Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Patients with Hereditary Thrombophilia/Hypofibrinolysis—From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) usually has a clear etiology. Local infection or trauma, radiotherapy and drugs that disrupt the vascular supply or bone turnover in the jaws are its major contributors. The thrombotic occlusion of the bone’s venous outflow that occurs in individuals with hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis has a less known impact on jaw health and healing capability. Our research provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date and systematized information on the prevalence and significance of hereditary thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis states in ONJ. We found that hereditary prothrombotic abnormalities are common in patients with ONJ refractory to conventional medical and dental treatments. Thrombophilia traits usually coexist with hypofibrinolysis traits. We also found that frequently acquired prothrombotic abnormalities coexist with hereditary ones and enhance their negative effect on the bone. Therefore, we recommend a personalized therapeutic approach that addresses, in particular, the modifiable risk factors of ONJ. Patients will have clear benefits, as they will be relieved of persistent pain and repeated dental procedures.

Avoiding second donor site and the second set of neck vessels in a case of absent peroneal skin perforators

This report describes the procedure of a case in which the skin paddle of the free fibula flap derived its supply solely from a soleal musculocutaneous perforator originating from the posterior tibial system. In contrast, the osteo-muscular component was supplied by the peroneal vascular system. We harvested the skin paddle with its vascular supply from the posterior tibial artery separately, and the osteo-muscular fibula was harvested with its supply from peroneal vessels. In this way, we avoided violation of the second donor site for the skin paddle. In addition, we used the distal end of peroneal vessels to salvage our skin paddle instead of sacrificing another set of neck vessels for anastomosis. This technique may also be utilised in cases where the neck vessels may not be available due to previous surgeries, radiation therapy, or decision by the surgery team to not sacrifice two sets of neck vessels for anastomosis.

Neglected Scaphocapitate Syndrome

Background Scaphocapitate syndrome is a rare injury where the proximal pole of the capitate rotates 90 to 180 degrees. The proximal pole of the capitate, thought to receive its vascular supply retrograde, is rendered avascular in such cases. However, recent evidence of low rates of avascular necrosis in displaced capitate fractures, and new vascular studies of the capitate, challenge this paradigm. Case Description We report a case of a missed and neglected scaphocapitate syndrome with more than 30 years follow-up. While the patient experienced midcarpal arthritis, the injury had not resulted in capitate proximal pole avascular necrosis as per T1 magnetic resonance imaging studies. Literature Review Missed and chronic cases of scaphocapitate syndrome were reported previously. Successful outcomes were achieved with anatomical reduction in cases without midcarpal arthritis. Salvage procedures or arthroplasty procedures are recommended with the presence of midcarpal arthritis. However, there are no reports of a neglected case with more than 30 years follow-up with preserved vascularity of the proximal pole of the capitate. Clinical Relevance This case illustrates that vascularity of the proximal pole of the capitate can be preserved even in longstanding displaced fractures.

Ruptured pyomyoma – Rare complication of post-uterine artery embolization: A case report

Leiomyomas, also termed as fibroids, are benign smooth, muscle neoplasms seen in 70–80% of women by the age of 50 years. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves cessation of vascular supply to the fibroids, by infusion of gelatinous microspheres into the uterine arteries. Pyomyoma is a suppurative leiomyoma, secondary to infection of necrotic tissue. It is an infrequent complication of uterine artery embolization (UAE). Pyomyoma can lead to sepsis, peritonitis, and respiratory distress syndrome resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Due to its rarity, high suspicion is crucial in the diagnosis, and prompt treatment is recommended to reduce mortality. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging assist in diagnosis. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with ruptured pyomyoma, following an UAE intervention. The patient was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy along with peritoneal irrigation and drainage.

Vascular supply of the hindbrain: Basic longitudinal and axial angioarchitecture

The basic pattern of arterial vascularization is highly conserved across vertebrates and develops under neuromeric rules. The hindbrain has an angioarchitecture that is homologous to that of the spinal cord, and the hindbrain vascular system can be analyzed at the longitudinal and axial structures. During development, there are two main longitudinal arteries: the longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. This review discusses the basic pattern of the blood supply of the hindbrain, the development of vascularization, and the anatomical variations, with a special reference to the embryological point of view of two main longitudinal anastomoses (longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis). The formation of commonly observed variations, such as fenestration and duplication of the vertebrobasilar artery, or primitive trigeminal artery variant, can be explained by the partial persistence of the primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. Understanding the pattern and the development of the blood supply of the hindbrain provides useful information of the various anomalies of the vertebrobasilar junction and cerebellar arteries.

Case Report on Mucormycotic Osteomyelitis of Maxilla

Introduction: The upper jaw is formed by the maxilla, one of the basic bones of the face. It is a crucial viscerocranium structure that aids in the creation of the palate, nose, and orbit. The upper teeth are held in place by the alveolar process of the maxilla, which is vital for mastication and speaking. Because of its substantial vascular supply, maxillary necrosis is uncommon compared to mandible necrosis [1]. Maxillary necrosis can be caused by bacterial infections like osteomyelitis, viral infections like herpes zoster, or fungal infections like mucormycosis, as well as trauma, radiation, and other factors [2]. Long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, on the other hand, may result in an opportunistic infection. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mostly affects immunocompromised persons. These fungi are widespread in many people, although the symptoms have been linked to a weakened immune system. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening illness that frequently affects immunocompromised individuals due to diabetic ketoacidosis, neutropenia, organ transplantation, and elevated blood iron levels. Clinical Findings: The patient have a complaint of discomfort in the upper left side of the jaw was rapid in start, dull hurting, intermittent in character, and worse on mastication. A radiating headache on the left side is also a complaint. Diagnostic Evaluation: CRP - 12.48 m/ L, Calcium 8.1 mg/dl, KFT-Ser (urea – 29 mg/dl, Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl, Sodium 138 mmol/L, Potassium -4.3 mmol/L, Albumin 2.6 g/dl,) Urine exam routine Pus cells 1-2 cells, urine albumin nil, Crystal 3-4 calcium oxalate Crystal, 2D echo was done on dated 31/5/21, MRI was done, Cardiac call was done. Therapeutic Intervention: If not recognised and treated early, fungal osteomyelitis is more invasive than bacterial osteomyelitis. Treatment is given to the patient as a follow-up. Debridement of necrotic tissue on a local level. Antibiotics - Tab Augmentine 625 mg, Tab paracetamols 500 mg, Inj T. T 0.5 ml in a single dosage, Antifungal treatment, and Betadine gargle twice a day. Conclusion: On 04/06/2021, a 58-year-old male was hospitalised to AVBR Hospital's Oral Surgery Ward 35 after being diagnosed with Mucormycotic Osteomyelitis of the Maxilla. The patient is being counselled on how to proceed with his treatment.

Heart–Brain Relationship in Stroke

The patient presenting with stroke often has cardiac-related risk factors which may be involved in the mechanism of the stroke. The diagnostic assessment is predicated on recognition of this potential relationship. Naturally, an accurate history is of utmost importance in discerning a possible cause and effect relationship. The EKG is obviously an important clue as well as it allows immediate assessment for possible cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, for possible acute ischemic changes reflective of myocardial ischemia, or there may be indirect factors such as the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, typically seen with longstanding hypertension, which could be indicative of a hypertensive mechanism for a patient presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage. For all presentations in the emergency room, the vital signs are important. An elevated body temperature in a patient presenting with acute stroke raises concern about possible infective endocarditis. An irregular–irregular pulse is an indicator of atrial fibrillation. A markedly elevated blood pressure is not uncommon in both the acute ischemic and acute hemorrhagic stroke setting. One tends to focus on possible cardioembolic stroke if there is the sudden onset of maximum neurological deficit versus the stepwise progression more characteristic of thrombotic stroke. Because of the more sudden loss of vascular supply with embolic occlusion, seizure or syncope at onset tends to be supportive of this mechanism. Different vascular territory involvement on neuroimaging is also a potential indicator of cardioembolic stroke. Identification of a cardiogenic source of embolus in such a setting certainly elevates this mechanism in the differential. There have been major advances in management of acute cerebrovascular disease in recent decades, such as thrombolytic therapy and endovascular thrombectomy, which have somewhat paralleled the advances made in cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the successful limitation of myocardial damage in acute coronary syndrome, with intervention, does not necessarily mirror a similar salutary effect on functional outcome with cerebral infarction. The heart can also affect the brain from a cerebral perfusion standpoint. Transient arrhythmias can result in syncope, while cardiac arrest can result in hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. Cardiogenic dementia has been identified as a mechanism of cognitive impairment associated with severe cardiac failure. Structural cardiac abnormalities can also play a role in brain insult, and this can include tumors, such as atrial myxoma, patent foramen ovale, with the potential for paradoxical cerebral embolism, and cardiomyopathies, such as Takotsubo, can be associated with precipitous cardioembolic events.

Association of Risk Factors for the Mortality and Morbidity of Stoma Closure

Background: Anastomal leakage is a main surgical difficulty and requires stoma closure. Objective: To find associated risks for mortality and morbidity of stoma closure. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery Ward 2, Jinnah Sindh Medical University/Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients undergone rectal carcinoma surgeries were enrolled. The complications were graded by Clavien-Dindo classification system. The stoma closure was done by two different methods; the anterior wall technique or resection with anastomosis. Time duration of surgery, scoring by American Society of Anaesthesiologists was done and clinical and demographic information documented. Results: There were 62.5% males while 37.5% females and mean age was 65.5±8.5 years range between 31 to 72 years. Vascular blood supply affected leaking anastomaly. No significant effect of stoma type or closing technique was seen. However the time of stoma (p=0.044) and ASA score closure was a main risk for causing complications and increasing morbidity or mortality chances. Conclusion: Time of closure, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score as well as vascular supply are risk factors for morbidity or mortality in stoma closure. Keywords: Surgical stoma closure, Risk factors, Morbidity, Mortality