Characteristics of a Diverse Cohort of Stroke Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Outcome by Sex.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with stroke. The role of sex on stroke outcome has not been investigated. To objective of this paper is to describe the characteristics of a diverse cohort of acute stroke patients with COVID-19 disease and determine the role of sex on outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with acute stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted between March 15 to May 15, 2020 to one of the six participating comprehensive stroke centers. Baseline characteristics, stroke subtype, workup, treatment and outcome are presented as total number and percentage or median and interquartile range. Outcome at discharge was determined by the modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS). Variables and outcomes were compared for males and females using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study included 83 patients, 47% of which were Black, 28% Hispanics/Latinos, and 16% whites. Median age was 64 years. Approximately 89% had at least one preexisting vascular risk factor (VRF). The most common complications were respiratory failure (59%) and septic shock (34%). Compared with females, a higher proportion of males experienced severe SARS-CoV-2 symptoms requiring ICU hospitalization (73% vs. 49%; p = 0.04). When divided by stroke subtype, there were 77% ischemic, 19% intracerebral hemorrhage and 3% subarachnoid hemorrhage. The most common ischemic stroke etiologies were cryptogenic (39%) and cardioembolic (27%). Compared with females, males had higher mortality (38% vs. 13%; p = 0.02) and were less likely to be discharged home (12% vs. 33%; p = 0.04). After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and number of VRFs, mRS was higher in males than in females (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.03-2.09). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of SARS-CoV-2 stroke patients, most had clinical evidence of coronavirus infection on admission and preexisting VRFs. Severe in-hospital complications and worse outcomes after ischemic strokes were higher in males, than females.

Comparison of cognitive function after carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy.

The effect of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on cognitive function is unclear. Both cognitive improvement and decline have been reported after CAS and CEA. We aimed to compare the changes in postprocedural cognitive function after CAS versus CEA. A systematic qualitative review of the literature was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement for studies evaluating the changes in cognitive function after CAS compared with CEA. Thirteen studies (403 CEAs; 368 CAS procedures) comparing the changes in cognitive function after CEA versus CAS were identified. Most studies did not show significant differences in overall cognitive function or only showed a difference in a single cognitive test between the two procedures. A definitive conclusion regarding the effect of CAS versus CEA on cognitive function was not possible owing to heterogeneity in definition, method, timing of assessment, and type of cognitive tests. For the same reasons, performing a meta-analysis was not feasible. The lack of standardization of specific cognitive tests and timing of assessment of cognitive function after CAS and CEA do not allow for definite conclusions to be drawn. Larger, adequately-powered and appropriately designed studies are required to accurately evaluate the effect of CAS versus CEA on postprocedural cognitive function.

The effects of iloprost on colonic anastomotic healing in rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this experimental study is to investigate the effects of iloprost on colonic anastomotic healing in rats, after intraperitoneal administration. METHODS: Forty male Albino-Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of twenty animals each. They all underwent colonic resection followed by an inverted anastomosis. The rats of Group A (control) received 3 ml of NaCl intraperitoneally, while those of Group B (iloprost) received iloprost (2 µg/kg body weight), immediately postoperatively and daily until killed. Each group was further divided into two equal subgroups, depending on the day of killing. The animals of subgroups 1 were killed on the fourth postoperative day, while those of subgroups 2 on the eighth. Macroscopical and histological assessments were performed. Besides, anastomotic bursting pressures and the tissue concentrations in hydroxyproline and collagenase I were also evaluated. RESULTS: No anastomotic dehiscence was noted. The mean bursting pressure was higher in the iloprost group compared with the control group, but a significant difference was revealed only on the fourth postoperative day. Furthermore, iloprost significantly increased the new vessel formation on the fourth, as well as on the eighth postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Iloprost enhances the early phase of colonic anastomotic healing in rats.

Alanine-glutamine dipeptide pretreatment protects rat renal function from small intestine ischemia-reperfusion injury.

AIM: Oxidative injury can cause renal function impairment and failure. Glutathione, a free radical scavenger, plays in the kidney a central role in oxidant-related events. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effect of glutamine, a precursor of glutathione in the form of alanine-glutamine dipeptide (AGD) on small intestine ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidant renal damage in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to intestinal I/R for 30 min, induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, followed by 60 min reperfusion. AGD pretreatment was given 48 and 24 hours before I/R. At the end of the experimental procedure the left kidney was excised and a thin tissue slice was obtained for electron microscopy study. Kidney biopsies were obtained for malonyl dialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and glutathione assays. RESULTS: Intestinal I/R caused significant oxidative injury in rat renal parenchyma consisted of severe alterations observed in subcellular renal structures associated with a significant increase in renal malonyl dialdehyde levels and a significant decrease in renal glutathione levels. Changes regarding subcellular renal structures were ameliorated in AGD pre-treated animals in which renal glutathione levels did not decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Glutamine pretreatment in the form of AGD can prevent small bowel I/R-induced oxidant renal damage in rats.

Brain metastases in colorectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study is the presentation of brain secondaries associated with colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period between 1990 and 2009, 670 patients with colorectal cancer were treated. RESULTS: From 670 patients, 5 patients were identified with brain metastases. The incidence was 0.73%. The median interval between the colorectal cancer and the development of the brain secondaries was 7.5 months. Median survival after the diagnosis of brain metastases was 4.3 months. CONCLUSION: Brain metastases associated with colorectal cancer are relatively rare, but also a frequent cause of death.

The handsewn anastomosis after colon resection due to colonic cancer.

AIM: The purpose of our study is to present the results of the handsewn single-layer interrupted extramucosal anastomosis following colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period between 1989 and 2009, 276 intestinal anastomoses were fashioned following colon resection using single-layer interrupted extramucosal 3/0 Vicryl. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 8.2 days. Twenty-three patients had postoperative complications, and the total morbidity was 8.3%. Seven anastomotic leakages occurred (2.5%). The mortality rate was 2.5%. CONCLUSION: The single-layer anastomosis with interrupted extramucosal sutures after colon resection is safe and effective.

Metachronous colorectal cancer.

AIM: In this study, we present our patients with metachronous colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period between 1990 and 2009, 670 patients with colorectal cancer were treated. RESULTS: Metachronous cancer was developed in 4 (0.6%) patients. The time interval between index and metachronous cancer was 28 months to 22 years (mean 146 months). CONCLUSION: Metachronous colorectal cancer is a potential risk that proves the necessity of postoperative colonoscopic control of all patients with colorectal cancer.

Celiac artery aneurysm associated with atherosclerotic common hepatic artery stenosis.

Celiac artery aneurysms are rare vascular lesions and represent 4% of all splanchnic aneurysms. Media degeneration and atherosclerosis are the most common underlying etiologic factors. The risk of rupture and the associated mortality rate are 13% and 40% respectively. In contrast, elective repair carries a low mortality rate of 5%. Most of celiac artery aneurysms are asymptomatic and in the past nearly 80% of the cases were diagnosed when ruptured. Recently, there is an increased recognition of all splanchnic aneurysm types, probably because of better diagnostic techniques. We report a case of celiac artery aneurysm with severe atherosclerotic stenosis of the common hepatic artery. We performed, through a midline supraumbilical laparotomy, extended partial aneurysmectomy and common hepatic artery ostium endarterectomy. For the closure we used Dacron patch. The uncomplicated postoperative patient's course, with no evidence of liver dysfunction and excellent patency of the common hepatic artery, suggests that this technique offered good results and minimized the perioperative risk.

Intrahepatic lithiasis as a late complication of hepaticojejunostomy.

The development of intrahepatic lithiasis proximal to a bilodigestive anastomosis is rare. We report a case of intrahepatic lithiasis of the right hepatic duct, which developed almost 6 years after a hepaticojejunostomy performed for an iatrogenic lesion of the common hepatic duct. The patient experienced repeated episodes of acute cholangitis and was treated with intracorporeal lithotripsy and dilation of the stenosis.

Comparison between modern mesh and conventional non-mesh methods of inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the study were to compare the tension-free mesh repair with non-meash conventional repair of groin hernia. METHODS: In the past two years in 299 consecutive unselected patients 339 inguinal hernia repairs were carried out. They randomly allocated to undergo either a non-meash modified Bassini's repair (n=164) or a tension-free mesh repair (n=175). The latter group consisted of laparoscopic TAPP repair (n=46) and open onlay patch repair (n=64) or plug and patch repair (n=65). Operation time, postoperative pain and complications, hospital stay, return to work and recurrence were assessed. Statistical analysis was made using the "t"-Student test. RESULTS: The characteristics of the patients in each group and the operation time did not differ significantly. The planned procedure was completed in all and no death occurred. The analgesic requirements (none 2.5 vs 56.4%, opiods 77 vs 23.6%), complication rate (9.4 vs 4.3%), hospital stay (4.2 vs 1.8 days), return to work (17.2 vs 7.3 days) and recurrence rate (5.5 vs 1.2%) in non-mesh group were more than in the mesh group. All differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Among the three subgroups of mesh group no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The tension-free mesh repair either open or laparoscopic provides excellent results with better short-term outcome and lower recurrence rate than non-mesh modified Bassini's repair.

Complete dehiscence of the abdominal wound and incriminating factors.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the causes of abdominal wound dehiscence. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Greece. SUBJECTS: Abdominal wound dehiscence occurred in 89 cases out of 19,206 major abdominal operations including 4671 emergencies during the past 15 years (0.5%). INTERVENTIONS: In the study group 14 local and systemic risk factors were analysed and compared with those in a control group of 89 patients who had similar procedures without dehiscence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Statistical analysis using the chi square test. RESULTS: Significant factors (p < 0.05) included age over 65 years, emergency operation, cancer, haemodynamic instability, intra-abdominal sepsis, wound infection, hypoalbuminaemia, ascites, obesity, and steroids. Risk factors that were not significant included sex, anaemia, diabetes mellitus and pulmonary disease. Overall morbidity and mortality were 30% and 16%, respectively. The mortality and the possibility of dehiscence seem to correlate directly with the number of risk factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with these risk factors require more attention and special care to minimise the risk of its occurrence.

Annular pancreas in adults: embryological development, morphology and clinical significance.

Three cases (two male, one female) of annular pancreas are presented, which were found and operated on within the last three decades. Diagnosis was made using imaging techniques, especially ultrasonography and computed tomography. In two cases there was incomplete obstruction, while in the other obstruction was complete. It is characteristic that in the case of complete obstruction the annular portion of the pancreas attached to a circular band of connective tissue, while in the two cases of incomplete obstruction there was a complete ring of pancreatic tissue. In all cases surgical intervention was needed in order to create a bypass. In the first case gastroenterostomy and truncal vagotomy was performed, in the second latero-lateral duodeno-jejunostomy and in the third latero-lateral antropyloroduodeno-jejunostomy. The embryology and morphology of the annular pancreas, the morphology of its duct system, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and the surgical treatment of this rare condition are reviewed.

Preduodenal portal vein in the adult.

We present three cases of preduodenal portal vein in adult people, which were diagnosed in our department. All of them were identified during elective operation for cholelithiasis, caused some technical difficulties to the performance of the operation, but led to no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. None of them had any preoperative symptoms, which could be related to this anomaly. The preduodenal portal vein is a rare congenital anomaly, which is usually discovered in infants or children due to the obstruction of the duodenum. In adults, it is often asymptomatic, and is usually discovered as an accidental finding during laparotomy for other reason. The postcontrast CT can set the diagnosis, when this anomaly is suspected. Despite its rarity, this anomaly is of great surgical importance, because it can predispose to intraoperative complications including hemorrhage from the abnormal vein, or damage to the biliary tract or the distented duodenum. The anterior position of the portal vein results from the persistence of the ventral anastomosis between the two vitelline veins and the distal portion of the right vitelline vein, with subsequent atrophy of the cranial part of the left vitelline and dorsal anastomotic vein.

Stereotactic biopsy of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast using an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted device: persistent underestimation of disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 14-gauge automated gun and 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 41 consecutive lesions that had been diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ using stereotactic needle biopsy. The first 21 lesions had been biopsied using a 14-gauge automated gun; the remaining 20 lesions, using an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted device. Surgical histopathologic results at lumpectomy were compared with the findings at needle biopsy and defined as either concordant, when only ductal carcinoma in situ (i.e., no evidence of invasive carcinoma) was evident at surgery, or discordant, when invasive carcinoma was found. One patient from the automated gun group was lost to follow-up and was not included in the analysis. RESULTS: Invasive carcinoma was found at surgery in seven (35%) of the 20 cases diagnosed using the automated gun compared with three (15%) of the 20 cases diagnosed using the vacuum-assisted device (p = .13). In all three of these discordant vacuum-assisted cases, only microinvasive disease was found at surgery. However, in only two of the seven discordant automated gun cases was only microinvasive disease found at surgery. CONCLUSION: The 11-gauge directional vacuum-assisted biopsy technique may improve the accuracy of ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosis. Underestimation of disease still occurs, however.

[Use of the CO2 laser in the treatment of burn injuries]. / Die Anwendung des CO2-Lasers bei der Behandlung des Brandverletzten.

In the treatment of burn injuries the CO2-Laser has meanwhile proved to be an effective cutting-instrument as well as the Bowie-Knife. A trial-study was carried out in which the necroses were excised simultaneously with the Laser on one side of the body and with the Bowie-Knife on the other. Comparisons were made between blood-loss, time used for escharotomie, injury to the wound bed and post-operative healing of the autograft 4 and 8 days later. The results of the parameter showed that with the Laser there was a reduction in blood-loss of 50% compared with the Bowie-Knife. On the other hand the total operating-time was 1/3 longer, including the time necessary for hemostasis to take place. The blood-loss was measured with a Blood-Loss-Perometer and the result was converted according to the extent of the burned surface area. Histology showed less trauma of the wound bed compared with the Bowie-Knife, rare hemorrhages and inflammatory reactions in Laser so that healing of the autograft proceeded without complications.