1.The effect of local vibration of the tibial nerve on triceps surae spasticity after stroke and its mechanism
Juanjuan FU ; Hongxing WANG ; Pei WANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Hui FENG ; Xiuwu ZHOU ; Huaping PAN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2021;43(5):391-395
Objective:To explore the effect of tibial nerve vibration on triceps surae spasticity in stroke survivors and its electrophysiological mechanism.Methods:Thirty stroke survivors with upper limb spasticity were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation training while the treatment group was additionally provided with local vibration of the tibial nerve with an amplitude of 0.3mm at 60Hz. Before and after the treatment, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Clonus grading were used to assess muscle tone and spasticity. Electrophysiological functions were evaluated using the tibial nerve motor and sensory conduction test and F wave and H reflex sensing.Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences between the two groups in their average MAS scores, Clonus grading, maximum H amplitude (Hmax), the ratio of maximum H to maximum M amplitude (H/M) or the intensity of stimulus required to elicit Hmax. After the treatment, however, all of those measurements had improved significantly in both groups with the average improvements in the treatment group significantly greater than those in the control group.Conclusions:Local vibration of the tibial nerve combined with traditional rehabilitation is more effective than traditional rehabilitation alone in relieving triceps surae spasticity and reducing muscle tone after a stroke. The vibration seems to inhibit excitation of the reflex pathway.
2.Clinical application of 3D printing combined with 3D laparoscopy in partial nephron-sparing surgery for partial endogenous renal cell carcinoma
Qiwei YANG ; Sishun GAN ; Jianqing YE ; Chuanmin CHU ; Xiuwu PAN ; Lei WANG ; Lin LI ; Fajun QU ; Linhui WANG ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2019;40(5):333-339
Objective To investigate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of 3-D printing (3DP) combined with 3-D laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery (LNSS) for partial endogenous renal cell carcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 79 patients with partial endogenous renal cell carcinoma who were admitted to our department from July 2015 to October 2018.There were 46 males and 33 females.Their average age was (50.9 ± 7.9) years old,ranged from 33 to 68 years old.Tumor stages were T1aN0M0 in 53 cases and T1bN0M0 in 26 cases.The preoperative serum creatinine ranged from 40 to 107 μmol/L,with an average of (72.4 ± 14.2) μmol/L.The preoperative GFR ranged from 19 to 54 ml/min,with an average of (40.2 ± 6.2) ml/min.Thirty-four patients underwent 2-D laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery (2DLNSS) based on preoperative enhanced CT scans.Forty-five patients underwent 3-D printing (3DP) based on three-dimensional reconstruction of renal CT scans.Seventeen patients underwent 2-D laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery guided by 3-D printing model(3DP-2DLNSS),and 28 patients underwent 3-D laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery guided by 3-D printing (3DP-3DLNSS).Serum creatinine levels ranged from 42 to 122 μmol/L with an average of (86.3 ± 14.8) μmol/L,and creatinine levels ranged from 8 to 66 μmol/L with an average of (19.1 ± 14.1) μmol/L.Six months after operation,the GFR of the kidney was 9-36 ml/min with an average of (21.4 ± 6.4)ml/min,and the fluctuation range was 6-40 ml/min with an average of (19.2 ± 8.8) ml/min.There was no statistical difference in the incidence of complications and pathological types after operation.Results There was no statistical difference in general data of preoperative patients.In intraoperative and post-operative statistics,the time of exploring renal artery was shorter than that of 2DLNSS (33.7 ± 7.5) min in 3DP-2DLNSS (28.3 ± 8.2,P =0.015) min and 3DP-3DLNSS (27.8 ± 6.5,P =0.002) min.In tumor detection time,3 DP-2DLNSS was shorter than 2DLNSS group (41.2 ± 6.6 vs.46.5 ± 6.9 min,P =0.012),and 3 DP-3DLNSS was shorter than 3DP-2DLNSS (35.4 ± 7.3 vs.41.2 ± 6.6 min,P =0.009).In warm ischemia time,3DP-2DLNSS min was shorter than 2DLNSS (23.5 ±9.7 vs.33.9 ±7.5 min P <0.001),and 3DP-3DLNSS was shorter than 3DP-2DLNSS (18.3 ± 4.6 vs.23.5 ± 9.7,P =0.023).In surgical time,3DP-2DLNSS (115.7 ± 23.0) min and 3DP-3DLNSS (103.3 ± 22.8) min were shorter than 2DLNSS (132.4 ± 28.9) min (P =0.031,P < 0.001).In intraoperative bleeding volume,3 DP-3 DLNSS was less than 2DLNSS (117.9 ± 17.9 vs.130.6 ± 16.8,P =0.009) ml.Fasting for 1 to 4 days after operation,with an average of (1.7 ± 0.8) days.The indwelling catheterization ranged from 1 to 8 days after operation,with an average of (3.9 ± 1.3) days.Negative pressure drainage was removed 2-9 days after operation,with an average of (4.9 ± 1.4) days.And the hospitalization 5-11 days after operation,with an average of (7.3 ± 1.5) days.Conclusions Preoperative 3D printing combined with intraoperative 3D laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery for partial endogenous renal tumors is safe and effective,which is superior to the previous CT scan alone and intraoperative 2D laparoscopic treatment.
3.The planning, simulating and executing for the surgery of bilateral renal masses used the three-dimensional intelligent qualitative and quantitative analysis system(IQQA)
Jianmin LYU ; Xiuwu PAN ; Sishun GAN ; Fajun QU ; Jianqin YE ; Chuanmin CHU ; Jian CHU ; Jianwei CAO ; Xiangmin ZHANG ; Linhui WANG ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2019;40(5):356-360
Objective To explore the application of three-dimensional intelligent qualitative and quantitative analysis system (IQQA) in the planning,simulation and implementation of precise surgery for bilateral renal tumors.Methods A retrospective analysis a total of 7 patients with bilateral kidney tumors in our center from June 2017 to August 2018 was performed.There were 5 males and 2 females,with an average age of (54.6 ± 6.0) years,ranging 47.0-63.0 years.The average BMI index was (23.4 ± 2.4) kg/m2,ranging 21.2-28.0 kg/m2.The average diameter of 14 renal tumors in 7 patients was (3.8 ± 1.1) cm,ranging 1.9-5.3 cm.The average R.E.N.A.L score was 6.6 ± 1.2,ranging 5.0-9.0.The tumor stage was T1N0M0.The mean preoperative hemoglobin,albumin,creatinine and GFR were (138.6 ± 17.0)g/L and (47.3 ± 2.5 g/L),(51.6 ± 19.1) μmol/Land (56.9 ± 6.7) ml/min,respectively.Before operation,the original data of CT were input into IQQA system.Then we reconstructed kidney,blood vessel,collecting system and tumors using system.And the structure of kidney,tumors and vessels was visualized directly.The systematic analysis of the operation is carried out at terminals vary from various angles,and the surgical resection simulation.The position,angle and curvature of the cut surface are adjusted according to the effect.The plan of partial nephrectomy is designed.The resection area,remaining area of kidney is calculated.In this way,we can construct individualized and accurate laparoscopic partial nephrectomy planning before operation.Last,we carried out the operation according to the designed plan.The laparoscopic standard partial nephrectomy was performed in 11 cases.The laparoscopic selective partial nephrectomy was performed in 2 cases.One underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without obstruction.We achieved precise resection of tumors and rapid suture of wounds according to the preoperative planning of excision and suture.We collected of the surgical success rate,conversion to opening rate,operation time,warm ischemia time,intraoperative bleeding volume,complications and hospitalization after operation.The related laboratory indicators such as eGFR and creatinine were followed up for 3 months,and the prognostic indicators such as renal CT and pulmonary CT for 6 months after operation were evaluated and analyzed.Result 14 renal tumors were successfully reconstructed by IQQA in 7 patients.The operations were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery or radical nephrectomy.The average operative duration was (68.9 ± 9.2) minutes,ranging 50.0-80.0 minutes.The average renal artery occlusion duration was (20.7 ± 4.1) minutes,ranging 15.0-29.0 minutes.The average intraoperative bleeding volume was (70.7 ± 29.7) ml,ranging 30.0-120.0 ml.The average indwelling time of drainage tube was (5.5 s0.7) days,ranging 5.0-7.0 days.The average hospitalization time was (6.3 ± 0.5) days,ranging 6.0-7.0 days.There were no perioperative complications such as bleeding,urinary leakage,infection,incision dehiscence and pulmonary infection.Postoperative pathology revealed 13 clear cell renal carcinoma and 1 renal angiomyoma.No recurrence or metastasis was found in chest CT and lung CT after 6 months follow-up.The creatinine and GFR in 3 months after operation were (52.0 ± 15.2) μmol/L(36.0-72.0 μmol/L) and (56.7 ± 5.3) ml/min(46.7-66.3 ml/min).There was no significant difference of creatinine and GFR with the preoperative (P > 0.05).The mean Hb and albumin levels in 3 months after operation were (120.9 ± 17.0) g/L(90.0-147.0 g/L) and (41.4 ± 2.6) g/L (38.0-46.0 g/L),which were significantly lower than those before operation (P < 0.05).Conclusions The three-dimensional intelligent qualitative and quantitative analysis system (IQQA) can visualize the kidney,tumor and the vasculature of bilateral kidney tumors by preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction.The optimal surgical plan of partial nephrectomy can be designed by preoperative operation planning and computer terminal in order to enhance the safety of partial nephrectomy for bilateral kidney tumors and preserve the possibility of kidney,and protect the renal function to the greatest extent.To accurately predict the retention of renal function after operation,so that patients with bilateral renal tumors can get the greatest benefit in partial nephrectomy.
4.Preliminary experience in guiding individualized targeted therapy of advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma with gene detection technology
Da XU ; Xiuwu PAN ; Jiaxin CHEN ; Jianqing YE ; Chuanmin CHU ; Yijun TIAN ; Xi LIU ; Jianmin LYU ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2019;40(5):365-369
Objective To explore the efficacy and tolerance of adverse reactions of gene detection technique in guiding individualized targeted therapy for advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 62 patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma before and after receiving targeted drug treatment in our department from October 2015 to October 2017.Among the 62 patients,there were 36 males and 26 females,with an average age of (54 ± 13) years old.16 patients were treated with sunitinib,20 patients were treated with sorafenib and 26 patients were treated with pazopanib.A total of 28 patients (individualized group) were selected to receive targeted drug according to the results of gene detection,and 34 patients were treated with targeted drug empirically (empirical group).In individualized group,there were 17 males and 11 females with the average age of (51.3 ± 15.6) years old.20 patients accepted the operation.The distant metastasis included bone metastasis in 21 cases,lung metastasis in 7 cases,liver metastasis in 16 cases,epidermal metastasis in 4 cases and lymphatic metastasis in 14 cases.According to risk of MSKCC,the case number of low risk,moderate risk and high risk were 15,7,6,respectively.7 patients were treated with sunitinib,8 patients were treated with sorafenib and 13 patients were treated with pazopanib.In empirical group,there were 19 males and 15 females with the average age of (56.3 ± 10.1) years old.22 patients accepted the operation.The distant metastasis included bone metastasis in 20 cases,lung metastasis in 5 cases,liver metastasis in 13 cases,epidermal metastasis in 3 cases and lymphatic metastasis in 15 cases.According to risk of MSKCC,the case number of low risk,moderate risk and high risk were 20,g,6,respectively.9 patients were treated with sunitinib,12 patients were treated with sorafenib and 13 patients were treated with pazopanib.The baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients,including gender,age,whether operation was performed,site of metastasis,and risk of MSKCC,didn't show significant difference.Patients in both groups received the standard treatment regimen and the follow-up duration was 4-26 months to observe the efficacy,progression-free survival and tolerance to adverse reactions of the targeted therapy.Results After 12 months of treatment,15 patients in the individualized group was recorded objective remission.7 patients in the empirical group was recorded objective remission,as well.The tumor control efficacy of the individualized group was significantly better than that of the empirical group (46.4% vs.20.6%,P =0.03).Meanwhile,the median progression-free survival time (15.2 months,3.7-24.2 months) in the individualized group was significantly longer than that in the empirical group (12.1 months,2.8-22.1 months) (P =0.009).Compared with the empirical group,the higher incidence of targeted treatment-related adverse reactions occurred in the individualized group,including thrombocytopenia (46.4% vs.17.6% P =0.014),leukopenia (46.4% vs.17.6% P =0.005),hypertension (71.4% vs.44.1%,P =0.031) and hypothyroidism(60.7% vs.29.4%,P=0.013).Conclusions Compared with the patients with empirical drugs,the application of gene detection technique to select individualized targeted drugs for the treatment of advanced metastatic renal cancer is obvious curatively effective,and to a certain extent extends the progression-free survival time of patients.
5.Application of early sequential unclamping method in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for patients with T1b renal tumor
Xi LIU ; Xiuwu PAN ; Fajun QU ; Xiangmin ZHANG ; Jian CHU ; Sishun GAN ; Chuanmin CHU ; Jianqing YE ; Linhui WANG ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2018;39(8):577-581
Objective To analyze the value of early sequential unclamping method in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Methods From April 2017 to October 2017,a total of 8 cases of renal tumor patients by early sequential unclamping method of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) were reviewed,with 5 males and 3 females and average age of 56.4 years (43-70 years).Three cases of renal tumor were located on the left side,5 cases on the right side.The mean tumor diameter was 5.6 (4.6-6.4) cm.The preoperativeR.E.N.A.L.score was 8.8 (7-10),and the mean ASA score was 1.4 (1-2).Preoperative serum creatinine level was 89.5 (72.1-104.2) μmol/L,and the GFR level of the kidney with tumor before operation was 55.5 (40.4-62.3) ml/min.The early sequential unclamping method was used for retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy:according to the preoperative CTA results,the main branches and branches of the renal artery were routinely separated.Before the tumor resection,the branches of renal artery and the main renal artery were sequentially blocked.After removal of the tumor,the first layer of bare kidney wound blood vessels and collection system were sutured and repaired.Then released the main renal artery occlusion clamp,restored most of the blood supply to the kidney,but kept the tumor-specific segmental renal artery blocked.Continuous suture of the kidney created a rough combination of the renal wound.After second layers of suture completed,unclamped the segmental renal artery and sutured the renal wound again,made the third layers of suture intersecting with the second seam suture to strengthen the hemostatic effect.Results All the 8 patients were performed LPN with early sequential unclamping method successfully.The average operative time was 132.5 (90-180) min,the intraoperative blood loss was 142.5 (100-200) ml,the completely warm ischemia time was 15.5 (12.0-20.0) min,and no blood transfusion was performed intraoperatively and postoperatively.The operative margin was negative.The postoperative pathology showed that 7 cases were clear cell carcinoma and 1 cases of papillary cell carcinoma.Postoperative complications such as urinary leakage,incision infection and fever were not found.Drainage tube removal time was 3.5 (3-5) days and the time of postoperative hospitalization was 4.8 (4-6) days.At 1 months after operation,the serum creatinine level was 94.0 (83.6-101.2) μmol/L and the GFR level of one side kidney with tumor was 52.3 (43.2-59.6) ml/min.After 2-9 months of follow-up,there was no recurrence of the tumor.Conclusions Early sequential unclamping method could shorten the warm ischemia time and reduce the risk of bleeding during the operation.It also maintains a clear operative field,which could reduce the difficulty of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and make a more accurate tumor resection in the complex renal tumor patients.
6.Efficacy of using the fourth arm in retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for cT1b stage renal tumors
Shaojun CHEN ; Xiuwu PAN ; Jianqing YE ; Liang ZHANG ; Xingang CUI
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(7):576-580
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of using the fourth arm in retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(PN)for cT1b stage renal tumors.Methods Clinical data of 49 patients with cT1b stage renal tumors who underwent retroperitoneal robot-assisted PN performed by the same surgeon in our hospital during Jan.2022 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the fourth arm was used or not:application group(n=21)and non-application group(n=28).The basic information,operation time,warm ischemia time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative complications and other data were compared between the two groups.Results All operations were successful,with no conversion to open surgery or radical nephrectomy.The application group had significantly shorter operation time[(128.76±31.58)min vs.(151.11±33.21)min,P=0.021],shorter warm ischemia time[(24.67±4.80)min vs.(27.61±3.54)min,P=0.017],and less intraoperative blood loss[(109.05±39.99)mL vs.(139.29±54.43)mL,P=0.037]compared with the non-application group.The increase of postoperative creatinine was(18.64±16.05)μmol/L in the application group and(20.30±13.49)μmol/L in the non-application group respectively.Complications occurred in 3 cases in the application group and 5 cases in the non-application group,with no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion When we perform the retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for cT1b stage renal tumors,using the fourth arm can shorten the operation time and warm ischemia time,and reduce the intraoperative blood loss,which should be applied more in clinic.
7.Application and research progress of lasers in kidney neoplasm treatment: an intergrated bibliometric and Meta-analysis study
Yifan LIU ; Xiuwu PAN ; Bingnan LU ; Shaojun CHEN ; Jianqing YE ; Liang ZHANG ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(7):544-551
Objective:To explore the application and research progress of lasers in the treatment of kidney neoplasms through an integrated bibliometric and Meta-analysis study.Methods:On June 7th, 2024, an online search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for all relevant literature on lasers in kidney neoplasms was conducted. The retrieved results were subjected to a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. The high-quality studies were then screened to further describe the clinical characteristics of patients who underwent laser-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LLPN). Subsequently, a Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software on further selected high-quality studies to compare the changes in renal function before and after LLPN treatment, and the differences in efficacy between LLPN and traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).Results:Our study obtained a total of 549 publications on lasers in kidney neoplasms, including 513 in English and 36 in Chinese. Bibliometric analysis revealed an overall upward trend in the annual publications and citations in this field. China was found to be a leading contributor ranking second in total publications ( n=100, 18.2%). The primary application of laser treatment was in nephron-sparing surgery for kidney neoplasms, especially in LPN. We further screened 11 high-quality studies comprising 284 patients who underwent LLPN for kidney neoplasms. Comprehensive descriptive statistical analysis was performed on clinical characteristics of the 284 patients. All patients had T 1a stage tumors with a mean tumor length of 2.6 cm (range: 0.8-4.0 cm), all being local, solitary, and exophytic tumors. Further Meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in renal function indicators including both serum creatinine levels ( MD=4.52, 95% CI-9.73-0.69, P = 0.09) and estimated glomerular filtration rate ( MD=3.05, 95% CI-1.03-7.13, P= 0.14) before and after LLPN. Additionally, compared to traditional LPN, LLPN showed significantly reduced operative time ( MD=-10.58, 95% CI= -13.11-8.06, P<0.001), but no significant differences in estimated blood loss ( MD= -27.09, 95% CI-67.38-13.21, P=0.19) and hospital stay ( MD=-1.59, 95% CI-3.42-0.25, P=0.09). Conclusions:The application of lasers in managing of kidney neoplasms is arousing increasing attention among urologists. LLPN offers several advantages, including precise cutting and effective hemostasis. This technique demonstrates considerable clinical value for patients with exophytic T 1a kidney neoplasms undergoing "zero-ischemia" nephron-sparing surgery.
8.High power lateral green laser assisted non-blocking laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T 1a renal tumors
Jianmin LYU ; Jidong XU ; Xiangmin ZHANG ; Wenjin CHEN ; Jianwei CAO ; Xiuwu PAN ; Jian CHU ; He ZHANG ; Fajun QU ; Jing ZHANG ; Jingcun ZHEN ; Chuanyi HU ; Xingang CUI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2021;42(12):885-889
Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic non-blocking partial nephrectomy assisted by high power lateral green laser in the treatment of T 1a renal tumor. Methods:The clinical data of 10 patients with T1a stage renal tumor from February 2021 to April 2021 in department of urology, Gongli hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 3 females, aged 47.0-74.0 years, with average of(58.8±9.7)years old. The diameter of the tumor ranged from 2.0 cm to 3.8 cm, with an average of (3.1±0.6)cm. There were 6 cases on the left side and 4 cases on the right side, locate on lumbar side in 9 cases and ventral sied in 1 case. The R. E.N.A.L score was 4.0-6.0, with an average of (5.0±0.8). The preoperative creatinine was 66.9-90.1μmol/L, with an average of (75.1±9.0)μmol/L, preoperative GFR of 44. 6- 67. 3 ml /min, with an average of(56.7±7.7)ml/min, preoperative hemoglobin level of 119.0-156.0g/L, with an average of (135.8±11.4)g/L. All patients underwent laparoscopic non-blocking partial nephrectomy assisted by 180w lateral green laser, free the surrounding area of the tumor fully and completely expose the renal tumor. The laser fiber was placed through the green laser hand piece, and the fiber was connected with normal saline to wash the strip. The initial green laser vaporization power was set at 80W, and the hemostasis power at 35W.About 3mm away from the edge of the tumor, and one optical fiber away from the renal parenchyma, the renal parenchyma was cut with 80W power. In order to reduce the interference by smoke, high-pressure flushing was used through the optical fiber while vaporizing, and an attractor was used to push and peel the tumor. In case of bleeding during operation, hemostatic power can be used to close the bleeding point and gradually advance until the tumor was completely removed. The wounds of renal inner medulla and renal outer cortex were continuously sutured in 1-3 layers with barbed suture. It involved 9 cases via retroperitoneal approach and 1 case via abdominal approach. The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, extraction time of negative pressure drainage, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pathology and postoperative complications were recorded, and the serum creatinine level and GFR level of the affected side were followed up 1 month after operation.Results:All the operations were successfully completed, and there was no conversion to open surgery or radical nephrectomy. One case changed to scissors fast resection and sutured hemostasis due to severe intraoperative bleeding. The operation time was 90.0-120.0 min, with the average of (104.5±9.0)min. The postoperative hemoglobin level was 96.0-132.0g/L, with an average of (115.2±11.8)g/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The postoperative hemoglobin decreased from 12.0g/L to 25.0g/L, with an average of (20.6±4.6)g/L. The time of vacuum drainage was 5.0-7.0 days, with an average of (5.7±0.7)d. Postoperative hospital stay was 6.0-8.0 days, with an average of (6.7±0.7)d. No bleeding, urinary leakage and other complications occurred in all patients. There were 7 cases of clear cell carcinoma, 2 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma and 1 case of angiomyolipoma. All margins were negative. One month after operation, creatinine ranged from 66.0 to 90.4μmol/L, with an average of (76.8±8.3)μmol/L, which was not significantly different compared with that before operation ( P>0.05). One month after operation, GFR was 45.1-60.8 ml/min, and with an average of (55.5±4.7)ml/min, and there was no significant difference compared with preoperative data( P>0.05). Conclusions:For T 1aN 0M 0 stage and exophytic renal tumors, laparoscopic non-blocking partial nephrectomy assisted by lateral green laser is safe and effective.
9.A pathological report of three COVID-19 cases by minimal invasive autopsies
Xiaohong YAO ; Tingyuan LI ; Zhicheng HE ; Yifang PING ; Huawen LIU ; Shicang YU ; Huaming MOU ; Lihua WANG ; Huarong ZHANG ; Wenjuan FU ; Tao LUO ; Feng LIU ; Qiaonan GUO ; Cong CHEN ; Hualiang XIAO ; Haitao GUO ; Shuang LIN ; Dongfang XIANG ; Yu SHI ; Guangqiang PAN ; Qingrui LI ; Xia HUANG ; Yong CUI ; Xizhao LIU ; Wei TANG ; Pengfei PAN ; Xuequan HUANG ; Yanqing DING ; Xiuwu BIAN
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2020;49(5):411-417
Objective:To investigate the pathological characteristics and the clinical significance of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia (termed by WHO as coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19).Methods:Minimally invasive autopsies from lung, heart, kidney, spleen, bone marrow, liver, pancreas, stomach, intestine, thyroid and skin were performed on three patients died of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Chongqing, China. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE), transmission electron microcopy, and histochemical staining were performed to investigate the pathological changes of indicated organs or tissues. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells as well as the expression of 2019-nCoV proteins. Real time PCR was carried out to detect the RNA of 2019-nCoV.Results:Various damages were observed in the alveolar structure, with minor serous exudation and fibrin exudation. Hyaline membrane formation was observed in some alveoli. The infiltrated immune cells in alveoli were majorly macrophages and monocytes. Moderate multinucleated giant cells, minimal lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils were also observed. Most of infiltrated lymphocytes were CD4-positive T cells. Significant proliferation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelia and focal desquamation of alveolar epithelia were also indicated. The blood vessels of alveolar septum were congested, edematous and widened, with modest infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes. Hyaline thrombi were found in a minority of microvessels. Focal hemorrhage in lung tissue, organization of exudates in some alveolar cavities, and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis were observed. Part of the bronchial epithelia were exfoliated. Coronavirus particles in bronchial mucosal epithelia and type Ⅱ alveolar epithelia were observed under electron microscope. Immunohistochemical staining showed that part of the alveolar epithelia and macrophages were positive for 2019-nCoV antigen. Real time PCR analyses identified positive signals for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. Decreased numbers of lymphocyte, cell degeneration and necrosis were observed in spleen. Furthermore, degeneration and necrosis of parenchymal cells, formation of hyaline thrombus in small vessels, and pathological changes of chronic diseases were observed in other organs and tissues, while no evidence of coronavirus infection was observed in these organs.Conclusions:The lungs from novel coronavirus pneumonia patients manifest significant pathological lesions, including the alveolar exudative inflammation and interstitial inflammation, alveolar epithelium proliferation and hyaline membrane formation. While the 2019-nCoV is mainly distributed in lung, the infection also involves in the damages of heart, vessels, liver, kidney and other organs. Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism underlying pathological changes of this disease.