Medicine
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Case Reports
Cardiac tamponade complicating thoracentesis in a patient after left pneumonectomy: A case report.
Therapeutic or diagnostic thoracentesis is widely used in different clinical settings. Cardiac injury, a rare complication, could lead to fatal consequences. We describe a case of cardiac tamponade complicating thoracentesis that was recognized and rescued in a timely manner. ⋯ Imaging assessment and guidance in the process of thoracentesis was indispensable, especially in a patient with altered intra-thoracic anatomy. Cardiac damage, as a life-threatening complication, should be considered once hemodynamic instability occurs during the procedure.
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Observational Study
Treatment of medial humeral epicondyle fractures in children using absorbable self-reinforced polylactide pins.
The best treatment for medial humeral epicondyle fractures in children has been debated. In case of incarceration of the epicondylar fragment, particularly after elbow dislocation, several materials are used for fixation, including Kirschner wires (K-wires), metallic compression screws, tension band wire, and suture anchors. Herein, we introduce a new fixation material: the absorbable self-reinforced polylactide (SR-PLA) pin. ⋯ Absorbable SR-PLA pins can be safely used for medial epicondyle fractures in children. Our results indicate that SR-PLA pins are associated with better short-term functional outcome than K-wires. Level of evidence: III.
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Case Reports
Successful treatment of a huge hepatic carcinoma with right portal vein thrombosis: A case report.
Unlike the traditional associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, it is still controversial whether patients with portal vein thrombosis can receive benefits from liver partition. ⋯ Hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion INTERVENTION:: Radiofrequency-assisted liver partition with portal vein ligation (RALPP) OUTCOMES:: Disease-free survival: 3 months, overall survival: 7 months CONCLUSION:: Our results advocate this variation of RALPP for use in patients with huge HCC with portal vein invasion, without enough future liver remnant. Patients can receive benefits from the operation, including a shorter operation time, better recovery, and lower overall costs of the 2-stage procedure.
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Observational Study
Subjective expectations for future and mortality among middle-aged and older adults.
The purpose of this study is to categorize various elements for the expectations for the future using factor analysis and identify association between categories of the subjective expectations for the future and mortality among middle-aged and older adults. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2016 was assessed using longitudinal data analysis and 9,844 research subjects were included at baseline in 2006. Our modeling approach was based on Cox proportional hazards models for mortality. ⋯ Older adults were more likely to be affected by negative expectations for the future in national factor compared to middle-aged adults (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.41). Increasing positive expectations for the future is an important consideration for improvement in health. Policy makers need to consider that changes of national policy would affect health in older adults.
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Anatomical differences of unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) between transverse process-pedicle approach (TPPA) and conventional transpedicular approach (CTPA) are not well discussed. To investigate the anatomical distinctions of unilateral PKP between TPPA and CTPA, we have discussed the unilateral PKP through a 3-dimensional-computed tomography database. Five hundred lumbar spines from 100 patients have been retrospectively collected and unilateral CTPA and TPPA were simulated. ⋯ Compared with CTPA group, the SR in TPPA group was significantly higher for L1 to L4 no matter in the left, right side and female patients. The TPPA group presented with more lateral entry point, larger PIAs and higher SRs than that in the CTPA group. PKP surgery through a TPPA was safer and could provide a more symmetrical distribution of bone cement than the CTPA group.