Effects of dexmedetomidine on renal function after cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis: An interim analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) are at a high risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) owing to heightened systemic inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative AKI in patients who underwent cardiac surgery for IE.

METHODS

A total of 63 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for IE were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion of 0.4 μg kg-1 h-1 (DEX group) or normal saline infusion (control group) for 24 h after induction of anesthesia. The occurrence of AKI within seven days postoperation, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 levels, as well as postoperative morbidities, were assessed. An intertrim analysis was conducted using Pocock's alpha spending function at α = 0.05 and β = 0.2.

RESULTS

This trial was early terminated according to the results of interim analysis performed when 60 % of the pre-set number of patients have been collected. The incidence of AKI was significantly lower in the DEX group than in the control group (32.3 % vs. 9.4 %, p = 0.025). Patients in the DEX group had significantly lower epinephrine levels than those in the control group, whereas norepinephrine and interleukin-6 levels were similar. Perioperative mean arterial pressure or heart rate did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine administration for 24 h starting from induction of anesthesia significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AKI after cardiac surgery for IE (by 29 % vs. control) without hemodynamic side effects. This was accompanied by a significant attenuation of postoperative increase in serum epinephrine levels.

Myocardial Injury after Non-Cardiac Surgery in Patients Who Underwent Open Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) has been known to be associated with mortality in various surgical patients; however, its prognostic role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repair remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of MINS as a predictor of mortality in patients who underwent AAA open repair.

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated 352 patients who underwent open repair for non-ruptured AAA. The predictors of 30-day and 1-year mortalities were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

MINS was diagnosed in 41% of the patients after AAA open repair in this study. MINS was an independent risk factor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 10.440, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.278-85.274, p = 0.029) and 1-year mortality (OR: 5.189, 95% CI: 1.357-19.844, p = 0.016). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated significantly lower overall survival rates in patients with MINS compared to those without MINS (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that MINS is a common complication after AAA open repair and is an independent risk factor of 30-day and 1-year mortalities. Patients with MINS have lower overall survival rates than those without MINS.

Postoperative Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury After Open Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Perioperative hypoalbuminemia has a prognostic effect on mortality and morbidity in various cohorts. Patients undergoing open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) are at a high risk of hypoalbuminemia due to bleeding and underlying diseases. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the predictive value of immediate postoperative hypoalbuminemia for the risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing open rAAA repair.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 143 patients who underwent open rAAA repair between January 2008 and May 2022. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative AKI. The perioperative serum albumin levels of the two groups were compared. The patients were further divided into two groups based on the median immediate postoperative albumin level (2.4 g/dL). The incidence of AKI was compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictors of postoperative AKI. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate potential of AKI and albumin level as prognostic factors for mortality.

RESULTS

Immediate postoperative serum albumin was significantly lower in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (2.11 ± 0.62 g/dL vs. 2.59 ± 0.62 g/dL, p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative AKI was significantly higher in patients with albumin ≤ 2.4 g/dL than in patients with albumin > 2.4 g/dL (53.8% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.002). Immediate postoperative albumin level was an independent predictor of AKI (Odds ratio [OR], 0.310; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.165-0.583, p < 0.001) and 1-year mortality (OR, 0.230; 95% CI 0.098-0.542, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate postoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with postoperative AKI and mortality in patients with rAAA.

Prognostic role of body composition in peritoneal carcinomatosis patients undergoing cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA)-measured body composition and nutritional status have been used as prognostic indicators in various cancer cohorts. This study investigated whether BIA could provide information on prognosis in peritoneal carcinomatosis patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 99 patients with preoperative BIA data among those who underwent CRS and HIPEC. The association between BIA-derived parameters and intraoperative peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score was assessed. Predictive analysis for the occurrence of postoperative morbidities including major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification 3-4) and re-admission within 30 days after surgery as well as 1 year mortality was also performed.

RESULTS

BIA-derived mineral (r = 0.224, p = 0.027), fat (r =  - 0.202, p = 0.048), and total body water (TBW)/fat-free mass (FFM) (r =  - 0.280, p = 0.005) showed significant associations with intraoperative PCI score. Lower TBW/FFM was an independent predictor of major postoperative complications (OR 0.047, 95% CI 0.003-0.749, p = 0.031) and re-admission (OR 0.094, 95% CI 0.014-0.657, p = 0.017) within 30 days after surgery. Higher fat mass was also independently associated with a higher risk of major postoperative complications (OR 1.120, 95% CI 1.006-1.248, p = 0.039) and re-admission (OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.024-1.230, p = 0.013). Intraoperative PCI score > 20 (OR 4.489, 95% CI 1.191-16.917, p = 0.027) and re-admission within 30 days after surgery (OR 5.269, 95% CI 1.288-21.547, p = 0.021) independently predicted postoperative 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that preoperative BIA-derived TBW/FFM and fat mass were significantly correlated with metastatic extent, assessed by PCI score, in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In addition, BIA-derived TBW/FFM and fat mass showed independent predictability for postoperative 30-day major complications and re-admission in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC. Our findings suggest that assessment of BIA may improve discrete risk stratification in patients who are planned to receive CRS and HIPEC.

Association of Pre- and Post-Donation Renal Function with Midterm Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Living Kidney Donors: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months after donation (eGFR_6m) is strongly associated with the risk of end-stage renal disease in living kidney donors. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of eGFR_6m <60 mL/min/1.73 m² (eGFR_6m <60) and identify the risk factors that can predict the occurrence of eGFR_6m <60 in living kidney donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Living kidney donors who underwent nephrectomy at Severance Hospital between January 2009 and December 2019 were identified. We excluded 94 of 1233 donors whose creatinine values at 6 months after donation were missing. The risk factors for eGFR_6m <60 were assessed using multivariate regression analysis. The optimal cutoff points for candidate risk factors for predicting eGFR_6m <60 occurrence were determined using the Youden index.

RESULTS

The eGFR_6m <60 occurred in 17.3% of the participants. Older age (≥44 years), history of hypertension, lower preoperative eGFR (<101 mL/min/1.73 m²), and degree of increase in creatinine levels on postoperative day 2 compared to those before surgery (ΔCr2_pre) (≥0.39 mg/dL) increased the risk of eGFR_6m <60. The addition of ΔCr2_pre to preoperative eGFR yielded a higher predictive accuracy for predicting eGFR_6m <60 than that with preoperative eGFR alone {area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.886 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.863-0.908] vs. 0.862 (95% CI, 0.838-0.887), p<0.001}.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of eGFR_6m <60 was 17.3%. Older age, lower preoperative eGFR, history of hypertension, and greater ΔCr2_pre were associated with the occurrence of eGFR_6m <60 after living donor nephrectomy. The combination of preoperative eGFR and ΔCr2_pre showed the highest predictive power for eGFR_6m <60.

Prognostic Value of Serum Albumin in Aortic Aneurysm Patients Undergoing Graft Replacement of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch

Background: Hypoalbuminemia is a marker of poor overall health with influences from protein energy malnutrition, systemic inflammation and hepatic and renal disease. Albumin has been reported to have a prognostic impact in various cohorts. This study investigated whether preoperative serum albumin levels could be used to predict mortality in patients with aortic aneurysms undergoing graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 183 patients who underwent graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch between January 2010 and December 2020. The exclusion criteria included patients with traumatic aortic injuries (n=2), previous aortic repair within 6 months (n=2), ruptured aortic aneurysms (n=14), or a lack of preoperative laboratory data or medical records (n=10). The remaining 87% eligible patients were divided into two groups based on their preoperative serum albumin levels. The lower albumin group was defined as having serum albumin levels ≤3.5 g/dL, while the higher albumin group was defined as having albumin levels >3.5 g/dL. The incidence of mortality was compared between the two groups, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictors of mortality. Results: The incidence of 1-year mortality was higher in the lower albumin group than in the higher albumin group (3.4% vs. 23.5%, p=0.006). The optimal cut-off value of albumin to predict 1-year mortality was 4.0 g/dL (area under the curve 0.885, 95% CI 0.821-0.949, p<0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% and 80.3%, respectively. Preoperative serum albumin levels (OR = 0.116, 95% CI 0.021-0.641, p=0.014) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 5.757, 95% CI 1.018-32.565, p=0.048) remained independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Preoperative serum albumin levels were an independent predictor of 1-year mortality after the graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch. These findings underscore that the optimization of patients' nutritional status before surgery may be warranted and should be further explored in this high-risk population.

Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Respiratory Mechanics and Oxygenation During Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE

Children have few small alveoli, which reduce lung compliance; in contrast, their cartilaginous rib cage makes their chest wall highly compliant. This combination promotes lung collapse. Prolonged inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation is used to optimize gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in surgery. However, the optimal ratio is unclear in children. We hypothesized that, compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio would improve dynamic compliance and oxygenation, and affect the peak airway pressure in pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients aged ≤6 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia with an arterial line were randomly allocated to receive 1:1 (group 1:1) or 1:2 (group 1:2) I:E ratio ventilation. Airway pressure, respiratory system compliance, and arterial blood gas analyses were compared between groups immediately after induction (T0), 30 min after induction (T1), 60 min after induction (T2), immediately after surgery (T3), and on arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit (T4).

RESULTS

Peak and plateau airway pressures were significantly lower in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.048, respectively). The dynamic and static compliances were significantly higher in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.045, respectively). However, the partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio improved dynamic compliance and lowered the peak airway pressure without complications in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, our results do not support its use solely for improving oxygenation.

Age-Related Difference in the Effect of Acute Hyperglycemia on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Age and acute hyperglycemia are known risk factors of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated age-related difference in the effect of acute hyperglycemia on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in Sprague-Dawley rats (young, 3 months; middle-aged, 10-12 months; and old, 22-24 months). The rats received 1.2 g/kg dextrose or normal saline and were subjected to coronary artery occlusion for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion for 240 minutes. Infarct size and ejection fraction were measured. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins (C-PARP, Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome c) and autophagy-related proteins (Bnip3, Beclin-1, Atg5, and LC3B-II) were evaluated. Infarct size increased with acute hyperglycemia in young and middle-aged rats but not in old rats, whereas the reduction of ejection fraction after ischemia-reperfusion was aggravated by acute hyperglycemia in all age groups. Acute hyperglycemia increased Bnip3 and Beclin-1 expressions after ischemia-reperfusion in young and middle-aged rats but not in old rats, whereas it increased the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, Atg5, and LC3B-II only in young or middle-aged rats. Conclusively, acute hyperglycemia does not aggravate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in old rats, unlike in young and middle-aged rats. This heterogeneity may be due to attenuated changes in protein signaling after ischemia-reperfusion injury under acute hyperglycemia in old rats.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury after Kasai Operation for Biliary Atresia: A Retrospective Study

Background: Biliary atresia is a progressive, inflammatory, and destructive pathology of the bile ducts. Patients who undergo surgery for correction of biliary atresia (Kasai operation) are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) because of their young age at the time of surgery, long operation time, and liver fibrosis or failure as complication of biliary atresia. Conversely, AKI is associated with poor outcomes after surgery. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI after Kasai operation. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent Kasai operation between March 2006 and December 2015 in a single tertiary-care university hospital were enrolled. AKI was defined based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for AKI. Results: One hundred sixty-six patients received Kasai operation during study period. Of these, AKI occurred in 37 of 166 patients (22.3%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age older than 30 days, higher preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, and preoperative contrast use within 7 days were associated with the development of AKI. Perioperative packed red blood cells transfusion was related to reduced occurrence of AKI. AKI was associated with longer ICU stay (OR = 1.015, p = 0.016). More patients with AKI were also found to receive additional surgery except liver transplantation within 1 year compared to those without AKI (10.8 % vs. 2.3 %, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Increased age is strongly associated with the development of AKI after Kasai operation. These findings indicate a rational basis for early corrective surgery for biliary atresia, early screening for AKI, and intervention to improve the results of Kasai operation.

Prognostic impact of preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase level on a composite of morbidity and mortality after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is related to vascular calcification and is known to have a prognostic impact in various cohorts. However, evidence in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is lacking. Thus, we hypothesized that preoperative serum ALP level could be used for predicting adverse events after TEVAR.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 167 patients who underwent TEVAR between February 2013 and December 2016. Patients were classified into tertiles according to preoperative ALP level (<69, 69-92, and >92 IU/L). The composite of morbidity and mortality (composite MM) was defined as the presence of one or more of the following: myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, dialysis requirement, pulmonary complication, infection, and mortality within 1 year after TEVAR. The incidence of composite MM was compared among the 3 tertiles, and stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictors for composite MM.

RESULTS

The incidence of composite MM was 14.5% in the first tertile group, 17.9% in the second tertile group, and 35.7% in the third tertile group (P = .016). The third tertile of ALP level (odds ratio [OR] 1.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.074-2.904, P = .025) and emergency TEVAR (OR 2.369, 95% CI 1.050-5.346, P = .038) remained as independent predictors of composite MM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed an independent relationship between high preoperative ALP levels and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing TEVAR. This finding might suggest a potential role of ALP level as a risk stratification marker.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Dexmedetomidine Combined with Low-Dose Remifentanil Infusion for Cough Suppression Compared to High-Dose Remifentanil Infusion: A Randomized, Controlled, Non-Inferiority Trial

Background: Combination of dexmedetomidine and opioid may be an alternative to high-dose opioid in attenuating cough during emergence from anesthesia, while also reducing the adverse effects of high-dose opioid. We tested the hypothesis that a single-dose of dexmedetomidine combined with low-dose remifentanil infusion during emergence would not be inferior to high-dose remifentanil infusion alone in attenuating cough after thyroidectomy. Methods: One hundred sixty-nine patients undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into group DR or group R. Each patient received an infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) and low-dose remifentanil infusion of effect-site concentration (Ce) at 1 ng/mL or normal saline and high-dose remifentanil infusion of Ce at 2 ng/mL for 10 min at the end of surgery. Remifentanil was maintained until tracheal extubation. Primary endpoint was the severity of coughing, which was assessed for non-inferiority using a four-point scale at the time of extubation. For comparison of coughing incidence during emergence, coughing grade was also measured at three times: before extubation, at extubation, and after extubation. Time to awakening, hemodynamic and respiratory profile, pain, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were also evaluated for superiority. Results: The 95% confidence intervals for differences in cough grade during tracheal extubation were <0.9, indicating non-inferiority of the single dose of dexmedetomidine combined with low-dose remifentanil infusion. The incidence of coughing was similar in the two groups. Hemodynamic changes during tracheal extubation were attenuated, but emergence from anesthesia was delayed, in group DR. Use of rescue antiemetic was similar in both groups, but the incidence of vomiting was less in group DR. Conclusion: A single-dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) combined with low-dose remifentanil infusion at 1 ng/mL of Ce during emergence from sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia was not inferior to high-dose remifentanil infusion alone at 2 ng/mL of Ce with regard to suppressing cough.

Comparison of Perioperative Renal Function Between Epidural and Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Living-Donor Hepatectomy: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic blockade associated with epidural analgesia was reported to be a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) following liver resection. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of AKI after living-donor hepatectomies according to the type of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

METHODS

A total of 316 patients after living-donor hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed; 148 patients in the epidural PCA group and 168 patients in the intravenous (IV) PCA group were evaluated. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL, ie, 1.5-fold from the baseline, or a reduction in the urine output in the first 48 hours after surgery, based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for AKI after living-donor hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except the age. Volumes of fluids and colloids administered intraoperatively were greater in the epidural PCA group (P < .001 and P = .006, respectively). The incidence of AKI did not show significant differences between the 2 groups (8.1% vs 7.1%; P = .747). In multivariate analysis, preoperative serum alanine transaminase level ≥50 U/L was identified as a risk factor for postoperative AKI. However, epidural PCA failed to be a risk factor for postoperative AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of PCA did not affect the incidence of postoperative AKI after living-donor hepatectomy. Despite significant differences in the postoperative hemodynamics, the incidence of AKI was similar between 2 groups.

Mucin 1-mediated chemo-resistance in lung cancer cells

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a commonly used drug to treat diverse cancer types. However, its treatment can generate resistance and the mechanisms of PTX-resistance in lung cancers are still unclear. We demonstrated that non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) survive PTX treatment. Compared with the progenitor NSCLC A549 cells, the PTX-resistant A549 cells (A549/PTX) displayed enhanced sphere-formation ability. The proportion of the cancer stem cell marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling protein levels were also elevated in A549/PTX. Importantly, the levels of oncoproteins phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt, mucin 1 cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-C) and β-catenin were also significantly elevated in A549/PTX. Furthermore, nuclear translocation of MUC1-C and β-catenin increased in A549/PTX. The c-SRC protein, an activator of MUC1-C, was also overexpressed in A549/PTX. These observations led to the hypothesis that enhanced expression of MUC1-C is associated with stemness and PTX resistance in NSCLCs. To test this, we knocked down or overexpressed MUC1-C in A549/PTX and found that inhibition of MUC1-C expression coupled with PTX treatment was sufficient to reduce the sphere-forming ability and survival of A549/PTX. In summary, our in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed a potential mechanism of MUC1-C-mediated PTX resistance and provided insights into a novel therapeutic measure for lung cancers.

Comparison between coronal reformatted images and direct coronal CT images of the swine lung specimen: assessment of image quality with 64-detector row CT

The aims of this study were to compare the image quality of coronal multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images from axial spiral images with that of direct coronal spiral and sequential images, and to estimate and analyse the effect of an incremental change on the image quality using 64-detector row CT. 12 swine lungs were used. Five kinds of images from each lung specimen were obtained using 64-detector row CT. All images were analysed by categories and grades, and the direct coronal sequential images were used as the reference standard for the image quality. Statistical analysis was performed for the following categories: (i) inter-observer reliability, (ii) interaction between the observers and images, (iii) image analysis, (iv) anatomical structural analysis of each observer, (v) stair-step artefact and (vi) background noise. The overall image quality and the image quality of all anatomical structures of coronal MPR images with 0.67 mm slice increments were inferior to the image quality of the other images; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Stair-step artefact was detected on coronal MPR images, and was more prominent on coronal MPR images with 0.67 mm slice increments than on coronal MPR images with 0.34 mm slice increments. The most severe background noise was detected on the direct coronal sequential images, but there was no significant difference between the direct coronal sequential images and the direct coronal spiral images. Background noise was least prominent on coronal MPR images with 0.67 mm slice increments. The increment process is important for improving the image quality of MPR images even when using 64-detector row CT. Coronal MPR images with 0.34 mm slice increments using 64-detector row CT showed a similar image quality to that obtained from the direct coronal images, and can be used instead. This means that the coronal MPR images obtained with 64-detector row CT could be as useful for evaluating the lung parenchyma as the axial high-resolution CT images.

Two-phase helical CT for detection of early gastric carcinoma: importance of the mucosal phase for analysis of the abnormal mucosal layer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of two-phase dynamic helical computed tomography (CT), including the gastric mucosal phase, for detection of early gastric carcinoma with typical hyperattenuating and atypical nonhyperattenuating enhancement patterns.

METHOD

Two-phase helical CT scanning was performed using the water-filling method as negative oral contrast material for 212 patients with proven adenocarcinoma on endoscopic biopsy. Two gastrointestinal radiologists prospectively analyzed the focal alterations of the inner hyperattenuating mucosal layer and the outer hypoattenuating layer before the information obtained at barium study and pathologic examination was available. The first, so-called mucosal phase was obtained at 38-45 seconds after the start of intravenous injection of contrast material for a total of 150 ml/sec at a rate of 4 ml/sec to obtain maximum enhancement of the inner mucosal layer. The second delayed phase was obtained at 3 minutes.

RESULTS

Fifty-four cases of early gastric cancer were suspected on two-phase helical CT preoperatively. Postoperatively, 49 cases of early gastric cancer were pathologically confirmed. The detection rate for the typical hyperattenuating early gastric cancer, that is the type I enhancement pattern defined as the localized thickening of the inner hyperattenuating layer, using two-phase helical CT was 18% (9/49 patients). The type 2 enhancement pattern, defined as the focal interruption of the inner hyperattenuating mucosal layer without abnormal enhancement of the outer hypoattenuating layer on the mucosal phase, was seen in 15 cases. These were pathologically confirmed as early gastric cancer IIb + IIc (three patients), IIc (four patients), IIc + IIa (one patient), IIc + III (three patients), IIb + IIc (one patient), and advanced cancer (T2) lesions (three patients). The type 3 enhancement pattern was defined as the focal polypoid protrusion of the inner hyperattenuating layer without abnormal enhancement of the outer thickened hypoattenuating layer on the mucosal phase, and was seen in seven patients who were pathologically confirmed with early gastric cancer IIb + IIc (three patients), IIc + IIa (one patient), and IIc + lIb (three patients). The lesions became less distinct on the delayed phase. Five T2 advanced gastric cancers were falsely interpreted as early gastric cancer. The detection rate for early gastric cancer after considering type 2 and 3 atypical enhancement patterns was increased to 57% (28/49 patients).

CONCLUSION

Helical CT with two-phase scan including the mucosal phase was efficient for identifying the enhancement patterns of early gastric cancer.

Non-typhoid Salmonella meningitis complicated by a infarction of basal ganglia

A previously healthy 16-month-old Korean girl with symptoms of fever, vomiting, and generalized tonic seizure was diagnosed to have Group D non-typhoid Salmonella meningitis. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day) and amikin (22.5 mg/kg/day) initially and ciprofloxacin (30 mg/kg/day) was added later because of clinical deterioration and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Brain CT performed on the second day showed a well-demarcated low density lesion in the right lentiform nucleus and both caudate nuclei, without evidence of increased intracranial pressure. MRI performed on the 11th day confirmed CT scan findings as well as right subdural fluid collection, brain atrophy, and ventriculomegaly. She underwent subdural drainage and later ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation. Despite receiving intensive treatment, she still has severe neurologic sequelae. Our case shows that infarctions of basal ganglia and thalami are not specific for tuberculous meningitis and that meningitis complicated by infarction is indicative of grave prognosis.