricular pressure overload resulting from pulmonary hypertension caused by an acute pulmonary embolism. Echocardiograms performed after the patients had received anticoagulant therapy revealed a normalization of the echocardiographic parameters in both patients. The reversal of the right ventricular strain pattern revealed by an echocardiogram occurred as the result of the regression of pulmonary hypertension after anticoagulant therapy. In conclusion, echocardiographic detection of right ventricular strain in patients who present acute cardiopulmonary manifestations with no previous history of severe pulmonary disease may indicate the possibility of a pulmonary embolism.

[Angioplasty for subclavian artery stenosis: report of two cases].

We present our experience of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis in two patients. One patient was a 66-year-old asymptomatic man. His left arm systolic blood pressure was 40 mmHg lower than that of his right arm. He had irregular segmental stenotic lesions (50% to 80%) at the proximal portion of the left subclavian artery. PTA was attempted via the left brachial artery. After the procedure, the stenotic lesion seemed totally dilated and his left arm systolic blood pressure was 8 mmHg lower than that of his right arm. Restenosis of the left subclavian artery was noted four months after the procedure. The second patient was a 51-year-old man with symptoms of intermittent dizziness, nausea and vertigo. His left arm systolic blood pressure was 30 mmHg lower than that of his right arm. He had 43% diameter stenotic lesion at the proximal portion of the left subclavian artery. PTA was attempted via right femoral artery. After the procedure, the stenotic lesion seemed markedly dilated and his left arm systolic blood pressure was 14 mmHg lower than that of his right arm. He is well three years post-procedure without evidence of restenosis.

Echocardiographic study of Ebstein's anomaly.

This report analyze the M-mode, two-dimensional (2-D) Doppler and contrast echocardiographic features of 8 patients with Ebstein's anomaly. The diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization in all cases. M-mode echocardiograms showed: dilated right ventricular cavity (29-59 mm) in 7 patients (88%), abnormal septal motion in 6 patients (75%), delayed closure of tricuspid valve in 4 patients (50%), increased excursion of anterior tricuspid leaflet (20-32 mm) in 6 patients (75%). Two-dimensional echocardiogram revealed: apical displacement of septal tricuspid leaflet (10-43 mm) in all cases (100%), elongated anterior tricuspid leaflet with whip-like motion in 7 patients (88%), tethering of septal tricuspid leaflet in 1 case (13%). The Doppler studies revealed tricuspid regurgitation in 4 of the 5 cases studied (80%) and atrial septal defect flow pattern in all 5 cases studied (100%). Contrast study showed right to left shunt through the atrial septal defect in all 5 cases studied (100%). We conclude that echocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool in detecting Ebstein's anomaly.

Acute myocardial infarction following blunt chest trauma.

A 32-year-old male riding a motorcycle was involved in an accident resulting in blunt torso trauma. He had fractures of the skull, first right rib, and left femoral bone. Electrocardiogram showed acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction (MI). Subsequent coronary angiogram demonstrated laceration at the proximal portion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Echocardiogram showed depressed left ventricular function as well as hypokinesis over septal and apical areas. His recovery was smooth.

Blunt chest trauma causing right atrial tear, hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade successfully treated with cardiorrhaphy.

A 26-year-old female was involved in a car accident with impaction of the steering wheel to the anterior chest. She became unconscious immediately. Blood pressure was unmeasurable, central venous pressure was measured at 25 cm H2O. Cross-sectional echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and a band-like blood clot in the posterior inferior aspect of the heart. At operation, a right atrial tear measuring 1 cm in length was noted and was repaired with cardiorrhaphy. She recovered uneventfully.

Effect of heart rate on pressure half-time in patients with mitral stenosis.

The effect of heart rate on pressure-half time has been controversial. This study attempted to clarify this issue in patients with mitral stenosis. Twenty cases were enrolled, 10 with atrial fibrillation and 10 with sinus rhythm. Twenty beats were analyzed for each patient. The results showed that in patients with atrial fibrillation the pressure half-time was hardly measurable in the cardiac cycles with a ventricular rate more than 100/min; by excluding these fast beats, the pressure half-time showed no relationship with the heart rate. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between heart rate and pressure half-time in patients with sinus rhythm when the heart rate was less than 70/min. However, if the sinus rate was more than 70/min, the correlation became statistically significant. We conclude that when using pressure half-time to derive mitral valve area we should avoid to use the beats with ventricular rate greater than 100/min in patients with atrial fibrillation. In patients with sinus rhythm, we should try to use those beats with heart rate greater than 70/min if possible. Otherwise, significant error may occur.

Simplified continuity equation: a simple, accurate, and noninvasive method in the evaluation of aortic stenosis.

Traditional evaluation of aortic stenosis usually requires cardiac catheterization for estimation of aortic valve area by the Gorlin formula. However, it is invasive and has been shown to be inaccurate in the presence of aortic regurgitation or low cardiac output. Evaluation of aortic stenosis by Doppler echocardiography using a continuity equation has been proved to have excellent correlation with cardiac catheterization. It requires hand tracing and computer software for calculation of time velocity integral. Recently, a simplified continuity equation was introduced, which uses the peak velocities instead of time velocity integrals. It saves time and obviates the computer assistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its accuracy using the standard continuity equation as the reference standard. Seventy patients with pure or combined aortic stenosis were examined. There was an excellent correlation between these two methods (r = 0.979, 95% confidence interval: 0.978-0.980). The aortic valve area derived from the peak velocity method = 0.018 + 0.949 X aortic valve area derived from the time velocity integral. The difference between the two methods was 0.04 +/- 0.08 cm2 (mean +/- SD) with a 95% confidence interval of -0.12 to 0.20 cm2. Furthermore, the correlation still remained good even in the presence of significant aortic regurgitation or impaired left ventricular function. In conclusion, the simplified continuity equation is a safe, time-saving, and accurate method for the evaluation of aortic stenosis.

Diagnosis of recurrent rupture of interventricular septum during acute myocardial infarction by Doppler color flow mapping.

This report presents a 60-year-old female who had acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction and a grade 3/6 pansystolic murmur at left lower sternal border. Color Doppler echocardiographic examination revealed the presence of a ventricular septal defect which was later confirmed by contrast left ventriculography and at the time of operation. Urgent operation with closure of ventricular septum was performed and the cardiac murmur disappeared. One day after operation a grade 3/6 pansystolic murmur at left lower sternal border was heard and hypotension was noted. Color Doppler echocardiographic examination demonstrated another ventricular septal defect. The patient underwent re-operation due to hemodynamic instability. At operation, a new ventricular septal defect was noted while the previous patch was intact.

[Mitral annulus calcification: clinical observation on 72 patients].

This report presents 72 cases with mitral annulus calcification. The diagnosis was made by echocardiogram. There were 21 males and 51 females, aged from 38 to 93 (mean 71). The associated clinical findings in these 72 patients included: hypertension, 28 cases; valvular aortic stenosis, 3 cases; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 7 cases; chronic renal failure, 14 cases; congestive heart failure, 29 cases, calcified aortic valve, 27 cases; mitral regurgitation, 46 cases; cerebral infarct, 19 cases; peripheral arterial embolism, 2 cases. Their electrocardiographic findings included: atrial fibrillation, 25 cases; conduction defects, 21 cases; sick sinus syndrome, 3 cases (one case required permanent pacemaker implantation). We conclude that mitral annulus calcification is not a senile change only, and that it also results in some complications such as: mitral regurgitation, cerebral embolism, peripheral arterial embolism, atrial fibrillation and conduction defects. Echocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with mitral annulus calcification.

Cardiac myxoma--clinical experience in 24 patients.

We reviewed our clinical experience in 24 patients with cardiac myxoma. There were 8 males and 16 females, their ages ranged from 14 to 73 (mean, 48) years. Prior to echocardiographic examination, cardiac myxoma was suspected clinically in only 2 cases. The remaining patients were initially diagnosed as having mitral valvar disease (9 cases), infective endocarditis (3 cases), congestive cardiomyopathy (4 cases), pericardial effusion (1 case), systemic embolism of unknown cause (1 case), cerebrovascular accident (2 cases), ventricular septal defect (1 case) and Ebstein's malformation (1 case). The tumor was in the left atrium in 16, in the right atrium in 2, in the biatrium in 1, while one was in the right ventricle and peripheral arterial occlusion had been produced by myxoma without demonstrable cardiac tumors in the other two. Twenty-two patients underwent open heart surgery for excision of myxoma and there was no surgical mortality. Abdominal embolectomy was carried out in 2 patients; one of these 2 patients survived and 1 died. Follow-up for a mean period of 32 months (range 2 to 99 months) was possible in in 18 patients with no evidence of recurrence. We conclude that cardiac myxoma may mimic many cardiovascular diseases, so a high index of suspicion is important for its diagnosis. Echocardiography is the most useful diagnostic screening tool.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic features in 3 Chinese patients.

We present 3 cases of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The presenting symptoms were dyspnea on exertion in 2 of 3 patients, typical anginal pain in 1 patient, atypical chest pain in 1 patient, and fatigue in 1 patient. One patient was asymptomatic with an abnormal electrocardiogram. Sustained apical impulse was noted in all patients, Grade 1/6 systolic murmur was audible in 2 patients. Electrocardiogram showed T wave inversion in the left precordial leads in all patients with amplitudes of 1.4, 0.8 and 2.0 mV, respectively. Isolated apical hypertrophy was noted in all patients. Two-dimensional echocardiogram and the left ventriculogram revealed a "spade-shaped" configuration of the left ventricular cavity at endo-diastole in only one patient. Left ventricular end diastolic pressures were elevated and coronary angiograms were normal in all 3 cases. We conclude that this disease entity should be considered in patients whose electrocardiogram shows a large inverted T wave in the left precordial leads, either accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion or chest pain, or even when asymptomatic. Echocardiogram is the most useful screening tool in the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.