Combining data to perform population-based observational studies: know your sources. The case of thyroid cancer in Belgium.

Background: Large scale observational studies are crucial to study thyroid cancer incidence and management, known to vary in time and place. Combining cancer registry data with other data sources enables execution of population-based studies, provided data sources are accurate. The objective was to compare thyroid tumour and treatment information between the available data sources in Belgium.

A novel plating technique for Ideberg type 1 A glenoid fractures: a report of five patients.

Background: Glenoid rim fractures are uncommon and generally associated with high complication rates. The most common treatment techniques include screw or anchor fixation. Here, we introduce a new fixation method to treat Ideberg type 1 A fractures.

Stratified Mucin-producing Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix: Clinical Diversity of Cases and Literature Review.

Background: This report discusses the current literature on both non-invasive and invasive SMILE ((i)SMILE) lesions of the cervix with focus on the pathology and its related clinical diversity in several cases. Currently, the knowledge on (i)SMILE is limited to single case reports and series. As a consequence, consensus guidelines regarding the management are lacking.

High-resolution parahisian mapping and ablation using microelectrode embedded ablation catheters.

Background: Accurate mapping of the compact atrioventricular (AV) node is critical during ablation of a range of arrhythmias.

Objective: The purpose of this multicenter prospective study was to test the hypothesis that microelectrode (ME)-embedded catheters more accurately define the near-field compact AV node compared to conventional catheters.

Methods: For the mapping phase, detailed AV junction maps were created in 47 patients using an ME-embedded catheter.

Catheter Ablation in Persistent AF, the Evolution towards a More Pragmatic Strategy.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and represents a heterogeneous disorder with a complex pathological basis. While significant technological advances have taken place over the last decade in the field of catheter ablation of AF, response to ablation varies and long-term success rates in those with persistent AF remain modest. Mechanistic studies have highlighted potentially different sustaining factors for AF in the persistent AF population with substrate-driven focal and re-entrant sources in the body of the atria identified on invasive and non-invasive mapping studies.

Correlation of symptoms and physical activity level in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: results from the observational SPACE study.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and high symptom burden that interferes with physical activity and results in a vicious cycle of inactivity and symptom worsening. The aim of this multicenter, observational study was to determine the prevalence and severity of morning, daytime and night-time symptoms as well as patterns of physical activity levels (PALs) and their interrelation in Belgian COPD patients, enrolled in the multinational SPACE study (NCT03031769).

Methods: Socio-demographic, socio-economic and disease characteristics data were collected from patients' medical records as part of a routine visit to their primary care practice or pulmonologist.

Diagnosis of Menière's disease on MRI: feasibility at 1.5 Tesla.

Background: Menière's disease (MD) is clinically characterized by the triad sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and/or aural fullness, and vertigo. Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) is the histopathological basis associated with MD, which can be demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Currently, most studies are done on a 3-T MRI scanner and to date it is believed that EH can only be demonstrated on a 3-T magnet.

Modified Nissen Fundoplication for Late Dumping Syndrome After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: Postoperative dumping syndrome (DS) is a common complication after Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. DS is mostly treated conservatively through dietary or pharmacologic measures. In case of non-responding to or contraindication for conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be considered.

Harlequin syndrome in a pediatric population: a case series.

Harlequin syndrome is a rare condition, presenting with unilateral facial flushing and hyperhidrosis in response to physical exercise, heat or emotional stressors and has scarcely been reported in pediatric patients. It is caused by a dysfunction of vasomotor and sudomotor sympathetic fiber activity inhibiting the ability to flush on the affected side, causing the neurologically intact side to appear red. We present three pediatric cases of this uncommon syndrome, each of them of different origin and displaying distinct associated (neurological) symptoms, and review medical literature.

Addition-Subtraction Osteotomy With Ligamentoplasty for Symptomatic Trapezial Dysplasia With Metacarpal Instability: A 10-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose: Symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with metacarpal instability in a nonarthritic joint can lead to a disabling condition characterized by decreased pain, mobility, and strength. Bony correction may be required in dysplastic joints, because soft tissue correction might be insufficient to stabilize the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. We combined 2 techniques described previously, an abduction-extension osteotomy of the first metacarpal and an opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium, including a ligament reconstruction (hemi-flexor carpi radialis).

Sleeve Gastrectomy Is the Most Common Cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Comparison with Other Bariatric Operations.

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the complications of bariatric operations that might affect the quality of life. We aim to perform a retrospective cohort study to determine the incidence of symptomatic GERD following different types of bariatric surgery and which operations are considered a contraindication of GERD. Besides, we are attempting to identify the risk factors of GERD after bariatric surgery.

Prospective Randomized Evaluation of High Power During CLOSE-Guided Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The POWER-AF Study.

Background: CLOSE-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is based on contiguous (intertag distance ≤6 mm), optimized (Ablation Index >550 anteriorly and >400 posteriorly) point-by-point radiofrequency lesions. The optimal radiofrequency power remains unknown.

Methods: The POWER-AF study is a prospective, randomized controlled monocentric study including patients with paroxysmal AF, planned for first CLOSE-guided pulmonary vein isolation using a contact force radiofrequency catheter (Thermocool SmartTouch, Biosense Webster, Inc, Irvine, CA).

Vestibular Infant Screening (VIS)-Flanders: results after 1.5 years of vestibular screening in hearing-impaired children.

Due to the close anatomical relationship between the auditory and vestibular end organs, hearing-impaired children have a higher risk for vestibular dysfunction, which can affect their (motor) development. Unfortunately, vestibular dysfunction often goes unnoticed, as vestibular assessment in these children is not standard of care nowadays. To timely detect vestibular dysfunction, the Vestibular Infant Screening-Flanders (VIS-Flanders) project has implemented a basic vestibular screening test for hearing-impaired infants in Flanders (Belgium) with a participation rate of 86.

Standardized pulmonary vein isolation workflow to enclose veins with contiguous lesions: the multicentre VISTAX trial.

Aims: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using a standardized workflow aiming to enclose the veins with contiguous and optimized radiofrequency lesions.

Methods And Results: This multicentre, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at 17 European sites. Pulmonary vein isolation was guided by VISITAG SURPOINT (VS target ≥550 on the anterior wall; ≥400 on the posterior wall) and intertag distance (≤6 mm).

En Hamac tympanoplasty and canalplasty for optimal type 1 tympanoplasty outcomes.

Objective: Multiple tympanoplasty techniques have been developed with numerous differences in grafting and approach. This study aimed to improve type 1 tympanoplasty outcomes by using the 'en hamac' technique as well as performing a complete canalplasty for anterior perforations.

Method: A retrospective review was performed using the prospective Otology-Neurotology Database tool for otological surgery.

Undergraduate Education for Urology in Europe. Where Do We Stand?

Regardless of career intentions, junior doctors will meet patients with urological problems. There are no studies on the status of undergraduate education for urology in Europe. We designed an 18-item online survey using the platform www.

The Effect of Autologous Alveolar Bone Grafting on Nasolabial Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

The objective of this study was to examine whether an autologous alveolar bone graft has an effect on the nasolabial asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. Fifteen children (mean age 7.5 ± 2.

Evaluation of higher power delivery during RF pulmonary vein isolation using optimized and contiguous lesions.

Aims: "CLOSE"-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is based on contiguous (≤6 mm) and optimized radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions (ablation index [AI] ≥ 400 posteriorly and ≥ 550 anteriorly]. However, the optimal RF power to reach the desired AI is unknown. Therefore we evaluated the efficiency of an ablation strategy using higher power (40 W) during a first "CLOSE"-guided PVI.

Hepatitis E virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

We report the first documented case of hepatitis E virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. This case emphasizes the fact that infectious agents other than those classically described should be taken into consideration as a potential trigger of virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome. Prompt recognition is crucial to start early treatment of the underlying infection and possibly improve the outcome of this frequently fatal syndrome.