Combination Prostatic Artery Embolization Prior to Water-Jet Ablation (Aquablation) for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: A Propensity Score Analysis.

To compare post-operative bleeding measures in patients who underwent prostatic artery embolization (PAE) prior to water-jet ablation (aquablation) vs. water-jet ablation alone. A retrospective review identified 145 patients treated with water-jet ablation for benign prostatic hyperplasia from December 2018 to June 2021.

The Vecta 46 intermediate catheter for mechanical thrombectomy of distal medium vessel occlusions: A single-center experience.

Introduction: With emerging evidence supporting the clinical efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs), MT devices specifically designed to navigate through smaller caliber and more delicate tortuous distal cerebrovasculature are required. This study describes our single-center experience using the AXS Vecta 46 intermediate catheter for first-line thromboaspiration of DMVOs.

Methods: We identified all patients who underwent MT using the Vecta 46 for first-line thromboaspiration for primary or secondary DMVOs.

Global geoepidemiology of gastrointestinal surgery rates in Crohn's disease.

Background: Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) remains limited.

Aim: To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.

Methods: A comprehensive search analysis was performed using multiple electronic databases from inception through July 1, 2020, to identify all full text, randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to gastrointestinal surgery rates in adult patients with CD.

Comparison of Outcomes of Drug-Coated Balloons versus Plain Balloons in Secondary Interventions on Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistulae.

Purpose: To compare patency and reintervention outcomes after either plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) or drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCBA) for venous stenoses after percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation.

Materials And Methods: One-hundred ninety-five pAVFs were successfully created during the study period, 141 using Ellipsys and 54 using Wavelinq. After pAVF creation, 95 patients (48.

Utilizing Deep Learning and Computed Tomography to Determine Pulmonary Nodule Activity in Patients With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial-Lung Disease.

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model for the classification of acute and chronic lung nodules from nontuberculous mycobacterial-lung disease (NTM-LD) on computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: We collected a data set of 650 nodules (316 acute and 334 chronic) from the CT scans of 110 patients with NTM-LD. The data set was divided into training, validation, and test sets in a ratio of 4:1:1.

Erdheim-Chester Disease Occult on Radiographs and CT but Visible on MRI and PET.

BACKGROUND Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare neoplasm of histiocytes that is characterized by prominent involvement of the long bones. Approximately 1500 cases have been reported since the disease was first described in 1930. The imaging appearance of ECD can be highly variable given the numerous systems it can affect.

Safety and efficacy of dynamic catheter-directed cerebral digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis of bowhunter syndrome spectrum disorders: A systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Dynamic catheter-directed cerebral digital subtraction angiography (dcDSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing dynamic vascular occlusion syndromes such as bowhunter syndrome (BHS). Nonetheless, concerns about its safety exist and no standardized protocols have been published to date.

Methods: We describe our methodology and insights regarding the use of dcDSA in patients with BHS.

Direct superficial temporal artery access for middle meningeal artery embolization.

Middle meningeal artery embolization has become an important option in the management of subdural hemorrhages with multiple prospective studies demonstrating efficacy and randomized controlled trial data on the way. Access to the middle meningeal artery is usually achieved via the external carotid artery to the internal maxillary artery, then the middle meningeal artery. We report a case where a patient with symptomatic left-sided chronic subdural hemorrhage also had an external carotid artery occlusion.

Venous Pathologies and Interventions of the Head.

Intracranial venous pathologies are a historically underrecognized group of disorders that can have a devastating impact on patients. Despite advancements in peripheral venous disorders and arterial neurointerventions, intracranial venous pathologies have received comparatively little attention. Understanding the anatomy, physiology, clinical relevance, and treatment options of intracranial venous pathologies is fundamental to evolving therapies and research priorities.

Initial clinical experience with the Bendit steerable articulating tip microcatheter for intracranial access and intervention.

Background: The increasing complexity and sophistication of neurovascular implants and other therapeutic devices depend on access and delivery systems. Advancements in access technologies are required to improve minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Steerable catheters have been available in other disciplines, however, their implementation in neurovascular interventions has been a barrier previously due to issues with miniaturization and vascular caliber/complexity.

Stroke Nurse Triage: Effects on Time Metrics at a Regional Stroke Center.

Introduction: Optimization of time metrics in the management of acute stroke is a priority. Nurses with special training in stroke management may contribute to enhanced delivery of care. This study analyzes the effects of initiating a nurse-led stroke triage program at a regional stroke center on time metrics of acute stroke.

Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation with Intended Brachial Vein Outflow and Secondary Brachial Vein Transposition Using the WavelinQ EndoAVF System.

Purpose: To assess percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation with subsequent brachial vein transposition (BVT) using the WavelinQ endoAVF system.

Materials And Methods: A pre-existing database was retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients underwent attempted pAVF-BVT creation between December 2017 and November 2021.

Identification of Wernicke Encephalopathy in a Patient Presenting With Altered Mental Status and Dehydration.

Introduction: Providing glucose before thiamine can cause or exacerbate Wernicke encephalopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with a variety of neurological impairments.

Case Presentation: An emaciated, middle-aged woman with a longstanding history of alcohol abuse and an undifferentiated seizure disorder presented to a local emergency department with altered mental status of unknown duration. Initial labs showed signs of acute kidney injury and she could not tolerate oral intake.

Comparative Efficacy of Endoscopic Assist Devices on Colonic Adenoma Detection: A Systematic Review With Network Meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Numerous endoscopic assist devices exist, yet data surrounding their comparative efficacy is lacking. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis to determine the comparative efficacy of endoscopic assist devices on colonic adenoma detection.

Methods: A systematic search was performed using multiple electronic databases through July 2020, to identify all randomized controlled trials and dual-arm observational studies compared with either other endoscopic assist devices and/or standard colonoscopy.

Pericarditis as a Secondary Complication of COVID-19 in a Renal Transplant Patient.

Introduction: A wide range of complications from COVID-19 are being reported, including cardiac complications.

Case Presentation: A 71-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis status post kidney transplant presented with worsening left-sided chest pain after receiving treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia at an outside hospital. She was subsequently diagnosed with acute pericarditis, likely secondary to viral infection with COVID-19, and was successfully treated with aspirin and colchicine for 90 days without complications.

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To review and to compare indirectly the outcomes of minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Materials And Methods: A literature search via Medline and Cochrane Central databases was completed for randomized control studies published between January 2000 to April 2020 for the following therapies: Rezum, Urolift, Aquablation, and prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Data on the following variables were included: International prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate, quality of life, and postvoid residual (PVR).

Comparison of Minimally Invasive Procedures to Treat Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To review and indirectly compare the outcomes of genicular artery embolization (GAE), radiofrequency (RF) ablation, and intra-articular (IA) injection for the treatment of knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis (OA).

Materials And Methods: A literature review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was conducted with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement in June 2020. The visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded at baseline and at all available time points for each therapy.

Acute Pericarditis Due to SARS-COV-2 in a Kidney Transplant Recipient.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious and typically presents with respiratory complications. Non-respiratory etiology has been increasingly identified in the literature, including cardiac manifestations. Here, we discuss an atypical case recently treated for SARS-CoV-2 presenting with acute pericarditis.

Etiological Analysis of Reactive Gastropathy in an Urban Population.

Background: Reactive gastropathy (RG) is an adaptive response to assaults of the gastric mucosa. Demographic information regarding RG as well as the coincidence of RG and gastrointestinal cancer are poorly characterized entities.

Objective: Herein, we aim to investigate relationships of RG to both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, as well as conduct a stratified analysis by race in an ethnically diverse, urban population.

Global incidence, prevalence and features of primary sclerosing cholangitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an idiopathic, cholestatic liver disease with a diverse range of clinical manifestations. Inter-regional data on PSC are variable, but its global geoepidemiology has not been well-studied. We aimed to examine the worldwide incidence, prevalence and features of PSC and PSC-inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD).

Identification of optimal therapeutic window for steroid use in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis: A worldwide study.

Background & Aims: Corticosteroids are the only effective therapy for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), defined by a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score >20. However, there are patients who may be too sick to benefit from therapy. Herein, we aimed to identify the range of MELD scores within which steroids are effective for AH.

Blastomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients-A retrospective series from southeastern Wisconsin.

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused primarily by Blastomyces dermatitis. The fungus is endemic to the Ohio, Mississippi, and St. Lawrence River areas of the United States.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Are Primarily Based on Low-Moderate-Quality Evidence.

Background: Owning to colorectal cancer's (CRC) high mortality, multiple societies developed screening guidelines.

Aims: We aimed to assess the overall quality of CRC screening guidelines.

Methods: A systematic search was performed to review CRC screening guidelines for conflicts of interest (COI), recommendation quality and strength, external document review, use of patient representative, and recommendation age-as per Institute of Medicine (IOM) standards.