The heterogeneous anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA) necessitates preprocedural imaging essential for planning of percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures. While transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) remains the gold standard, cardiac computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly popular. To address the lack of consensus on the optimal imaging modality, we compared the outcomes of preprocedural TOE versus CT for LAAO procedure planning. A retrospective single-center cohort study of all LAAO procedures was performed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving preprocedural TOE versus those receiving CT. The primary outcome was procedural success and rate of major adverse events. The secondary outcomes were total procedure time, rate of device size change, and maximum landing zone diameter. A total of 64 patients was included. Of these, 25 (39.1%) underwent TOE and 39 (60.9%) underwent CT. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate (96.0% vs.100%, P = 0.39) or major adverse event rate (4.0% vs. 5.1%, P > 0.99) between TOE and CT patients. Compared with TOE, CT was associated with significantly shorter median procedure time (103 min vs. 124 min, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of device size change (7.7% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.04). Compared to CT, TOE was associated with a significantly smaller mean maximum landing zone diameter (20.8 mm vs. 25.8 mm, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of device upsizing (24.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.01). No significant difference in detected residual leak rates was found between TOE and CT (50.0% vs. 52.2%, P > 0.99). Planning of LAAO procedures with CT is associated with a shorter total procedure time and a lower rate of device size change and is less likely to underestimate the maximum landing zone diameter.

The heterogeneous anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA) necessitates preprocedural imaging essential for planning of percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures. While transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) remains the gold standard, cardiac computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly popular. To address the lack of consensus on the optimal imaging modality, we compared the outcomes of preprocedural TOE versus CT for LAAO procedure planning. A retrospective single-center cohort study of all LAAO procedures was performed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving preprocedural TOE versus those receiving CT. The primary outcome was procedural success and rate of major adverse events. The secondary outcomes were total procedure time, rate of device size change, and maximum landing zone diameter. A total of 64 patients was included. Of these, 25 (39.1%) underwent TOE and 39 (60.9%) underwent CT. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate (96.0% vs.100%, P = 0.39) or major adverse event rate (4.0% vs. 5.1%, P > 0.99) between TOE and CT patients. Compared with TOE, CT was associated with significantly shorter median procedure time (103 min vs. 124 min, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of device size change (7.7% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.04). Compared to CT, TOE was associated with a significantly smaller mean maximum landing zone diameter (20.8 mm vs. 25.8 mm, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of device upsizing (24.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.01). No significant difference in detected residual leak rates was found between TOE and CT (50.0% vs. 52.2%, P > 0.99). Planning of LAAO procedures with CT is associated with a shorter total procedure time and a lower rate of device size change and is less likely to underestimate the maximum landing zone diameter.

The heterogeneous anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA) necessitates preprocedural imaging essential for planning of percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures. While transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) remains the gold standard, cardiac computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly popular. To address the lack of consensus on the optimal imaging modality, we compared the outcomes of preprocedural TOE versus CT for LAAO procedure planning. A retrospective single-center cohort study of all LAAO procedures was performed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving preprocedural TOE versus those receiving CT. The primary outcome was procedural success and rate of major adverse events. The secondary outcomes were total procedure time, rate of device size change, and maximum landing zone diameter. A total of 64 patients was included. Of these, 25 (39.1%) underwent TOE and 39 (60.9%) underwent CT. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate (96.0% vs.100%, P = 0.39) or major adverse event rate (4.0% vs. 5.1%, P > 0.99) between TOE and CT patients. Compared with TOE, CT was associated with significantly shorter median procedure time (103 min vs. 124 min, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of device size change (7.7% vs. 28.0%, P = 0.04). Compared to CT, TOE was associated with a significantly smaller mean maximum landing zone diameter (20.8 mm vs. 25.8 mm, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of device upsizing (24.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.01). No significant difference in detected residual leak rates was found between TOE and CT (50.0% vs. 52.2%, P > 0.99). Planning of LAAO procedures with CT is associated with a shorter total procedure time and a lower rate of device size change and is less likely to underestimate the maximum landing zone diameter.

Background: s/Aims: After pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), an early oral diet is recommended; however, the postoperative nutritional management of PD patients is known to be highly variable, with some centers still routinely providing parenteral nutrition (PN). Some patients who receive PN experience clinically significant complications, underscoring its judicious use. Using a large cohort, this study aimed to determine the proportion of PD patients who received postoperative nutritional support (NS), describe the nature of this support, and investigate whether receiving PN correlated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple’s study, a retrospective multicenter study of PD outcomes. Results: In total, 1,323 patients (89%) had data on their postoperative NS status available. Of these, 45% received postoperative NS, which was “enteral only,” “parenteral only,” and “enteral and parenteral” in 44%, 35%, and 21% of cases, respectively. Body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (p = 0.03), absence of preoperative biliary stenting (p = 0.009), and serum albumin < 36 g/L (p = 0.009) all correlated with receiving postoperative NS. Among those who did not develop a serious postoperative complication, i.e., those who had a relatively uneventful recovery, 20% received PN. Conclusions A considerable number of patients who had an uneventful recovery received PN. PN is not without risk, and should be reserved for those who are unable to take an oral diet. PD patients should undergo pre- and postoperative assessment by nutrition professionals to ensure they are managed appropriately, and to optimize perioperative outcomes.

Displaced olecranon fractures constitute a challenging problem for elbow surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of suture anchor fixation for treating patients with displaced olecranon fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all consecutive patients with displaced olecranon fractures treated with suture anchor fixation with at least 2 years of clinical follow-up. Surgical repair was performed acutely in all cases with nonmetallic suture anchors in a double-row configuration utilizing suture augmentation via the triceps tendon. Osseous union and perioperative complications were uniformly assessed. Results: Suture anchor fixation was performed on 17 patients with displaced olecranon fractures. Functional outcome scores were collected from 12 patients (70.6%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 65.6 years, and the mean follow-up was 5.6 years. Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) achieved osseous union in an acceptable position. No hardware-related complications or fixation failure occurred. Mean postoperative shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) score was 3.8±6.9, and mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47.5±1.0, with nine patients (75%) achieving a perfect score. Conclusions: Suture anchor fixation of displaced olecranon fractures resulted in excellent midterm functional outcomes. Additionally, this technique resulted in high rates of osseous union without any hardware-related complications or fixation failures. Level of evidence: IV.

Golf is a popular sport involving overhead activity and engagement of the rotator cuff (RC). This study aimed to determine to what level golfers were able to return to golf following RC repair, the barriers to them returning to golf and factors associated with their failure to return to golf. Methods: Patients preoperatively identifying as golfers undergoing RC repair at the study centre from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively followed up with to assess their golf-playing status, performance and frequency of play and functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes. Results: Forty-seven golfers (40 men [85.1%] and 7 women [14.9%]) with a mean age of 56.8 years met the inclusion criteria, and 80.1% were followed up with at a mean of 27.1 months postoperatively. Twenty-nine patients (76.3%) had returned to golf with a mean handicap change of +1.0 (P=0.291). Golf frequency decreased from a mean of 1.8 rounds per week preinjury to 1.5 rounds per week postoperatively (P=0.052). The EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) index and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score were significantly greater in those returning to golf (P=0.024 and P=0.002), although functional outcome measures were not significantly different. The primary barriers to return were ipsilateral shoulder dysfunction (78%) and loss of the habit of play (22%). Conclusions: Golfers were likely (76%) to return to golf following RC repair, including mostly to their premorbid performance level with little residual symptomatology. Return to golf was associated with a greater QoL. Persistent subjective shoulder dysfunction (78%) was the most common barrier to returning to golf. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Background/Aims: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) often is complicated by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). A systematic review and meta-analysis thus examined the prevalence of SIBO in SSc (SSc-subtypes), identify risk factors for SIBO in SSc and the effects of concomitant SIBO on gastrointestinal symptoms in SSc. Methods: We searched electronic databases until January-2022 for studies providing prevalence rates of SIBO in SSc. The prevalence rates, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of SIBO in SSc and controls were calculated. Results: The final dataset comprised 28 studies with 1112 SSc-patients and 335 controls. SIBO prevalence in SSc-patients was 39.9% (95% CI, 33.1-47.1; P= 0.006), with considerable heterogeneity, (I 2 = 76.00%, P < 0.001). As compared to controls, there was a 10-fold increased SIBO prevalence in SSc-patients (OR, 9.6; 95% CI, 5.6-16.5; P< 0.001). The prevalence of SIBO was not different in limited cutaneous SSc as compared to diffuse cutaneous SSc (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.46-2.20; P = 0.978). Diarrhea (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.9-16.0; P = 0.001) and the association between SIBO in SSc and proton pump inhibitor use (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.8-6.4; P = 0.105) failed statistical significance. Rifaximin was significantly more effective as compared to rotating antibiotic in eradicating SIBO in SSc-patients (77.8% [95% CI, 64.4-87.9]) vs 44.8% [95% CI, 31.7-58.4]; P < 0.05). Conclusions There is a 10-fold increased prevalence of SIBO in SSc, with similar SIBO prevalence rates in SSc-subtypes. Antimicrobial therapy of SIBO-positive SSc-patients with diarrhea should be considered. However, the results must be interpreted with caution due to substantial unexplained heterogeneity in the prevalence studies, and the low sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests suggesting that the reliability of the evidence may be low.

Purpose: Prostate cancer (PCa) screening can lead to potential over-diagnosis/over-treatment of indolent cancers. There is a need to optimize practices to better risk-stratify patients. We examined initial longitudinal outcomes of mid-life men with an elevated baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following initiation of a novel screening program within a system-wide network. Materials and Methods: We assessed our primary care network patients ages 40 to 49 years with a PSA measured following implementation of an electronic health record screening algorithm from 2/2/2017–2/21/2018. The multidisciplinary algorithm was developed taking factors including age, race, family history, and PSA into consideration to provide a personalized approach to urology referral to be used with shared decision-making. Outcomes of men with PSA ≥1.5 ng/mL were evaluated through 7/2021. Statistical analyses identified factors associated with PCa detection. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as Gleason Grade Group (GGG) ≥2 or GGG1 with PSA ≥10 ng/mL. Results: The study cohort contained 564 patients, with 330 (58.5%) referred to urology for elevated PSA. Forty-nine (8.7%) underwent biopsy; of these, 20 (40.8%) returned with PCa. Eleven (2.0% of total cohort and 55% of PCa diagnoses) had csPCa. Early referral timing (odds ratio [OR], 4.58) and higher PSA (OR, 1.07) were significantly associated with PCa at biopsy on multivariable analysis (both p<0.05), while other risk factors were not. Referred patients had higher mean PSAs (2.97 vs. 1.98, p=0.001). Conclusions Preliminary outcomes following implementation of a multidisciplinary screening algorithm identified PCa in a small, important percentage of men in their forties. These results provide insight into baseline PSA measurement to provide early risk stratification and detection of csPCa in patients with otherwise extended life expectancy. Further follow-up is needed to possibly determine the prognostic significance of such mid-life screening and optimize primary care physician-urologist coordination.

Background: and Purpose Knowledge about different etiologies of non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and their outcomes is scarce. Methods: We assessed prevalence of pre-specified ICH etiologies and their association with outcomes in consecutive ICH patients enrolled in the prospective Swiss Stroke Registry (2014 to 2019). Results We included 2,650 patients (mean±standard deviation age 72±14 years, 46.5% female, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 8 [interquartile range, 3 to 15]). Etiology was as follows: hypertension, 1,238 (46.7%); unknown, 566 (21.4%); antithrombotic therapy, 227 (8.6%); cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), 217 (8.2%); macrovascular cause, 128 (4.8%); other determined etiology, 274 patients (10.3%). At 3 months, 880 patients (33.2%) were functionally independent and 664 had died (25.1%). ICH due to hypertension had a higher odds of functional independence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 1.77; P=0.05) and lower mortality (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.86; P=0.003). ICH due to antithrombotic therapy had higher mortality (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.61; P=0.045). Within 3 months, 4.2% of patients had cerebrovascular events. The rate of ischemic stroke was higher than that of recurrent ICH in all etiologies but CAA and unknown etiology. CAA had high odds of recurrent ICH (aOR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.48 to 7.69; P=0.004) while the odds was lower in ICH due to hypertension (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.93; P=0.031). Conclusions Although hypertension is the leading etiology of ICH, other etiologies are frequent. One-third of ICH patients are functionally independent at 3 months. Except for patients with presumed CAA, the risk of ischemic stroke within 3 months of ICH was higher than the risk of recurrent hemorrhage.

Background: and Purpose Recent studies suggested an increased incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the volume of CVT hospitalization and in-hospital mortality during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the preceding year. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study of 171 stroke centers from 49 countries. We recorded COVID-19 admission volumes, CVT hospitalization, and CVT in-hospital mortality from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2021. CVT diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) codes or stroke databases. We additionally sought to compare the same metrics in the first 5 months of 2021 compared to the corresponding months in 2019 and 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04934020). Results: There were 2,313 CVT admissions across the 1-year pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic year (2020); no differences in CVT volume or CVT mortality were observed. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT volumes compared to 2019 (27.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.2 to 32.0; P<0.0001) and 2020 (41.4%; 95% CI, 37.0 to 46.0; P<0.0001). A COVID-19 diagnosis was present in 7.6% (132/1,738) of CVT hospitalizations. CVT was present in 0.04% (103/292,080) of COVID-19 hospitalizations. During the first pandemic year, CVT mortality was higher in patients who were COVID positive compared to COVID negative patients (8/53 [15.0%] vs. 41/910 [4.5%], P=0.004). There was an increase in CVT mortality during the first 5 months of pandemic years 2020 and 2021 compared to the first 5 months of the pre-pandemic year 2019 (2019 vs. 2020: 2.26% vs. 4.74%, P=0.05; 2019 vs. 2021: 2.26% vs. 4.99%, P=0.03). In the first 5 months of 2021, there were 26 cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), resulting in six deaths. Conclusions During the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic, CVT hospitalization volume and CVT in-hospital mortality did not change compared to the prior year. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with higher CVT in-hospital mortality. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT hospitalization volume and increase in CVT-related mortality, partially attributable to VITT.