The Repeatability Assessment of Three-Dimensional Capsule-Intraocular Lens Complex Measurements by Means of High-Speed Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

To rebuild the three-dimensional (3-D) model of the anterior segment by high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) and evaluate the repeatability of measurement for the parameters of capsule-intraocular lens (C-IOL) complex.

Methods

Twenty-two pseudophakic eyes from 22 patients were enrolled. Three continuous SSOCT measurements were performed in all eyes and the tomograms obtained were used for 3-D reconstruction. The output data were used to evaluate the measurement repeatability. The parameters included postoperative aqueous depth (PAD), the area and diameter of the anterior capsule opening (Area and D), IOL tilt (IOL-T), horizontal, vertical, and space decentration of the IOL, anterior capsule opening, and IOL-anterior capsule opening.

Results

PAD, IOL-T, Area, D, and all decentration measurements showed high repeatability. Repeated measure analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference among the three continuous measurements (all P > .05). Pearson correlation analysis showed high correlation between each pair of them (all r >0.90, P<0.001). ICCs were all more than 0.9 for all parameters. The 95% LoAs of all parameters were narrow for comparison of three measurements, which showed high repeatability for three measurements.

Conclusion

SSOCT is available to be a new method for the 3-D measurement of C-IOL complex after cataract surgery. This method presented high repeatability in measuring the parameters of the C-IOL complex.     

Effect of Hydrophobic Acrylic versus Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lens on Posterior Capsule Opacification: Meta-Analysis

Purpose

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the differences in performance of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) between hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOLs) and hydrophilic acrylic IOLs.

Setting

Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China.

Design

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analysis.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library database before May in 2013 to identify prospective RCTs comparing hydrophobic acrylic IOLs and hydrophilic acrylic IOLs in patients after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation with a follow-up time of at least 1 year. Pertinent studies were selected by meeting predefined criteria and reviewed systematically by meta-analysis. The PCO scores and YAG capsulotomy rate, as indicator of PCO, were measured and discussed in a meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMD), relative risk ratio (RR), and the pooled estimates were computed according to a random effect model or fixed effect model.

Results

Nine prospective RCTs involving 861 eyes were included in the current meta-analysis. The hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were favored and the pooled SMD of PCO severity was1.72 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20 to 1.23, P = 0.0002) and 1.79 (95% CI, 0.95 to 2.64, P<0.0001) with 1-year follow-up and 2-year follow-up respectively. The pooled RR of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates at postoperative 2-year follow-up was 6.96 (95% CI, 3.69 to 13.11, P<0.00001) comparing hydrophilic acrylic IOLs with hydrophobic acrylic IOLs.

Conclusions

Compared with hydrophilic acrylic IOLs, the hydrophobic acrylic IOLs showed superior reduction in rates of PCO and laser capsulotomy in 2-year follow-up. More RCTs with standard methods for longer follow-up are needed to validate the association.     

Retropupillary Fixation of Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens for Aphakic Eyes in Children

Purpose

To report outcome, complications and safety of retropupillary fixated iris-claw intraocular lenses in a pediatric population.

Design

Retrospective study.

Patients and Methods

Ten consecutive pediatric patients (15 eyes) underwent placement of retropupillary fixated iris-claw intraocular lenses between October 2007 and July 2013 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz and General Hospital Klagenfurt, Austria. Postoperative visual acuity and complications were analyzed.

Results

Median final best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.12 logMAR from preoperative baseline. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.05 ± 1.76 D. No serious complications were observed intra- or postoperatively during the entire follow-up period of up to 40 months. One patient experienced a haptic disenclavation with IOL subluxation immediately after a car accident.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that iris-claw intraocular lens implantation behind the iris is safe in children with lack of capsular support and yields excellent visual outcome with low complication rate.     

Anterior Chamber Depth and Refractive Change in Late Postoperative Capsular Bag Distension Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis

Purpose

To assess the characteristic findings and effects of laser capsulotomy in patients with late postoperative capsular bag distension syndrome (CBDS).

Methods

Twenty patients diagnosed with late postoperative CBDS between July 2010 and August 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Before and 1 week after capsulotomy, changes in the anterior chamber depth (ACD) were assessed using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Changes in the refractive status and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) were also measured 1 week and 1 month after capsulotomy. For patients who received bilateral cataract surgery, preoperative ACD and axial length measured by IOLMaster were compared between the two eyes.

Results

Twenty-two eyes from 20 patients who had undergone laser capsulotomy showed a mean UCVA improvement of 0.27 ± 0.24 logMAR (range, 0.00–0.90). ACD was increased by an average of +0.04 mm (95% confidence interval, +0.01 to +0.06 mm, p = 0.034), equivalent to predicted refractive change of +0.10 D. The discrepancy between actual (+1.33 D) and predicted refractive change after capsulotomy suggests that refractive change may not be generated from IOL displacement in late postoperative CBDS. Preoperative ACD was deeper in the eye with late postoperative CBDS in all bilaterally pseudophakic patients (mean, 3.68 mm vs. 3.44 mm in the fellow eye, p = 0.068).

Conclusions

Late postoperative CBDS showed refractive changes that were resolved successfully after laser capsulotomy. The convex lens effects of opalescent material in the distended capsular bag may play a major role in myopic shift. A larger preoperative ACD is possibly associated with the development of late postoperative CBDS.     

吉西他滨眼内应用抑制兔眼白内障术后 后囊膜混浊的实验研究

目的：研究眼内应用浓度为5mg／ml的吉西他滨（GEM）对于后囊膜混浊的抑制作用。方法：12只（24眼）实验动物随机分为A、B二组,A组为治疗组,B组为对照组。所有的实验动物均进行晶状体囊外摘除＋人工晶体植入术。A组术中应用5mg/ml吉西他滨溶液作水分离;B组术中应用平衡盐溶液作水分离。术后定期观察角膜水肿,评价PCO及进行角膜内皮细胞分析。结果：术后第1天,第3天,第7天两组角膜水肿的例数均无差异。术后第二周,两组后囊膜发现不同程度混浊,第四周后囊膜混浊程度分级,对照组中央后囊明显混浊;角膜内皮细胞分析显示两组的角膜内皮数量明显低于术前,比较两组的角膜内皮数量减少量无统计学意义。结论：实验显示眼内应用5mg／ml吉西他滨后囊膜混浊程度较对照组明显轻。尽管眼内应用有导致眼内组织毒性反应的可能性,但通过用药方法的改进和保护措施的加强是可以有效避免或减轻的,因此吉西他滨是一种有潜力的预防后发性白内障的侯选药物。     

Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging Provides Insight into White Matter Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by widespread white matter damage. There is growing evidence that disturbances in iron metabolism contribute to white matter alterations.

Materials & Methods

We analysed the data of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) of white matter in a cohort of 27 patients with ALS and 30 healthy age-matched controls.

Results

Signal alterations were found on SWI in the corpus callosum; along the corticospinal tract (subcortical motor cortex, posterior limb of the internal capsule and brainstem levels) and in the subgyral regions of frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital and limbic lobes. Alterations of white matter in the corpus callosum correlated with disease severity as assessed by the revised ALS functional rating scale.

Conclusion

SWI is capable of indicating iron and myelin disturbances in white matter of ALS patients. The SWI patterns observed in this study suggest that widespread alterations due to iron disturbances occur in patients with ALS and correlate with disease severity.     

Recovery of Corneal Endothelial Cells from Periphery after Injury

Background

Wound healing of the endothelium occurs through cell enlargement and migration. However, the peripheral corneal endothelium may act as a cell resource for the recovery of corneal endothelium in endothelial injury.

Aim

To investigate the recovery process of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) from corneal endothelial injury.

Methods

Three patients with unilateral chemical eye injuries, and 15 rabbit eyes with corneal endothelial chemical injuries were studied. Slit lamp examination, specular microscopy, and ultrasound pachymetry were performed immediately after chemical injury and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months later. The anterior chambers of eyes from New Zealand white rabbits were injected with 0.1 mL of 0.05 N NaOH for 10 min (NaOH group). Corneal edema was evaluated at day 1, 7, and 14. Vital staining was performed using alizarin red and trypan blue.

Results

Specular microscopy did not reveal any corneal endothelial cells immediately after injury. Corneal edema subsided from the periphery to the center, CEC density increased, and central corneal thickness decreased over time. In the animal study, corneal edema was greater in the NaOH group compared to the control at both day 1 and day 7. At day 1, no CECs were detected at the center and periphery of the corneas in the NaOH group. Two weeks after injury, small, hexagonal CECs were detected in peripheral cornea, while CECs in mid-periphery were large and non-hexagonal.

Conclusions

CECs migrated from the periphery to the center of the cornea after endothelial injury. The peripheral corneal endothelium may act as a cell resource for the recovery of corneal endothelium.     

Prophylactic Vancomycin Drops Reduce the Severity of Early Bacterial Keratitis in Keratoprosthesis

Background

Artificial cornea transplantation, keratoprosthesis, improves vision for patients at high risk of failure with human cadaveric cornea. However, post-operative infection can cause visual loss and implant extrusion in 3.2–17% of eyes. Long-term vancomycin drops are recommended following keratoprosthesis to prevent bacterial keratitis. Evidence, though, in support of this practice is poor. We investigated whether prophylactic vancomycin drops prevented bacterial keratitis in an animal keratoprosthesis model.

Methodology

Twenty-three rabbits were assigned either to a prophylactic group (n = 13) that received vancomycin 1.4% drops 5 times/day from keratoprosthesis implantation to sacrifice, or a non-prophylactic group (n = 10) that received no drops. All rabbits had Staphylococcus aureus inoculation into the cornea at 7–12 days post-implantation and were sacrificed at predetermined time-points. Prophylactic and non-prophylactic groups were compared with slit-lamp photography (SLP), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and histology, immunohistochemistry and bacterial quantification of excised corneas. Corneal vancomycin pharmacokinetics were studied in 8 additional rabbits.

Results

On day 1 post-inoculation, the median SLP score and mean±SEM AS-OCT corneal thickness (CT) were greater in the non-prophylactic than the prophylactic group (11 vs. 1, p = 0.049 and 486.9±61.2 vs. 327.4±37.1 μm, p = 0.029 respectively). On days 2 and 4, SLP scores and CT were not significantly different. Immunohistochemistry showed a greater CD11b+ve/non-CD11b+ve cell ratio in the non-prophylactic group (1.45 vs. 0.71) on day 2. Bacterial counts were not significantly different between the two groups. Corneal vancomycin concentration (2.835±0.383 μg/ml) exceeded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus only after 16 days of vancomycin drops. Two of 3 rabbits still developed infection despite bacterial inoculation after 16 days of prophylactic drops.

Conclusions

Prophylactic vancomycin drops provided short-term benefit, but did not prevent infection. Achieving MIC in the cornea was not sufficient to prevent Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. Patients should continue to be counselled regarding the risk of infection following keratoprosthesis.     

Development of an Arthroscopic Joint Capsule Injury Model in the Canine Shoulder

Background

The natural history of rotator cuff tears can be unfavorable as patients develop fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy that is often associated with a loss of muscle strength and shoulder function. To facilitate study of possible biologic mechanisms involved in early degenerative changes to rotator cuff muscle and tendon tissues, the objective of this study was to develop a joint capsule injury model in the canine shoulder using arthroscopy.

Methods

Arthroscopic surgical methods for performing a posterior joint capsulectomy in the canine shoulder were first defined in cadavers. Subsequently, one canine subject underwent bilateral shoulder joint capsulectomy using arthroscopy, arthroscopic surveillance at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, and gross and histologic examination of the joint at 10 weeks.

Results

The canine subject was weight-bearing within eight hours after index and follow-up surgeries and had no significant soft tissue swelling of the shoulder girdle or gross lameness. Chronic synovitis and macroscopic and microscopic evidence of pathologic changes to the rotator cuff bony insertions, tendons, myotendinous junctions and muscles were observed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates feasibility and proof-of-concept for a joint capsule injury model in the canine shoulder. Future work is needed to define the observed pathologic changes and their role in the progression of rotator cuff disease. Ultimately, better understanding of the biologic mechanisms of early progression of rotator cuff disease may lead to clinical interventions to halt or slow this process and avoid the more advanced and often irreversible conditions of large tendon tears with muscle fatty atrophy.     

Experimental lens capsular bag model for posterior capsule opacification

An in vitro culture model enabling posterior capsule opacification (PCO) to be investigated was developed and established by using low-melting-point (LMP)-agarose gel to support the capsular bag. After removal of the cornea from rodent and porcine eyeballs, the lens zonules were dissected. Whole lens explants were embedded into 2 % (37 °C) LMP-agarose gel solution. As performed routinely in cataract surgery, capsulotomy and lens fiber removal were carried out in the solidified LMP-agarose gel as sham cataract surgery. The LMP-agarose-gel-supported capsular bag/lens epithelial cell (CB-LEC) complexes were maintained in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum in an anterior face-down position. The proliferation and migration of LECs into the posterior capsule were observed every 12 h by phase-contrast microscopy. Epithelial cells were observed at the central portion of the CB-LEC complexes after 56.57?±?16.56 h (n?=?7) and 106?±?14.03 h (n?=?6) of culture, for rodent and porcine lenses, respectively. The solidified gel allowed clear microscopic observations and whole-mount immunostaining evaluations of the whole area of the capsular bag. Histological examinations revealed the proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of LECs related to posterior capsule opacification. This new in vitro culture model provides experimental benefits by maintaining the natural contour of the capsule without implants inside or outside of the capsule. In addition, this model system allows pharmacological and histological evaluations of the cultured CB-LEC complexes without additional manipulations.     

Influence of Nano-HA Coated Bone Collagen to Acrylic (Polymethylmethacrylate) Bone Cement on Mechanical Properties and Bioactivity

Objective

This research investigated the mechanical properties and bioactivity of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement after addition of the nano-hydroxyapatite(HA) coated bone collagen (mineralized collagen, MC).

Materials & Methods

The MC in different proportions were added to the PMMA bone cement to detect the compressive strength, compression modulus, coagulation properties and biosafety. The MC-PMMA was embedded into rabbits and co-cultured with MG 63 cells to exam bone tissue compatibility and gene expression of osteogenesis.

Results

15.0%(wt) impregnated MC-PMMA significantly lowered compressive modulus while little affected compressive strength and solidification. MC-PMMA bone cement was biologically safe and indicated excellent bone tissue compatibility. The bone-cement interface crosslinking was significantly higher in MC-PMMA than control after 6 months implantation in the femur of rabbits. The genes of osteogenesis exhibited significantly higher expression level in MC-PMMA.

Conclusions

MC-PMMA presented perfect mechanical properties, good biosafety and excellent biocompatibility with bone tissues, which has profoundly clinical values.     

Surgical Management for Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis Posterior Only versus Anterior Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Study Design

A comparable retrospective study.

Object

To compare the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment by posterior only and anterior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic spinal tuberculosis (TSTB).

Method

145 patients with TSTB treated by two different surgical procedures in our institution from June 2001 to June 2014 were studied. All cases were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to the given treatments: 75 cases (32F/43M) in group A performed single-stage posterior debridement, transforaminal thoracic interbody fusion and instrumentation, and 70 cases (30F/40M) in group B underwent anterior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Clinical and radiographic results in the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results

Patients in group A and B were followed up for an average of 4.6±1.8, 4.4±1.2 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of the operation time, blood loss, bony fusion, neurological recovery and the correction angle of kyphotic deformity (P>0.05). Fewer pulmonary complications were observed in group A. Good clinical outcomes were achieved in both groups.

Conclusions

Both the anterior VATS and posterior approaches can effectively treat thoracic tuberculosis. Nevertheless, the posterior approach procedure obtained less morbidity and complications than the other.     

Task Type Affects Location of Language-Positive Cortical Regions by Repetitive Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Mapping

Objectives

Recent repetitive TMS (rTMS) mapping protocols for language mapping revealed deficits of this method, mainly in posterior brain regions. Therefore this study analyzed the impact of different language tasks on the localization of language-positive brain regions and compared their effectiveness, especially with regard to posterior brain regions.

Methods

Nineteen healthy, right-handed subjects performed object naming, pseudoword reading, verb generation, and action naming during rTMS language mapping of the left hemisphere. Synchronically, 5 Hz/10 pulses were applied with a 0 ms delay

Results

The object naming task evoked the highest error rate (14%), followed by verb generation (13%) and action naming (11%). The latter revealed more errors in posterior than in anterior areas. Pseudoword reading barely generated errors, except for phonological paraphasias.

Conclusions

In general, among the evaluated language tasks, object naming is the most discriminative task to detect language-positive regions via rTMS. However, other tasks might be used for more specific questions.     

Emerging,Non-PCV13 Serotypes 11A and 35B of Streptococcus pneumoniae Show High Potential for Biofilm Formation In Vitro

Background

Since the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines PCV7 and PCV13 in children became widespread, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has dramatically decreased. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae non-vaccine serotypes (NVT) colonising the human nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal colonisation, an essential step in the development of S. pneumoniae-induced IPD, is associated with biofilm formation. Although the capsule is the main pneumococcal virulence factor, the formation of pneumococcal biofilms might, in fact, be limited by the presence of capsular polysaccharide (CPS).

Methodology/Principal Findings

We used clinical isolates of 16 emerging, non-PCV13 serotypes as well as isogenic transformants of the same serotypes. The biofilm formation capacity of isogenic transformants expressing CPSs from NVT was evaluated in vitro to ascertain whether this trait can be used to predict the emergence of NVT. Fourteen out of 16 NVT analysed were not good biofilm formers, presumably because of the presence of CPS. In contrast, serotypes 11A and 35B formed ≥45% of the biofilm produced by the non-encapsulated M11 strain.

Conclusions/Significance

This study suggest that emerging, NVT serotypes 11A and 35B deserve a close surveillance.     

Therapeutic Hypothermia Modifies Perinatal Asphyxia-Induced Changes of the Corpus Callosum and Outcome in Neonates

What Is Known about this Subject?

Diffusion-weighted MRI has demonstrated changes in the corpus callosum of term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. The severity of cerebral changes demonstrated using diffusion-weighted MRI is difficult to assess without measuring values of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC).

What Is New?

ADC values of the anterior part of the corpus callosum are slightly higher than of the posterior part in full term infants with perinatal asphyxia. Low ADC values of the corpus callosum were associated with an adverse outcome in infants with perinatal asphyxia. In infants treated with hypothermia lower ADC values than with normothermia were associated with a poor outcome, supporting neuroprotective effects of hypothermia

Background

Using MRI, changes can be detected in the corpus callosum (CC) following perinatal asphyxia which are associated with later neurodevelopmental outcome.

Aim

To study the association between the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC) in the CC on MRI in neonates with perinatal asphyxia and neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of age.

Subjects, Methods

Of 121 infants 32 (26%) died and 13 (11%) survived with an adverse neurological outcome. Sixty-five (54%) received therapeutic hypothermia. MRI was performed within 7 days after birth using a 1.5 T or 3.0 T system, and ADC values were measured in the anterior and posterior CC. The association between ADC and composite outcome (death or abnormal neurodevelopment) was analyzed for both normothermia and hypothermia cases using receiver operating characteristics.

Results

ADC values of the posterior CC were lower than of the anterior part (mean difference 0.050 x 10^-3 mm²/s, p<0.001). Field strength did not affect ADC values. ADC values of the posterior part of the CC were significantly lower in infants with basal ganglia/thalamus or near total brain injury (p<0.001). Lower ADC values were associated with an adverse outcome, but cut-off levels were lower after hypothermia (1.024 x 10^-3 mm²/s vs 0.969 x 10^-3 mm²/s)

Conclusion

Low ADC values of the posterior part of the corpus callosum are associated with an adverse outcome in term or near term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Therapeutic hypothermia slightly modifies this association, showing that lower values were needed for an adverse outcome.     

Prevalence of Cataract Surgery and Visual Outcomes in Indian Immigrants in Singapore: The Singapore Indian Eye Study

Objective

To determine the prevalence of cataract surgery and factors associated with post-surgical visual outcomes in migrant Indians living in Singapore.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a population-based study in 3,400 Indian immigrants residing in Singapore−the Singapore Indian Eye Study (SINDI). All participants underwent comprehensive medical eye examination and a standardized interview. Post-operative visual impairment (VI) was defined as best-corrected or presenting visual acuity (BCVA or PVA) of 20/60 or worse.

Results

The age- and gender-standardized prevalence of cataract surgery was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9%, 10.7%) in Singapore resident Indians. Post-operative VI defined by BCVA occurred in 10.9% eyes (87/795). The main causes of post-operative VI were diabetic retinopathy (20.7%), posterior capsular opacification (18.4%), and age-related macular degeneration (12.6%). Undercorrected refractive error doubled the prevalence of post-operative VI when PVA was used.

Conclusions

The rate of cataract surgery is about 10% in Indian residents in Singapore. Socioeconomic variables and migration had no significant impact on the prevalence of cataract surgery. Diabetic retinopathy was a major cause of post-operative VI in migrant Indians living in Singapore. Uncorrected postoperative refractive error remains an efficient way to improve vision.     

Vascular Complications of Intercavernous Sinuses during Transsphenoidal Surgery: An Anatomical Analysis Based on Autopsy and Magnetic Resonance Venography

Purpose

Vascular complications induced by intercavernous sinus injury during dural opening in the transsphenoidal surgery may contribute to incomplete tumour resections. Preoperative neuro-imaging is of crucial importance in planning surgical approach. The aim of this study is to correlate the microanatomy of intercavernous sinuses with its contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE-MRV).

Methods

Eighteen human adult cadavers and 24 patients were examined based on autopsy and CE-MRV. Through dissection of the cadavers and CE-MRV, the location, shape, number, diameter and type of intercavernous sinuses were measured and compared.

Results

Different intercavernous sinuses were identified by their location and shape in all the cadavers and CE-MRV. Compared to the cadavers, CE-MRV revealed 37% of the anterior intercavernous sinus, 48% of the inferior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the posterior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the dorsum sellae sinus and 100% of the basilar sinus. The smaller intercavernous sinuses were not seen in the neuro-images. According to the presence of the anterior and inferior intercavernous sinus, four types of the intercavernous sinuses were identified in cadavers and CE-MRV, and the corresponding operative space in the transsphenoidal surgical approach was implemented.

Conclusion

The morphology and classification of the cavernous sinus can be identified by CE-MRV, especially for the larger vessels, which cause bleeding more easily. Therefore, CE-MRV provides a reliable measure for individualized preoperative planning during transsphenoidal surgery.     

Non-Invasive Continuous Respiratory Monitoring on General Hospital Wards: A Systematic Review

Background

Failure to recognize acute deterioration in hospitalized patients may contribute to cardiopulmonary arrest, unscheduled intensive care unit admission and increased mortality.

Purpose

In this systematic review we aimed to determine whether continuous non-invasive respiratory monitoring improves early diagnosis of patient deterioration and reduces critical incidents on hospital wards.

Data Sources

Studies were retrieved from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library, searched from 1970 till October 25, 2014.

Study Selection

Electronic databases were searched using keywords and corresponding synonyms ‘ward’, ‘continuous’, ‘monitoring’ and ‘respiration’. Pediatric, fetal and animal studies were excluded.

Data Extraction

Since no validated tool is currently available for diagnostic or intervention studies with continuous monitoring, methodological quality was assessed with a modified tool based on modified STARD, CONSORT, and TREND statements.

Data Synthesis

Six intervention and five diagnostic studies were included, evaluating the use of eight different devices for continuous respiratory monitoring. Quantitative data synthesis was not possible because intervention, study design and outcomes differed considerably between studies. Outcomes estimates for the intervention studies ranged from RR 0.14 (0.03, 0.64) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to RR 1.00 (0.41, 2.35) for unplanned ICU admission after introduction of continuous respiratory monitoring,

Limitations

The methodological quality of most studies was moderate, e.g. ‘before-after’ designs, incomplete reporting of primary outcomes, and incomplete clinical implementation of the monitoring system.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this systematic review, implementation of routine continuous non-invasive respiratory monitoring on general hospital wards cannot yet be advocated as results are inconclusive, and methodological quality of the studies needs improvement. Future research in this area should focus on technology explicitly suitable for low care settings and tailored alarm and treatment algorithms.     

Novel Classification of the Posterior Auricular Artery Based on Angiographical Appearance

Purpose

To investigate the length variation of the posterior auricular artery and propose a novel classification of the posterior auricular artery based on angiographical appearance.

Patients and Methods

A series of 234 consecutive patients who had undergone conventional cerebral angiography was analyzed. The posterior auricular artery was examined on the lateral projection of the external carotid or common carotid arteriography. The posterior auricular artery was classified into four groups by length, using the external auditory canal and the top of the helix as radiographical landmarks. Our proposed classification is as follows: Type A, posterior auricular artery terminates between its origin and the center of the external auditory canal; Type B, posterior auricular artery terminates between the center of the external auditory canal and the top of the helix; Type C, posterior auricular artery terminates between the top of the helix and the vertex; and Type D, posterior auricular artery reaches up to the vertex.

Results

A total of 424 (right, 214; left, 210) posterior auricular arteries were analyzed in 111 men and 123 women aged 11 to 91 years (mean, 61.0 years) examined for aneurysms in 78 cases, occlusive vascular diseases in 56, intracranial hemorrhages in 41, tumors in 35, and others in 24. Types A, B, C, and D were found in 15.1%, 34.9%, 48.8%, and 1.2% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion

A novel classification of the posterior auricular artery identifies four types based on its length on cerebral angiography.     

Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging of the Anatomic Variation of Thalamostriate Vein and Its Tributaries

Background and Purpose

Thalamostriate vein (TSV) is an important tributary of the internal cerebral vein, which mainly drains the basal ganglia and deep medulla. The purpose of this study was to explore the anatomic variation and quality of TSV and its smaller tributaries using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI).

Methods

We acquired SWI images in 40 volunteers on a 3.0T MR system using an 8-channel high-resolution phased array coil. The frequencies of the TSV and its tributaries were evaluated. We classified TSV into types I (forming a venous angle) and II (forming a false venous angle). We classified anterior caudate vein (ACV)into types 1 (1 trunk) and 2 (2 trunks) as well as into types A (joiningTSV), B (joining anterior septal vein), and C (joining the angle of both veins).

Results

The TSV drains the areas of caudate nucleus, internal capsule,lentiform nucleus, external capsule, claustrum, extreme capsule and the white matter of the frontoparietal lobes,except thalamus. The frequencies of the TSV, ACV and transverse caudate vein (ACV) were 92.5%, 87.5% and 63.8%, respectively. We found TSV types I and II in 79.7%, and 20.3% with significantly different constitution ratios (P< 0.05). The most common types of ACV were type 1 (90.0%) and type A (64.3%).

Conclusion

The complex three-dimensional (3D) venous architecture of TSV and its small tributaries manifests great variation, with significant and practical implications for neurosurgery.