Radiological findings in poisoning by synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum

OBJECTIVES

Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide hazard. Here, we review the spectrum of imaging findings in adulterated cannabinoid poisoning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we used the Israeli Poison Information Center database to identify patients with cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy who presented to the Rambam Health Care Campus, where most patients were treated during an outbreak in northern Israel between September 2021 and June 2022. All relevant imaging studies for these patients were reviewed. We estimated the sensitivity of findings for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Associations between a continuous variable and a dichotomous outcome were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

We identified 48 patients (mean age 40 years ± 9 [SD], 43 males) with 54 hospitalizations due to cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Symptomatic hemorrhage was documented in 50 (93%) cases at presentation, most of whom (78%) had hemorrhage from multiple systems. The most common bleeding site was the genitourinary collecting system, with a characteristic sign of suburothelial bleeding in 16/18 of performed abdominal CTs (sensitivity 89% [CI 65-99%] for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy). Intramural bowel hematomas were noted in 70% (7/10) of CTs of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Incidental bleeding sites were identified on imaging in 24% of patients. An increased number of bleeding sites was associated with need for vasopressors (difference in bleeding sites 3.00 [95% CI 0.99-4.00], p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

CT plays a key role in the diagnosis and work-up of adulterated cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Characteristic signs include suburothelial hemorrhage and intramural bowel hematomas.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Recognition of radiological signs of adulterated synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy is critical for optimizing outbreak control on the public health level and ensuring timely treatment on the individual patient level.

KEY POINTS

• Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide threat. • Characteristic imaging signs include suburothelial bleeding, intramural bowel hematomas, and rare incidental bleeding sites. • Imaging has a pivotal role in optimizing outbreak control and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.

Pediatric negative pressure pulmonary edema: Case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a potentially life-threatening complication that develops rapidly following acute upper airway obstruction. The condition is rare, dramatic but resolves quickly. Prompt recognition and appropriate supportive treatment may prevent unnecessary investigations and iatrogenic complications.

METHODS

We describe a spectrum of etiologies and clinical manifestation of pediatric NPPE in our center and review of previous publications.

CONCLUSION

The etiology for the development of NPPE in children has shifted over the years. Although dramatic in presentation, this type of pulmonary edema often resolves quickly with minimal support.

Ultrasound for management of pediatric nasal fractures

BACKGROUND

Nasal bone fractures are common in children but can be challenging to diagnose accurately in the first days due to swelling and tenderness. While X-rays and computed tomography have limitations, ultrasound may be a radiation-free and cost-effective alternative for diagnosing and treating nasal fractures.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study at a tertiary referral hospital between 2021-2023. Children who had sustained nasal trauma were included. A radiologist and a non-radiologist blindly reviewed ultrasound scans, and the results were compared to the physical examination performed by a senior otolaryngologist. If closed reduction was necessary, ultrasound was employed during the procedure. The primary outcome was the assessment of nasal fractures in children using ultrasound; Secondary outcomes included success rates for closed reduction and test reliability.

RESULTS

Of the 50 children (mean age: 11 years, interquartile range: 6-15 years, 36 [72%] males), 22 (44%) were clinically diagnosed with a nasal fracture. Interobserver reliability for nasal fracture by ultrasound was 92%, with a Cohen's kappa coefficient of k=0.91. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detecting nasal fractures were 90% and 89%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 86% and 93%, respectively. Closed reduction was performed on 18 children, with (n=11) or without (n=7) ultrasound, with the former showing better alignment results (82% vs. 71%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound has a high negative predictive value in identifying nasal fractures in children with swollen noses during presentation. This enables to avoid further unnecessary referrals and interventions. Ultrasound-guided closed reduction of nasal fractures demonstrates improved outcomes; however, further large-scale randomized studies are required to validate our findings.

Prospective Validation of the Lémann Index in Children: A Report From the Multicentre Image Kids Study

BACKGROUND

The Lémann Index [LI] and the recently updated LI are tools for measuring structural bowel damage in adults with Crohn's disease [CD] but have not been evaluated in children. We aimed to validate the updated LI in the prospective multicentre ImageKids study of paediatric CD.

METHODS

We included children with CD undergoing magnetic resonance enterography [MRE], pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and ileocolonoscopy. Half were followed for 18 months, when MRE was repeated. Serum was collected for fibrosis-related proteomic markers. The LI was calculated by central readers from the MRE, ileocolonoscopy, physical examination and surgical data. Reliability and construct validity were assessed at baseline, while responsiveness and test-retest reliability were explored longitudinally.

RESULTS

In total, 240 children were included (mean age, 14.2 ± 2.5 years; median disease duration, 2.2 years [interquartile range, IQR 0.25-4.42]; median baseline LI, 4.23 [IQR 2.0-8.8]). The updated LI had excellent inter-observer reliability (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.95) but poor, although statistically significant, correlation with radiologist and gastroenterologist global assessments of damage and with serum proteomic levels of fibrotic markers [rho = 0.15-0.30, most p < 0.05]. The updated LI had low discriminative validity for detecting damage (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC-ROC] 0.69, 95% CI 0.62-0.75). In 116 repeated MREs, responsiveness was suboptimal for differentiating improved from unchanged disease [AUC-ROC 0.58, 95% CI 0.45-0.71]. Test-retest reliability was high among stable patients [ICC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.91].

CONCLUSION

Overall, the updated LI had insufficient psychometric performance for recommending its use in children. An age-specific index may be needed for children with shorter disease duration than typical adult cohorts.

Challenges in DICER1-Associated Lung Disease

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a tumor occurring almost exclusively in infants and young children. This is the most common primary-lung malignancy in childhood. There is age-associated progression through a distinctive sequence of pathologic changes, from a purely multicystic lesion type I to a high-grade sarcoma type II and III. While complete resection is the cornerstone treatment for type I PPB, aggressive chemotherapy with a less favorable prognosis is associated with type II and III. DICER1 germline mutation is positive in 70% of children with PPB. Diagnosis is challenging, as it resembles congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in imaging. Although PPB is an extremely rare malignancy, over the past five years we have encountered several children diagnosed with PPB in our medical center. Herein, we present some of these children and discuss diagnostic, ethical, and therapeutic challenges.

Real life evaluation of the multi-organ effects of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor on F508del homozygous cystic fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND

Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor (LUM-IVA), a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein corrector-potentiator combination, improves lung function and reduces pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in F508del homozygous CF patients. However, the systemic effects of LUM-IVA outside the respiratory system have not yet been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

A prospective, real-world, yearlong study was performed on F508del homozygous adult CF patients who commenced treatment with LUM-IVA. Pancreatic function, bone metabolism, fertility status, nutritional and pulmonary factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twelve patients, mean age 28.3 years (18.6-43.9) were recruited. Following 12 months of treatment, no changes were detected in glucose, insulin, c-peptide or BMI values. A significant relative decrease in mean alkaline-phosphatase levels (122.8 U/L vs 89.4, p = 0.002) and a trend toward an increase in calcium levels (9.5 vs 9.9 mg/dL, p = 0.074) were observed. A non-significant improvement in mean DEXA spine t-score after a year of treatment (-2.1 vs -1.6, n = 4, p = 0.11) was detected. Sweat chloride concentrations decreased significantly (-21.4 mEq/L; p = 0.003). Pulmonary outcome revealed improvement in spirometry values during the first three months (FEV₁ by 5.7% p = 0.009, FEF_25-75 by 4.3% p = 0.001) with no change in chest CT Bhalla score and CFQR after one year. There was also a significant decrease in parenteral antibiotic events (17 vs 8, p = 0.039) with shift from IV to oral antibiotics for PEx treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

After one year of treatment, stabilization was observed in the pancreatic indices, nutritional status, structure and function of the lungs, with a beneficial effect on bone mineral metabolism and CFTR function. Additional studies should investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on extra-pulmonary manifestations.

Endothelin-1 levels are decreased in pediatric Type 1 diabetes and negatively correlate with the carotid intima media thickness

AIMS

Better understanding of the timeline and risk factors for the appearance of complications in pediatric Type-1-diabetes is key for developing prevention strategies. We studied endothelial markers and their determinants in adolescents with Type-1-diabetes at different time points from diagnosis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 58 adolescents, mean age 15.0 ± 2.4 years; 20 with recent-onset Type-1-diabetes, 20 with over 7 years of Type-1-diabetes and 18 controls. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Fingertip arterial reactive hyperemia (EndoPAT) and carotid intima-media-thickness (cIMT) were measured to assess endothelial function and structure.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, individuals with prolonged Type-1-diabetes had higher mean cIMT (0.49 ± 0.07 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.05 mm p = 0.021) and maximal cIMT (0.61 ± 0.08 mm 0.52 ± 0.08 mm, p = 0.025). Endothelin-1 levels were significantly lower in subjects with prolonged Type-1-diabetes (1.2 ± 1.0 pg/ml) compared to controls (3.0 ± 1.7, p = 0.008 pg/ml); they negatively correlated with the mean cIMT (c = - 0.291, p = 0.031) and mean 6 months hemoglobin A1c (c = - 0.301, p = 0.022) and positively correlated with mean c-peptide levels (c = 0.356, p = 0.006) and the weekly exercise time (c = 0.485, p < 0.001). Endothelin-1 levels did not correlate with EndoPAT results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the early years after the diagnosis of Type-1-diabetes are an important window for prevention of arterial damage in the pediatric population. The trajectories of relationships of Endothelin-1 with metabolic and vascular measures were opposite from the anticipated, yet consistent. Endothelin-1 related indirectly to adverse measures and directly to favorable measures. Decreased Endothelin-1 levels might reflect early stages in endothelial impairment in Type-1-diabetes, yet its' exact role in the development of complications is yet to be unraveled.

Atypical pulmonary metastases in children: the spectrum of radiologic findings

Pulmonary nodules present a diagnostic challenge when they appear as atypical metastases in pediatric oncology patients. Chest computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality for assessing lung nodules. In pediatric populations, Wilms tumor and osteosarcoma are the cancers most likely to produce pulmonary metastasis, both typical and atypical. This pictorial essay provides a thorough description of the specific radiologic features of atypical pediatric pulmonary metastases, and their pathogenesis and differential diagnosis. We also address diagnostic approaches to incidental lung nodules in healthy children found in the literature. Our aim is to help radiologists identify atypical lung metastases on CT, ensuring that children receive prompt, and potentially lifesaving, treatment.

Reverse butterfly pattern image with eosinophilia: Effective treatment with benralizumab-A case report

A 16-year-old adolescent presented with dry cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, exercise intolerance, and eosinophilia. Computed tomography showed consolidations with "reverse butterfly" pattern. He responded well to corticosteroids but had frequent relapses. He became steroid dependent and developed steroid related morbidity. Benralizumab was prescribed with complete resolution of eosinophilia and lung infiltrates with no adverse effect.

The Association between IgG and Disease Severity Parameters in CF Patients

Assessing disease severity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential when directing therapies. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increase with disease severity. Lung clearance index (LCI) is recognized as an outcome measure for CF clinical trials. Our aim was to evaluate the correlations between IgG and disease severity markers. This was a single-center retrospective study, evaluating association between IgG and markers of severity in CF patients (including clinical characteristics, lung spirometry, LCI, clinical scores and computed tomography (CT) scores) during stable conditions. There were 69 patients, age 20.5 ± 11.6 years. Nineteen (27.5%) patients had elevated IgG. IgG correlated positively with LCI (r = 0.342, p = 0.005). IgG was higher in pancreatic insufficient (PI) and patients with liver disease (1504.3 ± 625.5 vs. 1229 ± 276.1 mg/dL in PI vs. PS, p = 0.023, and 1702.6 ± 720.3 vs. 1256.2 ± 345.5 mg/dL with vs. without liver disease, p = 0.001, respectively). IgG also correlated positively with CRP, CT score, and days with antibiotics in the previous year (r = 0.38, p = 0.003; r = 0.435, p = 0.001; and r = 0.361, p = 0.002, respectively), and negatively with FEV1% and SK score (r = −0.527, p < 0.001 and r = −0.613, p < 0.001, respectively). IgG correlated with clinical parameters, pulmonary functions, and imaging. However, this is still an auxiliary test, complementing other tests, including lung function and imaging tests. Larger multi-center longitudinal studies are warranted.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy with on-site cytology-immediate diagnosis in pediatric oncology

BACKGROUND

Accurate and swift tissue diagnosis is extremely important for the timely initiation of treatment in pediatric oncology. In our department, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-guided CNB) is used for tissue diagnosis. In 2016, we added on-site cytology, allowing for an immediate primary diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed our performance in terms of safety and accuracy for CNBs and on-site cytology.

METHODS

All pediatric biopsies performed in our hospital between February 2016 and December 2020, were included. Patient clinical, procedural and follow-up data were collected. CNB pathology and cytology results were compared to the final pathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

We included 71 patients for which 72 biopsies with on-site touch imprint (TI) cytology were performed; the average latency time to biopsy was 1 day. Altogether, we had 61 tumors, (58 malignant, 3 benign) and 11 other lesions. On-site cytology diagnosed 58 malignant tumors, 3 benign tumors and 11 non-tumor tissues. The cytologist correctly differentiated tumor from inflammation in all cases, and diagnosed the precise tumor type in 57 cases, with an accuracy of 94% for final diagnosis. We had no complications related to the procedure or sedation.

CONCLUSION

US-guided CNB with on-site TI cytology for suspected malignancy in the pediatric population is highly available, safe, and accurate, with real-time diagnosis in most cases. This accelerated diagnostic route has a huge impact on patient care.

Atypical cardiopulmonary manifestations in pediatric Behçet's disease

BACKGROUND

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem autoinflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Cardiopulmonary involvement is rare, especially in young patients, and carries high morbidity and mortality rates.

AIM

Of 26 patients with pediatric BD enlisted in our center, we encountered three patients with severe atypical cardiorespiratory presentations. Our aim was to describe the manifestations and the course that led to the diagnosis of BD.

RESULTS

Three adolescents presented with intracardiac thrombi and left anterior descending obstruction causing myocardial infarction, pulmonary artery aneurysm with pulmonary embolism in situ, and suspected epiglottitis. Two patients had a delayed diagnosis of BD, and all had a good response to anti-inflammatory agents.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that pediatric BD is associated with atypical cardiopulmonary manifestations which maybe life threatening. Since diagnosis maybe challenging, a high index of suspicion is needed especially in young patients, to promptly diagnose and treat these complications. Cardiopulmonary signs and symptoms, though uncommon, maybe the first manifestation and a clue to the diagnosis of this rare disease.

Comprehensive cardiopulmonary assessment in α mannosidosis

INTRODUCTION

α Mannosidosis is an extremely rare, progressive, and complex lysosomal storage disease, characterized by mental retardation, hearing impairment, coarse facial features, skeletal abnormalities, and pulmonary involvement. While bone marrow transplantation has been the only therapeutic option to date, nowadays new treatment options are being explored, which may affect pulmonary and exercise capacity.

AIM AND METHODS

To assess cardiopulmonary involvement in patients with α mannosidosis by pulmonary function tests, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and low irradiation chest computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

Five patients aged 11 to 28 years were followed in our Respiratory-Metabolic Clinic. All five had pulmonary symptoms and received inhaled therapy. Three patients underwent bone marrow transplantation. Parenchymal lung disease was evident in 3/5 chest CT tests. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in all patients and showed obstructive/restrictive impairment with air trapping. All five patients showed reduced peak oxygen uptake (median 23.1; range 20.4-32.2 mL/minute/kg, median %predicted 62; range %predicted 59-79).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary involvement is a known complication in this rare disease. Comprehensive cardiopulmonary evaluation is feasible among these patients and may help in assessing disease progression and response to new treatment modalities.

Imaging Manifestations of Lung Injury During the COVID-19 Outbreak: What Have We Learned?

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Infection can result in a wide range of clinical outcomes, from an asymptomatic condition to severe bilateral pneumonia and life-threatening conditions. Diagnosis is based on the combination of a history of exposure, clinical presentation, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. In endemic areas, imaging tests including computed tomography (CT), chest X-ray (CXR), and ultrasound (US) have been included in the diagnostic workup. Multiple and peripheral areas of parenchymal injury is the hallmark of COVID-19 lung infection, seen as ground-glass opacification and consolidation on CT, as hazy opacities on CXR, and as multiple B-lines and subpleural consolidations on US. Of these modalities, CT has the best sensitivity and specificity, while CXR has moderate sensitivity and unknown specificity. Both CT and CXR involve ionizing radiation, increase the risk of cross-infection, and require a long sterilization time. Ultrasound is the only modality used by clinicians. Early reports have shown promising results, comparable to CT. With high availability, the lowest risk of cross-infection, and a rapid sterilization process, US may potentially become the primary imaging tool for COVID-19 pulmonary injury. Lung US training programs are needed to provide clinicians with the ability to better implement this technique.

OR08-06 Increased Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with Disease Duration

Background & Objective

Patients with type-1-diabetes (T1D) are at risk of long-term micro and macrovascular complications causing significant morbidity and mortality. Overt complications are not common in childhood; however, subclinical impairments in endothelial function, may be found. Better understanding of the timeline for the appearance of diabetic complications and identifying individuals at increased risk is key for developing prevention strategies. We aimed to study endothelial function and it’s determinants in adolescents with T1D at different time points from diagnosis.

Methods

Forty adolescents 11-20 years of age with T1D followed at our pediatric diabetes clinic and 18 healthy control subjects were included. Two groups of patients were recruited based on time from T1D diagnosis; 20 individuals were diagnosed 2-4 months prior to the study visit and 20 at least 7 years prior to the visit. Investigations included: i) medical and demographic data ii) anthropometrics iii) fasting blood samples iv) EndoPAT testing of endothelial function and heart rate variability (Itamar Medical Ltd., Israel) v) Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).

Results

Mean age differed slightly between groups being 14.1±2.0years in individuals with recent-onset T1D, 16.2±2.5 in those with prolonged T1D, and 14.8±2.3 in the control group (p=0.02). There were no significant differences in pubertal stage or in BMI z-score between groups. Thirty-three (57%) females participated. No patient suffered from diabetic complications. Mean CIMT was significantly higher in individuals with prolonged T1D (0.49±0.07mm) compared to control subjects (0.43±0.05mm; p=0.013) and did not differ significantly between patients with recent-onset T1D (0.45±0.07mm) and controls. This difference remained significant when age and sex were included in the model. EndoPAT measures of endothelial function and heart rate variability did not differ significantly between groups. Mean HbA1c at the time of the visit differed between groups (6.7%±0.7, 9.6%±1.8, 5.4%±0.3, p<0.001). However, the average of HbA1c reflecting the 6-7 months prior to the visit did not differ significantly between subjects with recent onset T1D (9.8%±1.3) and those with prolonged T1D (9.5%±1.7). LDL was higher in subjects with prolonged T1D (114±28mg/dl) compared to either controls (93±26mg/dl) or recent onset T1D (88±19mg/dl),p=0.002. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in subjects with prolonged T1D (70±6mmHg) than in controls (61±6, p=0.007).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate disease duration to be an important factor in the development of subclinical arterial damage in the pediatric age group. Early in the course of T1D, CIMT results were similar in patients and control subjects, suggesting an important window for prevention. Larger studies could shed light on the precise timeline of endothelial impairment.

Neonatal frontal lobe: sonographic reference values and suggested clinical use

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHHC) remain major problems among premature infants. The need, timing and type of ventricular drainage are based on sonographic ventricular measures, without assessment of the dimensions of the frontal lobe. The aim of our study was to establish new reference values for sonographic frontal lobe cortico-ventricular thickness (FL-CVT) in a large cohort of infants.

METHODS

All normal head ultrasound scans that were performed in our center during the first 4 days of life between January 2014 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Scans were evaluated and plotted to create a reference range for the thickness of the frontal lobe in normal infants of 24-40 weeks' gestation. The FL-CVT increased significantly during gestation. Calculating the area under the curve of the FL-CVT in 9 infants with post-hemorrhagic-hydrocephalus (PHHC) reveals a 20% mean loss of FL-CVT. The impact of increasing ventricular dilatation and of the various ventricular drainage procedures on the frontal lobe growth were described in two infants demonstrating the potential clinical value of this tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Head ultrasound provides a simple, non-invasive method for measuring the thickness of the frontal lobe, which grows significantly between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation. In premature infants with PHHC, we suggest the use of the FL-CVT measure, in addition to ventricular size measures, as a direct assessment of the impact of the enlarged ventricles on the surrounding brain parenchyma. This could assist in the management of PHHC and determine the need and optimal timing for intervention.

A novel heterozygous loss-of-function DCC Netrin 1 receptor variant in prenatal agenesis of corpus callosum and review of the literature

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a common prenatally-detected brain anomaly. Recently, an association between mutations in the DCC Netrin 1 receptor (DCC) gene and ACC, with or without mirror movements, has been demonstrated. In this manuscript, we present a family with a novel heterozygous frameshift mutation in DCC, review the available literature, and discuss the challenges involved in the genetic counseling for recently discovered disorders with paucity of medical information. We performed whole exome sequencing in a healthy nonconsanguineous couple that underwent two pregnancy terminations due to prenatal diagnosis of ACC. A heterozygous variant c.2774dupA (p.Asn925Lysfs*17) in the DCC gene was demonstrated in fetal and paternal DNA samples, as well as in a healthy 4-year-old offspring. When directly questioned, both father and child reported having mirror movements not affecting quality of life. Segregation analysis demonstrated the variant in three paternal siblings, two of them having mirror movements. Brain imaging revealed normal corpus callosum. Summary of literature data describing heterozygous loss-of-function variants in DCC (n = 61) revealed 63.9% penetrance for mirror movements, 9.8% for ACC, and 5% for both. No significant neurodevelopmental abnormalities were reported among the seven published patients with DCC loss-of-function variants and ACC. Prenatal diagnosis of ACC should prompt a specific anamnesis regarding any neurological disorder, as well as intentional physical examination of both parents aimed to detect mirror movements. In suspicious cases, detection of DCC pathogenic variants might markedly improve the predicted prognosis, alleviate the parental anxiety, and possibly prevent pregnancy termination.

Exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis vs. non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Background

Bronchiectasis is associated with morbidity, low exercise capacity and poor quality of life. There is a paucity of data on exercise capacity using cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis. Our aim was to compare exercise capacity using CPET in CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional retrospective/prospective controlled study assessing CPET using cycle ergometer. Exercise parameters and computed tomography (CT) findings were compared. Results: Hundred two patients with bronchiectasis and 88 controls were evaluated; 49 CF (age 19.7 ± 9.7 y/o, FEV₁%predicted 70.9 ± 20.5%) and 53 non-CF (18.6 ± 10.6 y/o, FEV₁%predicted 68.7 ± 21.5%). Peak oxygen uptake (peak V˙O2) was similar and relatively preserved in both groups (CF 1915.5±702.0; non-CF 1740±568; control 2111.0±748.3 mL/min). Breathing limitation was found in the two groups vs. control; low breathing reserve (49% in CF; 43% non-CF; 5% control) and increased V˙E/V˙CO2 (CF 31.4±4.1, non-CF 31.7±4.1 and control 27.2 ± 2.8). Oxygen pulse was lower in the non-CF; whereas a linear relationship between peak V˙O2 vs. FEV₁ and vs. FVC was found only for CF. CT score correlated with V˙E/V˙CO2 and negatively correlated with V˙O2/kg and post exercise oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

Conclusions

CPET parameters may differ between CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. However, normal exercise capacity may be found unrelated to the etiology of the bronchiectasis. Anatomical changes in CT are associated with functional finding of increased V˙E/V˙CO2 and decreased SpO₂. Larger longitudinal studies including cardiac assessment are needed to better study exercise capacity in different etiologies of non-CF bronchiectasis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT03147651.

Emergency Physician-Administered Sedation for Pneumatic Reduction of Ileocolic Intussusception in Children: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Ileocolic intussusception is a major cause for intestinal obstruction in early childhood. Reduction of intussusception, in the vast majority of institutions, is performed on awake children, without sedation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the course of the first patients who were sedated by emergency physicians for pneumatic reduction of intussusception (PRI).

METHODS

We conducted a case series analysis of prospectively collected data on patients undergoing PRI, using a sedation recording tool. This tool uses standardized definitions from the Quebec guidelines for terminology and reporting adverse events in emergency medicine. Recording of time interval measurements and adverse events was performed by the emergency physician and nurse.

RESULTS

Between February 2016 and March 2018, 11 males and 3 females, with a median age of 11 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6-20 months), underwent sedation for PRI by five attending pediatric emergency physicians. All of the reductions were successful and without complications. Eight patients received ketamine and propofol, 5 received ketamine, and 1 received ketamine and midazolam. Median times for the presedation phase, procedure, sedation, physiologic recovery and emergency department recovery were: 131 min (IQR 79-104 min), 10.5 min (IQR, 9-12 min), 21 min (IQR, 20-30 min), 25 min (IQR, 23-30 min), and 108 min (IQR, 82-161 min), respectively. Four respiratory adverse events that required intervention were recorded. All were effectively treated with airway repositioning, suctioning, oxygen administration, or bag-mask ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

The first series of patients sedated for PRI by emergency physicians is reported. Our initial findings suggest the feasibility of emergency physician-administered sedation for PRI.

Management of gastric fistula complicating laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with biological glue in a combined percutaneous and endoscopic approach

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is considered as a first line treatment for morbid obesity around the globe. Leakage and subsequent gastric fistula is the most dreadful complication, which may lead to serious morbidity and even mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of fibrin glue application in the setting of gastric fistula after LSG.

SETTING

University hospital, Israel.

METHODS

Twenty-four morbidly obese patients (mean age = 42.2 yr, mean body mass index = 42 kg/m²) developed gastric fistula after LSG. The fistula was acute in 10 patients, subacute in 9, and chronic in 5. Sixteen patients (67%) have had previous failed endoscopic interventions. Fibrin glue was applied percutaneously with fluoroscopic guidance, under endoscopic visualization. A pigtail drain was left in the distal tract to monitor and manage possible continuous leakage.

RESULTS

There were no complications except abdominal pain in 2 patients associated with fever in 1. Both resolved within 1 to 2 days. Fistula closure was achieved in all patients but 1 (95.8%). Closure was accomplished after a single application in 9 patients (39%), 2 applications in 8, 3 applications in 3, 5 applications in 2, and 6 applications in 1. All patients were followed with a mean time of 42.3 months (range, 20-46).

CONCLUSIONS

Although in most patients there was a need for multiple applications, our experience indicates that percutaneous fluoroscopic application of Fibrin glue under endoscopic visualization proved to be a simple, tolerable, and highly effective method for the treatment of selected patients with gastric fistula after LSG.

A PET/MR Imaging Approach for the Integrated Assessment of Chemotherapy-induced Brain, Heart, and Bone Injuries in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Purpose To develop a positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol for evaluation of the brain, heart, and joints of pediatric cancer survivors for chemotherapy-induced injuries in one session. Materials and Methods Three teams of experts in neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, and bone imaging were tasked to develop a 20-30-minute PET/MR imaging protocol for detection of chemotherapy-induced tissue injuries of the brain, heart, and bone. In an institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant, prospective study from April to July 2016, 10 pediatric cancer survivors who completed chemotherapy underwent imaging of the brain, heart, and bone with a 3-T PET/MR imager. Cumulative chemotherapy doses and clinical symptoms were correlated with the severity of MR imaging abnormalities by using linear regression analyses. MR imaging measures of brain perfusion and metabolism were compared among eight patients who were treated with methotrexate and eight untreated age-matched control subjects by using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results Combined brain, heart, and bone examinations were completed within 90 minutes. Eight of 10 cancer survivors had abnormal findings on brain, heart, and bone images, including six patients with and two patients without clinical symptoms. Cumulative chemotherapy doses correlated significantly with MR imaging measures of left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic volume, but not with the severity of brain or bone abnormalities. Methotrexate-treated cancer survivors had significantly lower cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity in key brain areas compared with control subjects. Conclusion The feasibility of a single examination for assessment of chemotherapy-induced injuries of the brain, heart, and joints was shown. Earlier detection of tissue injuries may enable initiation of timely interventions and help to preserve long-term health of pediatric cancer survivors. ^© RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Sonographic evaluation of renovascular hypertension in the pediatric population: State-of-the-art

Hypertension in children affects 2-5% of the pediatric population. Identifying secondary causes of hypertension is crucial, as some of these entities may be treatable. Renovascular hypertension accounts for 5-10% of the secondary causes of hypertension in children and is mainly related to fibromuscular dysplasia and neurofibromatosis type 1. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the kidneys, including Doppler interrogation, is the recommended primary screening tool. A comprehensive study of the upper abdomen and retroperitoneum allows for identification of additional underlying etiologies. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the different causes of renovascular hypertension in children one can diagnose during the initial ultrasonographic evaluation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:282-292, 2017.

Bifocal primary pancreatic Burkitt's lymphoma in a 4-year-old child

Pancreatic tumors are uncommon in children and rarely result in biliary obstruction. Primary pancreatic Burkitt's lymphoma is an exceptionally rare entity with only a few cases described in the literature. We present a case of a bifocal primary pancreatic Burkitt's lymphoma in a 4-year-old child presenting with jaundice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:171-174, 2017.

Loss of Glycine Transporter 1 Causes a Subtype of Glycine Encephalopathy with Arthrogryposis and Mildly Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Glycine

Glycine is a major neurotransmitter that activates inhibitory glycine receptors and is a co-agonist for excitatory glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Two transporters, GLYT1 and GLYT2, regulate extracellular glycine concentrations within the CNS. Dysregulation of the extracellular glycine has been associated with hyperekplexia and nonketotic hyperglycinemia. Here, we report four individuals from two families who presented at birth with facial dysmorphism, encephalopathy, arthrogryposis, hypotonia progressing to hypertonicity with startle-like clonus, and respiratory failure. Only one individual survived the respiratory failure and was weaned off ventilation but has significant global developmental delay. Mildly elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glycine and normal serum glycine were observed in two individuals. In both families, we identified truncating mutations in SLC6A9, encoding GLYT1. We demonstrate that pharmacologic or genetic abolishment of GlyT1 activity in mice leads to mildly elevated glycine in the CSF but not in blood. Additionally, previously reported slc6a9-null mice and zebrafish mutants also display phenotypes consistent with the affected individuals we examined. Our data suggest that truncating SLC6A9 mutations lead to a distinct human neurological syndrome hallmarked by mildly elevated CSF glycine and normal serum glycine.

Lung Clearance Index (LCI) in Patients with Bronchiolitis Obliterans: A Preliminary Report and Comparison to Cystic Fibrosis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a chronic airway disease following an insult to the lower respiratory tract. Lung clearance index (LCI) measures ventilation inhomogeneity and has been studied in cystic fibrosis (CF). We aimed to evaluate LCI in BO and to compare it to LCI in CF patients.

METHODS

LCI was measured in BO patients, compared to CF patients, and correlated with spirometry and CT findings.

RESULTS

Twenty BO patients and 26 CF patients (with similar mean age and BMI) underwent evaluation. FEV1 % and FEF25-75 % predicted were significantly lower in the BO group (60.5 ± 17.8 vs. 72.7 ± 20.7, p = 0.041, and 42.8 ± 22.8 vs. 66.4 ± 37.4, p = 0.017, respectively). In both groups, LCI was inversely correlated with FVC %, FEV1 %, and FEF25-75 % predicted. LCI  % was slightly higher (190.4 ± 63.5 vs. 164.9 ± 39.4, p = 0.1) and FRC gas % (measured by multiple breath washout) was significantly higher in the BO group (92.5 ± 35.9 vs. 71.3 ± 18, p = 0.014). The strength of statistical association between the lower FEF25-75 % values and the higher LCI values was stronger in BO patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to CF, LCI may provide estimation of ventilation inhomogeneity in BO. The results indicate greater small airway involvement and air trapping in BO. Further prospective longitudinal studies evaluating the correlation of LCI measurements with multiple clinical and physiological parameters should be performed to assess the clinical benefit of LCI measurement in BO.

"I sit to sleep"-Spirometry as a clue to diagnosis

A 15-year-old patient presented with a 4-month history of choking while sleeping that necessitated sleeping in a sitting position. Flow-volume curve demonstrating fixed upper airway obstruction led to further workup and to the diagnosis of childhood achalasia as a cause of unusual symptoms and fixed upper airway obstruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E13-E15. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Propranolol as a treatment option in Gorham-Stout syndrome: a case report

Gorham-Stout syndrome is a very rare syndrome characterized by progressive angiomatosis and lymphangiomas involving multiple organs. We describe herein a girl with progressive Gorham-Stout syndrome since the age of 13 years. Her disease involved the mediastinum, pericardium, vertebrae, ribs, and skull and did not respond to interferon and bisphosphonates. Propranolol administration was initiated at the age of 18 years and was associated with improvement in pulmonary function tests and involution of the mediastinal and hilar hemangiomatous lesions. The possible beneficial effect of propranolol in Gorham-Stout syndrome should be further investigated.

Sternal pseudotumor of childhood: don't touch the lesion

The common approach to rapidly growing peristernal lesions in young infants is oncologic consultation, imaging, and early tissue diagnosis. We represent 3 such cases with unique sonographic findings favoring nonaggressive lesions named self-limiting sternal tumors of childhood, in which a conservative approach of sonographic follow-up was chosen. We review the typical sonographic characteristics in this rather new and rare entity, separating it from the more aggressive group of lesions in this location and age group, and suggest that the classic appearance should imply a wait-and-see approach, with sonographic follow-up studies rather than invasive intervention.

Early interim FDG PET/CT prediction of treatment response and prognosis in pediatric Hodgkin disease-added value of low-dose CT

BACKGROUND

Interim 18F-FDG PET helps predict outcome and tailor treatment in adults with Hodgkin disease (HD).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess predictive values of interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in children with HD and to define the potential added value to interim PET of low-dose CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children were prospectively enrolled August 2002-April 2007. PET/low-dose CT was performed at staging, after 2 cycles, at the end of treatment and during follow-up (mean 45 months). Treatment was unchanged regardless of interim results. PET and low-dose CT were read independently.

RESULTS

Of 34 enrolled children (ages 3-17 years), 27 achieved complete response, 4 had progressive disease and 3 had relapse. Interim PET alone had positive and negative predictive values of 67% and 89%, respectively. Interim low-dose CT alone had positive and negative predictive values of 35% and 100%, respectively. Interim PET/CT had positive and negative predictive values of 75% and 96%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early interim PET/CT was a good predictor of outcome. Integrated PET and low-dose CT improved the predictive value in children with HD.

Deep sedation during pneumatic reduction of intussusception

BACKGROUND

Pneumatic reduction of intussusception under fluoroscopic guidance is a routine procedure. The unsedated child may resist the procedure, which may lengthen its duration and increase the radiation dose. We use deep sedation during the procedure to overcome these difficulties.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to summarize our experience with deep sedation during fluoroscopic reduction of intussusception and assess the added value and complication rate of deep sedation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All children with intussusception who underwent pneumatic reduction in our hospital between January 2004 and June 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Anesthetists sedated the children using propofol. The fluoroscopic studies, ultrasound (US) studies and the childrens' charts were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-one attempted reductions were performed in 119 children, of which 121 (92%) were successful and 10 (8%) failed. Two perforations (1.5%) occurred during attempted reduction. Average fluoroscopic time was 1.5 minutes. No complication to sedation was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep sedation with propofol did not add any complication to the pneumatic reduction. The fluoroscopic time was short. The success rate of reduction was high,raising the possibility that sedation is beneficial, possibly by smooth muscle relaxation.

Splenic abscess after sleeve gastrectomy: a report of two cases

OBJECTIVE

Partial demarcation and infarction of the upper pole of the spleen is not a rare occurrence after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). However, development of an abscess in the absence of leakage is extremely rare.

CASE REPORTS

We present herein two unusual case reports of splenic abscess in patients following LSG.

A loss-of-function mutation in NaPi-IIa and renal Fanconi's syndrome

We describe two siblings from a consanguineous family with autosomal recessive Fanconi's syndrome and hypophosphatemic rickets. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous in-frame duplication of 21 bp in SLC34A1, which encodes the renal sodium-inorganic phosphate cotransporter NaPi-IIa, as the causative mutation. Functional studies in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in opossum kidney cells indicated complete loss of function of the mutant NaPi-IIa, resulting from failure of the transporter to reach the plasma membrane. These findings show that disruption of the human NaPi-IIa profoundly impairs overall renal phosphate reabsorption and proximal-tubule function and provide evidence of the critical role of NaPi-IIa in human renal phosphate handling.

Sonographic detection of pneumothorax by radiology residents as part of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of sonographic pneumothorax detection by radiology residents as a part of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST).

METHODS

In a prospective study, a sonographic search for pneumothoraces was performed as part of a standard FAST examination by the on-call resident. Each lung field was scanned at the second to fourth anterior intercostal spaces and the sixth to eighth midaxillary line intercostal spaces. A normal pleural interface was identified by the presence of parietal-over-visceral pleural sliding with "comet tail" artifacts behind. Absence of these normal features indicated a pneumothorax. The sonographic diagnosis was correlated with supine chest radiography and chest computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

A total of 338 lung fields in 169 patients were included in the study. Patients underwent eFAST, chest radiography, and chest CT when clinically indicated. Chest CT was considered the reference standard examination. Computed tomography identified 43 pneumothoraces (13%): 34 small and 9 moderate. On chest radiography, 7 pneumothoraces (16%) were identified. Extended FAST identified 23 pneumothoraces (53%). Compared with CT, eFAST had sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 87%, and a negative predictive value of 93%. All of the moderate pneumothoraces were identified by eFAST. Twenty small pneumothoraces missed by eFAST did not require drainage during the hospitalization period.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended FAST performed by residents is an accurate and efficient tool for early detection of clinically important pneumothoraces.

Validity of clinical criteria in the management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography related duodenal perforations

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity of predetermined clinical and radiologic criteria in the management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related duodenal perforations (DPs).

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary medical facility.

PATIENTS

Twenty-two individuals with ERCP-related DPs.

INTERVENTIONS

The guidelines advocated operative management for patients with free contrast leak and those with positive peritoneal signs or other indicators suggesting sepsis irrespective of the mechanism or location of injury.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Thirty-day mortality rates, success of nonoperative management, and complications related to nonoperative and operative policies.

RESULTS

Diagnosis of DP was accomplished early (within 6 hours of ERCP) in 20 of 22 patients (91%). Three patients with early positive peritoneal signs were treated surgically; 2 of them sustained injury from the endoscope, and the third by papillotomy. All 3 patients had significant findings justifying immediate surgery. Nineteen patients with retroperitoneal DPs due to papillotomy or guidewire insertion were treated nonoperatively. In patients diagnosed early (n = 17), only 1 failure (6%) occurred. In the 2 patients with delayed diagnosis, there was 1 failure, which culminated in death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results might validate the role of clinical criteria for the selective management of ERCP-related DPs. These criteria were found to correlate well with radiologic findings and the mechanism of injury.

Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Resection Versus Transection—A Prospective Trial

Upper dorsal sympathectomy is the only successful therapeutic method for idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis (IPHH). However, the techniques for sympathetic ablation are still debated. The aim of this study was to compare prospectively two accepted methods for endoscopic sympathetic ablation: resection of T2-T3 ganglia versus transection of the chain over the second to fourth ribs. During the period September 2000 to June 2002, a total of 32 patients with IPHH were operated on. Operations were performed under general anesthesia through two 5-mm trocars using electrocautery. Resection was done on one side and transection on the other, with both sides being addressed during the same operation. The sides of resection/transection were alternated at each operation. There were 14 men and 18 women aged 18.8 +/- 4.7 years. The mean operating times for sympathectomy were 12.0 +/- 3.1 minutes for resection and 6.6 +/- 1.9 minutes for transection (p = 1.38). All patients were examined at 2 weeks postoperatively and again at 1 month. During November-December 2005, patients were approached by telephone questionnaire, the mean follow-up period being 4.3 +/- 0.9 years. Altogether, 26 of the 32 patients could be located (15 women, 11 men). There was no significant difference with regards to perioperative complications, immediate or long-term pain. All but two hands were warm and dry 1 month after operation and remained so at follow-up. The exceptions included one hand with recurrent hyperhidrosis after 1.5 years and one that became less dry and cold at 3 years. Both were on the transected sides. Our results suggest that sympathetic resection may achieve slightly better long-term results than transection in patients with IPHH. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.