Diagnostic Efficacy Study Comparing Tzanakis Scoring System With Alvarado Scoring System in Effective Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Objective Among the common causes of abdominal emergencies, acute appendicitis ranks at the top, particularly in the young population. While negative appendectomy is not uncommon, the risk of appendicular perforation is substantial if the diagnosis is missed or delayed. This study evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of the Tzanakis scoring system for acute appendicitis, comparing it with the Alvarado scoring system, considering the histopathological finding as the gold standard. Materials and methods This prospective observational study, conducted in the General Surgery department in a tertiary care hospital in India, included clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis cases posted for open or laparoscopic appendicectomy. Results The mean age for the 60 participants included in the study was 30.97±13.44, and the median was 24.5 yrs. The sensitivity of ultrasonography (USG) in diagnosing histopathological positive acute appendicitis was 89%, and the specificity was 50%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the Tzanakis score were 87%, 50%, 96%, and 22%, respectively, and those of the Alvarado score were 54%, 75%, 96%, and 10%, respectively. Conclusion The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the Alvarado and Tzanakis scores showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was greater for the Tzanakis scoring system (0.670) than for the Alvarado scoring system (0.598). Differences between the AUCs were not statistically significant. Although the Tzanakis scoring system is more sensitive than the Alvarado scoring system in diagnosing acute appendicitis, studies with larger samples are needed to show the superiority of this scoring system over the Alvarado scoring system.

Unraveling the toxicity of tire wear contamination in three freshwater species: From chemical mixture to nanoparticles

Tire wear particle (TWP) contamination is of growing concern as recent studies show the ubiquity and toxicity of this contaminant in various environmental compartments. The multidimensional aspect of TWPs makes it difficult to assess toxicity and predict impacts on ecosystems, as it combines a complex mixture of chemicals and can release micro- and nanoparticles when suspended in water. Our work aimed to shed light on the toxicity of the different components of TWP leachate, namely, the dissolved chemicals and the nanoparticle fractions, on three freshwater model species of different trophic levels: Chlorella vulgaris, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna. Acute toxicity was observed for all three fractions in D. magna, and an additive effect was observed between the nanoparticles and dissolved chemicals. L. minor experienced phytotoxicity from the dissolved chemicals only with a decrease up to 50% in photosynthesis efficiency parameters. C. vulgaris showed minor signs of toxicity on apical endpoints in response to each of the fractions. Our study highlights that nanoparticles from TWP leachate that were mostly overlooked in several previous studies are as toxic as dissolved chemicals for the filter-feeder species D. magna, and we also show the toxicity to photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Blunt Trauma to Brachiocephalic Artery: Presentation and Management

Isolated innominate artery injury is very rare and accounts for less than 3% of recognized arterial injuries. Surgical exploration of the artery, especially at the origin of the artery from the arch of the aorta, is surgically challenging. Due to its rarity, any 1 surgeon's experience in dealing with innominate artery injury is bound to be limited. We report 2 cases of innominate artery injury post-blunt chest trauma. Both patients underwent thoracotomy and innominate artery Dacron graft repair and both had an uneventful postoperative course.

Prospective observational study evaluating acute and delayed treatment related toxicities of prophylactic extended field volumetric modulated arc therapy with concurrent cisplatin in cervical cancer patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the treatment related acute and delayed toxicities of extended field Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with concurrent chemotherapy in patients of locally advanced cervical cancer with pelvic lymph nodes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 2014 to 2016, 15 patients of locally advanced cervical cancer with Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) positive pelvic lymph nodes were treated with extended field Simultaneous integrated boost (SIB)-VMAT 45 Gy/55 Gy/25#/5weeks and concurrent cisplatin. Acute toxicities were documented according to common terminology criteria for adverse events version 4 (CTCAE v.4). Dose volume parameters and patient characteristics were analyzed for association with toxicities.

RESULTS

Median age of patients at diagnosis was 48 years. 40% (6 patients) were stage IIB & 60% (9 patients) were stage IIIB. Median number of involved pelvic lymph nodes was 2 (range, 1-4), commonest location was external iliac lymph node region (86%). Median number of concurrent chemotherapy cycles received was five. Treatment was well tolerated and there were no grade ≥ 3 acute toxicities. Commonest acute toxicities observed were vomiting (≥grade2 -13.3%) followed by & nausea (grade ≥ 2 in 6%) and were associated with volume of bowel bag receiving 45 Gy. Constitutional symptoms (≥grade 2) were observed in 6% patients and had no dosimetric associations. At a median follow up of 43 months, delayed ≥ grade1, 2, 3 toxicity were observed in 80%, 0%, and 0% respectively with diarrhea being the commonest.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic para aortic extended field VMAT with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer is well tolerated with acceptable acute toxicity profile. Significant grade 3 acute/delayed toxicities were not observed in this cohort of patients.

Innocuous wound with occult central vascular injury: A case report

Penetrating trauma is one of the most common cause of occult vascular injury, especially in low velocity penetrating injury. This is usually in pretext of an innocuous looking small external wound. It is important for clinician to have high index of suspicion for such types of injuries, as the clinical examination with presenting signs and symptoms may be deceptive. Radiological evaluation is of paramount importance and essential to rule out any occult vascular insult. Conventional open surgical exploration is the gold standard for vascular injuries in neck. Minimal invasive endovascular stenting has selective role based on zone of neck, mechanism of injury, hemodynamic stability, neurological status and resource availability at treating centre. Early diagnosis and referral to an appropriate higher centre, preferably a trauma centre with expertise in handling major vascular injuries, improve the outcome. We present a case report of small innocuous looking external wound harbouring major central vessel injury underneath following low-velocity penetrating injury.

Management of Complex Traumatic Renal Artery-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Renal artery-inferior vena cava (IVC) fistula is usually caused by penetrating injury to the back. However, it is a very rarely reported entity with only 20 cases reported in the literature. They may present acutely with hemodynamic instability or chronically as congestive heart failure. A thorough examination and adequate imaging are required to avoid missing such injuries.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old gentleman presented after sustaining stab injury to the back. The stab had penetrated the renal artery and IVC, leading to arteriovenous fistula. He was managed surgically, as he went into hemorrhagic shock, with a successful outcome. The case is also unique as an accessory renal artery was also involved in the fistula.

CONCLUSION

Early identification and management of renal artery-IVC fistula is important to ensure a successful outcome. Such fistulas can be managed by either endovascular approach or surgical approach. The decision of approach depends on the level of expertise available and hemodynamic status of the patient.

Time, Distance and Economics Influencing Cancer Care: Experience From a Regional Cancer Center in India

Background: There is a geographical, socioeconomical and logistic diversity among the cancer patients who reach a regional cancer center. In a developing economy like that of India's, only a minority of patients have medical insurance. So in our setup a cancer patient is met with time, distance and financial challenges. These intangible factors theoretically are expected to influence the ultimate outcome of cancer treatment. Aim: To evaluate the prevailing demographic and economic variables of cancer patients visiting our RCC and to look for any correlation among each other. Methods: The demographic details of cancer patients registered at our RCC between August 2017- September 2017 were retrieved retrospectively. Distance traveled to get to the RCC and get a diagnosis of cancer, time taken for diagnosis and initiation of treatment, and the source of finances for treatment were collected. A correlation among these factors was attempted to be identified. Statistical correlation was identified using Student t-test. Results: Among 591 patients who were analyzed, the median age of patient was 55 years old. The median time taken for the patient to reach the RCC from permanent residence after the beginning of cancer related complaints was 3.19 months. The median distance traveled for the same was 131 km. The source of income was private employment for 223 patients and government employment for 164 patients and self-employment for 200 patients. Only 164 patients had some kind of structured health scheme to manage their health care expenses. Among these, 96 patients had private insurance/reimbursement and 64 patients had government reimbursement. 384 (64%) of patients presented with advanced and locally advanced stage disease while 114 (19%) patients presented to us with early stage disease. However a correlation between delay in presentation to the RCC, distance traveled to reach the RCC, source of income and advanced stage of disease couldn't not be established. Conclusion: Majority of patients visiting our RCC is from far off places and most of these patients pay for the cancer treatment themselves without any support from government or private insurances. All these factors may be responsible for late or advanced stage presentation of cancer patients.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder in cancer patients: An institutional experience

AIM

This study aimed to screen the patients with various malignancies for the presence of depressive disorders and anxiety disorder using standardized rating scales.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five hundred and thirty-four (n = 534) patients attending the radiotherapy outpatient services completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Questionnaire.

RESULTS

About half (n = 248; 46.4%) of the patients had psychiatric morbidity either in the form of depressive disorder or in the form of GAD. Higher stage of malignancy (from early, advanced to metastasis) was associated with higher prevalence of depressive disorder and GAD. The presence of psychiatric morbidity, especially anxiety disorder, was associated with being from low socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that psychiatric morbidity in the form of depressive and anxiety disorders is very common among patients with malignancies. Accordingly, there is a need for close liaison between oncologists and mental health professionals to improve the outcome of patients with various malignancies.

Efficacy of radical radiotherapy alone for functional preservation of larynx in laryngeal carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

Concurrent chemoradiation is the current standard of care in locally advanced head and neck cancer. But, in our setup, many patients of carcinoma larynx are treated with only radical radiotherapy because of poor general condition of the patients. This study was performed to assess the influence radical radiotherapy alone on functional preservation of larynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

110 previously untreated patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of larynx were treated with radical radiotherapy alone between January 2006 and June 2009. Conventional one daily fraction of 2 Gy with total doses of 60-66 Gy was used. Voice preservation and local control at median follow-up period of 2 years were analyzed. Several host, tumor, and treatment parameters were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 110 patients, preservation of larynx was possible in 78 patients (71%). With radical radiotherapy alone, excellent preservation of larynx was achieved in stage I (88.9%) and stage II (75%) disease, while in advanced stages, results were not so encouraging. In stage III and stage IVA, larynx preservation was only 72.4% and 65.3%, respectively. Patients without any cartilage invasion had significantly better laryngeal preservation rate as compared to patients with cartilage invasion. (78.9% vs. 35.3%; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Though concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of care in preservation of voice in laryngeal cancer, definitive radiotherapy alone may also be a good option in terms of preservation of larynx in patients of laryngeal cancer in community practice in the developing world where most of the patients cannot tolerate concurrent chemoradiation.

Outcome following radical cystectomy and bladder-preservation therapy in patients with invasive carcinoma of urinary bladder

Background:

Invasive bladder cancer is a lethal disease with a 50% cancer-related mortality even in the best healthcare systems. Optimum combination of surgery, external beam radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy has yet to be determined.

Purpose:

To audit the outcome of multi-modality treatment and compare this with the existing literature in order to set future priorities and re-audit in patients with invasive carcinoma of urinary bladder.

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2001 and December 2004, 97 patients with invasive carcinoma of urinary bladder were analyzed. Radical surgery was done in 18(18%) patients and adjuvant radiation was given to 20(21%) patients. Radical radiation alone, (≥50 Gy) was given to 26(27%) and chemoradiation to 33(34%) patients respectively. Patients in the chemoradiation arm were given the same dose of radiation with weekly concomitant cisplatin at 40 mg/ m² one hour before radiation during the first phase only. At a median follow-up of 32 months the outcome studied included locoregional failure, distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using univariate and multivariate analyses. The OS and DFS were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier. Log rank test was used for statistical significance.

Results:

Median age of the patients was 58 years. Males comprised 93% of the total patients. Most (93%) of the patients had transitional cell histology. In patients treated with radiation alone overall response rate was 60%, with a complete response (CR) rate of 42%. The CR in patients treated with chemoradiation was 51%. Bladder was preserved in 61% of patients who received chemoradiation as compared to 42% in patients treated with radical radiation. With radical radiation local recurrence rate was 19% as compared to 22% with surgery and 6% with chemoradiation, respectively. Local recurrence rate was only 5% in patients treated with adjuvant radiation. Distant metastasis rate was least with chemoradiation (9%) as compared to 11.5% in radical radiation: curable dose of radiation and 33% with surgery alone, respectively. Patients with adjuvant radiation had a distant metastases rate of 15%. Median OS was 36 months. Factors affecting OS were histology (P = 0.023) and nodal involvement (P = 0.034). Median DFS was 26 months. Significant factors affecting DFS on univariate analysis were histology (P = 0.046) and nodal involvement (P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis the only factor affecting DFS and OS was nodal involvement (P = 0.01; Hazard Ratio, 0.085-0.719).

Conclusion:

In patients with invasive bladder cancer, combined modality in the form of radical cystectomy followed by radiation give best local control. Radiation alone is not effective to control muscle-invasive local disease; however, Chemoradiation is an effective alternative to radical cystectomy to preserve bladder function.

Fungating scrotal mass: A rare clinical presentation of testicular tumor

A 20-year-old male patient presented with fungating scrotal mass. Investigations revealed yolk sac tumor with lung metastasis. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy. There was complete disappearance of the scrotal mass as well as metastatic disease from the lung. Fungating scrotal mass is a rare presentation of testicular tumor. This rare presentation is reported here. This is second such case in the English literature.

Concomitant boost radiotherapy compared with conventional radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck--a phase III trial from a single institution in India

AIMS

To test the efficacy of an accelerated fractionation schedule (concomitant boost) against standard conventional fractionation in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region in our patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomised to receive either conventional radiotherapy with 2 Gy/fraction/day, to a dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions over 6.5 weeks or accelerated radiotherapy in the form of concomitant boost to a dose of 67.5 Gy/40 fractions over 5 weeks (phase 1: 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks and phase 2: 22.5 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks as a second daily fraction after a 6h gap). The primary and secondary end points were disease-free survival and locoregional control respectively.

RESULTS

The compliance was 97.2% and 96.5% in the concomitant boost and conventional arms, respectively. Patients treated with concomitant boost had a better 2-year disease-free survival (71.7% vs 52.17%, P=0.0007) and locoregional control rates (73.6% vs 54.5%, P=0.0006) than with conventional fractionation. On exploratory subgroup analysis, the oropharynx (P<0.001), T4 lesions (P=0.017), N+ disease (P<0.001) and stage IV disease (P<0.001) were statistically significant prognostic variables in favour of the concomitant boost arm. Grade 3 mucositis was seen in 35% of patients in the concomitant boost arm, whereas in the conventional arm only 19% of patients had grade 3 mucositis (P=0.01). The median radiotherapy duration in the concomitant boost arm was 36 days (range 36-53 days), whereas in the conventional arm it was 46 days (range 46-64 days). The mean gap in radiation treatment in the concomitant boost arm was 1.68 days (range 0-14 days), whereas the mean gap in the conventional arm was 1.58 days (range 0-14 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant boost is a therapeutically superior and logistically feasible accelerated radiotherapy regimen in advanced head and neck cancers, especially in the setting of a developing country.