Irreversible Electroporation as a Valid Treatment Option for Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: An International Multicenter Experience.

PURPOSE: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare tumor with currently no established standard of care. This international multicenter retrospective study assesses the use of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) as an ablative tool to treat HEHE and provides a clinical overview of the current management and role of IRE in HEHE treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2017 and 2023, 14 patients with 47 HEHE tumors were treated with percutaneous IRE using CT-scan guidance in 23 procedures. Baseline patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated. Primary outcome measures included safety and effectiveness, analyzed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and treatment response by mRECIST criteria. Secondary outcome measures included technical success, post-treatment tumor sizes and length of hospital stay. Technical success was defined as complete ablation with an adequate ablative margin (intentional tumor free ablation margin > 5 mm). RESULTS: IRE treatment resulted in technical success in all tumors. Following a median follow-up of 15 months, 30 tumors demonstrated a complete response according to mRECIST criteria. The average tumor size pre-treatment was 25.8 mm, accompanied by an average reduction in tumor size by 7.5 mm. In 38 out of 47 tumors, there was no evidence of local recurrence. In nine tumors, residual tumor was present. There were no cases of progressive disease. Median length of hospital stay was one day. Only one grade 3 CTCAE event occurred, a pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. CONCLUSION: The current study provides evidence that IRE is a safe and efficacious minimally invasive treatment option for HEHE.

Predictors of clinical and structural outcomes after surgery for spinal nerve sheath tumor resection: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Resection of spinal nerve sheath tumors (SNSTs) typically necessitates laminectomy, often with facetectomy, for adequate exposure of tumor. While removal of bone affords a greater operative window and extent of resection, it places the patient at greater risk for spinal instability. Although studies have identified risk factors for fusion at the time of tumor resection, there has yet to be a study assessing long-term stability following SNST resection. In this study, the authors sought to identify preoperative and operative risk factors that predispose to long-term spinal instability and investigate clinical variables associated with greater risk for subsequent fusion in the time following initial SNST resection. METHODS: An institutional registry of spinal surgeries was queried at a single institution over a 20-year period. Demographic, clinical, and operative variables were recorded retrospectively and investigated for predictive value of several postoperative sequelae. RESULTS: A total of 122 SNST cases among 112 patients were included. At a mean follow-up time of 27.7 months, patients with a history of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) (p = 0.014) and those who had undergone a laminectomy of ≥ 4 levels at the time of initial SNST resection (p = 0.028) were more likely to present with some degree of structural abnormality or neurological deficit following their initial surgery. The presence of facetectomy, degree of laminectomy, and level of spinal surgery were not found to be predictors of future instability. Ultimately, there was no significant predictor for true spinal instability following index surgery without fusion. A secondary analysis showed that an entirely extradural location (p = 0.044) and facetectomy at index surgery (p = 0.012) were predictive of fusion being performed at the time of tumor resection. Four of the 112 patients required fusion after their index SNST resection, 3 of whom underwent fusion for instability at the level of the index surgery. No variables were identified as predictive for future instrumentation. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, the authors conclude that resection of SNSTs does not always necessitate fusion, and good outcomes can be obtained with motion-preserving techniques and minimizing facetectomy when possible. Patients with a history of NF2 and those with SNSTs that required ≥ 4-level laminectomy were more likely to exhibit some degree of structural abnormality and/or neurological deficit localized to the index level defined as either new or worsening spinal instability and/or new or worsening neurological deficit at last follow-up; however, no variable was found to be predictive of true spinal instability. Furthermore, a complete facetectomy at initial SNST resection and entirely extradural tumor location were noted to be associated with fusion at index surgery. Lastly, the authors were unable to identify a clinical predictor for future instrumentation.

Does hinge sidedness influence laterality of C5 palsy after expansile open-door cervical laminoplasty?

OBJECTIVE: Cervical expansile open-door laminoplasties (EOLPs) have an open side and a hinge side, with the open side being bridged by grafts or miniplates. The authors explored the possibility that the open-door side might have a greater incidence of C5 palsy due to a greater stretch of the ipsilateral C5 nerve root. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data over a period of 25 years specifically assessing surgical complications. Included were patients who underwent EOLP for myelopathy, radiculopathy, or mild central cord injuries (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade D). Exclusion criteria included preexisting C5 weakness; patients with AIS grade A, B, or C injury; and added instrumentation or additional surgical procedures. Patients were monitored postoperatively for C5 palsy or any other complications. A comparison group included patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF). RESULTS: A total of 327 laminoplasties were collected, and 31 patients were excluded because of severe spinal cord injury (AIS grades A-C), 3 for preoperative C5 weakness, and 21 for instrumentation or additional surgical procedures. Thus, 272 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 59.9 years (range 22-88 years). Diagnoses at presentation were cervical myelopathy (84.1%), central cord syndrome (7.2%), cervical myeloradiculopathy (3.4%), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (1.9%), and other (3.4%). The most common complications were C5 palsy (n = 7, 2.6%) and wound infection (n = 7, 2.6%). Of the 7 cases of postoperative C5 palsies in this study, 6 occurred on the side of the open door. Of the C5 palsies, 2 were mild, 3 were moderate, and 2 were severe. Two of the 7 C5 palsies had a delayed (> 24 hours) onset. The C5 palsy incidence after CLF was 2.7% with no side preference. CONCLUSIONS: C5 palsy after cervical decompression for myelopathy is a known occurrence, with a rate of 2.6% in the current study. The authors found that C5 palsies more commonly occur on the open side of the laminoplasty. This could be due to a greater manipulation of the nerve root on the side of the open door or greater stretch of the C5 root on the open-door side. If clinical symptoms and anatomical stenosis are symmetric, the authors recommend creating the laminoplasty hinge on the patient's dominant side to minimize potential loss of dominant proximal arm function.

Future liver remnant augmentation preceding ex vivo hepatectomy with IVC replacement: a strategy to achieve R0 margins.

PURPOSE: Ex vivo hepatectomy with autotransplantation (EHAT) provides opportunity for R0 resection. As EHAT outcomes after future liver remnant (FLR) augmentation techniques are not well documented, we examine results of EHAT after augmentation for malignant tumors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of six cases of EHAT was performed. Of these, four occurred after preoperative FLR augmentation between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Six patients were offered EHAT of 26 potential candidates. Indications for resection were involvement of hepatic vein outflow and inferior vena cava (IVC) with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (n = 3), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 2), or leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Five patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and four had preoperative liver augmentation. One hundred percent of cases achieved R0 resection. Of the augmented cases, three patients are alive after median follow-up of 28 months. Postoperative mortality due to liver failure was 25% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: For select patients with locally advanced tumors involving all hepatic veins and the IVC for whom conventional resection is not an option, EHAT provides opportunity for R0 resection. In addition, in patients with inadequate FLR volume, further operative candidacy with acceptable results can be achieved by combined liver augmentation techniques. To better characterize outcomes in this small subset, a registry is needed.

Associations with daily opioid use during hospitalization following lumbar fusion: A contemporary cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Predicting opioid use after lumbar spine fusion remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and demographic parameters that could be associated with opioid use trends during hospitalization after lumbar spine fusion. METHODS: A cohort study of prospective data for all lumbar fusions performed by single surgeon for an 18-month period from 2019 to 2020 was conducted. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess associations. RESULTS: Amongst the overall cohort of 136 lumbar fusion patients, the mean age was 66.1 ± 10 years, there was an average of 1.7 ± levels treated. Overall, mean opioid use for total stay was 276 ± 360 morphine milligram equivalents (MME), with the greatest amount on postoperative day 1 (POD1) with 81.6 ± 86 MME. Multivariable linear analysis identified older age (-9.9 MME/year; P < 0.01), male gender (-130 MME; P = 0.03) and thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block (-144 MME; P = 0.02) all independently were associated with significantly lower opioid use during overall hospitalization. Older age (P < 0.01), POD1 pain in back (P < 0.01), and TLIP use (P < 0.02) also independently were associated significantly lower opioid use on POD1. CONCLUSIONS: Significant reductions in opioid use during hospitalization after lumbar spine fusion were associated with patients that were older, male, and had a TLIP block used. The maximum absolute opioid use was on POD1. We were able to quantify these trends on a daily gradient, which lays the conceptual groundwork to develop personalized algorithms which can model opioid use during hospitalization prior to surgery.

Ex Vivo Liver Resection and Autotransplantation: Should It be Used More Frequently?

OBJECTIVE: We herein advocate for more extensive utilization of ex vivo resection techniques for otherwise unresectable liver tumors by presenting the largest collective American experience. BACKGROUND: Advanced in situ resection and vascular reconstruction techniques have made R0 resection possible for otherwise unresectable liver tumors. Ex vivo liver resection may further expand the limits of resectability but remains underutilized due to concerns about technical complexity and vascular thrombosis. However, we believe that the skillset required for ex vivo liver resection is more widespread and the complications less severe than widely assumed, making ex vivo resection a more attractive option in selected case. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 35 cases performed by surgical teams experienced with ex vivo liver resections (at least 4 cases) between 1997 and 2021. RESULTS: We categorized malignancies as highly aggressive (n=18), moderately aggressive (n=14), and low grade (n=3). All patients underwent total hepatectomy, vascular reconstruction and resection in hypothermia on the backtable, and partial liver autotransplantation. Overall survival was 67%/39%/28%, at 1/3/5 years, respectively, with a median survival of 710 days (range: 22-4824). Patient survival for highly aggressive, moderately aggressive, and low-grade tumors was 61%/33%/23%, 67%/40%/22%, and 100%/100%/100% at 1/3/5 years, respectively, with median survival 577 days (range: 22-3873), 444 days (range: 22-4824), and 1825 days (range: 868-3549). CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo resection utilizes techniques commonly practiced in partial liver transplantation, and we demonstrate relatively favorable outcomes in our large collective experience. Therefore, we propose that more liberal use of this technique may benefit selected patients in centers experienced with partial liver transplantation.

The declining incidence of cervical spine surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single-surgeon series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: With an increasing number of disease-modifying drugs available to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spine surgeons have anecdotally noted decreased rates of cervical spine surgical procedures in this population. Although these medications have been shown to mitigate RA progression and its systemic effects on joint destruction, there are currently no large-scale studies of RA patients that suggest the use of these disease-modifying drugs has truly coincided with a decline in cervical spine surgery. METHODS: Patients with RA who underwent cervical spinal fusion from 1998 to 2021 performed by the senior author were retrospectively reviewed. The cohort was stratified into 3 categories based on procedure level: 1) occipitocervical, 2) atlantoaxial, and 3) subaxial. The number of surgical procedures per year in each subgroup was evaluated to determine treatment trends over time. National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) data on both RA and non-RA patients who underwent cervical fusion were analyzed to assess for surgical trends over time and for differences in likelihood of surgical intervention between RA and non-RA patients over the epoch. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2021, the number of overall cervical fusions performed in RA patients significantly declined (-0.13 procedures/year, p = 0.01) in this cohort, despite an overall significant increase in cervical fusions in non-RA patients over the same period. NIS analysis of cervical fusions across all patients similarly demonstrated a significant increase in cervical fusions over the same epoch (19,278 cases/year, p < 0.0001). When normalized for changes in population size, the incidence of new surgical procedures was lower in patients with RA regardless of surgical technique. Anterior cervical fusion was the most common approach used over the epoch in both RA and non-RA patients; correspondingly, RA patients were significantly less likely to undergo anterior cervical fusion (OR 0.655, 95% CI -0.4504 to -0.3972, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: At the authors' institution, there was a clear decline in the number of cervical fusions performed to treat the 3 most common forms of cervical spine pathology in RA patients (basilar impression, atlantoaxial instability, and subaxial cervical deformity). Although national trends suggest an increase in total cervical fusions in both RA and non-RA patients, the incidence of new procedures in patients with RA was significantly lower than in patients without RA, which supports the anecdotal results of spine surgeons nationally.

Contrast flow patterns based on needle tip position during cervical transforaminal epidural injections.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the effect of final needle position on contrast flow patterns during the performance of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs). OBJECTIVE: To analyze fluoroscopically guided cervical TFESI contrast flow patterns based upon final needle tip position. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational in vivo study. SETTING: Outpatient private practice physical medicine and rehabilitation spine clinic. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing cervical TFESIs. INTERVENTIONS: Cervical TFESIs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Categories of contrast flow patterns including epidural, intraforaminal, "sufficient to inject," and "predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal," based upon final needle tip position. RESULTS: Two independent observers reviewed images from 100 consecutive patients and classified injectate flow patterns stratified by needle tip position. The interrater reliability for all categories of interest was moderate, with kappa values from 0.61 to 0.76. More medially placed needles (middle third and lateral third of the articular pillars) resulted in higher rates of epidural contrast flow (75%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%-94%; and 60%; 95% CI: 47%-73%) compared to needles placed lateral to the articular pillars (26%; 95% CI: 8%-44%), and higher rates of "predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal" flow patterns with needles placed in the middle one third (75%; 95% CI: 56%-94%) and lateral one third of the articular pillars (47%; 95% CI: 34%-60%) compared to flow patterns when needles were placed lateral to the articular pillars (17%; 95% CI: 2%-32%). No needles were placed in the medial third of the articular pillars. CONCLUSIONS: More medially placed needle tips result in more optimal flow patterns during cervical TFESIs. The importance of this finding is unknown as clinical outcomes were not measured.

Perfil dos atendimentos pré-hospitalares em serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência no nordeste do Brasil / Perfil de la atención prehospitalaria en servicio de atención móvil de urgencia en el nordeste de Brasil / Profile of pre-hospital care in a mobile emergency care service in northeast Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos atendimentos pré-hospitalares realizados por um serviço móvel de emergência no município de Picos, Piauí, Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, documental e retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado nos meses de abril e maio de 2020. Foram analisados 4.220 registros com base nos atendimentos realizados pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência às ocorrências que aconteceram no período de janeiro de 2019 a março de 2020. Os dados foram coletados das fichas de atendimento individuais da instituição, organizados por meio de um formulário e analisados à luz da estatística descritiva. Resultados: Foi observada frequência de ocorrências ligeiramente maior em indivíduos do sexo masculino (50,3%), predominância das faixas etárias de 20 a 30 anos (30,7%) e maior de 60 anos (34,2%), atendimentos realizados pela Unidade de Suporte Básico (65,9%). As ocorrências traumáticas provenientes de acidentes de transporte (68,5%) e as clínicas cardiológicas (18%) se apresentaram em maior percentual em relação às demais. As ocorrências traumáticas foram mais frequentes no período de outubro a dezembro e as clínicas nos meses de fevereiro e março. Conclusão: O perfil epidemiológico dos atendimentos corresponde à população do gênero masculino e faixa etária maior ou igual a 60 anos. Predominaram as ocorrências de natureza clínica, principalmente cardiológicas.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el perfil epidemiológico de la atención prehospitalaria realizada por un servicio de atención móvil de urgencia en el municipio de Picos, Piauí, Brasil. Métodos: se trata de un estudio transversal, documental y retrospectivo con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en los meses de abril y mayo de 2020. Se analizaron 4.220 registros con base en las atenciones realizadas por el Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencia a los casos que ocurrieron en el período de enero de 2019 a marzo de 2020. Los datos fueron recolectados de las fichas de atención individuales de la institución, organizados por medio de un formulario y analizados a la luz de la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: fue observada frecuencia de casos ligeramente mayor en individuos del sexo masculino (50,3%), predominancia de las franjas etarias de 20 a 30 años (30,7%) y mayor de 60 años (34,2%), atenciones realizadas por la Unidad de Soporte Básico (65,9%). Los incidentes traumáticos provenientes de accidentes de transporte (68,5%) y las clínicas cardiológicas (18%) se presentaron en mayor porcentaje con relación a los demás. Los incidentes traumáticos fueron más frecuentes en el período de octubre a diciembre y las clínicas en los meses de febrero y marzo. Conclusión: el perfil epidemiológico de las atenciones corresponde a la población del género masculino y franja etaria mayor o igual a 60 años. Predominaron los incidentes de naturaleza clínica, principalmente cardiológicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of pre-hospital care performed by a mobile emergency service in the municipality of Picos, Piauí, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, documentary and retrospective study with a quantitative approach, conducted in April and May 2020. We analyzed 4,220 records based on the visits performed by the Mobile Emergency Care Service to the occurrences that occurred between January 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected from the institution's individual care forms, organized through a form and analyzed in the light of descriptive statistics. Results: A slightly higher frequency of occurrences was observed in males (50.3%), predominance of the age groups from 20 to 30 years (30.7%) and higher than 60 years (34.2%), attendances performed by the Basic Support Unit (65.9%). Traumatic occurrences resulting from traffic accidents (68.5%) and cardiologic clinics (18%) were higher in percentage in relation to the other ones. Traumatic occurrences were more frequent from October to December and clinics in February and March. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of the visits corresponds to the male population and age group greater than or equal to 60 years. Occurrences of a clinical nature, especially cardiac, predominated.

High dietary salt amplifies osmoresponsiveness in vasopressin-releasing neurons.

High dietary salt increases arterial pressure partly through activation of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCVP) that secrete the antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor hormone vasopressin (VP) into the circulation. Here, we show that the intrinsic and synaptic excitation of MNCVP caused by hypertonicity are differentially potentiated in two models of salt-dependent hypertension in rats. One model combined salty chow with a chronic subpressor dose of angiotensin II (AngII-salt), the other involved replacing drinking water with 2% NaCl (salt loading, SL). In both models, we observed a significant increase in the quantal amplitude of EPSCs on MNCVP. However, model-specific changes were also observed. AngII-salt increased the probability of glutamate release by osmoreceptor afferents and increased overall excitatory network drive. In contrast, SL specifically increased membrane stiffness and the intrinsic osmosensitivity of MNCVP. These results reveal that dietary salt increases the excitability of MNCVP through effects on the cell-autonomous and synaptic osmoresponsiveness of MNCVP.

The technical aspects of ex vivo hepatectomy with autotransplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Ex vivo hepatectomy is the incorporation of liver transplant techniques in the non-transplant setting, providing opportunity for locally advanced tumors found conventionally unresectable. Because the procedure is rare and reports in the literature are limited, we sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating technical variations of ex vivo hepatectomies. METHODS: In the literature, there is a split in those performing the procedure between venovenous bypass (VVB) and temporary portacaval shunts (PCS). Of the 253 articles identified on the topic of ex vivo resection, 37 had sufficient data to be included in our review. RESULTS: The majority of these procedures were performed for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (69%) followed by primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. In 18 series, VVB was used, and in 18, a temporary PCS was performed. Comparing these two groups, intraoperative variables and morbidity were not statistically different, with a cumulative trend in favor of PCS. Ninety-day mortality was significantly lower in the PCS group compared to the VVB group (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In order to better elucidate these differences between technical approaches, a registry and consensus statement are needed.

Pathologic response translates to improved patient survival after locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: the importance of minimally invasive microwave ablation.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy or transplantation can serve as curative treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, as progression remains a reality, locoregional therapies (LRT) for curative or bridging intent have become common. Efficacy on viability, outcomes, and accuracy of imaging should be defined to guide treatment. METHODS: Patients with HCC who underwent minimally invasive (MIS) microwave ablation (MWA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or both (MIS-MWA-TACE) prior to hepatectomy or transplantation were identified. Tumor response and preoperative computed tomography (CT) accuracy were assessed and compared to pathology. Clinical and oncologic outcomes were compared between MIS-MWA, TACE, and MIS-MWA-TACE. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients, with tumors from all stages of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging, were identified who underwent LRT prior to resection or transplant. Fourteen patients underwent MIS-MWA, 46 underwent TACE, and 31 underwent both neoadjuvantly. TACE population was older; otherwise, there were no differences in demographics. Fifty-seven percent of MIS-MWA patients had no viable tumor on pathology whereas only 13% of TACE patients and 29% of MIS-MWA-TACE patients had complete destruction (p = 0.004). The amount of remaining viable tumor in the explant was also significantly different between groups (MIS-MWA: 17.2%, TACE: 48.7%, MIS-MWA-TACE: 18.6%; p ≤ 0.0001). Compared with TACE, the MIS-MWA and MIS-MWA-TACE groups had significantly improved overall survival (MIS-MWA: 99.94 months, TACE: 75.35 months, MIS-MWA-TACE: 140 months; p = 0.017). This survival remained significant with stratification by tumor size. CT accuracy was found to be 50% sensitive and 86% specific for MIS-MWA. For TACE, CT had an 82% sensitivity and 33% specificity and for MIS-MWA-TACE, there was a 42% sensitivity and 78% specificity. CONCLUSION: The impact of locoregional treatments on tumor viability is distinct and superior with MIS-MWA alone and MIS-MWA-TACE offering significant advantage over TACE alone. The extent of this effect may be implicated in the improved overall survival.

Modification of the Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Technique Based Upon the Anatomic Angle of the Superior Articular Process on MRI.

OBJECTIVE: A modification of the conventional technique for cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI) has been developed. This technique may, theoretically, decrease the likelihood of the needle encountering the vertebral artery and spinal nerve. The approach uses angle measurements of the superior articular process ventral surface from the patient's axial MRI as a guide for fluoroscopic set-up and needle trajectory. This report aims to compare contrast flow patterns of the modified approach with those of the conventional technique. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and prospective blinded analysis of contrast flow patterns. Setting. Outpatient interventional physiatry practice. METHODS: A retrospective blinded qualitative review of fluoroscopic images was performed to compare contrast flow patterns of CTFESIs performed using the modified approach with those using the conventional technique. A detailed description of the modified approach is provided in this report. RESULTS: Ninety-seven CTFESI procedures were used for flow analysis. The modified approach resulted in a statistically significant greater percentage of injections with epidural flow: 69% [95% CI = 57-82%] modified approach vs. 42% [95% CI = 28-56%] conventional approach. The modified technique also showed a statistically significant higher percent of injections categorized as having an ideal flow pattern, that of predominate epidural and/or intraforaminal flow: 65% [95% CI = 52-78%] vs. 27% [95% CI = 14-40%]. CONCLUSIONS: A modification of the conventional CTFESI technique, developed for the purpose of improved safety, may provide superior contrast flow patterns when compared to the conventional approach.

Incidence of Extravascular Perivertebral Artery Contrast Flow During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections.

BACKGROUND: During a cervical transforaminal epidural injection, injectate flows along the path of least resistance. Given the proximity of the vertebral artery to the intervertebral foramen, injected contrast may flow along the external wall of the artery. The incidence of this contrast flow pattern during cervical transforaminal epidural injections is unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow patterns during cervical transforaminal epidural injections. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective, observational, in vivo study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients receiving cervical transforaminal epidural injections at a single outpatient spine clinic. OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence or absence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow. METHODS: The saved images from 100 consecutive patients were reviewed by two independent observers and classified with or without extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow. The incidence was determined and kappa was used to examine inter-rater reliability. All disagreements were reviewed, and the final classification was determined by consensus. RESULTS: The inter-rater reliability was moderate, with a kappa value of 0.69. The incidence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow patterns was 49% by consensus. No statistically significant differences in incidence were present when comparing three different final needle tip positions. CONCLUSIONS: During a cervical transforaminal epidural injection, an extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow pattern is frequently encountered. This includes flow along the exiting nerve and then around the vertebral artery, as suggested by this study. Although this contrast pattern does not represent an intravascular injection into the vertebral artery, practitioners should remain cautious to exclude intravascular needle placement before injecting medication.

A repository of protein abundance data of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters for applications in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling and simulation.

Population factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, genotype and disease state can cause inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of drugs. Primarily, this variability arises from differences in abundance of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMET) among individuals and/or groups. Hence, availability of compiled data on abundance of DMET proteins in different populations can be useful for developing physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. The latter are routinely employed for prediction of PK profiles and drug interactions during drug development and in case of special populations, where clinical studies either are not feasible or have ethical concerns. Therefore, the main aim of this work was to develop a repository of literature-reported DMET abundance data in various human tissues, which included compilation of information on sample size, technique(s) involved, and the demographic factors. The collation of literature reported data revealed high inter-laboratory variability in abundance of DMET proteins. We carried out unbiased meta-analysis to obtain weighted mean and percent coefficient of variation (%CV) values. The obtained %CV values were then integrated into a PBPK model to highlight the variability in drug PK in healthy adults, taking lamotrigine as a model drug. The validated PBPK model was extrapolated to predict PK of lamotrigine in paediatric and hepatic impaired populations. This study thus exemplifies importance of the DMET protein abundance database, and use of determined values of weighted mean and %CV after meta-analysis in PBPK modelling for the prediction of PK of drugs in healthy and special populations.

Three Possible Variations in Ex Vivo Hepatectomy: Achieving R0 Resection by Auto-transplantation.

The collaboration of hepatopancreaticobiliary with transplant surgery expands technical options and opportunity for potentially curative resection in traditionally inoperable cases.  We identified and describe three different types of ex vivo hepatic resections that include (1) explantation with formal hepatectomy, (2) explantation with re-implantation of the whole liver after vascular reconstruction, and (3) explantation with formal hepatectomy after future liver remnant volume augmentation.

Ex vivo liver resection coupled with associated liver partition and portal vein ligation: Combining existing techniques to achieve surgical resectability.

Incorporation of liver transplant techniques in hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery has created an opportunity for the resection of locally advanced hepatic tumors formerly considered unresectable. A 73-year-old woman presented with cholangiocarcinoma involving inferior vena cava, all three hepatic veins, and right anterior portal pedicle, initially deemed nonoperative. This case demonstrates the first combined application of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy and ex vivo resection to perform an R0. For diseases dependent upon resection, surgical advances and innovations expand the spectrum of interventions through interdisciplinary techniques.