Therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic anticoagulation (TAC) is often required in trauma patients for various indications. However, it remains unknown whether TAC can be safely initiated in the postinjury period for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of TAC in TBI patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a 7-y retrospective study. All TBI patients who received TAC within 60 d postinjury were included. In addition to patient and injury characteristics, detailed information regarding TAC was collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurologic deterioration or progression of hemorrhagic TBI on repeat head computed tomography (CT) after initiation of TAC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with progression of hemorrhagic TBI after TAC. RESULTS: A total of 3355 TBI patients were identified. Of those, 72 patients (2.1%) received TAC. Median age, 59; 76.4% male; median Injury Severity Score, 19; median admission Glasgow Coma Scale, 14; and median Rotterdam score on the initial head CT, 3. Although atrial fibrillation was the most common preinjury indication for TAC, venous thromboembolism was the most common postinjury indication. The median postinjury time of initiation of TAC was 9 d. Intravenous heparin infusion was the most commonly used agent for TAC (70.8%). None of our study patients developed any signs of neurologic deterioration due to TAC. Progression of hemorrhagic TBI on repeat head CT was observed in six patients. In a multiple logistic regression model, aged ≥65 y was significantly associated with progression of hemorrhagic TBI after TAC (odds ratio, 15.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-212.7; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows preliminary data regarding TAC initiated in patients with TBI. Further prospective study is warranted to determine the risks and benefits of TAC in this specific group of patients.

Coracoid Process: The Lighthouse of the Shoulder.

The coracoid process is a hook-shaped bone structure projecting anterolaterally from the superior aspect of the scapular neck. Surgeons often refer to the coracoid process as the "lighthouse of the shoulder" given its proximity to major neurovascular structures such as the brachial plexus and the axillary artery and vein, its role in guiding surgical approaches, and its utility as a landmark for other important structures in the shoulder. The coracoid also serves as a critical anchor for many tendinous and ligamentous attachments. These include the tendons of the pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and short head of the biceps brachii muscles, and the coracoclavicular, coracohumeral, coracoacromial, and transverse scapular ligaments. Consequently, the coracoid and its associated structures are linked to numerous shoulder pathologic conditions. This article will detail the anatomy of the coracoid and its associated structures and review the clinical and radiologic findings of corresponding pathologic conditions in this region with original illustrations and multimodality imaging examples. Highlighted in this article are the coracoclavicular joint, the classification and management of coracoid fractures, subcoracoid impingement, the coracoacromial arch and subacromial impingement, the coracohumeral ligament and the biceps pulley, the coracoclavicular ligament and its surgical reconstruction, adhesive capsulitis, the suprascapular notch and suprascapular notch impingement, subcoracoid bursitis, coracoid transfer procedures, and coracoid tumors. A brief summary of the pathophysiology, potential causes, and management options for each of the pathologic entities will also be discussed. ©RSNA, 2016.

Impact of epilepsy surgery on seizure control and quality of life: a 26-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The short-term efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgery relative to medical therapy has been established, but it remains underutilized. There is a lack of data regarding the long-term seizure-control rates and quality of life outcomes after epilepsy surgery. This study represents the longest follow-up study to date, with a mean follow-up duration of 26 years. METHODS: We studied the seizure and health-related quality of life outcomes of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery by Dr. Sidney Goldring from 1967 to 1990. Retrospective clinical chart reviews gathered perioperative data and surveys obtained follow-up data. Seizure outcome was evaluated using the Engel classification system. KEY FINDINGS: Of 361 patients, 117 (32.4%) completed follow-up interviews. Fifty-six patients (48%) were Engel class I. Mean overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31) questionnaire score for the cohort was 68.2 ± 16. Eighty percent of patients reported their overall quality of life now as being better than before surgery. Seizure freedom was associated with better quality of life. We did not observe a statistically significant association between postoperative complications and long-term outcome. Patients who underwent temporal lobe resection achieved better seizure outcomes than those who underwent other types of procedures. Astatic seizures and bilateral surgery were associated with a worse Engel class outcome. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrates that the beneficial effects of epilepsy surgery are sustained over decades, and that these beneficial effects are correlated with an improved quality of life. The confirmation of its durability makes us optimistic that the outcomes from modern epilepsy surgery will be even better and that our present enthusiasm for this treatment modality is not misplaced.