bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of diabetes on diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography of the calf arteries in acute limb ischemia
Authors: Butt Talha , Lehti Leena , Apelqvist Jan , Gottsäter Anders , Acosta Stefan 
Published: April 2021

Background Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a more extensive distal arterial occlusive disease compared to non-diabetic patients. Diagnostic imaging is a necessity to identify the location and extent of the arterial occlusion in acute limb ischemia (ALI). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the most commonly used modality and the diagnostic performance with CTA of calf arteries may be questioned. Purpose To evaluate diagnostic performance of CTA of calf arteries in ALI and to compare patients with and without DM. Material and Methods All thrombolytic treatments performed during 2001–2018 in patients with ALI were included. Initial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and CTA of all patients were classified according to the Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) below-the-knee arteries and compared to CTA. Two raters assessed the CTA images independently. Inter-rater reliability was expressed as intraclass correlation (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Patients with (n = 23) and without (n = 85) DM had lower ( P = 0.006) glomerular filtration rate. ICC between CTA and DSA was 0.33 (95% CI –0.22 to 0.56) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.38–0.68) in patients with and without DM, respectively. Sensitivity with CTA for TASC D lesions in patients with and without DM was 0.14 (95% CI –0.12 to 0.40) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.48–0.80), respectively. Conclusion The sensitivity of CTA for assessment of infra-popliteal TASC D lesions in patients with ALI was not acceptable in patients with DM in contrast to those without DM. Another imaging option at present times should be considered for patients with DM.
Does the primary soft-tissue sarcoma configuration predict configuration of recurrent tumors on magnetic resonance imaging?
Authors: Sedaghat Sam , Salehi Ravesh Mona , Sedaghat Maya , Meschede Jens , Jansen Olav , Both Marcus 
Published: April 2021

Background Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies of the soft tissue. Purpose To assess whether the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) configuration of primary STS can predict the configuration of a recurring tumor and whether the MRI configuration of multiple recurrences differs in one and the same patient. Material and Methods Thirty-nine patients with histologically proven recurrent STS were included in this retrospective study and underwent pre- and post-treatment MRI. Three main configurations of primary and recurrent tumors were identified: polycyclic/multilobulated; ovoid/nodular; and streaky. Results Sixty recurrent lesions were detected: 34 ovoid/nodular; 15 polycyclic/multilobulated; and 11 streaky. Five recurrences were multifocal and eight were bifocal. Of 39 patients, 28 (71.8%) presented one recurrence within the MRI follow-up period ( P = 0.006); in 10 patients (25.6%), up to three different configurations of recurring STS were identified in one patient. Recurrences of polycyclic/multilobulated primaries were mostly ovoid/nodular (48%; P = 0.003) or polycyclic/multilobulated (37%; P = 0.014), and recurring ovoid/nodular STS significantly most often showed the same configuration as the primary tumor (85%; P < 0.001). Primary STS with a streaky configuration recurred in all three configurations in roughly equal proportions. Homogeneity/heterogeneity and tumor borders are significantly associated with the configuration of recurrences. Conclusion Primary STS configuration may help predict recurrent tumor configuration when the primary STS had a polycyclic/multilobulated or ovoid/nodular configuration. However, recurrent STS configuration can also differ from primary STS configuration, especially when the primary STS had a streaky configuration, rendering recurrent STS difficult to predict. Different configurations of recurrent STS in one and the same patient are common.
Imaging features and outcomes in patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Zhao Wenpeng , Hou Xiaopu , Li Honglu , Guo Jiang , Cai Liang , Duan Youjia , Du Hongliu , Shao Xihong , Diao Zhenying , Li Changqing 
Published: April 2021

Objective To summarize and analyze the imaging features and outcomes of patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods We investigated all consecutive patients with HCC who received standardized TACE based on our hospital database. Ruptured HCCs were divided into three types according to their relationship with the liver capsule, determined by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans: Type I, portion of tumor cambered outwards ≤30%; Type II, portion of tumor cambered outwards >30% and <50%; and Type III, portion of tumor cambered outwards ≥50%. Results There were 54, 40, and 26 patients with Type I, II, and III HCCs, respectively. Among these, eight patients developed ruptured tumors within 2 weeks after TACE, including one, two, and five patients with type I, II, and III ruptured HCCs, respectively. Patients with type III HCCs had a shorter median survival time than patients with type I–II HCCs. Conclusions Patients with type III HCCs might have a higher re-rupture rate and benefit less from emergency arterial embolization procedures than patients with type I–II HCCs.
Transthoracic Right Heart Echocardiography for the Intensivist
Authors: Hockstein Maxwell A. , Haycock Korbin , Wiepking Matthew , Lentz Skyler , Dugar Siddharth , Siuba Matthew 
Published: April 2021

Background: The impact of critical illness on the right ventricle (RV) can be profound and RV dysfunction is associated with mortality. Intensivists are becoming more facile with bedside echocardiography, however, pedagogy has largely focused on left ventricular function. Here we review measurements of right heart function by way of echocardiographic modalities and list clinical scenarios where the RV dysfunction is a salient feature. Main: RV dysfunction is heterogeneously defined across many domains and its diagnosis is not always clinically apparent. The RV is affected by conditions commonly seen in the ICU such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, RV ischemia, and pulmonary hypertension. Basic ultrasonographic modalities such as 2D imaging, M-mode, tissue Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, and continuous Doppler provide clinicians with metrics to assess RV function and response to therapy. Conclusion: The right ventricle is impacted by various critical illnesses with substantial mortality and mortality. Focused bedside echocardiographic exams with attention to the right heart may provide intensivists insight into RV function and provide guidance for patient management.
Probable Interaction Between Warfarin and the Combination of Remdesivir With Dexamethasone for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment: A 2 Case Report
Authors: Landayan Ronald Patrick , Saint-Felix Sampson , Williams Ashley 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To describe a potential drug interaction between warfarin and the combination of remdesivir with dexamethasone. Summary: Two male patients, a 71-year-old and 62-year-old presented to the emergency department for symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both patients were on long-term warfarin therapy with their most recent international normalized ratio (INR) prior to admission within their patient specific goal as managed by their outpatient Pharmacist. In both instances, the patients denied any changes in diet, lifestyle, or missed doses of medications upon admission interview. During admission, both patients experienced a marked elevation in INR within 24 to 48 hours of the initiation of remdesivir with dexamethasone for COVID-19 pneumonia directed therapy. The patients were both eventually stable and were instructed to continue warfarin monitoring and management under the direction of their outpatient Pharmacist upon discharge. Conclusion: The underrecognized but probable interaction between warfarin in conjunction with remdesivir and dexamethasone warrants further analysis.
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and diseases severity contribute to impaired exercise capacity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ciurzyński Michał , Chrzanowska Anna , Bienias Piotr , Domienik-Karłowicz Justyna , Sobieraj Piotr , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Dudzik-Niewiadomska Iwona , Kurnicka Katarzyna , Kisiel Bartłomiej , Pruszczyk Piotr 
Published: April 2021

Objectives Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher risk of myocardial involvement, which can result in ventricular dysfunction. The aim of our study was to estimate potential relationship between exercise capacity assessed by six minute walk test (6MWT) and echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricular function in SLE patients. Methods We prospectively studied 66 SLE patients (57 F, age 44 (20–75) years) and 27 age matched healthy subjects. In addition to routine evaluation, 6MWT and transthoracic echocardiography including LV diastolic dysfunction parameters (E/A, E/É) were performed. Results While E/A was similar in both groups, E/E’ was higher in patients with SLE than in controls, 7.5 (4–22) vs 6.8 (1.6–9.4), p = 0.018. The mean 6MWT distance was significantly shorter in SLE (561.6 ± 150.7 vs 682.6 ± 98.1 m, p < 0.002). Among SLE patients only 53 (80.3%) were capable to walk at least 450 m, while in controls 27 (100%) (p = 0.013). We observed significant correlations between 6MWT distance and SLICC/ACR-DI (rho=−0.44, p < 0.001), E/A (rho = 0.30, p = 0.004), E/E’ (rho=−0.36, p < 0.001) in SLE patients. Univariable logistic regression models revealed that SLICC/ACR-DI, E/E’, tricuspid regurgitant peak gradient (TRPG), and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were associated with 6MWT distance lower than < 450 m. ROC curves shown high predictive value of E/E’ ratio, TRPG, RVSP in the prediction for 6MWT distance < 450 m. Conclusion Impaired exercise tolerance seems to result mainly from the severity of SLE and LV diastolic dysfunction.
Baseline Concussion Testing Increases Agreement With Favorable Concussion Safety Decisions in Hypothetical Scenarios
Authors: Deuschle Christina , Keith Julian , Dugan Kelly , Williams Mark , Taravath Sasi , Lecci Len 
Published: April 2021

Background Dangers of sports-related concussion are well documented, and those participating in sports involving significant contact are at an even higher risk relative to the general population. Despite extensive concussion education, athletes still make decisions that would be considered unsafe, such as underreporting and continuing to play despite experiencing symptoms. Although baseline testing is an increasingly common practice at all levels of sport, little is known about its ability to improve player safety perceptions. Aims The current study examines whether taking part in a standardized baseline concussion assessment changes athletes’ knowledge, attitudes, or perceptions of concussion safety decisions. Method A total of 229 club and National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes completed a modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey–Student Version (RoCKAS-ST), which was used to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios. Athletes were randomly assigned to either complete baseline concussion testing prior to the RoCKAS-ST or complete baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST. Results Athletes randomly assigned to complete baseline testing before the RoCKAS-ST demonstrated greater agreement with favorable concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios relative to athletes completing baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST. The two conditions did not differ with respect to concussion knowledge or attitudes. Discussion Baseline testing appears to have an added benefit of resulting in more favorable perceptions toward making safe decisions following suspected concussions. Conclusion Baseline testing may provide an effective means of improving a broader constellation of concussion safety behavior, particularly in club athletes, who are typically underserved in terms of concussion-related resources and care.
Intra-operative control of positive vitreous pressure in a graded manner by pars plana sutureless, small gauge trocar-cannula
Authors: Kataria Manisha , Agarwal Abhishek 
Published: April 2021

Background: The purpose of this paper is to delineate a technique of using a 23G, single, sutureless transconjunctival pars plana sclerotomy to facilitate anterior segment surgery in eyes with increased positive vitreous pressure (PVP) ascribe to predisposing or intraoperative factors. Methods: We have implemented this technique in five eyes when PVP was anticipated before the surgery because of risk factors or it was encountered during anterior segment surgery. Different case scenarios in which PVP occurs during the surgery comprising phacolytic glaucoma, corneal tear repair combined with cataract surgery with IOL in a case with traumatic corneal injury, anterior capsule rupture and secondary glaucoma, Trabeculectomy in case of uveitic glaucoma, routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery with PVP encountered during surgery were addressed by using this technique. Results: The new technique outlined by the authors consists of passing sutureless 23 G trocar cannula which enables controlled and gradual efflux of clear watery fluid, resulting in passive vitreous decompression with minimal risk of vitreous traction and retinal breaks. Once PVP is reduced, anterior segment surgery can be safely completed without risk of developing devastating complications. Conclusions: This sutureless single port pars plana trocar cannula technique is minimally invasive, safe, effective and fast technique which can cause reduction of PVP intraoperatively in a controlled and graded manner, thereby minimizing complication rates in difficult case scenarios.
Longitudinal analysis of T1w/T2w ratio in patients with multiple sclerosis from first clinical presentation
Authors: Cooper Graham , Chien Claudia , Zimmermann Hanna , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Kuchling Joseph , Asseyer Susanna , Brandt Alexander U , Scheel Michael , Finke Carsten , Paul Friedemann 
Published: April 2021

Background: Cross-sectional studies suggest normal appearing white matter (NAWM) integrity loss may lead to cortical atrophy in late-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To investigate the relationship between NAWM integrity and cortical thickness from first clinical presentation longitudinally. Methods: NAWM integrity and cortical thickness were assessed with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 102 patients with clinically isolated syndrome or early MS (33.2 (20.1–60.1) years old, 68% female) from first clinical presentation over 2.8 ± 1.6 years. Fifty healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex were included. NAWM integrity was evaluated using the standardized T1w/T2w ratio (sT1w/T2w). The association between sT1w/T2w and cortical thickness was assessed using linear mixed models. The effect of disease activity was investigated using the No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3) criteria. Results: At baseline, sT1w/T2w ( p = 0.152) and cortical thickness ( p = 0.489) did not differ from HCs. Longitudinally, decreasing sT1w/T2w was associated with cortical thickness and increasing lesion burden (marginal R2 = 0.061). The association was modulated by failing NEDA-3 (marginal R2 = 0.097). Conclusion: sT1w/T2w may be a useful MRI biomarker for early MS, detecting relevant NAWM damage over time using conventional MRI scans, although with less sensitivity compared to quantitative measures.
Thirty-Day Results of the Novel CGuard-Covered Stent in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Tigkiropoulos Konstantinos , Papoutsis Ioakeim , Abatzis-Papadopoulos Manolis , Kousidis Panagiotis , Mpismpos Dimitrios , Melas Nikolaos , Stavridis Kyriakos , Karamanos Dimitrios , Lazaridis Ioannis , Saratzis Nikolaos 
Published: April 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide early-term evaluation, safety, and efficacy of the novel CGuard (Inspire MD, Tel Aviv, Israel) micromesh self-expanding stent with embolic protection system (EPS) during carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedure. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent CAS with CGuard carotid stent system from January 2018 to September 2020 in a tertiary center were prospectively evaluated. Primary endpoints included technical success and perioperative neurological events (0–48 hours). Secondary endpoint was the rate of neurologic, cardiac events, and death (major adverse event or MAE) at 30 days. Patency of CGuard, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were evaluated at 30 days with duplex ultrasound. Results: A total of 103 patients underwent CAS procedure. Forty patients were symptomatic, and 63 patients were asymptomatic with stenosis greater than 70%. Technical success was 100%. Local anesthesia was applied in 94 patients (93%). Embolic protection devices were used in 6 patients (5.8%). Access site complications were 1.9%. Mean internal carotid artery stenosis diameter reduced from 79.47% to 14.68%. Two patients had transient ischemic attack (1.9%) and 1 patient experienced a cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) perioperatively. External carotid artery (ECA) occlusion occurred in 1.9%. Four patients experienced jaw claudication (3.8%) postoperatively. Mean time of operation was 41 minutes. Mean duration of hospitalization was 3.1 days. The 30-day rate of MAE was 0%. CGuard patency was 100%, mean internal carotid PSV was reduced from 251.57 to 77.29 cm/s, and mean internal carotid EDV was reduced from 154.62 to 24.63 cm/s at 30 days. Conclusion: Our study shows that CGuard stent with EPS is an effective and safe device for treatment of carotid artery stenosis with acceptable low perioperative neurologic events, even with low embolic protection device usage. Larger multicenter and randomized studies are necessary to confirm its long-term efficacy.
Removal of Intravascular Foreign Bodies With a Simple Low-Cost Method: A Report of 5 Cases
Authors: Ribeiro Felipe Soares , Kumakura Harue , da Silva Erasmo Simão , Puech-Leão Pedro , De Luccia Nelson 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Intravascular embolization of hemodialysis and central venous catheters is a rare but potentially serious complication. With the increasing use of catheters in medical practice, we are often faced with this type of complication. Novel, simple, and low-cost techniques are needed for foreign body extraction in order to reduce cardiovascular risks. Case Report: We describe the approach of 5 foreign body embolization cases. Case 1: a 57-year-old woman with end-stage renal failure with a complete fracture and migration of the distal extremity of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 2: a 55-year-old man with an accidental embolization of the distal portion of a hemodialysis catheter. Case 3: a 76-year-old woman with stage IV breast cancer and an accidental embolization of a central venous catheter guidewire. Cases 4 and 5: a 71-year-old woman and a 2-year-old boy with a port-a-cath embolization. All the patients underwent successful minimally invasive removal of the foreign bodies from the thoracic site using 5Fr pigtail catheters. Additional surgery was not required. No further complications, such as damage to the vascular wall, were noted. Conclusion: Our experience with the interlacing and traction pigtail show that it is a simple, practical, and low-cost technical alternative and its benefits should be widespread.
Gimme’ the Loop: Modifications to the Squid-Capture Technique for Laser-Fenestrated Thoracic Endografting
Authors: Mulorz Joscha , Knapsis Artis , Ertas Neslihan , Schelzig Hubert , Wagenhäuser Markus Udo 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Laser-fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (LfTEVAR) in the aortic arch with covering of the left subclavian artery (LSA) orifice is challenging. To optimize fenestration, the so-called squid-capture technique has been introduced. We present here a modification to the technique that may help improve time-efficiency and safety. Technique:: During the originally proposed squid-capture maneuver, the stent-graft is deployed in a preset snare wire loop, which is used to pull the stent graft toward the penetration device during in-situ fenestration. In preparation, the guidewire needs to be passed through the loop inside the aortic arch, which can be difficult and may predispose for embolic events. We propose here the creation of a “guidewire-through-snare-loop” configuration outside the body, which can then be reliably transferred into the aortic arch. The modified technique was successfully applied in a patient undergoing LfTEVAR for penetrating aortic ulcers. Conclusion: The proposed modification may help facilitate the squid-capture technique for LfTEVAR while saving time and resources. Given that LfTEVAR is becoming more frequently used, it is important to ensure technical success and safety of the procedure.
Translation of the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool (PeNAT) Into Spanish and Evaluating Understandability Among Spanish-Speaking Hispanic American Children and Adolescents Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Garcia Frausto Erica , Sivananthan Araby , Golden Carla , Szuminski Molly , Prado Luz N Pérez , Lopez Mercedes Paloma , Diaz Virginia , Nieto Dominica , Plenert Erin , Langevin Anne-Marie , Dupuis L. Lee 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: We aimed to create a Spanish-language version of the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool (PeNAT) and examine its understandability among Spanish-speaking, Hispanic American children. Methods: Translation: Forward and backward translations of the PeNAT documents were performed and verified by a bilingual panel. Four monolingual, Spanish-speaking dyads (child/parent) and four bilingual dyads piloted the Spanish-language PeNAT documents. Four additional bilingual dyads read both versions and completed the PeNAT using their preferred version. These were reviewed for errors due to misunderstanding. Understandability: Children aged 4–18 years about to receive chemotherapy who spoke Spanish at home and were without impairments precluding PeNAT use were eligible. Participants used the Spanish-language PeNAT during a chemotherapy block. Parents gave feedback on the PeNAT documents. Recruitment continued until 10 consecutive participants offered no substantive suggestions for revision. Results: Translation: All child/parent dyads completed the PeNAT without errors attributable to misunderstanding. The Spanish-language PeNAT was preferred by three of four bilingual dyads. Understandability: Ten cancer patients (mean age: 10.6 years) used the Spanish-language PeNAT. All parents felt their child understood the PeNAT; none felt the documents were hard or very hard to use. Conclusion: The Spanish-language PeNAT was understood by Spanish-speaking Hispanic American children. Further psychometric testing is warranted.