scholarly journals Symptomatic Tarlov Cysts: an MRI evaluation of case series and literature review

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Netra Rana ◽  
Shao Hui Ma ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Subesh Dahal ◽  
Zhi-Gang Min
Keyword(s):  
Cyst Wall ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Hyperintense Signal ◽  
Tarlov Cysts ◽  
Post Operation ◽  
Histological Confirmation

Corrections: on Page 38 in the 4th line of text, the information in brackets (Figure 1, 2, 3a and 4) was replaced on 24th June 2013 with (Figure 1. 2 3b and 4). The number of the references has also been changed. The corrected PDF is available by clicking the link below.Aim: To analyze the characteristics of symptomatic Tarlov cysts by MRI. Materials and Methods: Neuroimaging and clinical outcome data were reviewed of 48 consecutive patients treated for symptomatic Tarlov cysts. All patients were scanned under Philips Gyroscan Intera 1.5T scanner with spinal surface coils. Two widely used surgical procedures were performed, 1) incision and drainage of the cyst with imbrication of the redundant nerve root sheath, and 2) exposure of the cyst, drainage of cyst contents, identification of nerve roots, and cyst wall resection combined with duraplasty. The post-operation follow-up was obtained from return visits to the neurosurgery and orthopaedic out-patient department or by telephone questionnaires. Results: All cystic lesions showed hypointense signal intensity on T1WI and hyperintense signal intensity on T2WI, but the nerve root showed iso-intensity on T1WI and low signal intensity on T2WI. They were linear in shape on sagittal view, and hypo intense dotted spots within the cysts on traverse view. Surrounding structures of the larger cysts were compressed and had bone erosions in some cases; the spinal canal and the intervertebral foramen on the affected side were enlarged. The lesions/cyst wall showed no enhancement after gadolinium administration. Conclusion: MRI will give a definite diagnosis of Tarlov cysts if nerve root presents within the cyst cavity or in the cyst wall; eliminating the need for histological confirmation. A correct analysis of the characteristics of symptomatic Tarlov cysts by MRI, will document its usefulness in noninvasive diagnosis and aid in exploration of the simplest treatment method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8056 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 35-42

P82 Pelvic neurophysiological and urodynamics findings in patients with sacral-level tarlov cysts

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e43.3-e43
Author(s):  
S Simeoni ◽  
P Malladi ◽  
M Pakzad ◽  
A Casey ◽  
J Panicker
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Root ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Sympathetic Skin Response ◽  
Detrusor Underactivity ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Tarlov Cysts ◽  
Skin Response ◽  
Sensory Evoked Potentials ◽  
Sensory Evoked

ObjectivesSacral Tarlov cysts (TC) are frequent incidental findings on spinal MRI. Controversy remains regarding their ability to cause nerve root compression. Pelvic neurophysiological and urodynamics testing provides information about sacral nerve root involvement.DesignCase seriesSubjectsPatients with MRI evidence of sacral (S1, 2 or 3) TC seen in the Uro-neurology Department between 2011 and 2018.MethodsClinical, neurophysiological and urodynamics data were reviewed.Results13 patients (9 females, mean age54/SD13.1) were included. Symptoms were urgency/incontinence (n=8), hesitancy/urinary retention (n=7), bowel complaints (n=4), sexual complaints (n=3), back pain (n=5), genital/pelvic pain (n=6), genital numbness (n=5), impaired sensation of bladder fullness (n=2), lower limb (LL) pain/hypoesthesia (n=6), LL weakness (n=2). The following neurophysiological abnormalities were seen: anal sphincter EMG (n=10) evidence for reinnervation (n=8), pudendal sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) (n=6) absent response (n=1), S2 and S3 dermatomal SEPs (n=6) absent response (n=2), sympathetic skin response (n=6) absent response (n=3). Findings in cystometry (n=5) were: detrusor underactivity (n=2), detrusor after-contraction (n=1), equivocal obstructed voiding (n=1) and reduced bladder compliance (n=1).ConclusionsAbnormal results in urodynamics and pelvic neurophysiology suggest involvement of the somatic and autonomic sacral innervation. Further studies are required to explore any association between structural changes on MRI and functional changes in urodynamics and neurophysiology.

Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Sacral Insufficiency Fractures: Case Series and Review of Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Clark ◽  
Devang Butani
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Insufficiency Fractures ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are a cause of debilitating low back pain that is often difficult to diagnosis and manage. The diagnosis of SIF is often delayed due to inaccurately attributing symptoms to spondylosis, which is a commonly present in the elderly population where SIFs are most prevalent. Historically, treatment consisted of medical management and open reduction internal fixation reserved for severe cases. However, percutaneous sacroplasty has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option which provides early pain relief without significant complications. The objective of this article is to raise awareness of SIFs and percutaneous sacroplasty as an effective and safe treatment method.

Fascicular torsions of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerve in 4 cases: neuroimaging methods to improve diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 1925-1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kollmer ◽  
Paul Preisser ◽  
Martin Bendszus ◽  
Henrich Kele
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Posterior Interosseous Nerve ◽  
Nerve Ultrasound ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Neurography ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Hyperintense Signal ◽  
Emergency Surgical Intervention

Diagnosis of spontaneous fascicular nerve torsions is difficult and often delayed until surgical exploration is performed. This case series raises awareness of peripheral nerve torsions and will facilitate an earlier diagnosis by using nerve ultrasound (NUS) and magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). Four patients with previously ambiguous upper-extremity mononeuropathies underwent NUS and 3T MRN. Neuroimaging detected proximal torsions of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerve fascicles within median or radial nerve trunks in all patients. In NUS, most cases presented with a thickening of affected nerve fascicles, followed by an abrupt caliber decrease, leading to the pathognomonic sausage-like configuration. MRN showed T2-weighted hyperintense signal alterations of fascicles at and distal to the torsion site, and directly visualized the distorted nerves. Three patients had favorable outcomes after being transferred to emergency surgical intervention, while 1 patient with existing chronic muscle atrophy was no longer eligible for surgery. NUS and MRN are complementary diagnostic methods, and both can detect nerve torsions on a fascicular level. Neuroimaging is indispensable for diagnosing fascicular nerve torsions, and should be applied in all unclear cases of mononeuropathy to determine the diagnosis and if necessary, to guide surgical therapies, as only timely interventions enable favorable outcomes.

scholarly journals Biodegradable magnesium screws in elbow fracture fixation: Clinical case series

2021 ◽  
pp. 221049172098698
Author(s):  
Wai-Him Lam ◽  
Chi-Yin Tso ◽  
Ning Tang ◽  
Wing-Hoi Cheung ◽  
Ling Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Elbow Fracture ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Head Region ◽  
Screw Head ◽  
Loss Of Reduction ◽  
Clinical Series ◽  
Post Operation ◽  
Bioabsorbable Screws ◽  
Biodegradable Magnesium

Biodegradable magnesium-based implants are innovative alternatives that potentially eliminate the need for implant removal. Recent studies have demonstrated the osteogenic properties and bacterial inhibition potentials of magnesium screws. We reported a clinical series of three elbow fracture cases, where magnesium screws were used in the treatment of one radial head and two capitellum fractures. Postoperative clinical courses were uneventful, and fracture healing occurred within 3 months. In all cases, radiolucencies were observed around implants especially in the screw head region at 2 months post-operation, but disappeared with consolidation at 1 year post-operation. All patients achieved near normal range of motion, minimal symptoms and good functional outcomes. No complication such as failure of fixation, loss of reduction, malunion or infection was seen. No implant revision or removal was necessary. Magnesium bioabsorbable screws are shown to be a viable option for these fractures.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Outcomes Among Hospitalized COVID-19-Positive Patients in a Nonurban Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P Lennon ◽  
Theodore J Demetriou ◽  
M Fahad Khalid ◽  
Lauren Jodi Van Scoy ◽  
Erin L Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Military Medicine ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Retrospective Case

ABSTRACT Introduction Virtually all hospitalized coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcome data come from urban environments. The extent to which these findings are generalizable to other settings is unknown. Coronavirus disease-2019 data from large, urban settings may be particularly difficult to apply in military medicine, where practice environments are often semi-urban, rural, or austere. The purpose of this study is compare presenting characteristics and outcomes of U.S. patients with COVID-19 in a nonurban setting to similar patients in an urban setting. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective case series of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to Hershey Medical Center (HMC), a 548-bed tertiary academic medical center in central Pennsylvania serving semi-urban and rural populations, from March 23, 2020, to April 20, 2020 (the first month of COVID-19 admissions at HMC). Patients and outcomes of this cohort were compared to published data on a cohort of similar patients from the New York City (NYC) area. Results The cohorts had similar age, gender, comorbidities, need for intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and most vital sign and laboratory studies. The NYC’s cohort had shorter hospital stays (4.1 versus 7.2 days, P < .001) but more African American patients (23% versus 12%, P = .02) and higher prevalence of abnormal alanine (>60U/L; 39.0% versus 5.9%, P < .001) and aspartate (>40U/L; 58.4% versus 42.4%, P = .012) aminotransferase, oxygen saturation <90% (20.4% versus 7.2%, P = .004), and mortality (21% versus 1.4%, P < .001). Conclusions Hospitalists in nonurban environments would be prudent to use caution when considering the generalizability of results from dissimilar regions. Further investigation is needed to explore the possibility of reproducible causative systemic elements that may help improve COVID-19-related outcomes. Broader reports of these relationships across many settings will offer military medical planners greater ability to consider outcomes most relevant to their unique settings when considering COVID-19 planning.

scholarly journals Should we care about Plasmodium vivax and HIV co-infection? A systematic review and a cases series from the Brazilian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola López Del-Tejo ◽  
Nadia Cubas-Vega ◽  
Cecilia Caraballo-Guerra ◽  
Bernardo Maia da Silva ◽  
Jefferson da Silva Valente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Vivax Malaria ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Malaria Episode ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Malaria and HIV are two important public health issues. However, evidence on HIV-Plasmodium vivax co-infection (HIV/PvCo) is scarce, with most of the available information related to Plasmodium falciparum on the African continent. It is unclear whether HIV can change the clinical course of vivax malaria and increase the risk of complications. In this study, a systematic review of HIV/PvCo studies was performed, and recent cases from the Brazilian Amazon were included. Methods Medical records from a tertiary care centre in the Western Brazilian Amazon (2009–2018) were reviewed to identify HIV/PvCo hospitalized patients. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes are reported. Also, a systematic review of published studies on HIV/PvCo was conducted. Metadata, number of HIV/PvCo cases, demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted. Results A total of 1,048 vivax malaria patients were hospitalized in the 10-year period; 21 (2.0%) were HIV/PvCo cases, of which 9 (42.9%) had AIDS-defining illnesses. This was the first malaria episode in 11 (52.4%) patients. Seven (33.3%) patients were unaware of their HIV status and were diagnosed on hospitalization. Severe malaria was diagnosed in 5 (23.8%) patients. One patient died. The systematic review search provided 17 articles (12 cross-sectional or longitudinal studies and 5 case report studies). A higher prevalence of studies involved cases in African and Asian countries (35.3 and 29.4%, respectively), and the prevalence of reported co-infections ranged from 0.1 to 60%. Conclusion Reports of HIV/PvCo are scarce in the literature, with only a few studies describing clinical and laboratory outcomes. Systematic screening for both co-infections is not routinely performed, and therefore the real prevalence of HIV/PvCo is unknown. This study showed a low prevalence of HIV/PvCo despite the high prevalence of malaria and HIV locally. Even though relatively small, this is the largest case series to describe HIV/PvCo.

Cartilage Regeneration with Cell-free Type 1 Collagen Matrix – Past, Present and Future (Part 1 – Clinical Aspects)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Peter Roessler ◽  
Turgay Efe ◽  
Dieter Christian Wirtz ◽  
Frank Alexander Schildberg
Keyword(s):  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cartilage Regeneration ◽  
Collagen Matrix ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Type I ◽  
Collagen Hydrogel

AbstractCartilage regeneration with cell-free matrices has developed from matrix-associated autologous cartilage cell transplantation (MACT) over ten years ago. Adjustments to the legal framework and higher hurdles for cell therapy have led to the procedures being established as an independent alternative to MACT. These procedures, which can be classified as matrix-induced autologous cartilage regeneration (MACR), all rely on the chemotactic stimulus of a cross-linked matrix, which mostly consists of collagens. Given the example of a commercially available type I collagen hydrogel, the state of clinical experience with MACR shall be summarized and an outlook on the development of the method shall be provided. It has been demonstrated in the clinical case series summarized here over the past few years that the use of the matrix is not only safe but also yields good clinical-functional and MR-tomographic results for both small (~ 10 mm) and large (> 10 mm) focal cartilage lesions. Depending on the size of the defect, MACR with a collagen type I matrix plays an important role as an alternative treatment method, in direct competition with both: microfracture and MACT.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics, Treatments and Outcomes of 18 Lung Transplant Recipients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-245
Author(s):  
René Hage ◽  
Carolin Steinack ◽  
Fiorenza Gautschi ◽  
Susan Pfister ◽  
Ilhan Inci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplant ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Lung Transplant Recipients

We report clinical features, treatments and outcomes in 18 lung transplant recipients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a single center, retrospective case series study of lung transplant recipients, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 1 February 2020 and 1 March 2021. Clinical, laboratory and radiology findingswere obtained. Treatment regimens and patient outcome data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical record. Mean age was 49.9 (22–68) years, and twelve (67%) patients were male. The most common symptoms were fever (n = 9, 50%), nausea/vomiting (n = 7, 39%), cough (n = 6, 33%), dyspnea (n = 6, 33%) and fatigue (n = 6, 33%). Headache was reported by five patients (28%). The most notable laboratory findings were elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest was performed in all hospitalized patients (n = 11, 7%), and showed ground-glass opacities (GGO) in 11 patients (100%), of whom nine (82%) had GGO combined with pulmonary consolidations. Six (33%) patients received remdesivir, five (28%) intravenous dexamethasone either alone or in combination with remdesivir, and 15 (83%) were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics including co-amoxicillin, tazobactam-piperacillin and meropenem. Four (22%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit, two patients (11%) required invasive mechanical ventilation who could not be successfully extubated and died. Eighty-nine percent of our patients survived COVID-19 and were cured. Two patients with severe COVID-19 did not survive.

Long-term outcome of children undergoing surgery for suspected perilymph fistula

2008 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
R J Sim ◽  
A H Jardine ◽  
E J Beckenham
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Signed Rank Test

AbstractA number of authors have suggested that surgery for suspected perilymph fistula is effective in preventing deterioration of hearing and in improving hearing in some cases in the short term. We present long-term hearing outcome data from 35 children who underwent exploration for presumed perilymph fistula at The Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia, between 1985 and 1992.Methods:The pre-operative audiological data (mean of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz results) were compared with the most recently available data (range two to 15 years) and the six-month post-operative data.Results:The short-term results showed no significant change in hearing at six months, with a subsequent, statistically significant progression of hearing loss in both operated and non-operated ears (Wilcoxon signed rank test: operated ear, p < 0.017; non-operated ear, p < 0.009).Conclusion:In this case series, exploratory surgery for correction of suspected perilymph fistula did not prevent progression of long-term hearing loss.

scholarly journals Applications of Medical Tattooing: A Systematic Review of Patient Satisfaction Outcomes and Emerging Trends

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacie J Becker ◽  
Jeffrey E Cassisi
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Service Provider ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Areola Complex ◽  
Clinical Series

Abstract Background Medical tattooing is often applied in the context of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery to help achieve the best cosmetic outcome. Objectives This article reviews various conditions that medical tattooing have been empirically studied in terms of patient satisfaction outcomes; makes practice recommendations; and suggests future directions for research. Methods This review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if the tattooing application was associated with a medical condition and if outcome data was provided using at least a case series methodology. Where no cohort or clinical series exist, case examples are used from the literature and the author’s practice to illustrate emerging medical tattooing applications that need further evaluation. Results Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were applied to the following conditions: baldness, vitiligo, scars from incisions, lacerations or burns, and nipple areola complex reconstruction following breast surgery. Conclusions The application of medical tattooing has shown high levels of patient satisfaction across various conditions. The practice recommendation grade is “B” or recommend since the level of evidence for these interventions ranged from III to IV according to the ASPS guidelines. This means clinicians can consider this treatment alternative, but they should be alert to new information and be sensitive to patient preferences. Recommendations are made for reporting future research including clearly describing procedural details, identifying the professional performing the procedure, increased use of standardized outcome measures, and that satisfaction ratings be assessed by someone independent of the health service provider. Further research using RCT methodology with waitlist controls is needed.

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