Thomas A. Broadie

Fatal Blunt Aortic Injuries: A Review of 242 Autopsy Cases

OBJECTIVE To characterize fatal blunt aortic injury (BAI). METHODS A retrospective chart review of 242 cases of fatal BAI in patients who underwent an autopsy at our institution between 1984 and 1997 was performed. Comparisons were made for statistical differences using the z-test. RESULTS Two hundred forty-two cases of fatal BAI were reviewed, making this the largest BAI autopsy study to date. Mechanisms of BAI included driver/passenger in motor vehicle crash (MVC) (68%), pedestrian versus MVC (17%), and motorcycle crash (8%). When comparing the mechanisms in the time period 1984 to 1988 to the time period 1989 to 1997, only the pedestrian versus MVC mechanism was significantly different (12% vs. 23%, p < 0.05). MVC direction of impact included head-on (45%), lateral (35%), and complex (20%). Two thirds of the victims sustained head injuries, rib fractures, and/or hepatic trauma. Only 58% of the victims had the classic isthmus laceration. There was one preventable death secondary to delay in diagnosis. CONCLUSION BAI is not limited to frontal impact crashes; there should be a high index of suspicion of BAI in lateral impact crashes as well as pedestrian versus MVC mechanisms. Nonisthmus and complex aortic lacerations are common in fatal BAI. Finally, BAI is a highly lethal injury with few preventable deaths in this series.

Prospective Evaluation of Single and Triple Lumen Catheters in Total Parenteral Nutrition

The recent introduction of triple lumen catheters has facilitated the care of seriously ill patients by providing multipurpose central venous access through a single percutaneous 7 French catheter. This prospective study was performed to examine the complications associated with the use of these catheters in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Seventy-five patients undergoing catheterization were randomly separated into two groups: 36 patients underwent placement of a single lumen catheter (SLC), and 39 patients, a triple lumen catheter (TLC). The two groups were comparable with respect to concomitant infections, treatment with antibiotics, and need for intensive care. Patients in the SLC group received TPN for a mean of 9.7 days and in the TLC group, for a mean of 8.5 days (p = 0.427). However, after 5 days of catheterization, there was a marked increase in the number of TLC removed because of skin entry site infections. SLC were more likely to be used for the full duration of TPN administration (p = 0.025). Catheter tips were cultured by semiquantitative techniques. A higher incidence of catheter sepsis was seen with TLC, 12.8% vs 0% with SLC (p = 0.055). TLC used for TPN are associated with higher rates of catheter entry site infections and systemic sepsis. SLC should be used for TPN administration.

Reliability of indications for cervical spine films in trauma patients

Common emergency room practice mandates cervical spine (C-spine) films in all trauma patients with potential injuries. With the increasing costs of medical care, such liberal criteria may not be justified. This 1-year prospective study of 860 patients who presented to a Level I Trauma Center was undertaken to determine the signs and symptoms that would select the patients at risk of C-spine injury. The clinical presentation of each patient was correlated with the presence of C-spine fracture. Twenty-four patients (2.8%) had injuries demonstrated by plain film radiography. The incidence of fracture in 536 symptomatic patients was 4%. A significant likelihood of C-spine fracture was seen in patients with respiratory compromise (100%), motor dysfunction (54.5%), and altered sensorium (8.9%) (p less than 0.001). No fractures were seen in asymptomatic patients (p less than 0.001). Cervical spine radiography should be performed in patients with abnormal neurologic findings or symptoms referable to the neck. In alert asymptomatic patients, cervical spine radiography may be omitted.

An analysis of perioperative cholangiography in one thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies

BACKGROUND We undertook this retrospective study to ascertain the proper role of perioperative cholangiography in the management of 1002 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. METHODS Nine hundred forty-one patients were categorized as being at high or low risk for choledocholithiasis according to the presence or absence of jaundice, pancreatitis, elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or radiographic evidence of common bile duct stones (CBDSs). RESULTS Intraoperative cholangiography (IOCG) and preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were equivalent in the detection of CBDSs, and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) was successful in 12 of the 21 patients (57%) in whom it was attempted. The ducts of the other 52 patients with CBDSs were successfully cleared by preoperative or postoperative ERCP. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic IOCG is successful in detecting CBDS in high-risk patients and half of these ducts can be cleared laparoscopically. The incidence of CBDS in low-risk patients is 1.7%, a risk that does not warrant routine cholangiography. These data suggest ERCP should be reserved for those at-risk individuals in whom IOCG or laparoscopic duct clearance has been unsuccessful.

Glycogen‐rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast: A light and electron microscopic study

A glycogen‐rich clear cell carcinoma arose in the breast of a 49‐year‐old woman. Light microscopic examination of the neoplasm revealed both intraductal papillary growth and stromal invasion. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated neoplastic cells that contained massive quantities of nonmembrane‐bound particulate glycogen and that formed numerous acini. Apically, these cells formed microvilli; laterally they formed tight junctions and desmosomes. Morphologic features of this neoplasm are similar to those of the fetal breast and to some other clear cell carcinomas arising elsewhere in the body.

Public hospital-based level I trauma centers: financial survival in the new millennium.

BACKGROUND The medical benefits of trauma centers have been well documented; studies have reported substantial financial losses attributed to trauma care. This study demonstrates the dependence of Level I trauma centers on Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) governmental funds and tax dollars. Furthermore, specific injury groups have greater dependence on these funds. METHODS Records of 553 trauma patients admitted to a public urban Level I trauma center during a 6-month period were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to blunt, penetrating, and thermal injuries. Data for each group included charges, costs, payments, and the source of reimbursement. Profit and loss margins were compared with and without government funds. RESULTS With diminished DSH funds and tax dollars, a net loss over

Conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

2.1 million was incurred. The greatest disparity originates from Medicaid, self-pay, and prisoner patient groups. Inclusion of government funds provided a positive return of over

Clotting competence of intracavitary blood in trauma victims

600,000. CONCLUSION The financial stability of urban public Level I trauma centers without additional funding is tenuous because of a high proportion of uninsured and underinsured patients. Government tax dollars and DSH funds are required for their continued solvency.

Preoperative Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine Studies Improve the Accuracy in Localization of Adenoma in Hyperparathyroidism

AbstractBackground: Identifying patients who are at risk for conversion from laparoscopic (LC) to open cholecystectomy (OC) has proven to be difficult. The purpose of this review was to identify factors that may be predictive of cases which will require conversion to laparotomy for completion of cholecystectomy. Methods: We reviewed 581 LCs initiated between July 1990 and August 1993 at a university medical center and recorded reasons for conversion to OC. Statistical analysis was then performed to identify factors predictive of increased risk for conversion. Results: Of the 581 LC initiated, 45 (8%) required OC for completion. Reasons for conversion included technical and mandatory reasons and equipment failure. By multivariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors for conversion included increasing age, acute cholecystitis, a history of previous upper abdominal surgery, and being a patient at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Factors not increasing risk of conversion included gender and operating surgeon. Conclusions: We conclude that no factor alone can reliably predict unsuccessful LC, but that combinations of increasing age, acute cholecystitis, previous upper abdominal surgery, and VAMC patient result in high conversion rates. Patients with the defined risk factors may be counseled on the increased likelihood of conversion. However, LC can be safely initiated for gallbladder removal with no excess morbidity or mortality should conversion be required.

The value of SPECT-thallium scanning in screening for myocardial contusion

In order to assess more rationally the requirement for anticoagulation during intraoperative autotransfusion, the clotting competence of blood collected from the body cavities of 31 trauma victims entering our emergency department with indications for intraoperative transfusion was assessed. Blood was collected at thoracotomy or laparotomy prior to the institution of any anticoagulant measures and was assessed for clotting competence, the presence of fibrinogen, the presence of soluble fibrin monomere, and the appearance of fibrin degradation products. The prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time of this blood were markedly elevated; fibrinogen was absent; soluble fibrin monomer was absent; and fibrin degradation products were markedly elevated. Blood collected from body cavities is then incoagulable, and we suggest that in the autotransfusion of such a product the need for anticoagulation may be reduced.