Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patients with Well-Regulated Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Same-day discharge after bariatric surgery is increasingly being performed. In current practice, patients with only minor comorbidities are considered eligible for same-day discharge after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common comorbidity in patients with morbid obesity, with a prevalence of around 70-80% among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the current gold standard treatment for OSA. We aimed to investigate whether same-day discharge after RYGB is feasible for patients with compliant use of CPAP. METHODS: In this single-center prospective feasibility study, patients were selected who were scheduled for RYGB and were adequately treated for OSA. Compliance on the use of CPAP had to be proved (> 4 h per night for 14 consecutive nights). There were strict criteria on approval upon same-day discharge. The primary outcome was the rate of successful same-day discharge. Secondary outcomes included short-term complications, emergency department presentations, readmissions, and mortality. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients underwent RYGB with intended same-day discharge, of whom 45 (92%) were successfully discharged. Three patients had an overnight stay because of divergent vital signs and one patient due to a delayed start of the surgery. Two patients (4%) were readmitted in the first 48 h postoperatively, both due to intraluminal bleeding which was managed conservatively (Clavien-Dindo 2). There were no severe complications in the first 48 h after surgery. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after RYGB can be considered feasible for selected patients with well-regulated OSA.

High flow nasal cannula for acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 in patients with a 'do-not-intubate' order: A survival analysis.

INTRODUCTION: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) reduces the need for intubation in patients with hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure (ARF), but its added value in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a do-not-intubate (DNI) order is unknown. We aimed to assess (variables associated with) survival in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We described a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study in five hospitals in the Netherlands and assessed the survival in COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory failure and a DNI order who were treated with high flow nasal cannula. We also studied variables associated with survival. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: One-third of patients survived after 30 days. Survival was 43.9% in the subgroup of patients with a good WHO performance status and only 16.1% in patients with a poor WHO performance status. Patients who were admitted to the hospital for a longer period prior to HFNC initiation were less likely to survive. HFNC resulted in an increase in ROX values, reflective of improved oxygenation and/or decreased respiratory rate. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a trial of HFNC could be considered to increase chances of survival in patients with ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonitis and a DNI order, especially in those with a good WHO performance status.

Reduced baroreflex sensitivity and increased splenic activity in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Experimental evidence suggests that this risk may be mediated by chronic sympathetic hyperactivation and systemic inflammation, but the precise mechanisms remain to be unraveled. Our aim was to evaluate whether severe OSA patients are characterized by increased sympathetic and hematopoietic activity, potentially driving atherosclerosis. METHODS: Untreated patients with severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 30 per hour) were matched with mild OSA patients (AHI<15 & >5 per hour) according to age, sex, and body mass index. Study objectives were to assess baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart-rate variability (HRV) using continuous finger blood pressure measurements, hematopoietic activity in the bone marrow and spleen, and arterial inflammation with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). RESULTS: A total of 34 subjects, 17 per group, were included in the analysis. Mean age was 60.7 ± 6.2 years, 24 (70.6%) were male. Mean AHI was 40.5 ± 12.6 per hour in the severe OSA group, and 10.5 ± 3.4 per hour in the mild OSA group. Participants with severe OSA were characterized by reduced BRS (5.7 [4.6-7.8] ms/mmHg in severe vs 8.2 [6.9-11.8] ms/mmHg in mild OSA, p = 0.033) and increased splenic activity (severe OSA 18F-FDG uptake 3.56 ± 0.77 vs mild OSA 3.01 ± 0.68; p = 0.036). HRV, bone marrow activity and arterial inflammation were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe OSA are characterized by decreased BRS and increased splenic activity. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess whether OSA treatment reduces sympathetic and splenic activity.

Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with untreated idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review with meta-regression analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: One of the controversies in untreated idiopathic scoliosis is the influence of curve size on respiratory function. Whereas scoliosis patients with curves over 90 to 100 degrees are agreed to be at risk for cardiorespiratory failure in later life, the impairment of curves below 90 degrees is generally considered mild. Although various studies showed that pulmonary function is affected in patients with scoliosis, quantification of the relation between curve size and pulmonary function is lacking. PURPOSE: This systematic review with meta-regression analysis aims to characterize the relation between pulmonary function tests and scoliosis severity in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-regression analysis. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL were systematically searched until November 3, 2020, for original articles that reported (1) severity of scoliosis quantified in Cobb angle, and (2) pulmonary function tests in children and adolescents with untreated idiopathic scoliosis. Exclusion criteria were other types of scoliosis, non-original data, post-treatment data, and case reports. All study designs were included, and relevant study details and patient characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the effect of Cobb angle on pulmonary function as expressed by the slope coefficient of a linear meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 126 studies, including 8,723 patients, were retrieved. Meta-regression analysis revealed a statistically significant inverse relation between thoracic Cobb angle and absolute and predicted forced vital capacity in 1 second, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity. For these outcomes, the slope coefficients showed a decrease of 1% of the predicted pulmonary function per 2.6 to 4.5 degrees of scoliosis. A multivariable meta-regression analysis of potential confounders (age, year of publication, and kyphosis) hardly affected the majority of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: This meta-regression analysis of summary data (means) from 126 studies showed an inverse relationship between the thoracic Cobb angle and pulmonary function. In contrast to previous conclusions, the decline in pulmonary function appears to be gradual over the full range of Cobb angles between <20 and >120 degrees. These findings strengthen the relevance of minimizing curve progression in children with idiopathic scoliosis.

[Early hospital discharge for patients with COVID-19: evaluation of the transmural healthcare program in Amsterdam]. / Vervroegd ontslag van patiënten met covid-19.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of an early discharge program for COVID-19-patients who still required additional oxygen support, supervised by their own general practitioner (GP) in a home setting. We evaluated safety and gathered experiences from patients, caregivers and GPs. DESIGN: Cohort study (prospective and retrospective inclusion) METHOD: Adult COVID-19-patients admitted to one of the three Amsterdam hospitals, the Netherlands, were eligible when clinically stable for at least 48 hours, with a minimum oxygen saturation of 94% and a maximum of 3 l/min oxygen support. Patients were included from 23-10-2020 to 26-03-2021. RESULTS: We included 113 patients, of whom 40 retrospectively . Median age was 58 years and median length of hospital stay 8 days. Four patients (3.7%) were readmitted within 14 days after discharge. Median duration of oxygen support at home was 8 days. Almost no home visits were conducted by GPs, but contact by telephone was regular (median 6 times in 2 weeks). All stakeholders reported feeling safe, able and confident while delivering the necessary (self) care. The program was graded by patients and GPs with an 8 (on a scale of 1 to 10). CONCLUSION: Early discharge for COVID-19-patients with a necessity for oxygen support, under supervision of the GP, is safe and was positively evaluated by all stakeholders involved.

Frequency and spectrum of incidental findings when using chest CT as a primary triage tool for COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and spectrum of incidental findings (IFs) identified in patients undergoing chest CT as a primary triage tool for COVID-19. METHODS: In this study 232 patients were triaged in our COVID-19 Screening Unit by means of a chest CT (March 25-April 23, 2020). Original radiology reports were evaluated retrospectively for the description of IFs, which were defined as any finding in the report not related to the purpose of the scan. Documented IFs were categorized according to clinical relevance into minor and potentially significant IFs and according to anatomical location into pulmonary, mediastinal, cardiovascular, breast, upper abdominal and skeletal categories. IFs were reported as frequencies and percentages; descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: In total 197 IFs were detected in 126 patients (54 % of the participants). Patients with IFs were on average older (54.0 years old, SD 16.6) than patients without IFs (44.8 years old, SD 14.6, P < 0.05). In total 60 potentially significant IFs were detected in 53 patients (23 % of the participants). Most often reported were coronary artery calcifications (n = 23, 38 % of total potentially significant IFs/ 10 % of the total study population), suspicious breast nodules (n = 7, 12 % of total potentially significant IFs/ 3% of the total study population) and pulmonary nodules (n = 7, 12 % of total potentially significant IFs/ 3% of the total study population). CONCLUSION: A considerable number of IFs were detected by using chest CT as a primary triage tool for COVID-19, of which a substantial percentage (23 %) is potentially clinically relevant.

Chest computed tomography and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient as rapid tools to diagnose and triage mildly symptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia patients.

BACKGROUND: In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rapid clinical triage is crucial to determine which patients need hospitalisation. We hypothesised that chest computed tomography (CT) and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension ratio (A-a) gradient may be useful to triage these patients, since they reflect the severity of the pneumonia-associated ventilation/perfusion abnormalities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 235 consecutive patients suspected for COVID-19. The diagnostic protocol included low-dose chest CT and arterial blood gas analysis. In patients with CT-based COVID-19 pneumonia, the association between "need for hospitalisation" and A-a gradient was investigated by a multivariable logistic regression model. The A-a gradient was tested as a predictor for need for hospitalisation using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a logistic regression model. RESULTS: 72 out of 235 patients (mean±sd age 55.5±14.6 years, 40% female) screened by chest CT showed evidence for COVID-19 pneumonia. In these patients, A-a gradient was shown to be a predictor of need for hospitalisation, with an optimal decision level (cut-off) of 36.4 mmHg (95% CI 0.70-0.91, p<0.001). The A-a gradient was shown to be independently associated with need for hospitalisation (OR 1.97 (95% CI 1.23-3.15), p=0.005; A-a gradient per 10 points) from CT severity score (OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.94-1.36), p=0.191), National Early Warning Score (OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.91-1.57), p=0.321) or peripheral oxygen saturation (OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.68-1.14), p=0.345). CONCLUSION: Low-dose chest CT and the A-a gradient may serve as rapid and accurate tools to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia and to select mildly symptomatic patients in need for hospitalisation.

[Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnoea; technique, indication and future prospects]. / Stimulatie van tongzenuw bij obstructieve slaapapneu.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnoea; technique, indication and future prospects Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of first choice in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, 1 in 3 patients does not tolerate CPAP. Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an alternative for CPAP. This is a new treatment, intended for patients with CPAP intolerance or failure. The muscles responsible for protrusion of the tongue are activated by unilateral stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve, resulting in opening up of the pharynx. Since April 2017, UAS treatment has been reimbursed for a select group of patients by the National Healthcare Institute in the Netherlands, leading to an increase in demand for UAS.

[Effects of Geriatric COPD rehabilitation on hospital admissions and exercise tolerance: a retrospective observational study]. / Effecten van geriatrische COPD-revalidatie op ziekenhuisopnames en inspanningstolerantie: een retrospectief observationele studie.

INTRODUCTION: Frail COPD patients are frequently not accepted for regular pulmonary rehabilitation programs due to low physical condition and functional limitations. Rehabilitation programs in nursing homes for geriatric patients with COPD have been developed. The effects of such programs are largely unknown. AIMS: To assess the course of COPD-related hospital admissions and exercise tolerance in a cohort of frail COPD patients participating in geriatric COPD rehabilitation. METHODS: Retrospective observational study with a follow up of 12 months after discharge from rehabilitation. COPD related hospital admission days were measured in the year before and after participating rehabilitation. Exercise tolerance was measured by the six minute walk test (6MWT) at admission and at discharge from rehabilitation. RESULTS: Fifty-eight participants accomplished the rehabilitation program. Twelve patients died in the first year after discharge. The median number of hospital admission days in the year before participating rehabilitation was 21 (IQR 10-33). The first year after discharge this was decreased to a median of 6 (IQR 0-12). The 6MWT increased from 194 (SD 85) meters at admission to 274 (SD 95) meters at discharge (mean difference 80 m, SD 72; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric COPD rehabilitation in a nursing home setting seems to reduce hospital admissions in frail COPD patients and to increase exercise tolerance.

Hemodynamic and ventilatory responses during exercise in chronic thromboembolic disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) may suffer from exercise intolerance without pulmonary hypertension at rest. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for symptomatic CTED results in improvement of symptoms and quality of life. Neither the pathophysiology of the exercise limitation nor the underlying mechanisms of the PEA-induced improvement have been studied previously. OBJECTIVES: We studied hemodynamic and ventilatory responses upon exercise in 14 patients with CTED. After 1 year, we studied the underlying physiologic mechanisms of the PEA-induced symptomatic improvement. METHODS: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed during right heart catheterization, and noninvasive CPET was performed 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: During exercise, we observed abnormal pulmonary vascular responses, that is, a steep mean pulmonary artery pressure/cardiac output (2.7 ± 1.2 mm Hg·min·L(-1)), and low pulmonary vascular compliance (2.8 ± 1.1 mL·mm Hg(-1)); mean pulmonary artery pressure/cardiac output slope correlated with dead-space ventilation (r = 0.586; P = .028) and ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide slope (r = .580; P = .030). Postoperatively, the improvement observed in exercise capacity was related to improvements in CPET-derived parameters pointing to restoration of right ventricle stroke volume response (oxygen pulse: 11.7 ± 3.1 to 13.3 ± 3.3; P = .027; heart rate response: 80.9 ± 12.4 to 72.0 ± 5.7; P = .003); and, indicating improved ventilatory efficiency, the ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide slope decreased from 38.2 ± 3.6 to 32.8 ± 7.0 (P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CTED showed an abnormal pulmonary vascular response to exercise and a decreased ventilatory efficiency. Responses after PEA point to restoration of right ventricle stroke volume response and ventilatory efficiency.

Bosentan treatment is associated with improvement of right ventricular function and remodeling in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Medical pretreatment before pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) can optimize right ventricular (RV) function and may improve postoperative outcome in high-risk patients. Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), we determined whether the dual endothelin-1 antagonist bosentan improves RV function and remodeling in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who waited for PEA. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that medical therapy prior to PEA will be associated with improvements in RV remodeling and function. METHODS: In this pilot study, 15 operable CTEPH patients were randomly assigned to either bosentan (n = 8) or no bosentan (n = 7, control) for 16 weeks, next to "best standard of care." Both before and after treatment, RV stroke volume index (RVSVI), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), RV mass, RV isovolumic relaxation time (rIVRT), leftward ventricular septal bowing (LVSB), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined using cMRI. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, the change (Δ) from baseline (median [range]) in the studied cMRI parameters differed significantly between the bosentan group and the controls: Δ RVSVI: 6 [-4-11] vs 1 [-6-3] mL/m(-2) ; Δ RVEF: 8 [-10-15] vs -4 [-7-5]%; Δ RV mass: -3 [-6--2] vs 2 [-1-3] g/m(-2) ; Δ rIVRT: -30 [-130-20] vs 10 [-30-30] msec; Δ LVSB: 0.03 [-0.03-0.13] vs -0.03[-0.08-0.04] cm(-1) ; and Δ LVEF: 8 [-5-17] vs -2 [-14-2]% (all P < 0.05). The change from baseline in mean pulmonary artery pressure (-11 [-17-11] vs 5 [-6-21] mm Hg, P < 0.05) and 6-minute walk distance (20 [3-88] vs -4 [-40-40] m, P < 0.05) also differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In CTEPH, compared with control, treatment with bosentan for 16 weeks was associated with a significant improvement in cMRI parameters of RV function and remodelling.

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for haemodynamic outcome and mortality following pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with increased morbidity and mortality following pulmonary endarterectomy. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were previously shown to correlate with RV (dys)function. We hypothesized that BNP can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to identify patients at 'high risk' for postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We studied the postoperative outcome in 73 consecutive patients. Patients were divided into three groups based on previously determined cut-off levels: BNP <11.5, indicating normal RV function (ejection fraction [EF] ≥45%), BNP >48.5 pmol/l, indicating RV dysfunction (right ventricular ejection fraction <30%) and BNP 11.5-48.5 pmol/l. Postoperative 'bad outcome' was defined as the presence of either residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) or (all-cause) mortality. RESULTS: Plasma BNP >48.5 pmol/l was shown to be an independent predictor of 'bad outcome'. Compared with BNP <11.5 pmol/l, BNP >48.5 pmol/l identified patients at higher risk for (all-cause) mortality (17 vs 0%; P = 0.009) and residual PH (56 vs 20%; P < 0.004). Also, the durations of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay were significantly longer in patients with BNP >48.5 pmol/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BNP levels may be of use as a non-invasive biomarker reflecting RV dysfunction, next to other well-recognized (invasive) parameters, for better preoperative risk stratification of CTEPH patients.

Time course of restoration of systolic and diastolic right ventricular function after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular (RV) pressure overload causes RV remodeling and dysfunction. Successful pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) initiates restoration of RV remodeling and global function. Little is known on the restoration of systolic and diastolic RV function. Using transthoracic echocardiography, we studied the time course and extent of postoperative restoration of systolic and diastolic RV function. METHODS: In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (n = 55, 36 women, age 52 ± 14 years), transthoracic echocardiography was performed before PEA (pre-PEA) and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Two weeks postoperatively, RV afterload and dimension had decreased significantly, without further improvement during follow-up. Global RV function, expressed by the myocardial performance index, showed a gradual improvement (from pre-PEA 0.58 ± 0.29 to 0.45 ± 0.38, 0.39 ± 0.19, and 0.37 ± 0.18). In contrast, 2 weeks after PEA systolic RV function, as assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic velocity excursion and peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity of the RV, had worsened, with a subsequent incomplete restoration during follow-up: tricuspid annular plane systolic velocity excursion from 19.3 ± 5.0 to 12.4 ± 2.5, 15.3 ± 3.0, and 16.8 ± 2.9 mm and systolic velocity of the right ventricle from 11.4 ± 3.0 to 9.6 ± 2.0, 10.0 ± 1.8, and 10.3 ± 1.7 cm/s. Postoperative diastolic RV function also showed a biphasic response: tricuspid inflow-to-annulus ratio from 6.1 ± 3.0 to 9.5 ± 3.5, 6.8 ± 2.4, and 6.3 ± 2.2 cm/s. Dynamics and ultimate level of restoration of systolic and diastolic RV function were similar in patients with and without residual pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative reduction in RV afterload caused an immediate improvement in RV dimension and global function. In contrast, systolic and diastolic RV function deteriorated after PEA with subsequently a gradual yet incomplete restoration during 1-year follow-up.

Longitudinal follow-up of six-minute walk distance after pulmonary endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The 6-minute walk test is a useful tool to assess functional outcome after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, little is known about the longitudinal dynamics in functional improvement. We performed a longitudinal follow-up of 6-minute walk distance, New York Heart Association functional class, and echocardiography after PEA. METHODS: We studied 71 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent PEA. A 6-minute walk test and echocardiography were performed before PEA, at 3 months after, and at annual follow-up. At the time of this report, 52 patients had returned for 2-year follow-up, 32 for 3-year follow-up, 23 for 4-year follow-up, and 11 for 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) correlated with hemodynamic severity of disease (mean pulmonary artery pressure: r = -0.55, p < 0.001); total pulmonary resistance: r = -0.59, p < 0.001) After PEA, 6-MWD increased from 440 ± 109 to 524 ± 83 meters at 1 year (n = 71, p < 0.001). Further improvement was observed from 523 ± 87 meters at 1 year to 536 ± 91 meters at 2 years (n = 52, p < 0.012). After 2 years, no further improvement was observed. At 1 year, the change in 6-MWD from baseline correlated significantly with the change observed in pulmonary hemodynamics. Changes in 6-MWD and hemodynamics were more pronounced in patients with residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA, despite the worse absolute outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, 6-MWD showed a gradual improvement up to 2 years after PEA. Patients with residual pulmonary hypertension benefited most from treatment, despite the worse absolute outcome.

Right ventricular failure following chronic pressure overload is associated with reduction in left ventricular mass: evidence for atrophic remodeling.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to study whether patients with right ventricular failure (RVF) secondary to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) have reduced left ventricular (LV) mass, and whether LV mass reduction is caused by atrophy. BACKGROUND: The LV in patients with CTEPH is underfilled (unloaded). LV unloading may cause atrophic remodeling that is associated with diastolic and systolic dysfunction. METHODS: We studied LV mass using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 36 consecutive CTEPH patients (before/after pulmonary endarterectomy [PEA]) and 11 healthy volunteers selected to match age and sex of patients. We studied whether LV atrophy is present in monocrotaline (MCT)-injected rats with RVF or controls by measuring myocyte dimensions and performing in situ hybridization. RESULTS: At baseline, CTEPH patients with RVF had significantly lower LV free wall mass indexes than patients without RVF (35 ± 6 g/m(2) vs. 44 ± 7 g/m(2), p = 0.007) or volunteers (42 ± 6 g/m(2), p = 0.006). After PEA, LV free wall mass index increased (from 38 ± 6 g/m(2) to 44 ± 9 g/m(2), p = 0.001), as right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction improved (from 31 ± 8% to 56 ± 12%, p < 0.001). Compared with controls, rats with RVF had reduced LV free wall mass and smaller LV free wall myocytes. Expression of atrial natriuretic peptide was higher, whereas that of α-myosin heavy chain and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase-2 were lower in RVF than in controls, both in RV and LV. CONCLUSIONS: RVF in patients with CTEPH is associated with reversible reduction in LV free wall mass. In a rat model of RVF, myocyte shrinkage due to atrophic remodeling contributed to reduction in LV free wall mass.

[Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome and cerebral infarction]. / De ziekte van Rendu-Osler-Weber en herseninfarcten.

A 30 year old man with a history of migraine presented at the neurology outpatient clinic with hypesthesia of the left side of his body during a migraine attack, which was unusual for him. His family history was positive for Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome. MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain showed multiple small infarcts, without vascular malformations. CT angiography revealed an arteriovenous fistula in the lung. Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome (or hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, HHT) is an autosomal dominant condition affecting the blood vessels. It is estimated that about 60-80% of the patients with a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) have HHT. Neurological complications include cerebral infarction and brain abscess. Also, there is a higher prevalence of migraine in patients with HHT, although the role that HHT plays in the pathogenesis of migraine is unclear. The treatment of choice of pulmonary AVM is endovascular treatment, with a success rate of 75% in the long term.

Pulmonary endarterectomy improves dyspnea by the relief of dead space ventilation.

BACKGROUND: In chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), dyspnea is considered to be related to increased dead space ventilation caused by vascular obstruction. Pulmonary endarterectomy releases the thromboembolic obstruction, thereby improving regional pulmonary blood flow. We hypothesized that pulmonary endarterectomy reduces dead space ventilation and that this reduction contributes to attenuation of dyspnea symptoms. METHODS: In this follow-up study we assessed dead space ventilation, hemodynamic severity of disease, and symptomatic dyspnea in 54 consecutive CTEPH patients, before and 1 year after pulmonary endarterectomy. Dead space ventilation was calculated using the Bohr-Enghoff equation. Dyspnea was assessed by Borg scores and the New York Heart Association functional classification. RESULTS: Preoperatively, dead space ventilation was increased (0.40 +/- 0.07) and correlated with severity of disease (mean pulmonary artery pressure: r = 0.49, p < 0.001; total pulmonary resistance: r = 0.53, p < 0.001), and resting (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and post-exercise Borg dyspnea scores (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). Postoperatively, dead space ventilation (0.33 +/- 0.08, p < 0.001) and dyspnea symptoms decreased significantly. Changes in symptomatic dyspnea were independently associated with changes in pulmonary hemodynamics and absolute dead space. CONCLUSIONS: Dead space ventilation in CTEPH is increased and correlates significantly with hemodynamic severity of disease and dyspnea symptoms. Pulmonary endarterectomy decreases dead space ventilation. The induced change in dead space upon surgical removal of chronic thromboembolism contributes to the postoperative recovery of symptomatic dyspnea.