Comparing Short-Term Outcomes of Right Mini-Thoracotomy and Median Sternotomy for Isolated Left Atrial Myxoma Excision

Background: Left atrial myxoma (LAM) is the most common heart tumor in adults, requiring prompt surgical removal to prevent complications like valvular obstruction or embolization. Objectives: This study aimed to compare early postoperative outcomes between two surgical approaches—right mini-thoracotomy and median sternotomy—for the removal of isolated left atrial myxoma. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHFH&RI), Mirpur, Dhaka, from March 2017 to August 2019. Twenty-eight patients undergoing surgery for isolated left atrial myxoma were included. The surgical approach was determined by the operating surgeon. We analyzed outcomes like intubation time, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale score), and overall hospital stay using SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p Results: Patients in the right mini-thoracotomy group had longer mean intubation times (11.43 vs. 5.93 hours, p Conclusion: Despite longer intubation and ICU times, the right mini-thoracotomy approach offers a minimally invasive alternative for isolated left atrial myxoma excision, with favorable outcomes overall.

Unroofing Technique for Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva: Report of a Case

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (AOLCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva constitutes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. Patients with an anomalous left main coronary artery face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with an anomalous right coronary artery. The anomalous coronary artery traversing between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery markedly heightens the risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Symptomatic patients often exhibit a longer intramural course of the coronary artery, which may necessitate earlier intervention or influence the choice of surgical repair method. Surgical intervention is advocated for patients with this anomaly, even in the absence of symptoms. For anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course, coronary unroofing is the preferred revascularization procedure. This report presents a case of AOLCA originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, treated surgically using the unroofing technique for the aortic intramural segment of the anomalous coronary artery traversing between the great vessels. The unroofing technique is recommended for treating AOLCA with an extensive intramural course that does not involve the commissure.

Minimally Invasive Total Arterial Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Left Main Stem Disease

Objective: The aim was to show that Minimally Invasive total arterial revascularization for left main stem coronary artery disease, via a left anterior Mini thoracotomy using bilateral internal thoracic arteries is feasible, reproducible and safe. Further, there has been no exclusive data or experience with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting in left main stem disease. Methods: From April 2019 to March 2024, 41 patients with left main stem stenosis, left main equivalent disease and unprotected left main with triple vessel disease underwent off pump minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting using either in situ pedicled Bilateral Internal Thoracic arteries or Left and Right Internal Thoracic artery Y composite conduits at three centers. Bilateral Internal Thoracic arteries were harvested under direct vision. All patients had an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump inserted via the femoral artery prior to induction of anesthesia, to prevent any hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, and was removed following completion of the procedure in the operating room without any complications. Efficacy and outcomes were evaluated by i) Primary (MACCE)-Major Adverse Cardiac and Cardiovascular events and ii) Secondary outcome measures including total length of stay, return to full physical activity and quality of life. Mean follow-up was 1.4 years (Maximum was 2.5 years). Results: 41 patients with left main stem coronary artery stenosis, underwent total arterial revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic arteries. Left main stem stenosis was present in 29 patients, Unprotected left main stem stenosis with triple vessel disease in 7 and left main equivalence in 5 patients. In this cohort, 29 patients with only left main stem stenosis had 2 grafts each, 7 patients with left main and triple vessel disease had 3 grafts and 5 patients with left main equivalent disease had 2 grafts respectively. The average number of grafts was 2.2. One patient was converted to open sternotomy as an emergency because of hemodynamic instability and myocardial revascularization was done on cardiopulmonary bypass (2.2%). The average hospital stay was 3.7 days. Ejection fraction was 45% ± 5%. There was one mortality (2.2%) but no major morbidity. The average ICU and hospital stay was 24 ± 4 hours and 3.7 days. All patients were free from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at follow-up. Conclusions: Multivessel total arterial revascularization using left and right internal thoracic arteries, was performed via a left anterior Mini thoracotomy on patients with left main stem disease and showed that it was safe, reproducible and will help extend the armamentarium of the surgeon in minimally invasive Coronary artery bypass grafting. Concomitantly it helped enhance the potential for shorter hospital stay, increased survival, decreased morbidity, and earlier return to full activity. Furthermore, the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting in this high-risk group evaluated by primary and secondary outcome measures have been good in this study.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Acute Left Main Coronary Occlusion Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is caused by either age-related degeneration of aortic valve or congenital malformation of aortic cusps. Severe aortic valve stenosis is a clinically emerging diagnosis in the current world. The three cardinal signs of severe AS are dyspnea, syncope, and angina. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is one of the safe and effective methods for treating severe aortic valve stenosis, and an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. Aortic valve calcification and changes after TAVI were specifically assessed by computed tomography. Excessive aortic valve calcification is related to procedural complications. A possible consequence is obstruction of coronary ostia. Heavy calcification of the aortic valve and surrounding structure is an important risk factor for coronary obstruction, heart block, and embolization during aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Here we present a case of an elderly old man, where critical ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease was caused by shifting of a calcium speck rather than obstruction with native leaflet. He was successfully rescued by an emergent CABG. Methods and Results: This is a case of a 69-year-old man with severe calcific aortic stenosis and single-vessel CAD who underwent TAVI with a relatively unremarkable course. Notably, his pre-operative TAVI angiography showed no LMCA stenosis. But 10 days later he presented to the ER with acute myocardial infarction with peak high-intensity troponins, diffuse ST changes, and cardiogenic shock. Urgent coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound showed critical LMCA stenosis caused by a speck of calcium externally abating the vessel. He underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting;intraoperative TEE confirmed the etiology. He had an uneventful postoperative course and was successfully weaned off vasoactive medications. Conclusion: This case illustrates that obstruction of coronary ostia could be a possible complication of TAVI. Calcium distribution should factor in TAVI versus surgical candidacy. Calcium shifting should be watched closely during valve deployment, post-TAVI coronary angiogram should be considered if shifting was significant or suspected to compromise coronary arteries.

左足颗粒细胞瘤一例

颗粒细胞瘤(granular cell tumor,GCT)是一种罕见软组织肿瘤,临床皮损不典型,好发于头颈部,发生于足部者少见。本患者左足跟角质性斑块20年,组织病理示:真皮内见大圆形细胞排列成巢状,细胞核小、居中,胞质内见嗜酸性颗粒。免疫组化:S-100(+)、SOX10(+)、NSE(+)、CD68(+)。诊断为颗粒细胞瘤,予以手术切除。

低速率流淘汰与d- Left散列相结合的大流检测算法

网络中少量较高速率和较大数据量的流生成了网络的大部分流量;利用有限的存储空间有效地识别出这些数据流,对实施流量工程、缓解网络拥塞、改善网络传输具有非常重要的意义.随着网络技术的发展,传输链路的带宽容量和数据流的传输速率越来越高.具有高速报文转发能力的网络设备对数据流检测算法的处理提出了高的性能要求.将超过一定的数据量和传输速率的数据流定义为大流,提出了将低速流淘汰与d-Left散列表存储结构相结合的大流检测算法.为了满足高速网络传输的性能需求,使用d-Left散列表存储流检测的数据结构,将d-Left散列表的存储结构与流缓存替换相结合以实现高效的大流检测.通过低速率的淘汰,提高了检测算法的准确性.基于真实网络数据的测试结果表明:所提算法在相近的存储开销下保持了高的处理性能,其准确性优于LRU派生算法S-LRU和L-LRU以及CSS和WCSS检测算法.

基于d-left算法的硬件哈希表研究与实现

基于d-left算法和片内CAM的硬件哈希表解决方案可以通过一次查表操作获得结果,解决了一般哈希表存在的最坏访问时间的问题;利用片内CAM使哈希表的加入失败概率降到可以忽略的程度,同时提高了存储器的利用率。在实现方面可以按照设计需要折中考虑存储器利用率、加入失败概率、占用片内CAM资源多少以及硬件实现复杂度等因素,具有很好的灵活性和可扩展性,将之应用到基于哈希表的硬件报文分类算法中,可以有效地提高其处理性能。仿真和应用证明其有很好的可行性和实用性。

短头Amplatz left指引导管在经桡动脉右冠状动脉复杂病变治疗中的安全性及可行性

目的:探讨短头Amplatz left(SAL)指引导管在经桡动脉右冠状动脉(RCA)复杂病变经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)中的安全性和可行性。方法:入选2013年5月至2015年3月经择期冠状动脉造影证实为RCA复杂病变的冠心病患者120例,随机分为SAL组和Amplatz left(AL)组各60例。观察并比较两组PCI成功率、PCI手术时间、指引导管到位成功率、指引导管到位平均耗时、X线透视时间、造影剂用量等。记录并比较两组患者PCI术中并发症的发生率,随访术后30d主要不良心血管事件(MACE)。结果:两组PCI成功率、指引导管到位率、指引导管到位平均耗时、PCI手术时间、造影剂用量等均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。SAL组应用5in 6子母导管比例(16.7%对3.3%,P=0.033)、球囊锚定技术比例(25.0%对8.3%,P=0.027)及导丝数量(3.1±0.6对2.9±0.3,P=0.021)均高于AL组。SAL组术中并发症的发生率明显低于AL组(10.0%对26.7%,P=0.034)。两组术后30d内MACE发生率无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:SAL指引导管的支撑力不及AL指引导管,但SAL导管同样能够完成大多数RCA复杂病变的治疗,且能够降低PCI术中并发症的发生率。

左房前后径联合红细胞体积分布宽度用于老年患者华法林抗凝稳定性达标预测价值的临床研究

目的:探讨左房前后径联合红细胞体积分布宽度对老年患者使用华法林抗凝稳定性达标的诊断预测价值。方法:选取2021年6—2023年6月就诊的使用华法林抗凝治疗且随访数据完整的患者143例,首先根据抗凝稳定性(TTR)是否≥70%将所有患者分为高质量组和非高质量组,比较两组性别、年龄、合并疾病、血液学检查、彩超检查方面的差异,并就相关指标进行相关性分析以及二元Logistic回归分析,探讨可能影响TTR的因素,进而选择彩超中相关性最强的影响因素和血液学检查中的影响因素进行比较分析,分别进行单独和联合预测价值评估。结果:两组活化部分凝血酶时间(APTT)、白细胞(WBC)、红细胞(RBC)、血小板分布宽度(PDW)、平均血小板体积(MPV)、红细胞体积分布宽度(RDW)、脂蛋白a[Lp(a)]、左房前后径(LA-APD)、右房上下径(RA-VD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVDs)、每搏输出量(SV)比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。凝血酶原时间(PT)、APTT、血红蛋白(Hb)、RDW、LA-APD、左房上下径(LA-VD)、RA-VD、LVDs是华法林抗凝高质量与否的影响因素。Hb诊断华法林抗凝高质量的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.676(95%CI:0.587~0.766),灵敏度和特异度分别为0.788和0.560,约登指数为0.348,对应的最佳截断值为124%。RDW诊断华法林抗凝高质量的AUC为0.640(95%CI:0.545~0.735),灵敏度和特异度分别为0.538和0.725,约登指数为0.263,对应的最佳截断值为13.95%。LA-APD诊断华法林抗凝高质量的AUC为0.867(95%CI:0.803~0.932),灵敏度和特异度分别为0.904和0.813,约登指数为0.717,对应的最佳截断值为36.50%。LA-APD联合Hb诊断华法林抗凝高质量的AUC为0.882(95%CI:0.821~0.942),灵敏度和特异度分别为0.885和0.857,约登指数为0.742,对应的最佳截断值为0.46%。LA-APD联合RDW诊断华法林抗凝高质量的AUC为0.889(95%CI:0.831~0.947),灵敏度和特异度分别为0.923和0.813,约登指数为0.736,对应的最佳截断值为0.346%。结论:左房前后径联合红细胞体积分布宽度对老年患者华法林抗凝稳定性达标的预测诊断价值较好。

Plasma Norepinephrine and Hemorheology in Essential Hypertensive Patients with Different Patterns of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

对80例不同类型高血压左室肥厚（LVH）患者的血浆去甲肾上腺素（NE）和血液流变学改变进行观察。结果显示，（1）向心性肥厚组（CH）高切变率下全血粘度（WBV230）显著升高；（2）不对称性室间隔肥厚组（ASH）血浆NE和收缩末期室壁应力（ESS）增高较明显；（3）多元回归分析显示，SBP，ESS和血浆NE是影响相对室壁厚度的重要因素。提示CH是一种对压力负荷过重而产生的代偿形式；ASH的形成除了负荷因素外血浆NE可能起更重要的作用。

培哚普利联合氨氯地平对原发性高血压伴左心室肥厚的逆转作用及对患者血浆N末端B型利钠肽原水平的影响

目的:探究培哚普利联合氨氯地平对原发性高血压伴左心室肥厚的逆转作用及对血浆N末端B型利钠肽原(NT-ProBNP)水平的影响。方法:选择原发性高血压伴左心室肥厚患者138例为研究对象,按随机数表法分为三组,均46例。对照组1予以氨氯地平治疗,对照组2予以培哚普利治疗,观察组采用培哚普利联合氨氯地平治疗。比较临床疗效、治疗前后血压情况、舒张末期左室内径(LVDd)、室间隔厚度(I与T)、左室后壁厚度(PWT)、左室重量指数(LVMI)及NT-ProBNP、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)心钠肽(ANP)水平。结果:观察组总有效率为95.65%(44/46)高于对照组1[80.43%(37/46)]和对照组2[76.09%(35/46)](均P<0.05),对照组1和对照组2比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。治疗前,三组收缩压、舒张压、I与T、PWT、LVMI及血清NT-ProBNP、Hcy、ANP水平比较,差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05),治疗后,观察组收缩压(127.87±13.66与136.46±15.73与135.00±15.98)、舒张压(81.07±5.58与83.98±7.16与85.57±7.22)、LVDd(46.48±2.24与48.37±3.62与48.30±3.57)、I与T(10.00±1.38与11.20±1.50与11.24±1.55)、PWT(10.52±1.35与12.24±1.40与12.37±1.39)、LVMI(124.57±10.80与145.13±10.27与144.93±10.34)、NT-ProBNP(64.53±15.63与75.23±18.46与78.15±18.54)、Hcy(8.93±2.68与15.48±4.66与14.88±4.62)、ANP(139.95±38.64与216.84±59.15与213.87±59.23)水平均较对照组1和对照组2下降(均P<0.05),对照组1和对照组2比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:培哚普利联合氨氯地平对原发性高血压伴左心室肥厚治疗效果较好,可有效降低血压、改善左室相关指标,并降低NT-Pro BNP水平。

Left ventricular regional and global diastolic function assessed using Quantitative Tissue velocity Imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objectives The study was performed to assess the left ventricular (LV) regional and global diastolic function、left ventricular wall motion features in patients with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by Quantitative Tissue Velocity Imaging (QTVI). Methods 42 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 36 age-matched normal subjects underwent QTVI study. Off-line LV regional muscular tissue velocity Imaging along LV apical long-axis view were obtained. Regional diastolic function was assessed in using peak tissue velocities of LV regional muscular tissue during early diastole (Ve)and LA contraction (Va), Ve/Va ratio, derived from Tissue Velocity Imaging. Global diastolic function was reflected by isovolumic relaxation time(IRT) and mitral valve peak flow velocity ( E/A ) calculated with pulsed wave doppler. The end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (ⅣSt) was measured by conventional 2 - dimension echocardiography. Results ① Ve、 Va、 Ve/Va in the segments of hypertrophic interventricular septum (IVS) reduced wlhile E/A ratio significantly reduced and IRT markedly prolonged in HCM patients than in normal subjects。 ② Ve、 Ve/Va were significant reduced in the segments of hypertrophic interventricular septum compared with other LV segments in HCM patients . ③ There was a correlation between Ve/Va and E/A in HCM patients with abnormal E/A ratio (r = 0. 70). ④ There was a negative correlation between Ve/Va and ⅣSt in non -obstruction HCM patients (B group , r = -0.61 ) Conclusions QTVI offers a newer method in clinical practice which has a higher sensibility and accuracy in evaluating the LV regional and global diastolic function in HCM patients .

A Study on Left-behind Junior Students'Foreign Language Learning Anxiety

Since the 1960s, foreign language educators and researchers home and abroad have started to pay attention to the influence of the affective variables including language learning anxiety on foreign language learning. This thesis tried to find out the factors that may influence the foreign language learning anxiety level of left-behind students and put forward ways to help lower down the foreign language learning anxiety level of the left-behind junior middle school students.

d-Left CBF技术在P2P中的研究

分析了Bloom Filter技术在时下流行的P2P分布式系统中的应用,着重介绍基于Bloom Filter的d-Left Counting Bloom Filter(CBF)技术,d-left CBF利用d-left hashing的方法存储fingerprint,将hash value分为两部分,分别用于存储随机地址和finger-print,从而提高工作效率,并支持节点动态删除操作,应用于节点异常活跃的P2P系统中。

Different treatment strategies and molecular features between right-sided and left-sided colon cancers

The colon is derived from the embryological midgut and hindgut separately,with the right colon and left colon having different features with regards to both anatomical and physiological characteristics.Cancers located in the right and left colon are referred to as right colon cancer(RCC) and left colon cancer(LCC),respectively,based on their apparent anatomical positions.Increasing evidence supports the notion that not only are there differences in treatment strategies when dealing with RCC and LCC,but molecular features also vary between them,not to mention the distinguishing clinical manifestations.Disease-free survival after radical surgery of both RCC and LCC are similar.In the treatment of RCC,the benefit gained from adjuvant FOLFIRI chemotherapy is superior,or at least similar,to LCC,but inferior to LCC if FOLFOX regimen is applied.On the other hand,metastatic LCC exhibits longer survival than that of RCC in a palliative chemotherapy setting.For KRAS wild-type cancers,LCC benefits more from cetuximab treatment than RCC.Moreover,advanced LCC shows a higher sensitivity to bevacizumab treatment in comparison with advanced RCC.Significant varieties exist at the molecular level between RCC and LCC,which may serve as the cause of all apparent differences.With respect to carcinogenesis mechanisms,RCC is associated with known gene types,such as MMR,KRAS,BRAF,and mi RNA-31,while LCC is associated with CIN,p53,NRAS,mi RNA-146 a,mi RNA-147 b,and mi RNA-1288.Regarding protein expression,RCC is related to GNAS,NQO1,telomerase activity,P-PDH,and annexin A10,while LCC is related to Topo I,TS,and EGFR.In addition,separated pathways dominate progressionto relapse in RCC and LCC.Therefore,RCC and LCC should be regarded as two heterogeneous entities,with this heterogeneity being used to stratify patients in order for them to have the optimal,current,and novel therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.Additional research is needed to uncover further differences between RCC and LCC.

Assessment of Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Rats after Acute Occlusion of Left Anterior Descending Artery by Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging

This study evaluated the change in regional left ventricular myocardial function in rats following acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging （2D-STI）. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, a myocardial infarction （MI） group, in which 50 rats were subjected to LAD occlusion for 30–45 min, and a sham-operated （SHAM） group that contained 10 rats serving as control. Echo-cardiography was performed at baseline and 1, 4 and 8 week（s） after the operation. High frequency two-dimensional images of left ventricular short axis at papillary muscle level were recorded. Peak systolic radial strain （PRS） and circumferential strain （PCS） were measured in the mid-ventricle in short-axis view by using EchoPAC workstation. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole （LVIDd） and systole （LVIDs）, fractional shortening （FS）, ejection fraction （EF） and left ventricular mass （LVM） were measured by anatomical M-model echocardiography. Infarct size was measured using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining 1 week and 8 weeks after the operation. Fibrosis of left ventricu-lar myocardium was displayed using Van Gieson staining 1 week after the infarction. In terms of the TTC staining results, the left ventricle fell into three categories： infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions. Compared with those at baseline and in the SHAM group, （1） PRS and PCS in the infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions were significantly decreased in the MI group within 1 week after the operation （P〈0.05） and the low levels lasted 8 weeks; （2） Compared with those at baseline, LVIDd, LVIDs, FS, EF and LVM in the MI group showed no significant dif-ference 1 week after the operation （P〉0.05）. However, LVIDd, LVIDs and LVM were increased sig-nificantly 4 and 8 weeks after the operation （P〈0.05）, and FS and EF were decreased substantially （P〈0.05）. Van Gieson staining showed that fibrosis developed in all the three myocardial regions to varying degrees. It is concluded that 2D-STI is non-invasive and can be used to assess regional func-tion of myocardium with different blood supply in rats following acute occlusion of the LAD, and can be used as a sensitive and reliable means to follow up the process of left ventricular remodeling.

Role of left ventricular twist mechanics in cardiomyopathies, dance of the helices

Left ventricular twist is an essential part of left ventricular function. Nevertheless, knowledge is limited in "the cardiology community" as it comes to twist mechanics. Fortunately the development of speckle tracking echocardiography, allowing accurate, reproducible and rapid bedside assessment of left ventricular twist, has boosted the interest in this important mechanical aspect of left ventricular deformation. Although the fundamental physiological role of left ventricular twist is undisputable, the clinical relevance of assessment of left ventricular twist in cardiomyopathies still needs to be established. The fact remains; analysis of left ventricular twist mechanics has already provided substantial pathophysiological understanding on a comprehensive variety of cardiomyopathies. It has become clear that increased left ventricular twist in for example hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be an early sign of subendocardial(microvascular) dysfunction. Furthermore, decreased left ventricular twist may be caused by left ventricular dilatation or an extensive myocardial scar. Finally, the detection of left ventricular rigid body rotation in noncompaction cardiomyopathy may provide an indispensible method to objectively confirm this difficult diagnosis. All this endorses the value of left ventricular twist in the field of cardiomyopathies and may further encourage the implementation of left ventricular twist parameters in the "diagnostic toolbox" for cardiomyopathies.

Vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery for rectal cancer

AIM To investigate the vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery(IMA) in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery(LCA) for rectal cancer. METHODS A total of 110 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgical resection with preservation of the LCA were retrospectively reviewed. A 3 D vascular reconstruction was performed before each surgical procedure to assess the branches of the IMA. During surgery, the relationship among the IMA, LCA, sigmoid artery(SA) andsuperior rectal artery(SRA) was evaluated, and the length from the origin of the IMA to the point of branching into the LCA or common trunk of LCA and SA was measured. The relationship between inferior mesenteric vein(IMV) and LCA was also evaluated.RESULTS Three vascular types were identified in this study. In type A, LCA arose independently from IMA(46.4%, n = 51); in type B, LCA and SA branched from a common trunk of the IMA(23.6%, n = 26); and in type C, LCA, SA, and SRA branched at the same location(30.0%, n = 33). The difference in the length from the origin of IMA to LCA was not statistically significant among the three types. LCA was located under the IMV in 61 cases and above the IMV in 49 cases. CONCLUSION The vascular anatomy of the IMA and IMV is essential for laparoscopic radical resection with preservation of the LCA for rectal cancer. To recognize different branches of the IMA is necessary for the resection of lymph nodes and dissection of vessels.

Left-sided appendicitis:Review of 95 published cases and a case report

AIM:To give an overview of the literature on left-sided acute appendicitis (LSAA) associated with situs inversus totalis (SIT) and midgut malrotation (MM).METHODS:We present a new case of LSAA with SIT and a literature review of studies published in the English language on LSAA,accessed via PubMed and Google Scholar databases.RESULTS:Ninety-five published cases of LSAA were evaluated and a 25-year-old female,who presented to our clinic with left lower abdominal pain caused by LSAA,is reported.In the reviewed literature,fiftyseven patients were male and 38 were female with an age range of 8 to 82 years and a median age of 29.1 ± 15.9 years.Sixty-six patients had SIT,23 had MM,three had cecal malrotation,and two had a previously unnoted congenital abnormality.Fifty-nine patients had presentedto the hospital with left lower,14 with right lower and seven with bilateral lower quadrant pain,and seven subjects complained of left upper quadrant pain.The diagnosis was established preoperatively in 49 patients,intraoperatively in 19,and during the postoperative period in five;14 patients were aware of having this anomaly.The data of eight patients were not unavailable.Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy,which was combined with cholecystectomy in two cases.Histopathological examination of the appendix specimens revealed adenocarcinoma in only two of 95 patients.CONCLUSION:The diagnosis of left lower quadrant pain is based on well-established clinical symptoms,physical examination and physician's experience.