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Archivos de Cardiologia de Mexico Feb 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention of embolic events and rhythm control, little has been done to reduce its prevalence, progression and impact, since it increases with ageing as well as with common risk factors such as alcohol intake, tobacco use and stress as well as with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke, among other important comorbidities. Fortunately, new evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications and adequate risk factors and comorbidities control could be effective in primary and secondary AF prevention, especially in its paroxysmal presentations. This is why a multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle modifications, risk factors and comorbidities control, is necessary in conjunction with rhythm or rate control and anticoagulation. Unfortunately, that holistic approach strategy is not considered, is scarcely studied or is subtilized in general clinical practice. The present statement's objectives are to: 1) review the relationship between habits, risk factors and illnesses with AF, 2) review the individual and common physiopathology mechanisms of each one of those conditions that may lead to AF, 3) review the effect of control of habits, risk factors and co-morbidities on the control and impact of AF, and 4) supply guidelines and recommendations to start multidisciplinary and integrative AF treatment.
PubMed: 38382332
DOI: 10.24875/ACM.22000236 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Nov 2023Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a complex congenital facial anomaly characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical features, which encompass the facial skeleton and other...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a complex congenital facial anomaly characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical features, which encompass the facial skeleton and other organ systems. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest an association between Hemifacial Microsomia and vascular malformations, whether of the vertebral or any other kind.
CASE PRESENTATION
Reporting a case of a 12-year-old male diagnosed with Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM) and left Microtia. The patient had previously undergone left auricle reconstruction; however, unfortunately, the flap resulted in necrosis. In our next step, we intend to proceed with further reconstruction. Before this, we plan to perform CT angiography to identify viable flap options for effectively closing the auricular defect. During this evaluation, we identified an anomaly structure in the vertebral vascularization.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
During the CT angiography, we found a vascular malformation in the vertebral region. This anomaly manifested as tortuosity in the left vertebral vein, with the diameter on the left side being larger than that on the right. Additionally, the diameter of the left internal jugular artery was found to be smaller than its counterpart on the right. The maxillary artery of the left side was larger than the right. Notably, there was an absence of a submental artery on the left side, and a hypoplasia of the left angularis artery was observed.
CONCLUSION
Hemifacial microsomia could be associated with other malformations. Despite the fact that vertebral artery anomaly is not considered common anomaly in HFM, it is mandatory to perform CT angiography before reconstructive surgery, considering the possibility of massive bleeding during the operation.
PubMed: 37837667
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108906 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Apr 2024As a new-generation collagen stimulator, polycaprolactone (PCL) containing filler has been extensively applied in facial dermal fillers and other medical aesthetic...
BACKGROUND
As a new-generation collagen stimulator, polycaprolactone (PCL) containing filler has been extensively applied in facial dermal fillers and other medical aesthetic fields. However, inadvertent intravascular injection of PCL may result in complications such as tissue edema, flap necrosis, and even blindness. To date, there is no effective treatment for PCL-induced intravascular embolism.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to identify a viable resolution for the embolism resulting from intravascular administration of PCL-containing fillers.
METHODS
Two different animal experiments were performed: (1) PCL-induced rat inferior epigastric arteries embolism, followed by gross observation, histological evaluation, and cytokines analysis from serum; and (2) PCL-induced rabbit auricular artery embolism, immediately treated with heparin and nitroglycerin. The ears were then evaluated by gross observation, Laser speckle imaging, in vivo imaging system (IVIS) imaging, and histological evaluation. Saline and hyaluronic acids (HA) were used as controls, hyaluronidase was used as a positive drug.
RESULTS
In a rat model of inferior epigastric arteries embolism, both intravascular injection of HA and PCL resulted in flap necrosis, indicating that the filler-induced intravascular embolism can lead to serious complications. In a rabbit model of auricular artery embolism, the combination treatment of heparin and nitroglycerin resulted in a relative blood reperfusion recovery of 80% in the ischemic area of the PCL group on day 7 post-operation, which was comparable to that of the HA group treated with hyaluronidase. Histological analysis revealed that the administration of heparin and nitroglycerin significantly attenuated intravascular thrombosis formation and inflammatory cell aggregation.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of heparin and nitroglycerin effectively restores blood flow reperfusion in the intravascular embolization caused by PCL filler injection, alleviates local tissue edema and flap necrosis. These findings offer a novel approach for future clinical management of intravascular embolization with PCL-containing filler injection.
NO LEVEL ASSIGNED
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
PubMed: 38594353
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-03969-4 -
DWI scrolling artery sign for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a pattern recognition approach.RMD Open Mar 2024To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a pattern recognition approach for the evaluation of MRI scans of the head with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in suspected...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a pattern recognition approach for the evaluation of MRI scans of the head with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA).
METHODS
Retrospectively, 156 patients with suspected GCA were included. The 'DWI-Scrolling-Artery-Sign' (DSAS) was defined as hyperintense DWI signals in the cranial subcutaneous tissue that gives the impression of a blood vessel when scrolling through a stack of images. The DSAS was rated by experts and a novice in four regions (frontotemporal and occipital, bilaterally). The temporal, occipital and posterior auricular arteries were assessed in the T1-weighted black-blood sequence (T1-BB). The diagnostic reference was the clinical diagnosis after ≥6 months of follow-up.
RESULTS
The population consisted of 87 patients with and 69 without GCA; median age was 71 years and 59% were women. The DSAS showed a sensitivity of 73.6% and specificity of 94.2% (experts) and 59.8% and 95.7% (novice), respectively. Agreement between DSAS and T1-BB was 80% for the region level (499/624; kappa(κ)=0.59) and 86.5% for the patient level (135/156; κ=0.73). Inter-reader agreement was 95% (19/20; κ=0.90) for DSAS on the patient level and 91.3% (73/80; κ=0.81) on the region level for experts. For expert versus novice, inter-reader agreement for DSAS was 87.8% on the patient level (137/156; κ=0.75) and 91.2% on the region level (569/624; κ=0.77).
CONCLUSIONS
The DSAS can be assessed in less than 1 min and has a good diagnostic accuracy and reliability for the diagnosis of GCA. The DSAS can be used immediately in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Male; Giant Cell Arteritis; Temporal Arteries; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Arteries
PubMed: 38519109
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003652 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Apr 2024Single-stage microtia auricular reconstruction is becoming more relevant. The determining factor is a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPF) with both branches of the...
BACKGROUND
Single-stage microtia auricular reconstruction is becoming more relevant. The determining factor is a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPF) with both branches of the superficial temporal artery (STA). There are not many studies regarding vascular branching in people with microtia.
METHODS
We conducted an anatomical study on the TPF flap harvested during single-stage endoscopic-assisted microtia auricular reconstruction from May 2018 to July 2021. We observed the flaps under endoscopic and surgical microscopes to determine several variables (vascular size, number of frontal/parietal branches, distance from the branching location to the estimated external ear canal, distance from the frontal artery to projected course of facial nerve's frontal branch, etc.).
RESULTS
The study included 55 flaps from 54 patients. Of the 55 flaps, 50 (90.9%) had a parietal branch, and all 55 (100%) had a frontal branch with a mean diameter of 0.98 and 0.91 mm, respectively. Regarding the frontal artery, 1.8%, 25.5%, 50.9%, 16.35% and 5.45% had 0-4 traverse frontal branch(es), respectively. The mean distance from the frontal artery to the estimated course of the frontal nerve was 10.56 mm. Parietal artery absence is more likely in patients with severe hemifacial microsomia or STA trunk go under the auricular cartilage remnants (p < 0.05). Either frontal or parietal artery absence or small diameter can cause necrosis. Frontal arteries travelling near the frontal nerve may result in post-operative nerve palsy.
CONCLUSIONS
Microtia auricular reconstructive surgery is always a big challenge for plastic surgeons. Anatomical variants are common. A detailed anatomical description of the STA, with the help of microsurgery and endoscopy, allows arterial-based flap designing and harvest, which tremendously improves surgical success rate by diminishing flap necrosis and nerve damage.
CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, IV.
Topics: Humans; Congenital Microtia; Temporal Arteries; Surgical Flaps; Fascia; Necrosis
PubMed: 38412600
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.01.029 -
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery May 2024The perfusion territory of the external carotid artery is often underestimated; however, this blood vessel forms abundant "dangerous anastomoses" with the internal... (Review)
Review
[External Carotid Artery:Essential Knowledge of the External Carotid Artery Required for Neuroendovascular Surgery, with a Focus on the Middle Meningeal Artery and Occipital Artery].
The perfusion territory of the external carotid artery is often underestimated; however, this blood vessel forms abundant "dangerous anastomoses" with the internal carotid and vertebral arteries. An understanding of these vascular anastomoses is crucial to ensure safe cerebrovascular interventions. There are several important aspects of the middle meningeal artery that should be considered, including anastomoses with the anterior(frontal)branch and ophthalmic artery through the sphenoidal artery(recurrent meningeal artery)and meningolacrimal artery. Additionally, the blood supply to the facial nerve via branches of the petrosal branch, such as the superior tympanic artery, and the formation of the facial arcade by the superior tympanic and stylomastoid arteries, which often originate from the posterior auricular artery, is significant. The occipital artery demonstrates rich anastomoses with vessels, such as the ascending pharyngeal and vertebral arteries, forming what is known as the pharyngo-occipital system.
Topics: Humans; Meningeal Arteries; Carotid Artery, External; Endovascular Procedures
PubMed: 38783496
DOI: 10.11477/mf.1436204946 -
BMC Nephrology Jan 2024Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme1 (UBA1) gene and characterised by an...
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome presenting as recurrent aseptic peritonitis in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme1 (UBA1) gene and characterised by an overlap between autoinflammatory and haematologic disorders.
CASE PRESENTATION
We reported a case of a 67-year-Japanese man receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) who had recurrent aseptic peritonitis caused by the VEXAS syndrome. He presented with unexplained fevers, headache, abdominal pain, conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular pain, auricular pain, arthralgia, and inflammatory skin lesions. Laboratory investigations showed high serum C-reactive protein concentration and increased cell count in PD effluent. He was treated with antibiotics for PD-related peritonitis, but this was unsuccessful. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography images demonstrated intense FDG uptake in his left superficial temporal artery, nasal septum, and bilateral auricles. The working diagnosis was giant cell arteritis, and he was treated with oral prednisolone (PSL) 15 mg daily with good response. However, he was unable to taper the dose to less than 10 mg daily because his symptoms flared up. Since Tocilizumab was initiated, he could taper PSL dose to 2 mg daily. Sanger sequencing of his peripheral blood sample showed a mutation of the UBA1 gene (c.122 T > C; p.Met41Thr). We made a final diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome. He suffered from flare of VEXAS syndrome at PSL of 1 mg daily with his cloudy PD effluent. PSL dose of 11 mg daily relieved the symptom within a few days.
CONCLUSIONS
It is crucial to recognise aseptic peritonitis as one of the symptoms of VEXAS syndrome and pay attention to the systemic findings in the patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Abdominal Pain; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Mutation; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Patients; Skin Diseases, Genetic; Vacuoles; Aged
PubMed: 38212709
DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03454-9 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Jun 2024The superior auricular artery (SAA)-retroauricular flap is commonly used for the repair of defects of the superior auricle. There are few studies about the anatomy of...
BACKGROUND
The superior auricular artery (SAA)-retroauricular flap is commonly used for the repair of defects of the superior auricle. There are few studies about the anatomy of the SAA.
OBJECTIVE
This study mainly analyzed the anatomical pattern of SAA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 26 cadaver heads infused with lead oxide. The anatomical pattern of the SAA was statistically analyzed by 3-dimensional CT images.
RESULTS
The SAA was classified into 3 types according to whether it gave off the helix branch or the auricular dorsal branch. The SAA was located mainly in an area 2 cm above and below the horizontal line at the midpoint of the 2 base points (the otobasion superius and the apex of the external auditory canal). The origin of each branch of the SAA was mainly located in Areas 2, 3, and 4 within a circular area that had the otobasion superius as the center of the circle and a radius of 2 cm.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the 3 anatomical types and anatomical patterns of the SAA were identified. These findings can provide a reference for the design of SAA-retroauricular flaps and for surgical planning.
PubMed: 38900089
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004286 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Apr 2024Mastoid emissary foramen transmitting mastoid emissary vein connects the posterior auricular vein with the sigmoid sinus. This foramen and so the mastoid emissary vein...
Mastoid emissary foramen transmitting mastoid emissary vein connects the posterior auricular vein with the sigmoid sinus. This foramen and so the mastoid emissary vein varies in prevalence, number, size and location, knowledge of which is essential for carrying out uneventful surgeries, especially retrosigmoid, mastoidectomy, and skull base surgeries. There is a paucity of literature on this foramen in the Indian context, so the study was done. The purpose of the study is to elaborate on the prevalence, number, size, and location of mastoid foramen in dry adult skulls. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy using 90 dry skulls of unknown age and sex, and prevalence, number, size, and location in these skulls were noted. The mastoid foramen was detected in 27.8% of skulls, with an incidence of 31.1% and 12.2% on right and left sides of skulls, respectively. The number of foramina ranged between 1 and 4. The mean diameter of this foramen was 0.9 mm, and the most frequent location was mastoid process. The detailed morphology and morphometry of mastoid foramen are of utmost use to neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons, radiologists, and vascular surgeons as it transmits mastoid emissary vein and meningeal branch of the occipital artery, which may be injured during various surgical procedures involving mastoid region and skull base causing catastrophic hemorrhage. In addition to this, mastoid emissary vein may be the source of thrombus, causing thrombus of sigmoid sinus creating helm of neurological complications.
PubMed: 38687087
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010142 -
Cureus Dec 2023Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease that causes progressive and recurrent destruction of cartilage in the auricles, eyes, nose, and airways. A 90-year-old man was...
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease that causes progressive and recurrent destruction of cartilage in the auricles, eyes, nose, and airways. A 90-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with fever, low SpO, and effortful breathing. Arterial blood gas analysis showed that PaCO levels had accumulated to 120 mmHg. Although CT showed marked thickening of the bronchial wall from the central to the peripheral region, the cause was unknown. At the family's request, the patient was not placed on a ventilator, and treatment was started with steroids alone. After admission, the patient's condition improved with only intravenous steroids, and he was discharged to the facility with continued oral steroid medication. After a short treatment period, the possibility of relapsing polychondritis was considered and confirmed. The patient met Levine's diagnostic criteria, with findings of destruction of the bilateral auricular cartilage and the airway and a response to steroid administration. Although it is very difficult to diagnose relapsing polychondritis at the initial emergency department visit, early administration of steroids is worth trying in patients with asphyxia with extensive thickening of the airway on CT findings, as relapsing polychondritis may be considered, and early steroid administration may improve patient symptoms.
PubMed: 38274918
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51101