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International Journal of Pediatric... Dec 2023Internal jugular vein phlebectasia (IJVP) is a rare type of vascular abnormality that causes dilatation of internal jugular vein in the neck. There is presently no... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Internal jugular vein phlebectasia (IJVP) is a rare type of vascular abnormality that causes dilatation of internal jugular vein in the neck. There is presently no consensus on the most effective method of treatment for this condition, that is commonly seen in children. We conducted a systematic review of the literature reported till date to comprehend the key features of IJVP and its most effective therapeutic modalities.
METHODS
Five databases were searched until October 10, 2022 for articles of any design (including case reports) reporting IJVP in pediatric subjects. Individual patient data on demographics, clinical features of this entity and the differential diagnosis, methods of imaging, management, and outcome of illness were recorded. The quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies.
RESULTS
A total of 51 articles including 169 cases were retrieved and included in the analysis. Of the 169 patients, most of them were male children, and in 77% of cases right internal Juglar vein was involved. All patients had some symptoms suggestive of IJVP with most common ones being neck swelling or tenderness, and difficulty in breathing. In 90% of cases, it was observed that the neck swelling typically increases in size with Valsalva maneuver. Once jugular vein phlebectasia was clinically suspected, ultrasonography, CECT, or color Doppler flow imaging were used to confirm the diagnosis. The management of most of the cases was either conservative or surgical, and in surgery mostly ligation was performed. There have not been any cases of serious complications, therefore, according to included studies, a conservative approach is recommended with continuous monitoring. Out of the 51 studies included, most of them had low risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Internal jugular vein phlebectasia, a rare benign condition, is most commonly found in children, and affects predominantly the right internal jugular vein. Although most patients did well with merely conservative treatment, still management of this vascular anomaly has to be on a case-by-case basis.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Jugular Veins; Varicose Veins; Dilatation, Pathologic; Conservative Treatment; Brachiocephalic Veins; Heart Diseases
PubMed: 37871464
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111720 -
Cardiology in the Young Sep 2023Long-term physiological dysfunction in coronary/systemic vasculature may persist in individuals with Kawasaki disease even in the absence of coronary artery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Long-term physiological dysfunction in coronary/systemic vasculature may persist in individuals with Kawasaki disease even in the absence of coronary artery abnormalities. We perform a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies assessing long-term vascular function in Kawasaki disease.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature published till May 2021. Patients with Kawasaki disease were included as cases and healthy age/sex-matched individuals as controls. Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the study quality. Outcome measures were differences in markers of vascular function 1 year after diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. Data were analysed using Review Manager software. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for meta-regression. To assess the certainty of evidence, GRADE Profiler software was utilised.
RESULTS
Of 2280 citations, 49 case-control studies (comprising 2714 cases and 2118 controls) were included for data synthesis. Decreased flow-mediated dilatation [3.83, 95%CI 0.94-6.72] and increased pulse-wave velocity [39.34 cm/sec, 95%CI 20.86-57.83], arterial stiffness [0.35, 95%CI 0.11-0.59], and common carotid artery intima-media thickness were noted in patients with Kawasaki disease. No significant difference was observed for nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation and endothelial peripheral artery tonometry (endo-PAT). Significant inter-study heterogeneity was observed for flow-mediated dilatation, arterial stiffness, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and endo-PAT. The GRADE evidence was of 'very low quality' for all outcome measures except 'moderate quality' for pulse-wave velocity.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests the presence of long-term endothelial dysfunction in patients with Kawasaki disease even in the absence of coronary artery abnormalities. Avoidance of development of other cardiovascular risk factors seems prudent in patients with Kawasaki disease.
Topics: Humans; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Coronary Artery Disease; Carotid Artery, Common; Case-Control Studies; Dilatation, Pathologic; Vascular Stiffness; Pulse Wave Analysis
PubMed: 36102118
DOI: 10.1017/S1047951122002906 -
Journal of Endourology Apr 2019Although balloon dilatation is one of the main endoscopic procedures used to treat benign ureteral strictures, its precise efficacy remains controversial. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Although balloon dilatation is one of the main endoscopic procedures used to treat benign ureteral strictures, its precise efficacy remains controversial. We aimed to identify, combine, and analyze existing published data to ascertain the efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilatation for benign ureteral strictures.
METHODS
In December 2018, a literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We included reports in which the study population consisted of patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation for the treatment of benign ureteral strictures. Technical, short-term, and long-term success rates (expressed as mean ± standard error) were adopted as the outcome measures.
RESULTS
Using our search strategy, a total of 19 studies (all series reports) were included for analysis. Using a random-effects model, the pooled technical success rate of endoscopic balloon dilatation for benign ureteral strictures was found to be 89% ± 4%. Furthermore, the short-term success rate (i.e., 3 months after surgery) was 60% ± 10%, and the long-term success rate (i.e., 6-12 months after surgery) was 54% ± 14%. In the subgroup analysis, the success rate of endoscopic balloon dilatation for ≤2-cm benign ureteral strictures was significantly higher than that for >2-cm ones (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.35). In addition, the success rate in cases with strictures of onset timing ≤3 months was relatively higher than that in cases with strictures of onset timing >3 months (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.15-1.43).
CONCLUSION
Our study indicates that endoscopic balloon dilatation has a high success rate in the treatment of benign ureteral strictures with length ≤2 cm and onset timing ≤3 months. However, there is still no consensus on balloon type, dilatation pressure, expansion number, postoperative ureteral stent type, and stent retention time for the balloon dilatation technique.
Topics: Catheterization; Constriction, Pathologic; Data Management; Dilatation; Endoscopy; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Postoperative Period; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Ureter; Ureteral Obstruction
PubMed: 30628477
DOI: 10.1089/end.2018.0797 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Jul 2023Neointimal hyperplasia and lumen irregularities are major contributors to vein graft failure and the use of VEST should prevent this. In this review, we aim to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Neointimal hyperplasia and lumen irregularities are major contributors to vein graft failure and the use of VEST should prevent this. In this review, we aim to evaluate the angiographic outcomes of externally supported vein grafts. Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were systematically reviewed for randomized clinical trials published by August 2022. The primary outcome was graft failure. Secondary outcomes included graft ectasia, intimal hyperplasia area and thickness, and graft nonuniformity. Odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a fixed-effects model. Three randomized controlled trials with a total of 437 patients were included with follow-up ranging from 1 to 2 years. The odds of graft failure were similar in the 2 groups (OR 1.22; 95%CI 0.88-1.71; I² = 0%). Intimal hyperplasia area [MD -0.77 mm; 95%CI -1.10 to -0.45; I = 0%] and thickness [MD -0.06 mm; 95% CI -0.08 to -0.04; I=0%] were significantly lower in the VEST group. Fitzgibbon Patency Scale of II or III (representing angiographic conduit nonuniformity; OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.48-0.94; I = 0%) and graft ectasia (OR 0.53; 95%CI 0.32-0.88; I = 33%) were also significantly lower in the VEST group. At short-term follow-up, VEST does not seem to reduce the incidence of graft failure, although it is associated with attenuation of intimal hyperplasia and nonuniformity. Longer angiographic follow-up is warranted to determine whether these positive effects might translate into a positive effect in graft failure and in long-term clinical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Vascular Patency; Hyperplasia; Dilatation, Pathologic; Saphenous Vein; Coronary Artery Bypass; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36931334
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101687 -
European Radiology Oct 2022To identify reliable MRI features for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to summarize their diagnostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To identify reliable MRI features for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to summarize their diagnostic accuracy.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify original articles published between January 2006 and July 2021. The pooled diagnostic accuracy, including the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the identified features, was calculated using a bivariate random effects model.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were included, and 92 overlapping descriptors were subsumed under 16 MRI features. Ten features favoring AIP were diffuse enlargement (DOR, 75; 95% CI, 9-594), capsule-like rim (DOR, 52; 95% CI, 20-131), multiple main pancreatic duct (MPD) strictures (DOR, 47; 95% CI, 17-129), homogeneous delayed enhancement (DOR, 46; 95% CI, 21-104), low apparent diffusion coefficient value (DOR, 30), speckled enhancement (DOR, 30), multiple pancreatic masses (DOR, 29), tapered narrowing of MPD (DOR, 15), penetrating duct sign (DOR, 14), and delayed enhancement (DOR, 13). Six features favoring PDAC were target type enhancement (DOR, 41; 95% CI, 11-158), discrete pancreatic mass (DOR, 35; 95% CI, 15-80), upstream MPD dilatation (DOR, 13), peripancreatic fat infiltration (DOR, 10), upstream parenchymal atrophy (DOR, 5), and vascular involvement (DOR, 3).
CONCLUSION
This study identified 16 informative MRI features to differentiate AIP from PDAC. Among them, diffuse enlargement, capsule-like rim, multiple MPD strictures, and homogeneous delayed enhancement favored AIP with the highest DORs, whereas discrete mass and target type enhancement favored PDAC.
KEY POINTS
• The MRI features with the highest pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) for autoimmune pancreatitis were diffuse enlargement of the pancreas (75), capsule-like rim (52), multiple strictures of the main pancreatic duct (47), and homogeneous delayed enhancement (46). • The MRI features with the highest pooled DORs for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were target type enhancement (41) and discrete pancreatic mass (35).
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Autoimmune Diseases; Autoimmune Pancreatitis; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Constriction, Pathologic; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35486167
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08816-1 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Dec 2021Benign anastomotic strictures following colorectal surgical resection are a commonly under-reported complication in up to 30% of patients, with a significant impact upon... (Review)
Review
AIM
Benign anastomotic strictures following colorectal surgical resection are a commonly under-reported complication in up to 30% of patients, with a significant impact upon quality of life. In this systematic review, we aim to assess the utility of endoscopic techniques in avoiding the need for surgical reintervention.
METHOD
A literature search was performed for published full text articles using the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Additional papers were found by scanning the references of relevant papers.
RESULTS
A total of 34 papers were included, focusing upon balloon dilatation, endoscopic stenting, electroincision, stapler stricturoplasty and cortiocosteroids alone and in combination, with success rates varying from 20% to 100%. The most challenging strictures were reported as those with a narrow lumen, frequently observed following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or an anastomotic leak. Endoscopic balloon dilatation was the most commonly used first-line method; however, repeated dilatations were often required and this was associated with an increased risk of perforation. Although initial success rates for stents were good, patients often experienced stent migration and local symptoms. Only a small number of patients experienced endoscopic management failure and progressed to surgical intervention.
CONCLUSION
Following identification of an anastomotic stricture and exclusion of underlying malignancy, endoscopic management is both safe and feasible as a first-line option, even if multiple treatment exposures or multimodal management is required. Surgical resection or a defunctioning stoma should be reserved for emergency or failed cases. Further research is required into multimodal and novel therapies to improve quality of life for these patients.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Anastomotic Leak; Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Humans; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34374203
DOI: 10.1111/codi.15865 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... May 2018The dilation of the fetal cerebral veins is a rare phenomenon that may be associated to a bad obstetric outcome, and is usually connected to antenatal thrombosis of the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The dilation of the fetal cerebral veins is a rare phenomenon that may be associated to a bad obstetric outcome, and is usually connected to antenatal thrombosis of the posterior dural venous sinuses. There are several descriptions of cerebral vein distension on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but all of them are detected postnatally. We present herein two cases of fetal antenatal cerebral dilation of the venous system, without any association to any sign of vein thrombosis, and a systematic review of literature regarding pathogenesis, diagnosis and outcomes associated to the antenatal detection of this condition with the use of MRI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To identify potentially eligible studies, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library (all from inception to October 20th, 2016) and applied no language restrictions.
RESULTS
The electronic database search provided a total of 22,843 results. After the exclusion of duplicates, manuscripts that resulted not relevant to the review based on title and abstract screening, and analysis of manuscripts eligible for full-text assessment, no papers were found related to the subject reported in the present manuscript.
CONCLUSIONS
Our report adds importance to MRI as a tool in cases of complex ultrasound finding with the presence of fetal heart failure and deterioration of fetal growth, in order to improve the prognostic evaluation and patient?s counseling.
Topics: Adult; Cerebral Veins; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cesarean Section; Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Fetal Death; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetal Heart; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Twin; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Vena Cava, Inferior
PubMed: 28372477
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1315097 -
Giornale Italiano Di Nefrologia :... Feb 2020The term "obstructive uropathy" refers to the complex structural and functional changes following the interruption of normal urinary runoff, which can occur at every...
The term "obstructive uropathy" refers to the complex structural and functional changes following the interruption of normal urinary runoff, which can occur at every level of the urinary tract. Depending on its origin, duration and severity, urinary tract obstructions can be acute or chronic, mono or bilateral, partial or complete. The obstruction can be localized or extended to the entire pielo-caliceal system and/or homolateral urethra. The term "hydronephrosis" indicates the dilation of the pelvis detected through imaging techniques. Among these, ultrasound is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy: it allows to distinguish three degrees of urinary tract dilation, depending on the extent of the dilation itself and the thickness of the parenchyma. Nephrologists are confronted daily with patients who experience kidney failure and must be able to quickly distinguish between chronic and acute and, in the latter case, to discern between issues of nephrological or urological competence. This short review aims at helping them deal with this very common scenario, through the use of ultrasound.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Diagnosis, Differential; Dilatation, Pathologic; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Humans; Hydronephrosis; Kidney Calices; Kidney Pelvis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Ultrasonography; Ureteral Obstruction; Urethral Obstruction; Vascular Resistance
PubMed: 32068358
DOI: No ID Found -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2022Patients with fusiform dilatation of the carotid artery (FDCA) following pediatric craniopharyngioma resection typically have a benign clinical course. We reviewed the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Patients with fusiform dilatation of the carotid artery (FDCA) following pediatric craniopharyngioma resection typically have a benign clinical course. We reviewed the neurosurgical literature for FDCA outcomes after resection of these tumors.
METHODS
Using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, we identified surgical series or case reports reporting incidences of FDCA following craniopharyngioma resection. Inclusion criteria included FDCA outcomes reported specifically after craniopharyngioma resection, with at least 6 months of follow-up data.
RESULTS
Our literature search yielded 15 full-text articles comprising 799 patients (376 [52.3%] males). The weighted mean follow-up was 74.8 months (range, 9-140 months). Most tumors were suprasellar (62.1%), with traditional microsurgery being more commonly employed than endoscopic endonasal surgery (80.9% vs. 19.1%). Gross total resection was achieved in 42.6% of cases. There were 55 aneurysms reported, most commonly occurring at the terminal internal carotid artery (66.7%). Aneurysmal progression on follow-up occurred in 10 (18.5%) cases, with no reports of rupture. Ten (18.2%) aneurysms were treated with clipping, endovascular, or bypass techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
FDCA is a rare complication following pediatric craniopharyngioma resection. The exact cause is unclear, and factors related to tumor invasiveness, size, location, and differences in surgical approach may contribute to FDCA development. Most patients who go on to develop FDCA have an innocuous course on follow-up, with no reports of rupture in the present literature. For this reason, patients rarely require surgical or endovascular intervention for these lesions, and conservative management is favored.
Topics: Aneurysm; Carotid Artery, Internal; Child; Craniopharyngioma; Dilatation; Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Male; Pituitary Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34555575
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.09.058 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Jan 2017Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is widely used to manage Crohn's disease-associated strictures. However, most studies of the safety and efficacy are small and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is widely used to manage Crohn's disease-associated strictures. However, most studies of the safety and efficacy are small and heterogenous. We performed a combined analysis of published studies and evaluated 676 comprehensive individual participant data sets to determine the overall effects of EBD.
METHODS
Citations from the Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane library from 1991 through 2013 were systematically reviewed, and references of cited articles were assessed for relevant publications. We collected data from studies including ≥15 patients and additionally generated a unique individual patient database containing 676 individual data sets derived from 12 studies. Technical feasibility, short-term and long-term efficacies, and safety were evaluated.
RESULTS
In 1463 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent 3213 EBD procedures, 98.6% of strictures were ileal and 62% anastomotic. The technical success rate of the EBDs was 89.1% with a clinical efficacy of 80.8%. Complications occurred in 2.8% per procedure. After 24 months of follow-up, 73.5% of subjects underwent redilation and 42.9% surgical resection. In a multivariate analysis of 676 individual patients, a stricture length of ≤5 cm was associated with a surgery-free outcome; every 1 cm increase of stricture length increased the hazard of need for surgery by 8% (P = 0.008). Inflammation did not affect outcomes or rate of complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a systematic literature review and analysis of data sets from 676 patients, EBD has a high rate of short-term technical and clinical efficacies, with substantial long-term efficacy and acceptable rates of complication.
Topics: Adult; Balloon Enteroscopy; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Dilatation; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Ileum; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28002130
DOI: 10.1097/MIB.0000000000000988