Test-retest reliability of the ulnar F-wave minimum latency versus ulnar distal motor latency in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to explore reliability of the ulnar F-wave minimum latency (Fmin) and the ulnar distal motor latency (DML) and to contrast those levels of reliability in order to reveal whether physiologic lability is the primary contributor to unwanted variability in Fmin measurements. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fmin and DML in the Abductor Digiti Minimi muscle were measured bilaterally by two raters in 50 healthy adults (n = 100 hands, 70 male, 30 female) with 3-14 days between testing sessions. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability (ICC 3,1) for the Fmin was 0.89 with a standard error of the measurement (SEM) of 0.77 msec. Interrater reliability (ICC 2,1) for the Fmin was 0.80 with a SEM of 1.04 msec. Intrarater reliability (ICC 3,1) for the DML was 0.71 with a SEM of 0.18 msec. Interrater reliability (ICC 2,1) for the DML was 0.76 with a SEM of 0.19 msec. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our hypothesis, the Fmin had a higher reliability than the DML. The DML did not display the high reliability other investigators have reported. We conclude the Fmin is a reliable measurement when 10 supramaximal stimulations are administered to healthy, young to middle-aged adult subjects. However, no inferences were made regarding relative levels of psychologic lability for the two latencies.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2 represses the T helper cell type 2 response through interaction with NFAT-interacting protein (NIP45).

Recently we have identified a novel protein NIP45 (nuclear factor of activated T cells [NFAT]-interacting protein) which substantially augments interleukin (IL)-4 gene transcription. The provision of NIP45 together with NFAT and the T helper cell type 2 (Th2)-specific transcription factor c-Maf to cells normally refractory to IL-4 production, such as B cells or Th1 clones, results in substantial IL-4 secretion to levels that approximate those produced by primary Th2 cells. In studies designed to further our understanding of NIP45 activity, we have uncovered a novel facet of IL-4 gene regulation. We present evidence that members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family of proteins, generally known to function as adapter proteins that transduce signals from the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, contribute to the repression of IL-4 gene transcription and that this effect is mediated through their interaction with NIP45.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and contrast media reactions in a radiology department.

AIM: To assess current knowledge and training in the management of contrast media reactions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation within a radiology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The standard of knowledge about the management of contrast media reactions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation among radiologists, radiographers and nurses were audited using a two-section questionnaire. Our results were compared against nationally accepted standards. Repeat audits were undertaken over a 28-month period. Three full audit cycles were completed. RESULTS: The initial audit confirmed that although a voluntary training programme was in place, knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques were below acceptable levels (set at 70%) for all staff members. The mean score for radiologists was 50%. Immediate changes instituted included retraining courses, the distribution of standard guidelines and the composition and distribution of two separate information handouts. Initial improvements were complemented by new wallcharts, which were distributed throughout the department, a series of lectures on management of contrast reactions and regular reviews with feedback to staff. In the third and final audit all staff groups had surpassed the required standard. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of contrast media reactions and resuscitation needs constant updating. Revision of skills requires a prescriptive programme; visual display of advice is a constant reminder. It is our contention all radiology departmental staff should consider it a personal duty to maintain their resuscitation skills at appropriate standards.

A comparative analysis of radiological and surgical placement of central venous catheters.

PURPOSE: To compare the differences in practice and outcome of all radiologically and surgically placed central venous catheters retrospectively over a 2-year period simultaneously, at a single institution. METHODS: A total of 253 Hickman catheters were inserted in 209 patients; 120 were placed radiologically in 102 patients and 133 were placed surgically in 107 patients. The indication was chemotherapy in 76% of radiological and in 47% of surgical cases; the remainder were for total parenteral nutrition and venous access. RESULTS: There were 6 (4.5%) primary surgical failures and a further 17 (13%) surgical cases requiring multiple placement attempts. Pneumothorax occurred once (0.8%) surgically and four times (3.3%) radiologically. There were no radiological primary misplacements but there were five (3.7%) surgical ones. Catheter or central vein thrombosis occurred in four (3.3%) radiological and five (3.7%) surgical cases. The rate of infection per 1000 catheter-days was 1.9 in radiologically placed catheters and 4.0 in surgically placed ones (p < 0.001). Average catheter life-span was similar for the two placement methods (100 +/- 23 days). CONCLUSION: Radiological placement is consistently more reliable than surgical placement. There are fewer placement complications and fewer catheter infections overall.

A blinded prospective trial of low-residue versus normal diet in preparation for barium enema.

This study was undertaken to determine whether the omission of a low-residue diet in the days leading up to barium enema resulted in poorer bowel preparation. 300 patients were randomized prospectively into one of two groups. One group followed a low-residue diet for the 3 days leading up to the study, the other continued their usual diet. Both groups had two doses of "Picolax" the day before the study. 17 patients did not attend, and a further two patients were excluded, leaving 281 patients for prospective study. The subsequent investigation was assessed blind by a consultant radiologist and graded for faecal residue, mucosal coating and diagnostic quality. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for amount of faecal residue (p < 0.25), mucosal coating (p < 0.25) or diagnostic quality (p < 0.5). We conclude, therefore, that a preliminary low-residue diet is unnecessary in the preparation of patients for barium enema. Patients should continue with their usual diet up to the day prior to the test and then have standard purgative preparation.

Technical report: Hickman catheter rescue.

Nineteen malfunctioning or incorrectly positioned Hickman catheters from a series of 320 catheter placements were referred to the radiology department for salvage. Successful catheter 'rescue' was achieved on 14 occasions (73.6%). Eight catheters were repositioned, five were replaced and thrombolysis was successful in a patient with subclavian vein thrombosis. Catheter repositioning techniques are reviewed and a new technique for catheter replacement using the existing venous access and subcutaneous tunnel is described.

Percutaneous intervention for radiation damage to axillary arteries.

Radiation injury to subclavian and axillary arteries is a rare and late complication of radiotherapy. Until recently it has been treated almost exclusively by carotid-brachial bypass surgery. We report three cases who presented with severe upper limb ischaemia following previous axillary radiotherapy for breast carcinoma. One patient with an axillary artery occlusion failed angioplasty and required bypass surgery. A further patient with an axillary artery occlusion was successfully managed by the percutaneous placement of an arterial stent. The third patient with an isolated axillary artery stenosis responded to balloon angioplasty. All three patients remained asymptomatic. Percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement, where necessary, are appropriate first choice treatment for delayed radiation stenosis and occlusion in upper limb ischaemia.

A comparative trial of magnesium citrate (Citramag) and Picolax for barium enema bowel preparation.

It has previously been suggested that a single dose of magnesium citrate produces adequate cleansing of the bowel for barium enema examination. To determine whether such a regimen has any advantage over the widely used two doses of Picolax, a prospective randomized blinded trial was performed with over 100 patients allocated to each of the bowel preparation regimens. Radiographs were assessed for quality of mucosal coating, faecal residue and overall quality of bowel preparation. Patient compliance was good with both regimens. Normal daily activities were inconvenienced significantly more by the Picolax (P < 0.001), whereas the magnesium citrate (Citramag) caused more interruption of sleep (P < 0.01). Mucosal coating was similar with both regimens. There was more faecal residue and poorer overall bowel preparation with Citramag (P < 0.001), although diagnostic accuracy was only infrequently felt to be compromised as a result. Citramag may offer an alternative to Picolax in patients where minimal disruption to daily activities is desirable and where the detection of polyps is not critical.

Thrombolysis of a partially occluding superior mesenteric artery thromboembolus by infusion of streptokinase.

Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery by thromboembolism is an uncommon cause of acute intestinal ischemia but carries a high mortality. This report describes a case of mesenteric thromboembolism in an 80-year-old woman treated successfully by selective low-dose infusion of streptokinase over 17 hours. Only twelve previous cases have been reported in the world literature. Selective thrombolytic therapy appears effective in the treatment of mesenteric thromboembolism, particularly in elderly patients with a high operative risk.

Pneumatic phlebography: a possible new technique for the assessment of recurrent varicose veins.

Initial experience with a new technique, using an inflatable compression device during ascending phlebography, is described. This method is compared with standard varicography in a small series of patients with recurrent varicose veins. In this pilot study, 13 patients had 17 limbs examined by the new method and 14 limbs by varicography. Below knee perforator incompetence was demonstrated directly in all limbs by 'pneumatic phlebography'. Short-saphenous vein and mid-thigh perforator incompetence were also more frequently demonstrated. The two tests are comparable at showing recurrent or persistent connection at the groin (13 limbs, overall). With modifications of the pressure device, pneumatic phlebography may prove to be an important method of assessing recurrent varicose veins.

The influence of duplex scanning on early patency rates of in situ bypass to the tibial vessels.

Duplex scanning was used in the follow up of 49 in situ infrapopliteal bypasses per formed for limb salvage using the valve incision method. In 19 cases (39%) the peroneal artery was the best available vessel for distal insertion; the anterior tibial and dorsalis pedis were used in 17 cases (35%) and the posterior tibial artery and tibioperoneal trunk in 13 cases (26%). In the early postoperative period three AV fistulas presented with painful skin lesions. These were located using duplex scanning and following ligation rapid resolution followed. Primary patency at one month was 87% and was increased to 96% by successful correction of four out of six failed bypasses. A total of 11 stenoses were found in five bypasses between three and 15 months postoperatively. In four of these patients the ankle/arm index decreased by at least 0.15 between examinations. A comparison was made between the spectral analysis on duplex scanning and the findings on arteriography and at operation. Peak systolic frequencies greater than 6,000 Hz were associated with 50% or greater reduction in vein bypass diameter. The majority were corrected using vein patch angioplasty. Primary cumulative patency at two years was maintained at 68% while correction of two out of seven bypass failures raised this to 80%. Duplex scanning allows precise definition of vein bypass pathology, facilitates operative correction and increases long-term limb salvage.