Evaluation of the Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using 2D/3D Strain Echocardiography in Healthy People

AIM

Vitamin D deficiency has a high prevalence in the population and is highly associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate subclinical left ventricular (LV) function using strain analysis in healthy individuals with vitamin D deficiency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

113 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study (age, 44.1±7 yrs, 34 male). All volunteers underwent two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography after conventional echocardiographic evaluation. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their vitamin D concentrations. 61 subjects with vitamin D less than 20 ng / ml were included in the vitamin D deficiency group. The baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory measurements, echocardiographic data, including 2D and 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) values, were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The 2D GLS values of the subjects with vitamin D deficiency were lower (mathematically less negative) than subjects with normal vitamin D (-16.1±3.4 vs -19.3±4.2, p<0.001). Similarly, the 3D GLS results were lower in subjects with vitamin D deficiency (-18.3±5.2 vs -24.1±6.9, p<0.001). A significant correlation was detected between the vitamin D concentrations and the 2D and 3D GLS measurements. (r=0.765 and r=0.628, respectively, p<0.001). Vitamin D was found to be an independent predictor of impaired 2D and 3D LV GLS (p=0.031, p=0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subclinical LV dysfunction in healthy individuals with vitamin D deficiency was demonstrated by 3D and 2D strain analysis. Due to potential negative effects of vitamin D deficiency on cardiac function, more attention should be paid to healthy individuals with vitamin D deficiency.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Versus Without Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1Ra) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We assessed whether the effect differs in patients with and without cardiovascular (CV) disease, and rated the certainty of evidence by conducting a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials. Certainty of the evidence (CoE) was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. The reduction in the risk of MACE was significant for both medications (high CoE), and the effect was similar in patients with and without CV disease (moderate CoE). GLP1Ra and SGLT2i reduced the risk of CV death (with high and moderate CoE, respectively), and the effects were consistent in the subgroups, but with very low CoE. While SGLT2i reduced the risk of fatal or non-fatal MI with a consistent effect in the subgroups, GLP1Ra reduced the risk of fatal or non-fatal stroke (with high CoE). In conclusion, GLP1Ra and SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the MACE to a similar extent in patients with and without CV disease, but have a differential effect on the reduction of fatal or non-fatal MI and stroke.

Procedural Characteristics, Safety and Follow-up of Modified Right Sided Approach for Cardioneuroablation

Background:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Long term results of pulmonary vein isolation plus modified posterior wall debulking utilizing high power short duration strategy: an all-comers study in real world

Background:

High-power short-duration radiofrequency ablation has improved lesion durability in pulmonary vein isolation. In this study, we investigate long-term clinical outcomes of high-power short-duration pulmonary vein isolation and posterior wall debulking as an initial treatment modality in all corner atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study including all patients who have undergone high-power short-duration pulmonary vein and posterior wall debulking, regardless of atrial fibrillation type and/or duration. High-power short-duration power delivery protocol was defined as 45 W at all ablation sites. Clinical and electrocardiographic follow-up were performed in all patients.

Results:

One hundred forty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was present in 88 (62%) of patients. The mean follow-up of this study was 36.9 months ± 12.2 months. During the follow-up period, 10 patients (11.4%) with a diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had recurrence, while recurrence in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation was slightly higher (15 patients (28.1%) and 5 patients (50%), respectively). No major life-threatening complications occurred.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated excellent arrhythmia-free outcomes in unselected, real world atrial fibrillation patients undergoing high-power short-duration pulmonary vein and debulking posterior wall isolations, however larger randomized trials are warranted.

Evaluation of cardiac function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in uncomplicated COVID-19 survivors

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

5COVID-19 is a multi-systemic infectious disease. Nearly 20-30% of hospitalized patients have evidence of acute myocardial involvement, portending a poorer prognosis. However, not much is known about the long-term cardiac effects of the disease. Also, there is a growing concern about the cardiac sequelae of COVID-19 among survivors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term cardiac effects in patients with prior mild-moderate COVID-19 infection, using both conventional and speckle tracking echocardiographic imaging modalities. A total number of 58 patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous six months and 20 age-, sex- and risk factor-matched healthy adults were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination. Both conventional and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic measurements were done. Also, serum cardiac biomarkers were obtained on the day of echocardiographic examination. Compared with healthy controls, COVID-19 survivors had similar left and right ventricular systolic function at six months. Also, left and right atrial peak systolic strain values did not differ between the groups. Long-term cardiac sequelae of COVID-19 infection are still widely unknown, resulting in concern among survivors. This study is valuable in putting forth the unaffected systolic and diastolic myocardial function on long-term in uncomplicated COVID-19 cases and may decrease the survivors’ anxiety and the number of unnecessary applications to cardiology clinics.

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), on the basis of lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts had been published to be a good prognostic factor in coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in a condition of no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) remains inconsistent, we evaluated the SII as a simple calculated tool for predicting the NRP among patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneus coronary intervention (PCI).

METHOD

510 consecutive acute STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI within 12 h from symptom onset from October 2015 to January 2020 were enrolled in our study. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off value of SII to predict the no-reflow. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression, including covariates found to have a significant association with NRP in univariate analysis, was used to identify independent predictors of no-reflow.

RESULTS

A ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off value of SII for predicting no-reflow was 1028, with sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 70, respectively (AUC, 0.839; 95% CI 0.797-0.881). An ROC curve comparison analysis was performed to compare the SII with NLR and PLR. Multivariate analysis revealed that SII ≥1028 value (OR = 6.622, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.802-11.627, p < .001), not using aspirin prior to admission (OR = 0.431, 95%CI: 0.236-0.786, p = .006), and CRP (OR = 1.004, 95%CI: 1.001-1.008, p = .041) were independent predictors related to occurrence of NRP after primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI.

CONCLUSION

SII levels are independently associated with the NRP in patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI. High SII may be a promising indicator for the prediction of NRP in these patients.

Advanced calculations of X-ray spectroscopies with FEFF10 and Corvus

The real-space Green's function code FEFF has been extensively developed and used for calculations of X-ray and related spectra, including X-ray absorption (XAS), X-ray emission (XES), inelastic X-ray scattering, and electron energy-loss spectra. The code is particularly useful for the analysis and interpretation of the XAS fine-structure (EXAFS) and the near-edge structure (XANES) in materials throughout the periodic table. Nevertheless, many applications, such as non-equilibrium systems, and the analysis of ultra-fast pump-probe experiments, require extensions of the code including finite-temperature and auxiliary calculations of structure and vibrational properties. To enable these extensions, we have developed in tandem a new version FEFF10 and new FEFF-based workflows for the Corvus workflow manager, which allow users to easily augment the capabilities of FEFF10 via auxiliary codes. This coupling facilitates simplified input and automated calculations of spectra based on advanced theoretical techniques. The approach is illustrated with examples of high-temperature behavior, vibrational properties, many-body excitations in XAS, super-heavy materials, and fits of calculated spectra to experiment.

The role of three dimensional transeosephageal echocardiography in predicting the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on mitral regurgitation in patients with low ejection fraction heart fail

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Purpose

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has  a positive effect on the improvement of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with low ejection heart failure. However geometric changes in the mitral valve apparatus, subvalvular structures and their contribution to  the improvement of mitral regurgitation after CRT have not  been clearly defined. The aim of our study was to evaluate the geometric parameters of mitral valve apparatus measured with 3Dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before CRT implantation and to determine the parameters predicting the improvement of mitral regurgitation after CRT.

Methods

Thirty patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation with low EF heart failure planned for CRT implantation and had an indication for TEE were included in the study. Effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) and regurgitant volume (RV) measurements were performed before CRT implantation. Detailed quantitative measurements of mitral valve were done from recorded images by 3D TEE. ERO, RV measurements were repeated to evaluate mitral regurgitation at the end of 3rd month.

Results

There were no significant changes in left ventricular EF and left ventricular diameters at the end of 3rd month, whereas ERO and RV values were decreased. A statistically significant difference was found in  posterior leaflet angle between mitral regurgitation responder and non-responder groups.  (28,93 ± 8,41 vs 41,25 ± 10,90, p = 0,006).

Conclusion

Heart failure patients with moderate or severe functional mitral regurgitation who underwent CRT implantation were found to have lower posterior leaflet angle measured by 3D TEE in the patient group whose mitral regurgitation improved after CRT. Abstract Figure.

Evaluation of the Impact of Ranolazine Treatment on Liver Function Tests in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver pathology in the developed world. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the impact of ranolazine on liver tests in patients with NAFLD and coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients who had established CAD and NAFLD (as assessed by raised serum transaminase activity, sonographic criteria, and the absence of any other obvious liver disease) were allocated to "on ranolazine" (n = 40) or "not on ranolazine" (n = 35) groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in all patients at baseline and at the end of the study. After 6 months of ranolazine treatment, both ALT and AST activities were significantly lower in patients in the "on ranolazine" group compared with "not on ranolazine" patients (change from baseline: ALT, -11.0 ± 1.7 IU/L, P < .001; AST, -5.2 ± 1.9 IU/L, P =.009). In conclusion, the present study showed that treatment with ranolazine for 6 months led to a significant reduction in the activities of both serum aminotransferases in patients with stable CAD and NAFLD.

P1697 A rare case: primary cardiac sarcoma in the left and right atrium presenting with dispnea due to mitral valvular obstruction

Introduction Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare; the incidence is approximately 0.001% to 0.03%. Malignant tumors account for 25% of primary cardiac tumors, and among those, sarcomas are the most prevalent. We report a case of primary cardiac sarcoma presenting with dyspnea due to mitral valvuler obstruction.

Case Report A 41-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea for 8 months without any obvious causes. She was healthy previous and without family history. Physical examination was normal. Thorax computed tomography (CT) scan was performed with the doubt of pulmonary disease. A 1x1 cm hypodense nodule was detected in superior segment of the right lower lobe lung. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed a 1*1 cm nodule in the lung. And also increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was observed in the left scapula, left iliac wing and right 4th rib, likely due to metastasis. Biopsy from the lesion of iliac wing was performed. Pathologic examination was primarily compatible with the malign mesenchymal tumor and sarcoma infiltration; but malignant epithelial tumor and metastasis of carcinoma could not be ruled out. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lung was performed to find the origin of the metastatic tumor. A 8,6 x 5,3 x 5,1 cm mass filling the right and left atria was detected.It was extending from the right atrium to the superior vena cava and also from the left atrium to the right inferior and superior pulmonary venules. The image of mass was compatible with sarcoma. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed. A mass in the left and right atrium was detected. It was filling the left atrium. Due to the mass, the maximum mitral gradient was 21 mm Hg and the mean mitral gradient was 10 mm Hg, as if there was mitral stenosis.Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 40 mmHg. Mild mitral insufficiency was detected. The patient was evaluated with the department of oncology and cardiovascular surgery. It was decided that the mass was inoperable. So transesophageal echocardiography was not performed. It was thought that, the mass was primary cardiac sarcoma, pulmonary nodule and bone lesions were metastasis of this primary cardiac sarcoma. So chemotherapy protocol (ifosfamide,adriamycin,mesna) was started.

Conclusion Cardiac tumors have many clinical presentations. Early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic. In advanced stages, patients present with symptoms of the classic triad (intracardiac obstruction, systemic embolization, constitutional symptoms) Symptoms are often non-spesific; so diagnostic suspicion is very important. Although cardiac sarcoma therapy includes complete surgical excision, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, prognosis is still poor. Surgery can offer dramatic palliation of symptoms in cases of valvular obstruction. In conclusion, it remains clear that early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important because of their prognostic and therapeutic value.

Abstract P1697 Figure.

P1703 Cardiac metastasis of germ cell tumor "like beads" in the right heart chambers and also left atrium

Introduction

Testis tumors constitute 1-2% of all malignant tumors in men. But it is the most common solid tumor in men between 15-35 years of age. Germ cell tumors constitute for almost 90% of all testis tumors. Intracardiac metastasis of testicular carcinomas is rare. We now report a case of a testicular germ cell tumor with right atrial metastasis.

Case report

A 30-year-old male patient was diagnosed with B-cell ALL.Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were completed in 2016. In January 2017, the patient applied to the hospital with pain in the right testicle.A mass detected and orchiectomy was performed.Pathologic examination revealed mixed germ cell tumor and B-cell ALL infiltration.Chemotherapy was started. The patient was admitted to our hospital with fever, in March 2018.Antibiotics were started but fever contuniued.Transthoracic echocardiography showed a large,hypoechogen,mobile mass in the right atrium.Then transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 2x3,3 cm mobile mass within the right atrium that prolapsed through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle in diastole.We could not distinguish if it is a vegetation or a metastatic mass. The patient underwent cardiac surgery.Pathologic examination revealed mixed germ cell tumor metastasis.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit because of sepsis. Antibiotics were expanded due to fever. Control transthoracic echocardiography and also transesophageal echocardiography showed a 1,8 x 0,6 cm mobile mass extending from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium and through the patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. One week after the surgery, a mass was detected in the transthoracic echocardiography. But no further examination was done. We thought that the mass may not have been completely removed in the the operation (residual tumor?). The patient was evaluated with the department of oncology and cardiovascular surgery. It was decided that reoperation would be very risky.

Conclusion

Metastatic tumors of the heart are seen more frequently than primary tumors. Although intracardiac metastasis of testicular germ cell tumors are rare (less than %1), it has been related to short survival. They may lead to the congestive heart failure, paradoxical systemic emboli and vena cava superior syndrome. Most cases in the literature are associated with right atrial mass. But in our case, the mass was extending from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium and through the patent foramen ovale into the left atrium. We wanted to share our experience and also wanted to discuss the treatment modality for similar patients.

Abstract P1703 Figure.

Expression of surface-bound nonstructural 1 (NS1) protein of influenza virus A H5N1 on Lactobacillus casei strain C1

The study aimed to construct a recombinant Lactobacillus casei expressing the nonstructural (NS) 1 protein of influenza A virus H5N1 on its cell wall. The NS1 gene was first amplified and fused to the pSGANC332 expression plasmid. The NS1 protein expression was carried out by Lact. casei strain C1. PCR screening and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of recombinant pSG-NS1-ANC332 plasmid in Lact. casei. The plasmid was stably maintained (98·94 ± 1·65%) by the bacterium within the first 20 generations without selective pressure. The NS1 was expressed as a 49-kDa protein in association with the anchoring peptide. The yield was 1·325 ± 0·065 μg mg^-1 of bacterial cells. Lactobacillus casei expressing the NS1 on its cell wall was red-fluorescently stained, but the staining was not observed on Lact. casei carrying the empty pSGANC332. The results implied that Lact. casei strain C1 is a promising host for the expression of surface-bound NS1 protein using the pSGANC332 expression plasmid.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study has demonstrated, for the first time, the expression of nonstructural 1 (NS1) protein of influenza A virus H5N1 on the cell wall of Lactobacillus casei using the pSGANC332 expression plasmid. Display of NS1 protein on the bacterial cell wall was evident under an immunofluorescence microscopic observation. Lactobacillus casei carrying the NS1 protein could be developed into a universal oral influenza vaccine since the NS1 is highly conserved among influenza viruses.

Is C1 lateral mass screw placement safe for the Chinese, Indians, and Malays? An analysis of 180 computed tomography scans

INTRODUCTION

C1 lateral mass (C1LM) screw is a common procedure in spine surgery. However, related studies are lacking in Asia. We aim to determine the safety of C1LM screw for the Chinese, Indians, and Malays.

METHODS

Three-dimensional computed tomographies of 180 subjects (60 from each ethnic) were analyzed. The length and angulations of C1LM screw and the location of internal carotid artery (ICA) in relation to C1LM were assessed and classified according to the classification by Murakami et al. The incidence of ponticulus posticus (PP) was determined and the differences among the population of these three ethnics were recorded.

RESULTS

The average base length was 8.5 ± 1.4 mm. The lengths within the lateral mass were between 14.7 ± 1.6 mm and 21.7 ± 2.3 mm. The prevalence of PP was 8.3%. 55.3% (199) of ICA were located in zone 0, 38.3% (138) in zone 1-1, 6.4% (23) in zone 1-2, and none in zone 1-3 and zone 2. The average angulation from the entry point to the ICA was 8.5° ± 6.4° laterally. The mean distance of ICA from C1 anterior cortex was 3.7 ± 1.7 mm (range: 0.6∼11.3). There was no difference in distribution of ICA in zone 1 among the three population (Chinese-47%, Indians-61%, and Malays-53%; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No ICA is located medial to the entry point of C1LM screw. If bicortical purchase of C1LM screw is needed, screw protrusion of less than 3 mm or medially angulated is safe for ICA. The incidence of PP is 8.3% with higher prevalence among the Indian population.

Human facial neural activities and gesture recognition for machine-interfacing applications

The authors present a new method of recognizing different human facial gestures through their neural activities and muscle movements, which can be used in machine-interfacing applications. Human-machine interface (HMI) technology utilizes human neural activities as input controllers for the machine. Recently, much work has been done on the specific application of facial electromyography (EMG)-based HMI, which have used limited and fixed numbers of facial gestures. In this work, a multipurpose interface is suggested that can support 2-11 control commands that can be applied to various HMI systems. The significance of this work is finding the most accurate facial gestures for any application with a maximum of eleven control commands. Eleven facial gesture EMGs are recorded from ten volunteers. Detected EMGs are passed through a band-pass filter and root mean square features are extracted. Various combinations of gestures with a different number of gestures in each group are made from the existing facial gestures. Finally, all combinations are trained and classified by a Fuzzy c-means classifier. In conclusion, combinations with the highest recognition accuracy in each group are chosen. An average accuracy >90% of chosen combinations proved their ability to be used as command controllers.

Stem cell transplantation in patients with autonomic neuropathy due to primary (AL) amyloidosis

OBJECTIVES

Patients with AL amyloidosis can benefit from high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Transplantation can be challenging due to fluid shifts, sepsis, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Amyloidosis may present with autonomic neuropathy (AN) that renders peritransplant care problematic. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of patients with AN during and after ASCT.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study of patients with AL amyloidosis with associated AN and compared them to a large matched cohort without AN who also underwent ASCT.

RESULTS

We identified 13 patients with AN who underwent ASCT and a matched control group of 95 patients without AN. Patients with AN had more organs involved (median 2.5 vs 1, p < 0.001) and the conditioning dose of melphalan was often reduced by 30% compared to controls without AN (p = 0.0015). Median duration of hospitalization was similar for both cohorts, as were engraftment kinetics. Atrial fibrillation occurred in all patients with AN but in only 1 control patient (p < 0.0001). Median overall survival (OS) for patients with AN was 29 months but >60 months for controls (p < 0.0001). On univariate analysis, cardiac involvement (p = 0.0132), AN (p = 0.0011), glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.038), number of organs involved (p = 0.0064), and NT-pro-BNP (p = 0.039) all had an impact on OS. On multivariate analysis, AN retained an independent adverse impact on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with autonomic neuropathy secondary to AL amyloidosis can undergo autologous stem cell transplantation with relative safety. Autonomic neuropathy is an independent, adverse determinant of survival in these patients.

Acute sensorineural hearing loss immediately following a local anaesthetic dental procedure

Acute sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon phenomenon. We describe the first case of a 42-year-old lady who presented with acute sensorineural hearing loss occurring immediately after a dental procedure. Possible mechanisms are discussed. She was treated with high dose oral steroids, low molecular weight dextran and vasodilators with benefit.

The effects of hypertonic saline solution (7.5%) on coagulation and fibrinolysis: an in vitro assessment using thromboelastography

We studied the effects of hypertonic (7.5%) and normal saline on coagulation and fibrinolysis in an in vitro model using thromboelastography of human whole blood. Reaction times increased and alpha angles decreased with hypertonic saline replacement at 7.5% blood volume compared with similar dilution with normal saline. At 10% blood volume replacement with hypertonic saline, reaction and coagulation times were significantly increased and alpha angles were decreased. Clot lysis at 30 min was also significantly reduced. We conclude that 7.5% hypertonic saline solution has anticoagulant effects if it replaces 7.5% or more of blood volume.

Tuberculous synovitis of the elbow joint

Tuberculous synovitis in the elbow joint is extremely rare in developed countries. We describe a 68-year-old man who had had a gradually enlarging mass over the volar side of the left proximal forearm near the elbow joint for 4 months. Plain roentgenograms of the diseased elbow showed early osteoarthritic change. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse synovitis with a large 8 x 8 cm extra-articular synovial cyst. Synovectomy was performed and histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseation, prominent Langhan's giant cells, and sparse acid-fast bacilli. The patient had been receiving antituberculous chemotherapy for at least 8 months at the time of examination and had no recurrence of swelling or discharging sinuses during follow-up. Differential diagnoses in patients with elbow swelling should include pigmented villonodular synovitis, hemophilic arthropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and tuberculosis. Simple aspiration may enable earlier diagnosis, before destructive arthropathy becomes advanced.

Focal cerebral hyper-perfusion in phantom limbs: assessed by Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT

Phantom limb pain is a common experience for patients who have received amputation. However, the definite mechanism is still not clear. Here, we describe a patient who suffered from phantom limb pain after left above-elbow amputation. The Tc-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study revealed increased regional cerebral blood flow in the right parietal cortex. This finding may imply the involvement of cerebral cortex in the development of phantom limb pain. Further study is worthwhile to elucidate the utility of SPECT and the role of cortex in phantom limb pain.

Multiple skeletal metastases of Ewing's sarcoma demonstrated on FDG-PET and compared with bone and gallium scans

Bone and gallium scans have been shown to be useful in imaging Ewing's sarcoma. Here we report on a case of recurrent Ewing's sarcoma with multiple skeletal metastases demonstrated by the FDG-PET whole body scan, while the bone scan revealed fewer lesions and a non-remarkable finding was found on the gallium scan. The following pathologic examination showed bone marrow involvement. This case demonstrated that the FDG-PET could detect more lesions of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma than bone and gallium scans, especially for those with bone marrow involvement.

Effect of antagonism of mivacurium-induced neuromuscular block on postoperative emesis in children

The routine use of cholinesterase inhibitors to antagonize residual neuromuscular block may be associated with increased postoperative emesis. Rapid spontaneous recovery from mivacurium may obviate the need for these drugs. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 113 healthy children who had received mivacurium as part of a standardized anesthetic regimen, we compared the incidence of postoperative complications after spontaneous recovery and after the use of neostigmine-glycopyrrolate or edrophonium-atropine. The anesthetic regimen consisted of halothane, nitrous oxide, fentanyl, 2 micrograms/kg intravenous (i.v.), mivacurium in an initial dose of 0.2 mg/kg, followed by an infusion, adjusted to maintain > or = 1 evoked contraction response to a supramaximum train-of-four stimulus. At the end of the procedure, patients received by random assignment one of three drug combinations: 1) neostigmine 70 micrograms/kg + glycopyrrolate 10 micrograms/kg, i.v., 2) edrophonium 1 mg/kg + atropine 10 micrograms/kg, i.v., and 3) saline. The trachea was extubated when evoked responses to peripheral nerve stimulation and clinical signs of adequate neuromuscular recovery were present. Postoperative pain was treated with morphine and emesis with metoclopramide. There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to age, surgery, intraoperative fentanyl, and mivacurium use, time from the end of surgery to tracheal extubation, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) arrival and discharge, or in postoperative oxygen saturation values and analgesic requirements. Compared to the placebo group, emesis occurred more often in the PACU in patients receiving the neostigmine-glycopyrrolate combination, but not after edrophonium-atropine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)