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Cureus Apr 2024Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a vascular disorder primarily caused by atherosclerosis, resulting in intestinal ischemia. While endovascular treatment has become...
Antegrade Aorto-Mesenteric Bypass Using a Prefabricated Bovine Pericardium Tube Graft for the Treatment of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia Complicated With Intestinal Necrosis and Biliary Peritonitis.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a vascular disorder primarily caused by atherosclerosis, resulting in intestinal ischemia. While endovascular treatment has become the primary modality for most patients, open mesenteric revascularization remains crucial for complex cases. We present a case of CMI in a patient with critical ischemia, leading to small bowel necrosis, where the endovascular recanalization failed and a surgical approach was needed. A supraceliac antegrade aortomesenteric bypass was performed, and successful revascularization of intestinal circulation was achieved. A novel prefabricated bovine pericardium tube was used as a graft, and the bypass was placed behind the pancreas to ensure maximal isolation from the contaminated abdominal cavity. Despite the intestinal revascularization, in the early postoperative period, the overall condition of the patient worsened with obvious signs of peritonitis. The second look operation revealed a ruptured gallbladder with severe biliary peritonitis, likely caused by the preceding splanchnic ischemia. A cholecystectomy, lavage, and drainage were performed. No further intestinal necrosis was observed, and the bowel passage was restored with latero-lateral jejuno-lejunostomy. The follow-up of the patient showed no signs of graft infection. Despite the complications, the patient's postoperative period was stable, and he was discharged on day sixteen. Regular follow-ups confirmed an excellent patency of the bypass.
PubMed: 38707110
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57530 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Thymomas are rare tumors originating from thymic tissue and rarely metastasize. They can be diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically when compressing or invading...
Thymomas are rare tumors originating from thymic tissue and rarely metastasize. They can be diagnosed either incidentally or symptomatically when compressing or invading nearby structure. A 36-year-old man presented with significant high-grade fever, chest pain that worsens upon lying down, and dyspnea. A chest X-Ray and computed tomography followed by biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of thymoma. The management included chemotherapy cycles, followed by surgery. Pericardiectomy was performed with en-bloc thymectomy and partial resection of the infiltrating lung. Venous drainage was restored by 8/16 mm inverted bifurcated brachiocephalic-superior vena cava Dacron bypass. The pericardium was reconstructed by a synthetic Dacron patch, and the right diaphragm metastasis was resected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. After 3 months of follow-up, no recurrence was evidenced by computed tomography.
PubMed: 38706480
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae263 -
Clinical Imaging Jun 2024In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), up to one third have recurrence after a first catheter ablation (CA). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been considered to...
INTRODUCTION
In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), up to one third have recurrence after a first catheter ablation (CA). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been considered to be closely related to AF, with a potential role in its recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the association between the volume of EAT measured by cardiac computed tomography (CT) and AF recurrence after CA.
METHODS
Consecutive AF patients underwent a standardized cardiac CT protocol for quantification of EAT, thoracic adipose volume (TAV) and left atrium (LA) volume before CA. An appropriate cut-off of EAT was determined and risk recurrence was estimated.
RESULTS
305 patients (63.6 % male, mean age 57.5 years, 28.2 % persistent AF) were followed for 24 months; 23 % had AF recurrence at 2-year mark, which was associated with higher EAT (p = 0.037) and LAV (p < 0.001). Persistent AF was associated with higher EAT volumes (p = 0.010), TAV (p = 0.003) and LA volumes (p < 0.001). EAT was predictive of AF recurrence (p = 0.044). After determining a cut-off of 92 cm, survival analysis revealed that EAT volumes > 92 cm showed higher recurrence rates at earlier time points after the index ablation procedure (p = 0.006), with a HR of 1.95 (p = 0.008) of AF recurrence at 2-year. After multivariate adjustment, EAT > 92 cm remained predictive of AF recurrence (p = 0.028).
CONCLUSION
The volume of EAT measured by cardiac CT can predict recurrence of AF after ablation, with a volume above 92 cm yielding almost twice the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in the first two years following CA. Higher EAT and TAV are also associated with persistent AF.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Male; Female; Adipose Tissue; Middle Aged; Catheter Ablation; Pericardium; Recurrence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Predictive Value of Tests; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Epicardial Adipose Tissue
PubMed: 38696998
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2024.110170 -
Experimental Gerontology Jul 2024Muscular strength and muscle mass are considered key factors for healthy ageing. Modification of body composition and redistribution of adipose tissue has been described...
BACKGROUND
Muscular strength and muscle mass are considered key factors for healthy ageing. Modification of body composition and redistribution of adipose tissue has been described in advanced age. Muscle strength has an important predictive role for health outcomes. However, little is known regarding the relationship between muscle strength and epicardial fat.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
In a cohort of healthy adults following physical capacity evaluations, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength (HGS), echocardiography and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) were performed. Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation and regression analysis adjusted for confounders were applied.
RESULTS
A total population of 226 adults, age range 18-83 years, were included. Epicardial fat thickness resulted significantly associated with age p < 0.001, HGS (p < 0.001). Regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed an independent relationship between handgrip strength and epicardial fat thickness: regression coefficient: -1.34; R2 = 0.27 and p = 0.044.
CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between epicardial fat and muscle strength is inverse and independent. Implementation of HGS measurement may be useful for the identification of subjects with excessive epicardial fat and cardiovascular risk. Measurement of epicardial fat could be helpful in the early detection of physical decline associated to ageing.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Aged; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Young Adult; Pericardium; Adolescent; Hand Strength; Adipose Tissue; Electric Impedance; Echocardiography; Body Composition; Aging; Muscle Strength; Epicardial Adipose Tissue
PubMed: 38692441
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112447 -
Neurology India Mar 2024Dural closure is an important part of neurosurgery, failure which may lead to wound infection, pseudomeningoceles, meningitis, severe morbidity to a patient, and even...
INTRODUCTION
Dural closure is an important part of neurosurgery, failure which may lead to wound infection, pseudomeningoceles, meningitis, severe morbidity to a patient, and even mortality. In cases where primary dura closure is not possible, a bovine pericardial patch is a good alternative with the benefits of suturability and the ability to provide watertight closure, hence preventing Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak. The present study demonstrates the use of the bovine pericardial patch in both cranial and spinal disorders for dural closure as well as for transposition technique in microvascular decompression.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of our study is to understand the advantages and feasibility of a bovine pericardial patch in various neurosurgical procedures.
MATERIAL METHODS
Fifty-one patients were analyzed prospectively and followed up in which glutaraldehyde-free bovine pericardial patch was used in various cranial and spinal disorders.
RESULTS
The most common indications where a bovine pericardial patch was used, in decreasing order of frequency, were meningioma excision surgery (47%), followed by Chiari malformation operated for foramen magnum decompression (17.6%), meningomyelocele (7.8%), spinal dural defects (7.8%), trigeminal neuralgia (5.8%), traumatic decompression with lax duraplasty (4%), glioma (4%), encephalocele (4%), and skull base defects (2%). Two patients had complications, one with CSF leak and the other had superficial wound infection, which were managed appropriately.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a bovine pericardial patch as a dural substitute in various cranial and spinal disorders is feasible with good outcomes, and it can be considered an ideal dural substitute.
Topics: Humans; Pericardium; Cattle; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Animals; Dura Mater; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Prospective Studies; Child
PubMed: 38691472
DOI: 10.4103/ni.ni_327_22 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Apr 2024Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by a variable clinical presentation.
BACKGROUND
Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by a variable clinical presentation.
CASE SUMMARY
A 32-year-old man was sent by an occupational health physician to our health care centre because of pathological electrocardiogram (ECG). On transthoracic echocardiogram, we had some difficulty to obtain a good quality of four-chamber apical view that was shifted upper and laterally towards the left anterior axillary line. Nonetheless, an abnormal diastolic expansion of the apex of the left ventricle (LV) that had an otherwise normal systolic function was detected. A chest X-ray confirmed the leftward shift of the heart, with the elongation of the left border of cardiac silhouette and cardiac MRI, finally revealed the absence of left-sided pericardium associated with a leftward dislocation of the heart and a dysmorphism of the LV apex that appeared rounded and curved. The non-invasive work-up was completed with 48 h long Holter ECG that was unremarkable. The exercise test was also negative for both inducible myocardial ischaemia and arrhythmias. Patient was scheduled for loop-recorder implantation, and a 6-month clinical follow-up was advised.
DISCUSSION
Pericardial agenesis is a rare congenital heart disease associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and type A aortic dissection, however its clinical course could be also completely unremarkable. The diagnosis is challenging, and cardiac MRI remains the gold standard imaging modality. In complete left-sided and asymptomatic forms, no treatment is needed. Prognosis is not well established due to both the rarity of disease and extreme variability of clinical presentation.
PubMed: 38690557
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae200 -
JTCVS Open Apr 2024Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is generally associated with very poor outcomes and disappointing results, despite a seemingly perfect initial repair and optimal...
OBJECTIVE
Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is generally associated with very poor outcomes and disappointing results, despite a seemingly perfect initial repair and optimal revascularization. We previously published our intermediate-term results of posterior leaflet augmentation without follow-up extending beyond 4 years. Our objective is to assess long-term durability of the repair, survival, and the causes of late mortality.
METHODS
Ninety-one patients with severe (4+) Carpentier Type IIIb ischemic MR underwent repair in a single center between 2003 and 2022 by method of posterior leaflet extension using a patch of bovine pericardium and a true-sized remodeling annuloplasty ring, with or without surgical revascularization. Serial echocardiography was performed over the years to ascertain valve competence and degree of ventricular remodeling, in addition to telephone follow-up and chart reviews.
RESULTS
The average age of patients was 67 ± 9.6 years. Mean follow-up was 8 ± 5 years with some extending to almost 20 years. One-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from recurrent significant MR, characterized as moderate or severe MR, was 98.6%, 85.5%, and 71.3%, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 6.5%. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 85.5%, 64.4%, and 43.3%, respectively. Of all the mortalities, only 17.5% were proven to be directly cardiac related.
CONCLUSIONS
The suggested repair technique offers satisfactory long-term outcomes with minimal residual regurgitation in surviving patients when used in context of ischemic MR. Despite durable repair, we have discovered that poor long-term survival is not directly related to cardiovascular causes.
PubMed: 38690431
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2024.01.007 -
Radiology Case Reports Jul 2024Pericardial hydatid cysts, although rare, present unique diagnostic challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. This parasitic...
Pericardial hydatid cysts, although rare, present unique diagnostic challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. This parasitic infection, caused by larvae, typically affects the liver and lungs but can manifest in the pericardium, leading to potentially life-threatening complications if untreated. The 22-year-old female's escalating dyspnea posed diagnostic challenges despite inconclusive echocardiography. Employing a multidisciplinary strategy, including preoperative albendazole therapy and surgical excision, effectively managed the condition. This case highlights the intricate diagnostic nature of pericardial hydatid cysts, emphasizing the importance of heightened clinical awareness, especially in endemic regions. The detailed clinical trajectory, imaging methodologies, and therapeutic interventions contribute significant insights to the medical community. The study aims to deepen comprehension and guide clinicians in refined diagnostic and treatment approaches for pericardial hydatid cysts, ultimately improving patient outcomes. It underscores the imperative for continued research in this niche to enhance medical understanding and optimize clinical practices.
PubMed: 38689818
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.03.062 -
Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi =... Apr 2024The freeze-drying is a technology that preserves biological samples in a dry state, which is beneficial for storage, transportation, and cost saving. In this study, the...
The freeze-drying is a technology that preserves biological samples in a dry state, which is beneficial for storage, transportation, and cost saving. In this study, the bovine pericardium was treated with a freeze-drying protectant composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and trehalose (Tre), and then freeze-dried. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the pericardium treated with PEG + 10% w/v Tre were superior to those of the pericardium fixed with glutaraldehyde (GA). The wet state water content of the rehydrated pericardium, determined using the Karl Fischer method, was (74.81 ± 1.44)%, which was comparable to that of the GA-fixed pericardium. The dry state water content was significantly reduced to (8.64 ± 1.52)%, indicating effective dehydration during the freeze-drying process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing revealed that the thermal shrinkage temperature of the pericardium was (84.96 ± 0.49) ℃, higher than that of the GA-fixed pericardium (83.14 ± 0.11) ℃, indicating greater thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed no damage to the protein structure during freeze-drying. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining demonstrated that the freeze-drying process reduced pore formation, prevented ice crystal growth, and resulted in a tighter arrangement of tissue fibers. The frozen-dried bovine pericardium was subjected to tests for cell viability and hemolysis rate. The results revealed a cell proliferation rate of (77.87 ± 0.49)%, corresponding to a toxicity grade of 1. Additionally, the hemolysis rate was (0.17 ± 0.02)%, which is below the standard of 5%. These findings indicated that the frozen-dried bovine pericardium exhibited satisfactory performance in terms of cytotoxicity and hemolysis, thus meeting the relevant standards. In summary, the performance of the bovine pericardium treated with PEG + 10% w/v Tre and subjected to freeze-drying could meet the required standards.
Topics: Freeze Drying; Animals; Pericardium; Trehalose; Cattle; Polyethylene Glycols; Glutaral; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
PubMed: 38686419
DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202311035