Colleen M. Fitzpatrick

Women have increased risk of perioperative myocardial infarction and higher long-term mortality rates after lower extremity arterial bypass grafting.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gender on the immediate and long-term postoperative morbidity, mortality, and patency rates for infrainguinal autogenous vein bypass grafts. METHODS Data were abstracted for consecutive patients who were followed in a prospective surveillance protocol after undergoing infrainguinal autogenous vein bypass grafting during the years 1988 to 1994. There were 165 grafts constructed in 148 patients (101 in 87 men, and 64 in 61 women). Gender differences were analyzed with Student t test or chi2 test for risk factors, indications for reconstruction, and complications. The patency rates and the long-term survival rates were compared by means of life-table analysis. Eagle criteria and long-term survival rates were compared with multivariate analysis. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 36 months (39 months for men, and 32 months for women), with a range of 6 to 123 months for the total follow-up period. The two groups did not differ in age at the time of operation (66.6 +/- 1.2 years for men, and 66.7 +/- 1.5 years for women) or in history of diabetes (48% for men, and 56% for women). The risks were similar for hypertension (48% for men vs 45% women), preoperative myocardial infarction (23% for men vs 26% for women), and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (9% for men vs 8% for women). The thallium stress scintigraphy results showed a diagnosis of proportionately more preoperative defects in men (reversible, 34% vs 18%, P <.05; overall, 75% vs 43%, P <.05). The 30-day limb loss rates (0.9% for men, and 0% for women) and mortality rates (2.2% for men, and 5% for women) were similar. Women had statistically more perioperative myocardial infarctions than did men (6 of 61, 9.8% vs 2 of 101, 2%; P <.05), as was documented with electrocardiography and cardiac isoenzymes. Two of these women died within a 30-day postoperative period. The 3-year primary patency rate was 85% for the men and 88% for the women, and the primary assisted patency rate was 97% for the men and 97% for the women. The secondary patency rate was 98% for the men and 97% for the women. The limb salvage rate was slightly higher for the men than for the women (93% vs 87%), although this was not statistically significant. The 5-year survival rate for women was statistically less than for men, with life-table analysis (58% for men vs 42% for women; P <.05). CONCLUSION After distal bypass grafting, men and women have similar rates of patency and limb salvage, but women have a higher incidence rate of perioperative myocardial infarction and a decreased 5-year survival rate. These data suggest that women have unrecognized cardiac disease that affects them adversely in the perioperative period and the long term when compared with men who undergo the same operation.

Routine repeat brain computed tomography in all children with mild traumatic brain injury may result in unnecessary radiation exposure.

BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common. Evidence suggests that 1 in 1,200 children undergoing CT will die of malignancy from radiation exposure. Presently, there is no protocol for surveying children with mild TBI; repeat CT (rCT) is often performed. We hypothesized that rCT could be avoided. Outcomes of similar patients who underwent rCT were compared with those of patients followed by clinical examination alone. METHODS An 8-year retrospective review was performed of patients admitted to a Level I pediatric trauma center with TBI, CT evidence of TBI, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 to 15. There were two groups, those who underwent rCT (rCT+) and those who did not (rCT−). Data included age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), mechanism of injury, type of TBI, and outcome. Patients with coagulopathies, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, developmental disabilities, nonaccidental trauma, concomitant injuries, or medical problems resulting in intubation or sedation not attributed to TBI were excluded. RESULTS Of 391 patients admitted with TBI, 120 were included in the study. A total of 106 patients were rCT+, and 14 were rCT−. rCT+ children were older (mean, 98.7 ± 7.3 vs. 35.3 ± 11.5 months; p = 0.0025) and more likely to have epidural hematoma (EDH) (100% rCT with EDH vs. 76% rCT all other TBI, p = 0.044). Mechanism of injury and mean ISS (15.2 ± 0.6 vs. 13.0 ± 1.1, p = 0.195) were not different between the groups. There were no worsening neurologic symptoms or need for surgery in rCT− children. rCT identified seven patients (6.6%) with CT progression of their injury. Five had an EDH, and two had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two children with EDH underwent operation. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that routine rCT without evidence of clinical deterioration is not indicated in children with admission GCS score of 14 to 15 and TBI on CT scan. Children with EDH seem to have a higher potential for progression, and rCT seems to be indicated in this subgroup. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, level IV.

Caval and ureteral obstruction secondary to an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) represent 3% to 10% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. Obstructive uropathy is a well-described feature of IAAAs, but venous complications are unusual secondary to IAAA. The authors report a patient presenting with acute renal failure and deep venous thrombosis secondary to an IAAA. We believe this represents the first case of an IAAA manifesting as combined inferior vena cava compression and associated obstructive uropathy. Successful operative repair was performed. With resolution of the retroperitoneal inflammation, long-term follow-up revealed spontaneous release of both ureteral and caval compression.

Firearm injuries in the pediatric population: a tale of one city

BACKGROUND Firearm-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. To determine current trends and assess avenues for future interventions, we examined the epidemiology and outcome of pediatric firearm injuries managed at our regions two major pediatric trauma centers. METHODS Following institutional review board approval, we conducted a 5-year retrospective review of all pediatric firearm victims, 16 years or younger, treated at either of the regions two Level 1 pediatric trauma centers, St. Louis Childrens Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Childrens Medical Center. RESULTS There were 398 children treated during a 5-year period (2008–2013) for firearm-related injuries. Of these children, 314 (78.9%) were black. Overall, there were 20 mortalities (5%). Although most (67.6%) patients were between 14 years and 16 years of age, younger victims had a greater morbidity and mortality. The majority of injuries were categorized as assault/intentional (65%) and occurred between 6:00 pm and midnight, outside the curfew hours enforced by the city. Despite a regional decrease in the overall incidence of firearm injuries during the study period, the rate of accidental victims per year remained stable. Most accidental shootings occurred in the home (74.2%) and were self-inflicted (37.9%) or caused by a person known to the victim (40.4%). CONCLUSION Despite a relative decrease in intentional firearm-related injuries, a constant rate of accidental shootings suggest an area for further intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level IV.

Carotid Revascularization in the Presence of Contralateral Carotid Artery Occlusion Is Safe and Durable

OBJECTIVE Complete occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery has been thought to increase the risk of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study was conducted to determine whether contralateral occlusion (CO) leads to a higher rate of complications among patients undergoing CEA or alters long-term outcomes. METHODS All CEAs (N = 221) performed at our institution between September 1997 and June 2002 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, i.e., CO and contralateral patency. Statistical analyses were performed using Fishers exact test for nominal values and the t test for continuous variables. Life-table analyses were performed for patency and survival. RESULTS Complete data and follow-up results were available for 170 of the 221 operations performed during the study period. CO was present in 16 cases (9.4%). Preoperative demographic features, indications for surgery, and operative techniques did not vary between study groups; there was increased use of general anesthesia (p = 0.05) in the CO group. No surgical deaths occurred. The perioperative stroke rates were not statistically different between groups (CO group, 6.3%; contralateral patency group, 2.6%; p = 0.39). Long-term patency and stroke-free survival rates at 5 years exceeded 90% and did not vary significantly between groups. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing CEA with occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery do not have unique preoperative demographic features or indications. Contralateral carotid artery occlusion does not increase risk or alter long-term outcomes after CEA. Carotid revascularization can be safely performed in tertiary military centers.ABSTRACT Objective: Complete occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery has been thought to increase the risk of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study was conducted to determine whether contralateral occlusion (CO) leads to a higher rate of complications among patients undergoing CEA or alters long-term outcomes. Methods: All CEAs (N = 221) performed at our institution between September 1997 and June 2002 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, i.e., CO and contralateral patency. Statistical analyses were performed using Fishers exact test for nominal values and the t test for continuous variables. Life-table analyses were performed for patency and survival. Results: Complete data and follow-up results were available for 170 of the 221 operations performed during the study period. CO was present in 16 cases (9.4%). Preoperative demographic features, indications for surgery, and operative techniques did not vary between study groups; there was increased use of general anesthesia (p = 0...

Bilateral Brachial Artery Occlusion Decreases Internal Carotid Artery Volume Flow: A Simple Adjunct for Cerebral Protection?

Purpose: To investigate if a decrease in internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow occurs with bilateral brachial artery occlusion (BBO), which may improve the effectiveness of cerebral protection devices during carotid interventions. Methods: Thirty-two asymptomatic patients (21 men; mean age 67 years) with carotid atherosclerosis between 15% and 79% were enrolled in the study. Carotid duplex ultrasound was followed by volume flow rate (VF) determination in the right ICA, external carotid (ECA), and vertebral arteries. After baseline values were obtained, BBO was induced by bilateral arm pressure cuff inflation to 30 mmHg over the systolic pressure for no more than 3 minutes. VF measurements were repeated. Results: Seventeen patients (responders) had an ICA VF decrease from 406±109 mL/min (±SD) to 303±90 mL/min (p=0.005), while 15 patients (nonresponders) had no significant change in their ICA VF (340±192 versus 447±267 mL/min, p=0.22). In responders, ECA VF increased (190±65 to 232±125 mL/min), as did vertebral VF (77±53 to 95±60 mL/min; p>0.05). The ratio of ICA/ECA VF dropped from 2.13 to 1.31 in responders, but did not change in nonresponders. No patient exhibited any neurological symptoms during the study. Post cuff volume flows approximated baseline values. Cerebral magnetic resonance angiograms obtained in 10 responders revealed a complete circle of Willis in 8 (80%), while only 1 (16%) of 6 nonresponders had a complete pathway. Conclusions: A transient decrease in ICA VF, with concomitant elevations of the ECA and vertebral VFs, occurs with occlusion of the brachial arteries in the setting of a complete circle of Willis. Since no flow reversal occurs, this maneuver is insufficient to provide complete cerebral protection, but it may improve the effectiveness of cerebral protection devices and serve as an adjunctive maneuver in selected cases. Furthermore, changes in ICA VF may prove to be a noninvasive test for evaluating the integrity of the circle of Willis.

Imaging before transfer to designated pediatric trauma centers exposes children to excess radiation.

BACKGROUND Pediatric trauma patients transferred to pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) often have imaging at the originating hospital (OH). The increased use of computed tomography (CT) raises concerns about malignancy risk from ionizing radiation leading many PTCs to adopt radiation dose reduction strategies. We hypothesized that pediatric trauma patients are exposed to excess radiation from imaging before transfer. METHODS A retrospective review of 1,383 scans was performed on all trauma patients with CT imaging before transfer to our Level I PTC from 2010 to 2014. Demographics, type of imaging, necessity for repeat imaging, appropriateness of imaging, and radiation dose delivered were recorded. Comparative radiation dosing was calculated using the dose-length product (DLP [expressed in mGy-cm]). All CT scans except for CT of the abdomen and pelvis and CT of the head were excluded for complete DLP data issues. Scans were considered clinically appropriate if they met Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) recommendations (ATLS+) and not indicated if they did not meet ATLS criteria (ATLS−). Some scans were repeated because of technical issues. Median &Dgr;DLP represents the difference in dose patients received at OH versus at PTC. RESULTS A total of 673 patients were analyzed. Average age was 11 years, and 65.4% were male. Mean DLP at PTC was 54% lower for all analyzed scans compared with OH (p < 0.0001). DLP at PTC was 51% lower for CT of the abdomen and pelvis and 62% lower for CT of the head. Children received excess dose of 578.62 mGy-cm for scans at OH that were unnecessary. For ATLS+ imaging, children received a median excess of 444.42 mGy-cm of radiation at OH than they would have received had the scans been performed at PTCs using pediatric radiation reduction strategies. CONCLUSION Pediatric trauma imaging performed at transferring institutions often does not adhere to ATLS recommendations and exceeds required ionizing radiation dosages. This study further confirms ATLS recommendations supporting prompt patient transfer without delay for imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.