Prognostic Value of the Metabolic and Volumetric Parameters of 11C-Methionine Positron-Emission Tomography for Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [ADULT BRAIN]

BACKGROUND:

Several studies have demonstrated that ¹¹C-methionine positron-emission tomography provides information on prognosis.

PURPOSE:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic value of the metabolic and volumetric parameters of ¹¹C-methionine-PET for gliomas.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic search was performed using the following combination of keywords: "methionine," "PET," "glioma," and "prognosis."

STUDY SELECTION:

The inclusion criteria were the use of ¹¹C-methionine-PET as an imaging tool, studies limited to gliomas, studies including metabolic parameters (tumor-to-normal ratio) and/or volumetric parameters (metabolic tumor volume), and studies reporting survival data. The electronic search first identified 181 records, and 14 studies were selected.

DATA ANALYSIS:

Event-free survival and overall survival were the outcome measures of interest. The effect of the tumor-to-normal ratio and metabolic tumor volume on survival was determined by the effect size of the hazard ratio. Hazard ratios were extracted directly from each study when provided or determined by analyzing the Kaplan-Meier curves.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The combined hazard ratios of the tumor-to-normal ratio for event-free survival was 1.74 with no significance and that of the tumor-to-normal ratio for overall survival was 2.02 with significance. The combined hazard ratio of the metabolic tumor volume for event-free survival was 2.72 with significance and that of the metabolic tumor volume for overall survival was 3.50 with significance.

LIMITATIONS:

The studies selected were all retrospective, and there were only 4 studies involving the metabolic tumor volume.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present meta-analysis of ¹¹C-methionine-PET suggests that the tumor-to-normal ratio for overall survival and the metabolic tumor volume for event-free survival and overall survival are significant prognostic factors for patients with gliomas.

Assessing Corticospinal Tract Asymmetry in Unilateral Polymicrogyria [PEDIATRICS]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Asymmetry of the corticospinal tract in congenital lesions is a good prognostic marker for preserved motor function after hemispherectomy. This study aimed to assess this marker and provide a clinically feasible approach in selected cases of unilateral polymicrogyria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Corticospinal tract asymmetry of 9 patients with unilateral polymicrogyria substantially affecting the central region was retrospectively assessed on axial T1WI and DTI. Volumes of the brain stem and thalamus and DTI parameters of the internal capsule were measured. Two neuroradiologists independently rated the right-left asymmetry at 4 levels along the corticospinal tract. DTI tractography was used to determine the motor cortex within polymicrogyria, with task-based functional MR imaging available in 3/9 cases.

RESULTS:

Visual assessment of the brain stem asymmetry showed excellent correlation with quantitative measures on both T1WI and color-coded DTI maps (P = .007 and P = .023). Interrater reliability regarding structural and DTI-based corticospinal tract asymmetry was best at the midbrain (Cohen = 0.77, P = .018). Three patients underwent functional hemispherectomy with postsurgical stable motor function, all showing marked corticospinal tract asymmetry preoperatively. Following the DTI-based corticospinal tract trajectories allowed identifying the presumed primary motor region within the dysplastic cortex in 9/9 patients, confirmed by functional MR imaging in 3/3 cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Visual assessment of corticospinal tract asymmetry in unilateral polymicrogyria involving the motor cortex is most reliable with T1WI and color-coded DTI maps at the level of the midbrain. Pronounced asymmetry predicts preserved motor function after hemispherectomy. DTI-based tractography can be used as a guidance tool to the motor cortex within polymicrogyria.

Comparative Study of MRI Biomarkers in the Substantia Nigra to Discriminate Idiopathic Parkinson Disease [ADULT BRAIN]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Several new MR imaging techniques have shown promising results in patients with Parkinson disease; however, the comparative diagnostic values of these measures at the individual level remain unclear. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic value of MR imaging biomarkers of substantia nigra damage for distinguishing patients with Parkinson disease from healthy volunteers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Thirty-six patients and 20 healthy volunteers were prospectively included. The MR imaging protocol at 3T included 3D T2-weighted and T1-weighted neuromelanin-sensitive images, diffusion tensor images, and R2* mapping. T2* high-resolution images were also acquired at 7T to evaluate the dorsal nigral hyperintensity sign. Quantitative analysis was performed using ROIs in the substantia nigra drawn manually around the area of high signal intensity on neuromelanin-sensitive images and T2-weighted images. Visual analysis of the substantia nigra neuromelanin-sensitive signal intensity and the dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity on T2* images was performed.

RESULTS:

There was a significant decrease in the neuromelanin-sensitive volume and signal intensity in patients with Parkinson disease. There was also a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean, axial, and radial diffusivity in the neuromelanin-sensitive substantia nigra at 3T and a decrease in substantia nigra volume on T2* images. The combination of substantia nigra volume, signal intensity, and fractional anisotropy in the neuromelanin-sensitive substantia nigra allowed excellent diagnostic accuracy (0.93). Visual assessment of both substantia nigra dorsolateral hyperintensity and neuromelanin-sensitive images had good diagnostic accuracy (0.91 and 0.86, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of neuromelanin signal and volume changes with fractional anisotropy measurements in the substantia nigra showed excellent diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, the high diagnostic accuracy of visual assessment of substantia nigra changes using dorsolateral hyperintensity analysis or neuromelanin-sensitive signal changes indicates that these techniques are promising for clinical practice.

Análisis de supervivencia, eficacia y seguridad en psoriasis moderada–grave tratada con ustekinumab. Estudio observacional de 69 pacientes en la práctica clínica habitual

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): I. Salgüero Fernández, M. Hospital Gil, M. Sigüenza Sanz, G. Roustan Gullón

Terapia fotodinámica en el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis cutánea

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): L. Sainz-Gaspar, E. Rosón, J. Llovo, H. Vázquez-Veiga

“Dealing with the changeable and blurry edges of living things: a modified version of property-cluster kinds”

Abstract

Despite many attempts to achieve an adequate definition of living systems by means of a set of necessary and sufficient conditions, the opinion that such an enterprise is inexorably destined to fail is increasingly gaining support. However, we believe options do not just come down to either having faith in a future success or endorsing skepticism. In this paper, we aim to redirect the discussion of the problem by shifting the focus of attention from strict definitions (in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions) towards a philosophical framework that allows conceiving of living systems as a natural kind, but whereby natural kinds are not to be defined by fixed necessary and sufficient conditions. We argue for a property-cluster kind approach according to which living systems constitute a natural kind with vague boundaries, capable of changing, and whose members do not need to instantiate every property. We draw from Boyd's homeostatic property-cluster theory and introduce two modifications, one regarding homeostatic mechanisms and another related to the scientific role of kinds. Thus, our view overcomes some difficulties of Boyd's theory and we are able to account for the natural kindhood of living things. We also emphasize the most appealing features of our approach for specific research fields and address three objections to this sort of approach.

Reply: Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks with Single-Dose Liposomal Bupivacaine in Conjunction with a Nonnarcotic Pain Regimen Help Reduce Length of Stay following Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

No abstract available

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Incisions for Cancer Extirpation Prospective Cohort Trial: Perfusion, Complications, and Patient Outcomes

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy offers several advantages for women seeking postmastectomy breast reconstruction, but compromised skin and nipple perfusion may lead to skin and nipple necrosis. It is unclear whether the incisional approach contributes to these complications; therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the impact of incision type on outcomes in patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with prosthetic breast reconstruction through an inframammary fold versus a lateral radial incision. Skin and nipple perfusion as represented by fluorescence intensity, mammometric parameters, patient-reported outcomes, and clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared for the two cohorts, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the effects of covariates on outcomes. Results: Seventy-nine patients were studied: 55 in the inframammary fold cohort and 24 in the lateral radial cohort. The inframammary fold group had significantly less fluorescence intensity to the inferior (21.9 percent versus 36.9 percent; p = 0.001) and lateral portions of breast skin (23.1 percent versus 40.7 percent; p = 0.003) after reconstruction. Decreased fluorescence intensity was associated with smoking, decreased mean arterial pressure, and greater specimen weight. Postreconstruction breast volumes were increased over preoperative volumes in the inframammary fold group (38.3 percent) versus the lateral radial (31.2 percent) group; however, patients with a lateral radial incision had a greater increase in satisfaction with their breasts and psychosocial well-being. Conclusions: There are significant differences in patient-reported outcomes and final breast volumes based on the incisional approach to nipple-sparing mastectomy. These data can be used to guide providers and counsel patients considering nipple-sparing mastectomy with prosthetic reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Outcomes for the Journal: Introduction of Four Subdomains

No abstract available

The Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Initial Experience with 100 Cases

Background: The lumbar artery perforator flap is an alternative flap in breast reconstruction for those patients who are not eligible for a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap. Shaping of this flap is easier compared with other flaps because of the quality of the lumbar fat and the gluteal extension. Methods: Between October of 2010 and June of 2017, a total of 100 lumbar artery perforator free flap breast reconstructions were performed in 72 patients. Patient demographics, indications, flap specifics, and complications were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Twenty-eight bilateral and 44 unilateral breast reconstructions with a lumbar artery perforator flap were performed. Mean patient age was 48 years, and the average body mass index was 23.11 kg/m2. The authors report 43 preventive mastectomies for elevated cancer risk with subsequent immediate reconstruction, 34 secondary reconstructions, and 14 tertiary reconstructions. Mean operative time was 7 hours 4 minutes, including the mastectomy in primary cases. Mean flap weight was 499 g (range, 77 to 1216 g) and mean follow-up time was 30 months. The revision rate was 22 percent and nine flaps were lost. Conclusions: The lumbar artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative to the DIEAP flap in breast reconstructive surgery. It is an excellent flap for BRCA-positive patients who are typically young and have limited excess tissue at the conventional donor sites. Despite higher revision rates compared with the DIEAP flap, the lumbar flap is superior in mimicking the shape and feel of native breast tissue. Scarring at the donor site remains a sore point but can be easily treated and used to an advantage to contour the flanks. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Personal Safety of the Plastic Surgeon: Keeping Yourself Healthy While You Work

Learning Objectives: After reading this study, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the primary physical and mental risks faced by the practicing plastic surgeon. 2. State the primary risk factors for cervical spine disease and back pain. 3. State the critical steps for protection from ionizing and nonionizing radiation. 4. List the characteristics of a surgeon exhibiting signs of burnout. 5. Develop a plan for mitigating personal risk of musculoskeletal, exposure, and other injuries. Summary: Health care workers are exposed to significant occupational hazards, and have a risk of injury similar to that of construction, mining, and manufacturing employees. Plastic surgeons must have a clear understanding of the types of risks they face and the techniques for mitigating them. Exposure to some risks is attributable to unavoidable occupational conditions, but others can be avoided completely. The sources of injury risk from musculoskeletal, exposure, and other causes are discussed in this article, and evidence-based recommendations to ameliorate these risks are presented.

Location of the Internal Mammary Vessels for Microvascular Autologous Breast Reconstruction: The “1–2–3 Rule”

Background: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction provides psychosocial benefits in self-esteem, sexuality, and quality of life. Autologous procedures yield the highest overall patient satisfaction compared with implant-based breast reconstruction as the gold standard. The internal mammary vessels are the preferred recipient vessels for free flap breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to provide surgeons with a reliable method for locating the vessels intraoperatively. Methods: The internal mammary vessels were dissected bilaterally on 30 cadaveric specimens. Distances from the lateral sternal borders and the costochondral junctions to the internal mammary vessels at the second, third, and fourth costal levels were recorded. Descriptive bifurcation patterns were recorded. Initial dissection practicums were performed using the proposed safer dissection zone according to quantitative data. Results: Sixty internal mammary arteries and 120 internal mammary veins were studied at three costal levels, resulting in 180 sets of measurements. Distances from the lateral sternal border to the medial internal mammary vein were 6.12, 9.04, and 10.45 mm at costal levels 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Mean distances between costochondral junctions and internal mammary arteries were 12.80, 24.78, and 33.28 mm at costal levels 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Most internal mammary vein bifurcated at the third costal level, and the left side bifurcated higher than the right. Dissection practicums revealed that the proposed dissection zone was consistently reliable in locating the vessels. Conclusions: This study provides mean measurements from common bony landmarks to the internal mammary vessels, equipping surgeons with a reliable zone of dissection for recipient vessel exposure. This may decrease morbidity and improve outcomes in autologous breast reconstructions.

Validated Outcomes in the Grafting of Autologous Fat to the Breast: The VOGUE Study. Development of a Core Outcome Set for Research and Audit Correction

No abstract available

Comparison between Negative-Pressure Fixation and Film Dressing in Wound Management after Tissue Expansion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary: Wound compression and fixation are important to reduce scarring. Numerous postoperative treatments have been developed to reduce scar formation; however, a simple and effective device that improves the appearance and histochemical properties of incisional scars is needed. Therefore, the authors have devised a novel method, negative-pressure fixation, that applies negative pressure inside polyurethane foam covered with film. In the present study, negative-pressure fixation was applied to incisional wounds resulting from the insertion of a tissue expander in patients undergoing two-stage breast reconstruction. The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of negative-pressure fixation on scar appearance and histochemical properties in comparison to those for film dressing without negative pressure. A prospective, open-label, randomized, single-center study was performed. A half-side test was conducted on the incisional scar resulting from tissue expander insertion during breast reconstruction after mastectomy in 13 female patients. The dressings on both sides of the scar were replaced once per week until the tissue expander was adequately inflated. The outcomes were assessed 6 months later. Scars were photographed before the second operation and were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. All scars were removed and resutured during the final operation, allowing a histochemical analysis. The mean visual analogue scale score for the negative-pressure fixation side was significantly lower compared with that for the film dressing side (p = 0.0025). In addition, the scar on the negative-pressure fixation side was significantly narrower (p = 0.0015). Thus, negative-pressure fixation is a simple and effective device for improving the appearance and histochemical properties of incisional scars.

Reply: The Inside-Out Septal Mucoperichondrial Flap Reconstruction of Nasal Lining Simplified

No abstract available

Discussion: Comparison between Negative-Pressure Fixation and Film Dressing in Wound Management after Tissue Expansion A Randomized Controlled Trial

No abstract available

What Does the Public Think? Examining Plastic Surgery Perceptions through the Twitterverse

Background: Twitter is a recognized social media platform for communication of health information. Rime reported that emotion is the main motive for social sharing. This study is a content analysis of Twitter that was performed to identify the public's perceptions and attitudes toward plastic surgery and the emotional triggers that drive social sharing of plastic surgery information. Methods: Tweets containing "#PlasticSurgery" or "Plastic Surgery" were archived randomly from August 1, 2014, to December 30, 2016 (n = 4548). Tweets were categorized according to tweet author, specialty, topic, content, multimedia included, emotion, tone, accuracy of information, source, and retweet rate. Statistical analysis was performed to detect significant patterns. Results: Tweets on cosmetic surgery (74 percent) were shared mostly on Twitter, predominantly posted by the public [n = 1611 (48 percent)]. More than 13 percent of posts contained "celebrity news" and 42.8 percent contained professional information and resources. The most frequent emotions shared and retweeted were "relaxed/content" (51.5 percent) and "excited/interested" (18.4 percent). Most tweets posted by the public contained inaccurate information [n = 1486 (80 percent)]. Only 154 (11.2 percent) of board-certified plastic surgeons' tweets were rated as "most accurate." Conclusions: The majority of tweets posted on Twitter contained inaccurate information that can lead to misperception among the public. Understanding emotional triggers for social sharing provides insight into what is most appealing. To enhance public uptake and sharing of tweets, plastic surgeons can use these findings to promote the specialty using relaxed/content emotions or excitement in their social media posts.

Use of Roof-Shaped Costochondral Cartilage for Correction of Saddle Nose Deformity

Background: Cartilage grafts are routinely used in secondary and posttraumatic rhinoplasty. However, in most cases, there are weak areas in the nasal bones and upper lateral cartilages. The purpose of this study was to seek a solution for the keystone area and dorsum of the nose in revision and posttraumatic rhinoplasty cases, and reconstruction of saddle nose deformity including upper lateral cartilage with a roof-shaped graft. Methods: A retrospective review of reconstructive rhinoplasties performed for saddle nose deformities was conducted. A part of the costochondral graft was carved and thinned (roof graft) for reconstruction of the keystone area and upper lateral cartilages, and another portion was used for making a neoseptal (reconstructed septum) graft and strut graft. The roof graft was capped onto the neoseptal graft with sutures, and this cartilage framework was adapted with fitting the cranial edge of the neoseptal cartilage between the nasal bones. Finally, the strut graft was fixed to the cartilage framework. Results: A significant improvement in nasal shape and overall appearance was achieved in all cases, and 71.42 percent of patients recovered from nasal obstruction. No gross absorption, graft exposure, or recurrence of deformities was observed. Conclusions: Surgical correction of a saddle-shaped nose should be an acceptable and uncomplicated technique, and the cosmetic result should be totally acceptable. There are many management options for a saddle-shaped nose. Use of roof grafts (shrunk gull-wing grafts) with neoseptal and strut grafts enables simulation of the internal nasal valve and results in a natural nasal position. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Spotlight in Plastic Surgery

No abstract available

Discussion: Use of Roof-Shaped Costochondral Cartilage for Correction of Saddle Nose Deformity

No abstract available