P1478 Evaluation of reversibility of alcoholic cardiomyopathy using doubaimine stress echocardiography

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (CM) is known as a reversible CM. Appropriate medications with cessation of alcohol may lead to full recovery of chamber size and contractility. But there is not much information about morphologic and hemodynamic changes over the course of treatment, and predictors of reversibility. We experienced the patient with alcoholic CM who was admitted with heart failure and recovered over 1 year and 5 months. He consumed daily 180g alcohol for 6 months before admission. On initial echocardiography, left atrial (LA) dimension, left ventricular (LV) systolic dimension (SD) and diastolic dimension (DD), inferior vena cava (IVC) size, and ejection fraction (EF) were 50 mm, 69 mm, 78 mm, 27 mm and 22%, respectively. Doppler examination revealed a restrictive pattern in tansmitral flow, and a systolic peak velocity/diastolic peak velocity (S/D) ratio of less than 1 in pulmonary vein flow (PVF). Pressure gradient through tricuspid regurgitation was 29 mmHg. Coronary angiogram confirmed no significant stenosis. Within 1 week after medications, LVEF increased mainly by decrease of enlarged LVSD which might be partly caused by volume overload, evidenced by respiratory variation of transmitral flow. On 8th day, we performed dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) to evaluate reversibility because LVEF slightly decreased despite decrease of LVDD. During dobutamine infusion, both LVDD and LVSD decreased along with increase of LVEF according to dose escalation. From 1 to 2 months, LVEF slightly increased with decrease of LVDD and LVSD. Afterwards, LVEF was normalized mainly with decrease of LVSD, and LVEF was completely normalized at 1 year and 5 month after initiation of treatment. Initial increase of LVEF might reflect decrease of LVSD by relief of volume overload rather than improving LV contractility. Based on this observation of serial change of chambers and LVEF, we speculate that increased LV wall tension, which is induced by increase of preload as a compensating mechanism for increasing stroke volume, might aggravate LVEF in later stage of heart failure with reduced EF. The sequence of normalization in chamber size was IVC, and then LA, and then LVDD. Transmitral flow as an indicator of diastolic dysfunction changed from restrictive (transiently existed only for 1 week) to abnormal relaxation pattern (no change since that time). PVF pattern showed S/D ratio < 1 until 1 week, and then triphasic pattern at 1 month, finally biphasic pattern at 8 month after initiation of medications. We observed a serial change of echocardiographic findings in patient with alcoholic CM, which might provide an insightful information to understand reverse of LV or LA remodeling associated with hemodynamic parameters, and DSE might be helpful to evaluate reversibility of LV systolic function and convince patients who are reluctant to medications.

Efficacy and safety of high concentration lidocaine for trigeminal nerve block in patients with trigeminal neuralgia

AIMS

Local anaesthetics, which act as neurolytics and Na(+) channel blockers, have been used for disrupting the neural firings in certain neuropathic pain conditions. This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical outcome of trigeminal nerve block with 10% lidocaine in the management of trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with primary TN received trigeminal nerve blocks with 10% lidocaine. Success was defined as complete pain relief or mild pain without medication 1 day after the treatment. We followed the patients up every 2 months assessing for pain recurrence, sensory changes and other complications for a total of 37-45 months (median 43 months).

RESULTS

Twelve of the 35 patients (34.3%) responded favourably to the treatment and were considered as success. Eleven patients experienced complete pain relief and one could tolerate pain without medication 1 day after the blocks, which lasted for 3-172 weeks. Four patients experienced mildly decreased sensation in the region of the face supplied by the nerve 1 day after the blocks; however, all recovered normal skin sensation in 6 months. There was neither allodynia nor other sensory discomfort. The pain intensity and current pain duration before treatment were significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Trigeminal nerve block with high concentration lidocaine (10%) is capable of achieving an intermediate period of pain relief, particularly in patients with lower pain intensity and shorter pain duration prior to the procedure.

Efficacy of 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasonography compared with conventional ultrasonography and computed tomography in preoperative rectal cancer staging

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to verify reports of the decreased accuracy of endorectal ultrasonography (EUS) in preoperative staging of rectal cancer, and to compare the efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) EUS with that of 2-dimensional (2D) EUS and computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Eighty-six consecutive rectal cancer patients undergoing curative surgery were evaluated by 2D EUS, 3D EUS, and CT scan.

RESULTS

The accuracy in T-staging was 78% for 3D EUS, 69% for 2D EUS, and 57% for CT (P < .001-.002), whereas the accuracy in evaluating lymph node metastases was 65%, 56%, and 53%, respectively (P < .001-.006). Examiner errors were the most frequent cause of misinterpretation, occurring in 47% of 2D EUS examinations and in 65% of 3D EUS examinations. By eliminating examiner errors, the accuracy rates in T-staging and lymph node evaluation could be improved to 88% and 76%, respectively, for 2D EUS, and to 91% and 90%, respectively, for 3D EUS. Conical protrusions along the deep tumor border on 3D images were correlated closely with infiltration grade, advanced T-stage, and lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that 3D EUS showed greater accuracy than 2D EUS or CT in rectal cancer staging and lymph node metastases. Concrete 3D images based on tumor biology appear to provide more accurate information on tumor progression.

Metachronous colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Although the diagnosis of metachronous colorectal cancer have increased, due primarily to improvements in diagnostic modalities, the potential risk factors for these tumours are not well known. We compared the characteristics of patients with metachronous and sporadic primary colorectal cancer to determine risk factors for its occurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 5447 patients with colorectal cancer, who had been treated at Asan Medical Centre between July 1989 and January 2004. A metachronous cancer was defined as a secondary colorectal cancer occurring more than 6 months after the index cancer.

RESULTS

Metachronous colorectal cancer occurred in 39 (0.7%) patients. Their average age was 53 years, somewhat younger than the average age of sporadic colorectal cancer patients (58 years). In patients with metachronous cancer, the cancer was more likely to be located in the right colon (P < 0.03), and the incidence of synchronous polyps or cancer was significantly higher (P < 0.001). The relative distributions of histological grades and clinicopathological characteristics were similar in index and metachronous cancers. Metachronous cancers were diagnosed more frequently at an early stage. The time interval between index and metachronous cancer ranged from 6 to 215 months (mean 39 months), with 13 (33.3%) patients diagnosed with metachronous cancer after 5 years.

CONCLUSION

We found that in patients aged < 50 years, existence of synchronous polyps or cancer influence on the development of metachronous colorectal cancer. Regular follow-up is necessary for early detection, even after 5 years, for these patients.

Extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of upper and mid-thoracic vertebral compression fracture

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of the extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for upper and mid-thoracic vertebral compression fractures in patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Extrapedicular vertebroplasty was performed in painful compression fractures at T4-T8 levels. The assessment criteria were changes over time in visual analog scale (VAS) and mobility score. We evaluated the volume of cement injected, the size of needle required, and complications.

RESULTS

Procedures were performed in 27 patients with a total of 34 affected vertebral bodies. Early (within a week) and one year later, clinical follow-ups showed that pain intensity had decreased by 50% one day after operation and later by 70-80%. Mobility scores of all patients were improved immediately after the procedure. Average volume of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) per vertebral body was 3.8 +/- 1.2 ml. Leakage of PMMA occurred in one vertebral level (intradiskal space), but did not cause clinical complications.

CONCLUSION

PVP of upper and mid-thoracic spine with an extrapedicular approach is an efficient and safe procedure for treating painful thoracic vertebral compression fracture under a cautious patient selection and meticulous technical procedure.

Risperidone-induced priapism

Priapism is well documented as a potential side effect of psychotropic medications. To date, there have been no reports of risperidone-induced priapism in the urologic literature. We report a case of risperidone-induced priapism requiring surgical treatment.

Prognostic factors and molecular markers for renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in the kidney, affecting nearly 30,000 Americans every year and is associated with over 12,000 deaths annually. If detected early, renal cell carcinomas can be cured surgically. However, once metastatic disease develops the prognosis for long-term survival is poor. Unfortunately, one-third of patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and approximately 50% of the patients undergoing surgical resection for less advanced disease eventually relapse. This review examines the clinical and molecular prognostic tools currently available or under investigation for kidney cancer.

Management of penile toilet seat injury--report of two cases

Blunt trauma to the penis is an uncommon injury in young children. We present two cases of blunt penile trauma secondary to mechanical compression from a toilet seat.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as an oral tumor

Metastatic cancer presenting as an oral lesion is exceedingly uncommon. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported instance of renal cell carcinoma presenting initially as an oral lesion.

Lymphatic mapping and intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy for identifying the sentinel node in penile tumors

Lymph node mapping has become an integral part of the management of melanoma and breast cancer with regard to both staging and treatment. We report our technique for lymphatic mapping and intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy applied to a patient with penile melanoma. This technique may improve the sensitivity of identifying the sentinel lymph node in patients with malignant penile lesions.

Ureteroenteric anastomosis in continent urinary diversion: long-term results and complications of direct versus nonrefluxing techniques

PURPOSE

Controversy exists over the importance of antireflux mechanisms in large volume, low pressure intestinal bladder substitutions. Despite the theoretical benefits of reflux prevention, antirefluxing ureteral reimplantations may have a greater risk of anastomotic stricture. We hypothesize that this inherent stricture rate may outweigh the potential benefits associated with reflux prevention. To assess this question critically we compare our results to those of direct and nonrefluxing techniques of ureterointestinal anastomosis during continent diversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 1998, 58 patients underwent continent urinary diversion using an Indiana pouch or ileal orthotopic neobladder following cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer. A total of 56 renal units were implanted using an end-to-side Nesbit direct anastomosis and 60 were implanted in a nonrefluxing manner. Clinical end points included anastomotic stricture formation, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, upper tract stone formation and renal deterioration, and were assessed with a mean followup of 41 months.

RESULTS

Of 60 nonrefluxing ureteroenteric anastomoses 8 (13%) resulted in nonneoplastic stricture formation compared to 1 of 56 (1.7%) direct anastomoses, which was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test p <0.05). Strictures occurred up to 6 years following the original surgery. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in regard to hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, upper tract stone formation or azotemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonrefluxing methods of ureterointestinal reimplantation resulted in a statistically significant higher rate of anastomotic stricture than the end-to-side direct anastomosis. This finding appears to outweigh any theoretical benefits of preventing pyelonephritis, stones or azotemia. For patients undergoing large volume, low pressure continent diversion the refluxing ureterointestinal anastomosis may be the technique of choice since it preserves renal function as well as the nonrefluxing method, is technically easier to perform and poses less risk of stricture. Delayed stricture formation years after surgery underscores the necessity for long-term radiological followup in patients following continent diversion.

Prospective evaluation of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging to detect tumor foci in men with prior negative prostastic biopsy: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer foci have a characteristic appearance on endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which might be useful for prostate cancer detection. In this pilot study the ability of endorectal MRI to detect prostate cancer foci prospectively in men at risk for a malignant prostatic neoplasm is assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endorectal MRI was performed in 33 consecutive men with 1 or more prior negative prostatic biopsies. All studies were read by 2 MRI dedicated study radiologists in consensus before and after receiving patient clinical data. Areas of interest on endorectal MRI were mapped as low, moderate or high suspicion for carcinoma on a prostate model. Directed needle biopsy cores of the prostate were obtained based on this model, and the histopathological findings were compared with MRI results.

RESULTS

Carcinoma was detected in 7 of 33 men (21.2%) on post-MRI biopsy, including 1 of 18 (5.6%) with low, 1 of 8 (12.5%) with moderate and 5 of 7 (71.4%) with high suspicion MRI. The site of positive biopsy correlated correctly with the area of suspicion on MRI in 85.7% of cases. Overall, endorectal MRI had 40% positive predictive value (moderate or high suspicion), 94.4% negative predictive value (low suspicion) and 69.7% accuracy. On multivariate analysis positive endorectal MRI was associated with an 11.3-fold risk of positive biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Endorectal MRI may effectively stratify patients with prior negative prostatic biopsy into low, moderate and high risk groups for a malignant prostatic neoplasm, and may improve our ability to identify prostatic tumor foci prospectively.

Endovascular stent graft for management of ureteroarterial fistula after orthotopic bladder substitution

We describe the first case of an ureteroarterial fistula developing after orthotopic neobladder substitution and its minimally invasive management using endovascular stent grafting. We outline the risk factors for the development of ureteroarterial fistulae and trace the evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities used in the management of these life-threatening complications. Minimally invasive management with endovascular stent grafting and exclusion of two pseudoaneurysms in the iliac artery system was performed successfully. After successful endovascular exclusion of two pseudoaneurysms, the patient's hematuria resolved and he recovered fully. Three-dimensional computed tomography performed 3 months later documented a patent aortoiliac arterial system without evidence of pseudoaneurysm or endovascular leak. Ureteroarterial fistula after orthotopic bladder substitution was managed with an endovascular stent graft without the need for extra-anatomical vascular bypass. Early recognition, stabilization, and angiographic evaluation followed by this minimally invasive technique may avoid open operative repair and attendant morbidity.