Surgical treatment of post infarction left ventricular aneurysms: our experience with double breasting and Dor's repair

BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective study of left ventricle (LV) aneurysm repair done at the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi, since October 1988. Two methods of LV aneurysm repair are practiced: double breasting (DB) and Dor's repair. The method varies with location, size, and extent of aneurysm and quality of the fibrotic wall of the aneurysm. METHODS: Between October 1988 and May 2001, 129 patients underwent LV aneurysm repair using one of the two techniques; 78 patients had Dor's repair while 51 patients had DB repair. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 2.3% (three patients). One patient died in the DB group, and two patients died in the Dor's repair group. Mean preoperative ejection fraction (EF) after surgery in DB was 31% while in Dor's repair it was 29.2%. EF showed improvement after surgery to 48.5% in DB and 46.6% in Dor's repair. Decrease in end-diastolic volume (EDV) in DB was from 146 to 91.4 cm3/m2, and in Dor's repair it was from 156 cm3/m2 to 88.6 cm3/m2. Decrease in end-systolic volume was from 101 cm3/m2 to 60.2 cm3/m2 in DB and from 109 cm3/m2 to 64.5 cm3/m2 in Dor's group. All of these values showed statistically significant improvement. At six months postoperatively, 83 patients (74.1%) out of 112 patients who were preoperatively in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classes III and IV improved to class II while 7 patients (6.3%) improved to class I. CONCLUSION: In our experience Dor's repair is indicated for anteroseptal and apical isolated posterior aneurysm to restore LV volume and geometry while DB is indicated for apical, anterolateral, and lateral aneurysms where septal involvement is less. These two techniques have definite indications and advantages with good results.     

Wilms' tumor: transureteral intravesical extension and presentation as urinary retention

The authors report an unusual case of Wilms’ tumor. The tumor grew transureterally into the urinary bladder, became dislodged, and presented as recurrent urinary infection with retention of urine after the child underwent nephroureterectomy. Such a presentation has not been reported earlier.     

Can noise reduction filters improve low-radiation-dose chest CT images? Pilot study

Effect of noise reduction filters on chest computed tomographic (CT) images acquired with 50% radiation dose reduction was evaluated. Two sets of images were acquired with multi-detector row CT at standard (220-280 mA) and 50% reduced (110-140 mA) tube current at the level of the carina. After postprocessing with six noise reduction filters, images were compared with baseline standard-dose images for noise, sharpness, and contrast in lungs, mediastinum, and chest wall. Quantitative image noise was measured in descending thoracic aorta. Modulation transfer functions were calculated from CT images of 50-microm wire. Noise reduction filters reduced image noise on low-radiation-dose chest CT images, with some compromise in image sharpness and contrast assessed qualitatively, and slightly altered modulation transfer function at higher spatial frequencies.     

Regulation of c-Raf-1: therapeutic implications

The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or Ras/Raf/MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling cascade is a ubiquitously expressed intracellular signaling pathway that transmits mitogenic stimuli to the nucleus through a series of sequential phosphorylation events and controls such cellular functions as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Components of this pathway such as ras and raf are oncogenes and as such aberrancy in their encoded proteins results in malignant transformation. The MAPK pathway is dysregulated in approximately 30% of all human tumors and therefore targeting specific components of this pathway that regulate pleiotropic cellular processes using such strategies as isoprenylation inhibitors, antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides, and inhibitors of the kinase function represent attractive therapeutic options. raf kinase, a downstream effector of ras, has been known to be functionally aberrant in various human tumors. The 3 isoforms of raf have been studied extensively, and agents targeting c-raf are presently undergoing early-phase clinical testing. The outcomes of these trials have wide-ranging clinical implications in the management of cancers. This review addresses the rationale for targeting raf, the diverse cellular functions regulated by c-raf, and the current status of various pharmacological approaches targeting c-raf.     

Comparison of continuous thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks for postoperative analgesia after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and paravertebral block (PVB) for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery for quality of analgesia, complications, compliance to chest physiotherapy, hemodynamics, and respiratory effects. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Specialty research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one consenting patients undergoing MIDCAB surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the TEA group had an epidural catheter inserted at the T4-5 interspace, whereas patients in the PVB group had a catheter inserted in the paravertebral space on the left side at the T4-5 level. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Parameters evaluated included visual analog scale pain scores at rest and while coughing, supplemental analgesic requirement, complications, hemodynamics, and respiratory parameters. Measurements were made at 2-hour intervals for 12 hours beginning at 10 minutes after endotracheal extubation. There was no statistically significant difference in visual analog scale scores and requirement of supplemental analgesia between the 2 groups. Cardiac index at 4 hours and 6 hours was significantly higher in the TEA group. Patients in the PVB group had significantly lower respiratory rates at 8, 10, and 12 hours. All other parameters were comparable. In 1 patient, the epidural space could not be catheterized. One patient in the TEA group had transient hypotension, and 1 patient complained of backache at the site of the epidural catheter insertion. CONCLUSION: PVB is as effective as TEA for postoperative analgesia after MIDCAB surgery. PVB is technically easier than TEA and may be safer than TEA because no complications were seen in the PVB group.     

The Role of Microbial Biofilms in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Associated with Bisphosphonate Therapy

Microbial biofilms have been observed and described in bone specimens of patients with bisphosphonate (BP)-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) and investigators are more recently suggesting that this condition essentially represents an osteomyelitis of the jaw clinically, with greater susceptibility in some patients on BP therapy. This article explains the role of microbial biofilms in BONJ and also discusses associated factors in the disease pathogenesis, which include BP effects on bone remodeling, anti-angiogenesis, matrix necrosis, microcracks, soft tissue toxicity, and inflammation and wound healing. Recent findings suggest a key role for microbial biofilms in the pathogenesis of BONJ; this has important therapeutic implications because biofilm organisms represent a clinical target for prevention and treatment efforts aimed at reducing the significant morbidity and costs associated with this condition.     

Spectrum of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the uterine cervix,including histopathologic features,terminology, immunohistochemical profile,and clinical outcomes in a series of 50 cases from a single institution in India

Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix are uncommon, characterized by a histomorphological spectrum and, mostly, an aggressive clinical course. There are only few substantial studies on such cases documented from our country, where cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. Herein, we present a spectrum of 50 cervical neuroendocrine carcinomas, including histopathologic features, terminology, immunohistochemical (IHC) profile, and clinical outcomes, wherever available. Fifty tumors occurred in women, with their age ranging from 23 to 69 years (mean, 48.6 years; median, 46.5 years). Stagewise, among 25 cases, most cases (6, or 24%) presented with stage IB. Average tumor size was 4.7 cm. On histopathologic review, 26 tumors (52%) were classified as small cell carcinoma (SMCA); 14 (28%), as large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs); 4 (8%), as SMCA + LCNECs; and 6, as mixed carcinomas, including 3 tumors (6%) with SMCA and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 tumors (4%) with LCNEC and adenocarcinoma, and a single tumor (2%) with LCNEC and squamous cell carcinoma. On IHC performed in 41 tumors (82%), 36 tumors (87.8%) were positive for at least a single neuroendocrine marker, and 22 (53.6%) expressed 2 neuroendocrine markers. Synaptophysin was positive in 22 (59.4%) of 37 tumors; chromogranin, in 27 (72.9%) of 37; CD56, in 8 (100%) of 8; and neuron-specific enolase in 7 (87.5%) of 8 tumors. Treatment wise, among 30 patients (60%), 6 (20%) underwent surgery, including Wertheim hysterectomy (5) and simple hysterectomy (1); 8 (26.6%) underwent surgery with adjuvant treatment, and 10 patients (33.3%) were offered chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. On follow-up (27 patients, or 54%) over 1 to 144 months, 16 patients (59.2%) were alive with disease over median duration of 9 months, and 7 (25.9%) were free of disease over median duration of 26.5 months. There were 5 recorded deaths. Thirteen tumors (48.1%) metastasized, most commonly to liver. In cases with early stage disease and adjuvant treatment, including radiotherapy, LCNEC histology fared well. This study forms the largest documented series on cervical neuroendocrine carcinomas from our country, testifying the current histopathologic classification system. Although SMCAs can be recognized on morphology, LCNECs need to be correctly identified because these can be misdiagnosed in the absence of neuroendocrine markers. Synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56 are optimal IHC markers. Small cell carcinomas, pure or mixed, are relatively more aggressive. All these tumors are best treated with multimodal therapy. Early stage disease treated with radical surgery and adjuvant treatment seems to increase survival. Despite aggressive treatment, prognosis is dismal.     

Successful ACL reconstruction with a variant of the pes anserinus

An anatomical variant of the pes anserinus encountered during anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery which has not been previously described is discussed. During routine harvesting, the sartorius fascia was incised and the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were identified. At the distal portion, it was noted that each tendon gave off an additional tendinous slip. The slip from the semitendinosus tendon had attached to the gracilis tendon and vice versa, thereby creating a double pes anserinus. This variant was used to construct the graft, and at 1 year review the patient had returned to full sporting activities with no complications encountered.