Amyloid PET ordering practices in a memory disorders clinic.

Introduction: This study assessed the ordering of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scans in a Veterans Affairs (VA) memory disorders clinic as part of routine clinical care, with possible implications for the extent to which ordering may occur outside of the VA in the future if covered by insurance. Methods: Clinical features predictive of ordering amyloid PET scans were retrospectively assessed; the percentage of patients who met appropriate use criteria were evaluated. Results: Among 565 veterans, 34.9% of received an amyloid PET scan and 98.0% of these were consistent with appropriate use criteria. Patients with a PET were younger and more likely to have an initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Of patients without an amyloid PET scan ordered, 64.4% would have met appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET. Discussion: The majority of scans ordered were consistent with appropriate use criteria and more patients were eligible than received a scan. The current study's findings that approximately one-third of patients in a memory disorders clinic received an amyloid PET scan has implications for memory disorders clinics inside and outside of the US Veterans Health Administration.

Neuroimaging Spectrum of Severe Hypernatremia in Infants with Neurological Manifestations.

BACKGROUND: Variable neurological manifestations and imaging findings have been described in children with severe hypernatremia. We aimed to describe the spectrum of neuroimaging changes in infants with severe hypernatremia. METHODS: This retrospective study included infants with severe hypernatremia (serum sodium >160 mEq/L), abnormal neurological examination, and an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital. Relevant clinical data, including the feeding practices, clinical features, complications, and biochemical and radiological parameters, were entered in a structured pro forma. MRI findings were classified as vascular (hemorrhages and cerebral sinus venous thrombosis), osmotic demyelination syndrome (pontine and extrapontine myelinolyses), and white matter changes. RESULTS: The common clinical features in the neonates were poor feeding (n = 4) and decreased urine output (n = 4); the older infants presented with gastrointestinal losses (n = 5). All cases had dehydration with encephalopathy. The patterns of radiological injury were vascular (hemorrhages, n = 5 and venous thrombosis, n = 3), osmotic demyelination (n = 8), and white matter changes (n = 7). Coagulopathy was correlated with the vascular complications (r = 0.8, p < 0.0001); the degree of dehydration was correlated with the venous thrombosis (r = 0.7, p < 0.04) and acute kidney injury (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Neurological sequelae were seen in four cases and correlated with hypernatremia (r = 0.6, p = 0.03) and hyperosmolarity (r = 0.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Characteristic neuroimaging findings are vascular changes in the form of venous thrombosis and hemorrhages, osmotic demyelination and white matter tract injury, and/or mostly combinations of these findings. Severe hypernatremia and resulting hyperosmolarity frequently cause neurological sequelae in neonates and infants.

Reducing Wait Time Between Admission and Chemotherapy Initiation.

PURPOSE: Reducing the length of stay is a high-priority objective for all health care institutions. Delays in chemotherapy initiation for planned preadmissions lead to patient dissatisfaction and prolonged length of stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was formed as part of the ASCO Quality Training Program. We aimed to reduce the time to initiation of chemotherapy from patient arrival at Parkland Hospital from a median of 6.2 hours at baseline to 4 hours over a 6-month period (35% reduction). The team identified inconsistency in blood work requirements, poor communication, and nonstandard patient arrival times as key causes of delay in the process. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were implemented based on identified improvement opportunities. The outcome measure was time from arrival to chemotherapy start. Data were obtained from time stamps in the electronic health record. RESULTS: The first PDSA cycle included patient reminders to arrive at specific times, improved communication using a smartphone secure messaging application, and preadmission notes by oncology fellows detailing whether fresh blood work were needed on admission. Baseline data from 36 patients and postimplementation data from 28 patients were analyzed. Median time from admission to chemotherapy initiation preprocess change was 6.2 hours; it was 3.2 hours postchange. A sustained shift in the process was apparent on a control chart. CONCLUSION: Delays in initiation of chemotherapy can be prevented using classic quality improvement methodology and a multidisciplinary team. We aim to further refine our PDSA cycles and ensure sustainability of change.

Use of Computer Imaging in Rhinoplasty: A Survey of the Practices of Facial Plastic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify the use of computer imaging by facial plastic surgeons. METHODS: AAFPRS Facial plastic surgeons were surveyed about their use of computer imaging during rhinoplasty consultations. The survey collected information about surgeon demographics, practice settings, practice patterns, and rates of computer imaging (CI) for primary and revision rhinoplasty. For those surgeons who used CI, additional information was also collected, which included who performed the imaging and whether the patient was given the morphed images after the consultation. RESULTS: A total of 238 out of 1200 (19.8%) facial plastic surgeons responded to the survey. Out of those who responded, 195 surgeons (83%) were board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ABFPRS). The majority of respondents (150 surgeons, 63%) used CI during rhinoplasty consultation. Of the surgeons who use CI, 92% performed the image morphing themselves. Approximately two-thirds of surgeons who use CI gave their patient a printout of the morphed images after the consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Computer imaging (CI) is a frequently utilized tool for facial plastic surgeons during cosmetic consultations with patients. Based on these results of this study, it can be suggested that the majority of facial plastic surgeons who use CI do so for both primary and revision rhinoplasty. As more sophisticated systems become available, it is possible that utilization of CI modalities will increase. This provides the surgeon with further tools to use at his or her disposal during discussion of aesthetic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Static Facial Slings: Approaches to Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed Face.

Facial paralysis results from a variety of different causes. Patients with facial paralysis have cosmetic and functional defects that significantly affect quality of life. Surgical intervention has the potential to help improve cosmetic and functional outcomes. The 2 main categories of surgical rehabilitation are static and dynamic surgical procedures. Static rehabilitation of the midface is typically performed using autologous tissue grafts, allografts, synthetic grafts, permanent suspension sutures, and a novel technique using percutaneous suture-based slings.

Gray matter volume and executive functioning correlate with time since injury following mild traumatic brain injury.

Most people who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) will recover to baseline functioning within a period of several days to weeks. A substantial minority of patients, however, will show persistent symptoms and mild cognitive complaints for much longer. To more clearly delineate how the duration of time since injury (TSI) is associated with neuroplastic cortical volume changes and cognitive recovery, we employed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and select neuropsychological measures in a cross-sectional sample of 26 patients with mTBI assessed at either two-weeks, one-month, three-months, six-months, or one-year post injury, and a sample of 12 healthy controls. Longer duration of TSI was associated with larger gray matter volume (GMV) within the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and right fusiform gyrus, and better neurocognitive performance on measures of visuospatial design fluency and emotional functioning. In particular, volume within the vmPFC was positively correlated with design fluency and negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, whereas GMV of the fusiform gyrus was associated with greater design fluency and sustained visual psychomotor vigilance performance. Moreover, the larger GMV seen among the more chronic individuals was significantly greater than healthy controls, suggesting possible enlargement of these regions with time since injury. These findings are interpreted in light of burgeoning evidence suggesting that cortical regions often exhibit structural changes following experience or practice, and suggest that with greater time since an mTBI, the brain displays compensatory remodeling of cortical regions involved in emotional regulation, which may reduce distractibility during attention demanding visuo-motor tasks.

Probable Immunoglobulin Subtype-G4-Related Disease in the Head and Neck from Foreign Body Injection: A Case Report.

Introduction Immunoglobulin subtype G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory disease of unknown etiology, with manifestations involving nearly every organ system. Its association with foreign bodies is not established. Here, we present a novel case of IgG4-RD in response to foreign body injection. Case Description A 58-year-old woman presented with history of persistent left facial pain, xerophthalmia, blurred vision, and trismus. The patient's medical history was significant for left-sided temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with silicone injection into the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion in the left skull base. Biopsies demonstrated the cardinal histopathological features of IgG4-RD. The patient was treated with a tapering dose of prednisolone followed by rituximab, resulting in tumor shrinkage and resolution of her symptoms. Discussion This is the first reported case of IgG4-RD potentially precipitated by a foreign body, in this case injected silicone into the TMJ. The pathogenesis and etiology of IgG4-RD is still not fully elucidated, but allergic and reactive inflammatory reactions have been implicated in the disease process. This case report should raise the idea of reactive foreign bodies as a causative agent for IgG4-RD.

Multiportal Combined Transorbital and Transnasal Endoscopic Resection of Fibrous Dysplasia.

Introduction Historically, access to the anterior skull base was achieved with open procedures. The paradigms to this approach were challenged with the advent of minimally disruptive endoscopic surgical techniques and supporting technology. The next step in the evolution of minimally disruptive surgery was the combination of multiportal endoscopic surgery. Results The patient was an 18-year-old man who presented with right-sided proptosis. Further diagnostic tests revealed a fibrous dysplasia (FD) occupying the skull base and orbit. The lesion was successfully resected. Conclusions The location of the tumor in this case was challenging, in which surgeons at some centers would have opted to have performed as an open procedure instead of endoscopically. The combined transnasal/transorbital approach is an uncommonly used technique that we have used to remove this tumor successfully. The patient also had a unique disease (FD) in a unique location that was treated without complications. This case report highlights how surgeons may use an expanded armamentarium in dealing with complex pathologies.

Total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and free flap reconstruction: objective functional outcomes and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Advanced tongue cancer is a devastating diagnosis with potential for significant morbidity after treatment. This is especially true for patients undergoing total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP), free flap reconstruction and adjuvant radiotherapy. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine long-term objective functional and quality of life outcomes, 2) investigate the influence of rehabilitation on functional recovery and 3) determine swallowing ability in patients with TGLP. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature. METHODS: Functional outcomes data were collected from 2000-2010. Outcomes were measured pre- and 12 months post-surgery and included: gastrostomy-tube (G-Tube) rates, swallowing transit times on video fluoroscopic swallowing studies, speech intelligibility and EORTC-H&N 35 quality of life scores. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine comprehensive long term G-Tube rates. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included and eight were still living at 12 months post-surgery. Fifty percent of patients in this study and 24% with systematic review used G-Tubes at 1 year post-surgery. Patients who could swallow did not aspirate, but more than doubled swallowing transit times. Spoken sentence intelligibility averaged 66% and mean quality of life scores improved 8.9 points 12 months post-surgery. Patients who attended >80% of swallowing and speech rehabilitation sessions demonstrated superior swallowing and speech functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although a potentially morbid treatment, TGLP and free flap reconstruction can provide good swallowing and speech outcomes as well as meaningful long-term quality of life. Regular attendance of rehabilitation sessions is imperative to optimize functional outcomes.

Primary total laryngectomy versus organ preservation for T3/T4a laryngeal cancer: a population-based analysis of survival.

BACKGROUND: For 20 years, laryngeal cancer survival has been decreasing. Moreover, the use of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy-radiotherapy (CRT) has risen and the use of total laryngectomy plus radio/chemotherapy (TL-R/CT) for advanced disease has declined. OBJECTIVE: To assess the survival outcomes of TL-R/CT, RT, and CRT in patients with T3 and T4a laryngeal cancers in Alberta, Canada. DESIGN: Population-based longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care cancer treatment centres. METHODS: The Alberta Cancer Registry was accessed to collect data on laryngeal cancers in Alberta from 1998 to 2008. Patients were included if they had T3 or T4a cancers treated with curative intent. Outcomes were compared via Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall and disease-free survival were determined for T3 and T4a laryngeal cancers per treatment group. RESULTS: A total of 727 laryngeal cancers were identified, and 258 were included. The mean follow-up was 3.43 years. Overall survival for T3 cancers at 2 and 5 years for TL-R/CT was 89% and 70%, for RT was 48% and 18%, and for CRT was 66% and 52%, respectively. The hazard ratios of RT and CRT compared to TL-R/CT were 3.1 (p < .001) and 2.6 (p = .004), respectively. Overall survival for T4a cancers at 2 and 5 years for TL-R/CT was 60% and 49%, for RT was 12% and 5%, and for CRT was 32% and 16%, respectively. The hazard ratios of RT and CRT compared to TL and RT were 4.9 (p < .001) and 2.3 (p = .04), respectively. CONCLUSION: TL-R/CT provides superior survival for T3 and T4a laryngeal cancers versus RT or CRT. Therefore, the current standards of care and clinical guidelines warrant reassessment.

Effect of intraoperative dopamine on free flap survival in a rat model: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The classic teaching is that free flaps have unique postsurgical transfer physiology that renders them highly sensitive to vasoactive drugs owing to the complete denervation of the tissue. There are no basic or animal studies on this phenomenon, and expert opinion is against the use of vasoactive substances in free flap surgeries. It has been our general impression that judicial use of ionotropes to support perfusion does not affect free flap survival. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect on free flap survival of the intraoperative use of dopamine in a free flap rat model. METHODS: A microvascular free flap model was used by raising a fasciocutaneous flap based on the epigastric artery and vein in the adult Sprague-Dawley rat. Fifty-six rats were randomized to receive two intraoperative boluses of either saline or high-dose dopamine. Each free flap was assessed for skin necrosis, capillary refill, and vessel thrombosis at 48 hours postprocedure. Data for each group were collected in a double-blinded fashion. RESULTS: There was no difference (p = .2) in free flap survival when comparing the saline group (38%) to the dopamine group (50%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that high-dose intraoperative boluses of dopamine had no effect on early free flap survival in a rat model. This is the first study to examine the use of intraoperative vasoactive medications in a free flap model.

Medication safety of five oral chemotherapies: a proactive risk assessment.

PURPOSE: Oral chemotherapies represent an emerging risk area in ambulatory oncology practice. To examine the hazards associated with five oral chemotherapies, we performed a proactive risk assessment. METHODS: WE CONVENED INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMS AND CONDUCTED FAILURE MODE AND EFFECTS ANALYSES (FMEAS) FOR FIVE ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY AGENTS: capecitabine, imatinib, temozolomide, 6-mercaptopurine, and an investigational agent. This involved the creation of process maps for each medication, identification of failure modes, selection of high-risk failure modes, and development of recommendations to mitigate these risks. We analyzed the number of steps and types of failure modes and compared this information across the study drugs. RESULTS: Key vulnerabilities include patient education about drug handling and adverse effects, prescription writing, patient self-administration and medication adherence, and failure to monitor and manage toxicities. Many of these failure modes were common across the five oral chemotherapies, suggesting the presence of common targets for improvement. Streamlining the FMEA itself may promote the dissemination of this method. CONCLUSION: Each stage of the medication process poses risks to the safe use of oral chemotherapies. FMEAs may identify opportunities to improve medication safety and reduce the risk of patient harm.

Heparin versus tirofiban in microvascular anastomosis: randomized controlled trial in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Free flaps have become the mainstay of reconstruction after resection of head and neck cancer. Thrombosis after microvascular reanastamosis is a common reason for free flap failure. Various anticoagulants have been used topically and systemically to prevent thrombosis. Tirofiban is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that prevents platelet aggregation and helps prevent thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the thrombosis rate of topical heparin to topical heparin + tirofiban in a thrombogenic free flap model in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A thrombogenic free flap model was developed by raising a fasciocutaneous flap based on the epigastric artery in the Sprague-Dawley rat. An intimal flap was created proximal to the anastomosis site to increase thrombosis rates. Eighty rats were randomized to this thrombogenic free flap model using topical saline, heparin, or topical heparin + tirofiban. Each free flap was assessed for skin necrosis, capillary refill, and vessel thrombosis at 48 hours postprocedure. Data for each group were collected in a double-blind fashion. RESULTS: The heparin + tirofiban group had a 23% lower thrombosis rate and hence free flap failure rate when compared to the heparin alone group (p  =  .044). CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical tirofiban in addition to topical heparin in microvascular surgery results in reduced rates of thrombosis and should be considered for use in head and neck oncology patients undergoing free flap reconstruction.

Three-dimensional biomodeling in complex mandibular reconstruction and surgical simulation: prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for experienced and resident surgeons. Three-dimensional (3D) biomodeling creates accurate physical models of patients' craniofacial skeletons, which can potentially assist reconstruction. However, this capacity has not been objectively examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess 3D biomodels in performing and learning mandibular reconstruction through surgical simulation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic referral centre. METHODS: Ten experienced and 10 naive resident surgeons were asked to bend and fixate a titanium reconstruction plate, for a standardized anterior hemimandibular defect, on a 3D biomodel by freehand or 3D biomodel-assisted means. Participants were randomized to which technique was performed first. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, participants performed the opposite technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy was measured by anterior mental projection and intercondylar and interangular splay. The results per technique were compared to a complete (control) mandible. The time of reconstruction and usability of each technique, as per an International Standards Organization-based questionnaire, were also determined. RESULTS: Three-dimensional biomodel-assisted reconstruction led to plates with statistically indifferent projection and splay compared to the control (p < .05) for both groups. Conversely, freehand constructs significantly deviated in projection and splay for either group (p < .05). No difference in reconstruction time by technique was found (p < .05). Usability favoured 3D biomodel-assisted bending, with significantly higher ratings in either group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional biomodels provide a usable and accurate means of mandibular reconstruction for experienced surgeons. Moreover, when used in surgical simulation, they provide an effective tool for teaching residents.

LigaSure versus conventional hemostasis in thyroid surgery: prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Meticulous hemostasis is a critical and often time-consuming step of safe thyroid surgery. The LigaSure system (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) is a diathermy hemostasis method that fuses vessel walls to form a collagen seal. Previous studies have shown reduced operative times in thyroidectomy using the LS system. The primary objective of the study was to compare operative times using the LS system to conventional titanium clips and surgical ties (CLTs). Secondary outcomes included vocal cord dysfunction, scores on the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), postoperative hypocalcemia, and operative costs between the two groups. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were block randomized to thyroidectomy with either the LS system or CLTs. Patient demographics, operative times, pre- and postoperative VHI scores, vocal cord endoscopy, and operative costs were collected on all patients. Patients were also monitored for clinically significant hypocalcemia postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean operative time for CLTs was 68.6 minutes (SD 14.56) versus 68.5 minutes (SD 27.47) for the LS system, which was not statistically significant. VHI scores differed between CLTs and the LS system for the postoperative score only: CLT 19.83 (SD 19.81) versus LS 6.57 (SD 10.83). This was statistically significant, with p = .041. No difference was detected for hypocalcemia rates or endoscopic vocal cord dysfunction. The operative cost for the LS system was $387.15 (SD $11.93) and for the CLTs was $73.60 (SD $27.72), which was statistically significant (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of the LS system in thyroidectomy did not reduce overall operative time by a clinically significant level, indicating limited utility in terms of cost reduction contradictory to current literature.

The effectiveness of pressure garment therapy for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study had three objectives. First, to conduct a systematic review to identify the available evidence for the use of pressure garment therapy (PGT); second, to assess the quality of the available evidence; and third, to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the effectiveness of PGT for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury. BACKGROUND: Standard care for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury includes pressure garment therapy (PGT); however, it is associated with potential patient morbidity and high costs. We hypothesise that an assessment of the available evidence supporting the use of pressure garment therapy will aid in directing clinical care and future research. METHODS: Randomised control trials were identified from CINHAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, the 'grey literature' and hand searching of the Proceedings of the American Burn Association. Primary authors and pressure garment manufacturers were contacted to identify eligible trials. Bibliographies from included studies and reviews were searched. Study results were pooled to yield weighted mean differences or standardised mean difference and reported using 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The review incorporated six unique trials involving 316 patients. Original data from one unpublished trial were included. Overall, studies were considered to be of high methodological quality. The meta-analysis was unable to demonstrate a difference between global assessments of PGT-treated scars and control scars [weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.07 to 0.16]. The meta-analysis for scar height showed a small, but statistically significant, decrease in height for the PGT-treated group standardised mean differences (SMD): -0.31; 95% CI: -0.63, 0.00. Results of meta-analyses of secondary outcome measures of scar vascularity, pliability and colour failed to demonstrate a difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PGT does not appear to alter global scar scores. It does appear to improve scar height, although this difference is small and of questionable clinical importance. The beneficial effects of PGT remain unproven, while the potential morbidity and cost are not insignificant. Given current evidence, additional research is required to examine the effectiveness, risks and costs of PGT.

Continuing medical education in emergency plastic surgery for referring physicians: a prospective assessment of educational needs.

BACKGROUND: Continuing medical education for referring physicians is an essential part of raising the profile of plastic surgery and improving patient care. The authors conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the educational needs of emergency and primary care physicians who refer patients to the on-call plastic surgeon. METHODS: The following information was collected for telephone referrals from emergency and primary care physicians over a 1-year period: date, location of referral center, population of referral center, distance between referral center and tertiary care hospital, patient age, presenting problem, anatomical location of the problem, and treatment plan proposed by the plastic surgeon. In addition, the 50 physicians who most frequently referred patients were surveyed to identify which topics they perceived to be of the highest educational utility and which were frequently encountered. RESULTS: There were a total of 1077 referrals to on-call plastic surgeons, mostly for trauma (83 percent) and injuries involved primarily the upper extremity (65 percent) or head and neck regions (26 percent). Five percent or more of all referrals involved mandible, phalangeal, metacarpal, or zygomatico-orbital complex fractures, minor burns, flexor tendon injuries, single digits requiring revision of an amputation, and extensor tendon injuries. Referring physicians reported that the topics of most educational utility were management of hand infections, minor burns, nasal fractures, boxer's fractures, complex facial lacerations, frostbite, metacarpal fractures, and scaphoid fractures. CONCLUSIONS: To have the greatest potential affect on changing physicians' behavior and improving patient care, continuing medical education should focus on traumatic injuries to the upper extremity and head and neck regions. A prioritized list of topics should include management of minor burns, hand fractures, hand infections, nasal infections, and complex facial lacerations.