Total Spondylectomy for Upper Thoracic Spine Giant Cell Tumor: A Case Report

Introduction: Giant cell tumors (GCT) are benign lesions that are generally locally aggressive tumors with occasional malignant behavior. These tumors are most frequently encountered in long bones; however, they also occur rarely in the spine. GCT of the spine are rare pathological entities, and spinal involvement shows a sacral predilection, with only a few cases involving the supra-sacral segment (mobile spine). Only a few cases of thoracic spinal GCT are reported in the literature; these tumors are particularly uncommon in the thoracic segment. Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old man presented with a complaint of neck pain over the previous six months that radiated to his left hand. GCT of the upper thoracic spine was diagnosed, which was surgically managed using a 2-stage approach involving total resection of the tumor followed by spondylectomy and multilevel spinal fixation. Discussion: Accurate diagnosis of vertebral column lesions, and choosing an optimum management plan are crucial. In the majority of cases, En-bloc resection of GCTs is not feasible ought to the close contact of the lesion with the spinal cord. Larger studies are encouraged to ascertain the efficacy of variable management approaches, particularly compared with piecemeal resection techniques. Conclusion: Spinal GCT are a unique group of tumors with an uncommon and unexpected presentation. Although surgery is the mainstay of treatment for spinal GCT, the management of this tumor can be challenging. No clear management algorithm has been established, and the tumor displays an unpredictable course. Therefore, each case needs tailored treatment

Effect of Admission Type on the Risk of Bloodstream Infections among Critically Ill Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in a Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association between type of admission (medical versus surgical) with risk of central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in a university hospital setting. A retrospective analysis was performed on critically ill patients who had peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) during the period between January 2010 and October 2012. Demographic data, duration of catheterization and type of admission were obtained from patien

Procedural Software Toolkit in the Armamentarium of Interventional Therapies: A Review of Additive Usefulness and Current Evidence

Interventional radiology is a fast-paced specialty that uses many advanced and emerging technological solutions. Several procedural hardware and software products are available commercially. Image-guided procedural software helps save time and effort in interventionist practice and adds precision to the intraoperative decisions made by the end user. Interventional radiologists, including interventional oncologists, have access to a wide range of commercially available procedural software that can be integrated into their workflow. However, the resources and real-world evidence related to such software are limited. Thus, we performed a detailed review of the current resources available, such as software-related publications, vendors’ multimedia materials (e.g., user guides), and each software’s functions and features, to compile a resource for interventional therapies. We also reviewed previous studies that have verified the use of such software in angiographic suites. Procedural software products will continue to increase in number and usage; these will likely be advanced further with deep learning, artificial intelligence, and new add-ins. Therefore, classifying procedural product software can improve our understanding of these entities. This review significantly contributes to the existing literature because it highlights the lack of studies on procedural product software

Radiological patterns in sickle cell disease patients with acute chest syndrome: Are there age-related differences?

Background: Acute chest syndrome is a major cause of pulmonary disease and mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Its diagnosis can be delayed due to differing imaging patterns between children and adults. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the pulmonary and extrapulmonary imaging findings in sickle cell disease patients with acute chest syndrome and determine differences in findings between adult and pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the data of all sickle cell disease patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of acute chest syndrome to King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, between January and June 2015 (n = 150). After grouping the patients into adults and pediatrics, the pulmonary and extrapulmonary characteristics were identified and the digital radiography, computed tomography and laboratory findings were compared. Results: A total of 116 patients with 163 acute chest syndrome episodes met the inclusion criteria, of which 69 (60%) were adults. In both adult and pediatric patients, the most frequent pulmonary finding was consolidation of the lung parenchyma. The right lung was most frequently involved: the lower lobe in adult patients and the middle lobe in pediatric patients. In addition, pleural effusion was observed in both age groups. Extrapulmonary radiological findings, such as avascular necrosis and cardiomegaly, were significantly more common in adult patients than in pediatric patients (P < 0.05). Compared with adults, pediatric patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (P = 0.001) and oxygen tension fraction in arterial blood (P = 0.007). Conclusions: Pediatric and adult sickle cell disease patients with acute chest syndrome typically exhibited similar pulmonary characteristics, whereas extrapulmonary findings were more prominent in adult patients. Furthermore, low levels of hemoglobin and oxygen tension fraction were dependent predictors of acute chest syndrome

Task-Based and Resting-State Functional MRI in Observing Eloquent Cerebral Areas Personalized for Epilepsy and Surgical Oncology Patients: A Review of the Current Evidence

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is among the newest techniques of advanced neuroimaging that offer the opportunity for neuroradiologists, neurophysiologists, neuro-oncologists, and neurosurgeons to pre-operatively plan and manage different types of brain lesions. Furthermore, it plays a fundamental role in the personalized evaluation of patients with brain tumors or patients with an epileptic focus for preoperative planning. While the implementation of task-based fMRI has increased in recent years, the existing resources and evidence related to this technique are limited. We have, therefore, conducted a comprehensive review of the available resources to compile a detailed resource for physicians who specialize in managing patients with brain tumors and seizure disorders. This review contributes to the existing literature because it highlights the lack of studies on fMRI and its precise role and applicability in observing eloquent cerebral areas in surgical oncology and epilepsy patients, which we believe is underreported. Taking these considerations into account would help to better understand the role of this advanced neuroimaging technique and, ultimately, improve patient life expectancy and quality of life

Procedural Software Toolkit in the Armamentarium of Interventional Therapies: A Review of Additive Usefulness and Current Evidence

Interventional radiology is a fast-paced specialty that uses many advanced and emerging technological solutions. Several procedural hardware and software products are available commercially. Image-guided procedural software helps save time and effort in interventionist practice and adds precision to the intraoperative decisions made by the end user. Interventional radiologists, including interventional oncologists, have access to a wide range of commercially available procedural software that can be integrated into their workflow. However, the resources and real-world evidence related to such software are limited. Thus, we performed a detailed review of the current resources available, such as software-related publications, vendors’ multimedia materials (e.g., user guides), and each software’s functions and features, to compile a resource for interventional therapies. We also reviewed previous studies that have verified the use of such software in angiographic suites. Procedural software products will continue to increase in number and usage; these will likely be advanced further with deep learning, artificial intelligence, and new add-ins. Therefore, classifying procedural product software can improve our understanding of these entities. This review significantly contributes to the existing literature because it highlights the lack of studies on procedural product software

Neuroschistosomiasis mimicking lower back pain: case report of a rare differential diagnosis in a pediatric patient

Abstract Background Spinal myelitis is an infrequent manifestation of spinal cord infection. It is caused by the Schistosoma species, which are endemic in South America, part of the Middle East, and Africa. Case presentation We report the case of a 13-year-old male adolescent complaining of progressive lower back pain and weakness of the lower extremities for 3 days. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed typical transverse myelitis. Subsequently, parasite serology showed a markedly elevated level of Schistosoma antibody titers, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis yielded normal results. Because of our presumptive diagnosis of neuroschistosomiasis, the patient was prescribed an empirical regimen of an anti-parasitic agent, after which his neurological deficit promptly subsided. The patient was followed for 1 year and showed a complete long-term resolution of symptoms. Conclusions This case highlights the increasing prevalence of neuroschistosomiasis in recent years, particularly in patients with a history of travel to endemic regions. Moreover, the study reports the clinicoradiological features of this enigmatic disorder. This rare occurrence potentiates further studies to address unanswered questions about neuroschistosomiasis

sj-docx-3-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 - Supplemental material for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental material, sj-docx-3-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Hassan M. Alshaqaq, Abdulaziz M. Al-Sharydah, Mohammed S Alshahrani, Saad M Alqahtani and Marwa Amer in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine</p

sj-docx-6-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 - Supplemental material for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental material, sj-docx-6-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Hassan M. Alshaqaq, Abdulaziz M. Al-Sharydah, Mohammed S Alshahrani, Saad M Alqahtani and Marwa Amer in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine</p

sj-docx-5-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 - Supplemental material for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental material, sj-docx-5-jic-10.1177_08850666231163141 for Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Hassan M. Alshaqaq, Abdulaziz M. Al-Sharydah, Mohammed S Alshahrani, Saad M Alqahtani and Marwa Amer in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine</p