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Neurosurgical Review Dec 2023Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) constitute the most common type of spinal vascular malformations. Their diagnosis requires spinal digital subtraction... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) constitute the most common type of spinal vascular malformations. Their diagnosis requires spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which is time-consuming, requires catheterizing many vessels, and exposes patient to a high radiation and contrast doses. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of time-resolved MR angiography (TR-MRA) in SDAVF diagnosis. We performed a systematic review of the PubMed and EMBASE databases followed by a meta-analysis. TR-MRA was an index test, and spinal DSA was a reference. Of the initial 324 records, we included 4 studies describing 71 patients with SDAVFs. In 42 cases, TR-MRA was true positive, and in 21 cases, it was true negative. We found 7 false-positive cases and 1 false negative. TR-MRA allowed for shunt level identification in 39 cases. Of these, the predicted level was correct in 23 cases (59%), to within 1 level in 38 cases (97.4%) and to within 2 levels in 39 cases (100%). The diagnostic odds ratio was 72.73 (95% CI [10.30; 513.35]), z = 4.30, p value < 0.0001. The pooled sensitivity was 0.98 (95% CI [0.64; 1.00]), and the pooled specificity was 0.79 (95% CI [0.10; 0.99]). The AUC of the SROC curve was 0.9. TR-MRA may serve as a preliminary study to detect SDAVFs and localize the shunt level with sensitivity and specificity as high as 98% and 79%, respectively. Unless the TR-MRA result is unequivocal, it should be followed by a limited spinal DSA.
Topics: Humans; Contrast Media; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Spine; Angiography, Digital Subtraction; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 38072856
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02242-7 -
Neurology. Clinical Practice Jun 2017Primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) can be diagnosed using cerebral angiography or histopathology combined with clinical features. The original diagnostic criteria, which... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) can be diagnosed using cerebral angiography or histopathology combined with clinical features. The original diagnostic criteria, which weigh each test equally, have not been validated. Limited sensitivity and specificity for biopsy and angiography are recognized. We systematically reviewed results of diagnostic tests performed in patients with an ultimate diagnosis of PCNSV.
METHODS
We searched the OVID Medline database and bibliographies for original cases of PCNSV. We recorded demographics, diagnostic tests used, and assessed agreement between angiography and biopsy when both tests were performed. We also recorded MRI and CSF results.
RESULTS
We found 701 original cases with PCNSV diagnosed with angiography or pathology. A total of 269 patients (38.4%) had both cerebral angiography and histopathologic testing (biopsy/postmortem). Classic angiographic features of vasculitis were associated with pathologic confirmation in just 32 patients (4.6%). Seventy-four patients (10.6%) with any abnormality on angiography had a normal biopsy, and 99 patients (14.1%) with abnormal biopsies had normal angiography. Brain MRI was abnormal in 505/541 patients (93.3%) and CSF was abnormal in 360/484 patients (74.4%). Increasing use of angiography and decreasing histopathologic testing were found over time.
CONCLUSIONS
Cerebral angiography and pathologic tissue examination were undertaken in a minority of published cases with a diagnosis of PCNSV. When both diagnostic tests were performed, disagreement between them was more than 5 times more likely than agreement. Diagnostic criteria for PCNSV may require revision to classify the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features of this condition more accurately.
PubMed: 30107009
DOI: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000359 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2021Due to their non-specific diagnostic patterns of ocular infection, differential diagnosis between () and can be challenging. In both disorders, ocular manifestation... (Review)
Review
Due to their non-specific diagnostic patterns of ocular infection, differential diagnosis between () and can be challenging. In both disorders, ocular manifestation can be the first sign of a systemic infection, and a delayed diagnosis might reduce the response to treatment leading to negative outcomes. Thus, it becomes imperative to distinguish chorioretinal lesions associated with , from lesions due to and other infectious disorders. To date, multimodal non-invasive imaging modalities that include ultra-wide field fundus photography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography, facilitate in vivo examination of retinal and choroidal tissues, enabling early diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and relapse detection. This approach is crucial to differentiate between active and inactive ocular disease, and guides clinicians in their decisional-tree during the patients' follow-up. In this review, we summarized and compared the available literature on multimodal imaging data of infection and tuberculosis, emphasizing similarities and differences in imaging patterns between these two entities and highlighting the relevance of multimodal imaging in the management of the infections.
PubMed: 34768406
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214880 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023Sclerochoroidal calcification (SCC) is a rare disease which is characterized by calcium deposition in the sclera. The choroid is secondarily involved. Typical... (Review)
Review
Sclerochoroidal calcification (SCC) is a rare disease which is characterized by calcium deposition in the sclera. The choroid is secondarily involved. Typical localization is in the midperipheral region, outside the vascular arcades. SCC is mostly located in the superotemporal quadrant. Often times, the patients are referred with the diagnosis of an amelanotic tumor. SCC may be dystrophic or metastatic. Metastatic SCC lesions are associated with conditions altering calcium and phosphate metabolism including primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, renal failure, hyperphosphatemia, and destructive bony lesions. SCC lesions have a characteristic appearance and appear as distinct, ill-defined, yellow-white, elevated scleral/choroidal masses funduscopically. The purpose of this literature review is to review the current knowledge on SCC, highlight the imaging features, and discuss the differential diagnosis as well as management options.
PubMed: 37720010
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S399058 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2016Pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur when a thrombus (blood clot) travels through the veins and lodges in the arteries of the lungs, producing an obstruction. People who... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur when a thrombus (blood clot) travels through the veins and lodges in the arteries of the lungs, producing an obstruction. People who are thought to be at risk include those with cancer, people who have had a recent surgical procedure or have experienced long periods of immobilisation and women who are pregnant. The clinical presentation can vary, but unexplained respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain and an increased respiratory rate are common.D-dimers are fragments of protein released into the circulation when a blood clot breaks down as a result of normal body processes or with use of prescribed fibrinolytic medication. The D-dimer test is a laboratory assay currently used to rule out the presence of high D-dimer plasma levels and, by association, venous thromboembolism (VTE). D-dimer tests are rapid, simple and inexpensive and can prevent the high costs associated with expensive diagnostic tests.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the ability of the D-dimer test to rule out a diagnosis of acute PE in patients treated in hospital outpatient and accident and emergency (A&E) settings who have had a pre-test probability (PTP) of PE determined according to a clinical prediction rule (CPR), by estimating the accuracy of the test according to estimates of sensitivity and specificity. The review focuses on those patients who are not already established on anticoagulation at the time of study recruitment.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched 13 databases from conception until December 2013. We cross-checked the reference lists of relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Two review authors independently applied exclusion criteria to full papers and resolved disagreements by discussion.We included cross-sectional studies of D-dimer in which ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy, computerised tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), selective pulmonary angiography and magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA) were used as the reference standard.•
PARTICIPANTS
Adults who were managed in hospital outpatient and A&E settings and were suspected of acute PE were eligible for inclusion in the review if they had received a pre-test probability score based on a CPR.•
INDEX TESTS
quantitative, semi quantitative and qualitative D-dimer tests.• Target condition: acute symptomatic PE.• Reference standards: We included studies that used pulmonary angiography, V/Q scintigraphy, CTPA and MRPA as reference standard tests.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed quality using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). We resolved disagreements by discussion. Review authors extracted patient-level data when available to populate 2 × 2 contingency tables (true-positives (TPs), true-negatives (TNs), false-positives (FPs) and false-negatives (FNs)).
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies in the review (n = 1585 patients). None of the studies were at high risk of bias in any of the QUADAS-2 domains, but some uncertainty surrounded the validity of studies in some domains for which the risk of bias was uncertain. D-dimer assays demonstrated high sensitivity in all four studies, but with high levels of false-positive results, especially among those over the age of 65 years. Estimates of sensitivity ranged from 80% to 100%, and estimates of specificity from 23% to 63%.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
A negative D-dimer test is valuable in ruling out PE in patients who present to the A&E setting with a low PTP. Evidence from one study suggests that this test may have less utility in older populations, but no empirical evidence was available to support an increase in the diagnostic threshold of interpretation of D-dimer results for those over the age of 65 years.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Pulmonary Embolism; Reference Standards; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 27494075
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010864.pub2 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022C-arm systems with digital flat-panel detectors are used in interventional radiology and hybrid operating rooms for visualizing and performing interventions on... (Review)
Review
C-arm systems with digital flat-panel detectors are used in interventional radiology and hybrid operating rooms for visualizing and performing interventions on three-dimensional structures. Advances in C-arm technology have enabled intraoperative quantitative perfusion imaging with these scanners. This systematic review provides an overview of flat-panel detector C-arm techniques for quantifying perfusion, their clinical applications, and their validation. A systematic search was performed for articles published between January 2000 and October 2022 in which a flat-panel detector C-arm technique for quantifying perfusion was compared with a reference technique. Nine articles were retrieved describing two techniques: two-dimensional perfusion angiography (n = 5) and dual-phase cone beam computed tomography perfusion (n = 4). A quality assessment revealed no concerns about the applicability of the studies. The risk of bias was relatively high for the index and reference tests. Both techniques demonstrated potential for clinical application; however, weak-to-moderate correlations were reported between them and the reference techniques. In conclusion, both techniques could add new possibilities to treatment planning and follow-up; however, the available literature is relatively scarce and heterogeneous. Larger-scale randomized prospective studies focusing on clinical outcomes and standardization are required for the full understanding and clinical implementation of these techniques.
PubMed: 36611421
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010128 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023The effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been the subject of conflicting meta-analyses, but the strength of the...
BACKGROUND
The effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been the subject of conflicting meta-analyses, but the strength of the evidence for these correlations between NAC use and CIN has not been measured overall.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the data from randomized clinical studies (RCTs) that examined the relationships between NAC use and CIN in meta-analyses.
METHODS
Between the creation of the database and April 2023, searches were made in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. N-acetylcysteine, contrast-induced nephropathy, or contrast-induced renal disease were among the search keywords used, along with terms including systematic review and meta-analysis. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, version 2, which assigned grades of extremely low, low, moderate, or high quality to each meta-analysis's scientific quality, was used to evaluate each meta-analysis. The confidence of the evidence in meta-analyses of RCTs was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations method, with evidence being rated as very low, low, moderate, or high.
RESULTS
In total, 493 records were screened; of those, 46 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 12 articles were selected for evidence synthesis as a result of the screening process. Based on the pooled data, which was graded as moderate-quality evidence, it can be concluded that NAC can decrease CIN (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.65-0.79, < 0.00001) and blood levels of serum creatinine (MD -0.09, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.01, = 0.03). In spite of this, there were no associations between NAC and dialysis requirement or mortality in these studies.
CONCLUSION
The results of this umbrella review supported that the renal results were enhanced by NAC. The association was supported by moderate-quality evidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42022367811].
PubMed: 37790125
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1235023 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) have demonstrated cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects in patients with and without diabetes. Recent studies suggest that SGLT2Is may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
SGLT-2 inhibitors and prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions: systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) have demonstrated cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects in patients with and without diabetes. Recent studies suggest that SGLT2Is may reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary arteriography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, the evidence is still inconclusive. We aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the potential nephroprotective role of SGLT2Is in preventing CIN in this population.
METHODS
We searched for studies in six databases published up to September 30, 2023, following a PECO/PICO strategy. Initially, we meta-analyzed five studies, but due to several reasons, mainly methodological concerns, we excluded one RCT. In our final meta-analysis, we included four observational studies.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis comprised 2,572 patients with diabetes undergoing CAG or PCI, 512 patients treated with SGLT2Is, and 289 events of CIN. This is the first meta-analysis demonstrating that SGLT2Is may reduce the risk of developing CIN by up to 63% (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.24-0.58) in patients with diabetes undergoing CAG or PCI, compared to not using SGLT2Is. Statistical heterogeneity was not significant (I = 0%, = 0.91). We assessed the certainty of the evidence of this systematic review and meta-analysis, according to the GRADE criteria, as moderate.
CONCLUSION
SGLT2Is significantly reduce the risk of CIN by up to 63% in patients with diabetes undergoing CAG or PCI. Clinical trials are needed; several are already underway, which could confirm our findings and investigate other unresolved issues, such as the optimal dose, type, and duration of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy to prevent CIN.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023412892.
Topics: Humans; Acute Kidney Injury; Contrast Media; Coronary Angiography; Diabetes Mellitus; Observational Studies as Topic; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
PubMed: 38179307
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1307715 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Jul 2021Declining perioperative stroke and death rates over the past 3 decades have been paralleled by an increasing use of intraoperative completion studies (ICS) following...
BACKGROUND
Declining perioperative stroke and death rates over the past 3 decades have been paralleled by an increasing use of intraoperative completion studies (ICS) following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Techniques applied include angiography, intraoperative duplex ultrasound (IDUS), flowmetry, and angioscopy. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aiming on providing an overview of techniques and corresponding outcomes.
METHODS
A PubMed based systematic literature review comprising the years 1980 through 2020 was performed using predefined keywords to identify articles on different ICS techniques. Pooled analyses and meta-analyses estimating risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed to compare outcomes of different ICS modes to nonapplication of any ICS. I values were assessed to quantify study heterogeneities.
RESULTS
Identification of 34 studies including patients undergoing CEA with angiography (n=53,218), IDUS (n=20,030), flowmetry (n=16,812), and angioscopy (n=2,291). Corresponding rates of perioperative stroke were 1.5%, 1.8%, 3.6%, and 1.5%, perioperative stroke or death occurred in 1.7%, 1.9%, 2.2%, and 2.0%. Intraoperative surgical revision rates were 6.2%, 5.9%, and 7.9% after CEA with angiography, IDUS, and angioscopy, respectively. Compared to nonapplication of any ICS, the pooled analysis revealed angiography to be significantly associated with lower rates of stroke (RR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.36-0.62; P<0.0001) and stroke or death (RR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70-0.83; P<0.0001). IDUS was significantly associated with lower rates of stroke (RR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43-0.73; P<0.0001) and stroke or death (RR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.93; P=0.0018), whereas angioscopy showed a significant association with a lower stroke rate (RR 0.48; 95% CI, 0.033-0.68; P=0.0001), but no effect on the combined stroke or death rate. Angioscopy was associated with a higher intraoperative revision rate compared to angiography (RR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.54; P=0.006). The meta-analyses confirmed lower perioperative stroke or death rates for angiography (RR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91) and IDUS (RR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.98) compared to non-application of any ICS, whereas flowmetry showed no significant association.
CONCLUSIONS
This study represents the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis on usage of ICSs in CEA. Data strongly indicate a significant beneficial effect of angiography, IDUS, and angioscopy on perioperative CEA outcomes. Any carotid surgeon should consider implementation of ICSs in his routine armamentarium.
PubMed: 34430642
DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-2931 -
Critical Care Explorations Mar 2023The optimal timing of coronary angiography remains unclear following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without ST elevation on electrocardiogram. The objective of... (Review)
Review
Early Versus Delayed Coronary Angiography After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Without ST-Segment Elevation-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
UNLABELLED
The optimal timing of coronary angiography remains unclear following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without ST elevation on electrocardiogram. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early angiography versus delayed angiography following OHCA without ST elevation.
DATA SOURCES
The databases MEDLINE, PubMed EMBASE, and CINHAL, as well as unpublished sources from inception to March 9, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials of adult patients after OHCA without ST elevation who were randomized to early as compared to delayed angiography.
DATA EXTRACTION
Reviewers screened and abstracted data independently and in duplicate. The certainty of evidence was assessed for each outcome using the Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The protocol was preregistered (CRD 42021292228).
DATA SYNTHESIS
Six trials were included ( = 1,590 patients). Early angiography probably has no effect on mortality (relative risk [RR] 1.04; 95% CI 0.94-1.15; moderate certainty) and may have no effect on survival with good neurologic outcome (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.87-1.07; low certainty) or ICU length of stay (LOS) (mean difference 0.41 days fewer; 95% CI -1.3 to 0.5 d; low certainty). Early angiography has an uncertain effect on adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
In OHCA patients without ST elevation, early angiography probably has no effect on mortality and may have no effect on survival with good neurologic outcome and ICU LOS. Early angiography has an uncertain effect on adverse events.
PubMed: 36861045
DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000874