Validation of the Zero-Heat-Flux thermometer (SpotOn®) in major gynecological surgery to monitor intraoperative core temperature: a comparative study with esophageal core temperature.

Background: The Zero-Heat-Flux technology of the SpotOn® sensor to measure core temperature has been validated in vascular and cardiac surgery. Our aim was to assess its validity in gynecological surgery in terms of time of measurement, thermic status (hypo-, normo-, or hyperthermia) and the use of different warming devices.

Methods: Prospective study in patients scheduled for major gynecological surgery using three warming systems (Snuggle Warm®, Lithotomy Underbody Blanket® and Warmtac Pad®).

IgG4-related disease: a disease we probably often overlook.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an increasingly recognised entity characterised by tumefied lesions that can affect multiple organs. Awareness of IgG4-RD is important, as it has been shown to mimic other diseases and may result in irreversible organ damage if not treated. If suspected, immunostaining for IgG4-positive plasma cells is essential for diagnosis and revision of old biopsies may be necessary.

Perioperative temperature control: Survey on current practices.

Introduction: Prevention of perioperative hypothermia decreases morbidity and mortality, as well as hospital costs. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of implementation of protocols in 3 tertiary Spanish University Hospitals.

Material And Methods: A survey among anaesthesiologists assessed estimated importance and clinical practice in terms of prevention of perioperative hypothermia.

Co-existence of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute megakaryoblastic and B-lymphoblastic mixed blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

In this study, we describe an extremely rare case of co-existence of a Philadelphia chromosome positive acute megakaryoblastic and B-lymphoblastic mixed blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A morphological, immunophenotypical and cytogenetic study has been performed to characterize the case and in order to identify the origin of two disorders. After the failure of the conventional therapy, the patient was treated with Imatinib with a complete hematological and cytogenetic response and a marked reduction of bone marrow fibrosis.

Follow-up of patients with previous treatment for coarctation of the thoracic aorta: comparison between contrast-enhanced MR angiography and fast spin-echo MR imaging.

Regular follow-up is required in patients with previous intervention for coarctation of the aorta to detect recoarctation or aneurysm formation. In this study we describe the findings encountered on routine follow-up exams and we compare the use of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (CE MRA) with fast spin-echo MRI (FSE) to study the thoracic aorta after previous intervention. In 51 consecutive patients previously treated for aortic coarctation, 74 MR studies of the thoracic aorta were performed during a 2-year period using CE MRA and FSE MRI.