Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Background:The optimal surgical timing and clinical outcomes of ventricular septal defect(VSD)closure in neo-nates remain unclear.We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of VSD closure in neonates(age≤30 days).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive neonates who underwent VSD closure for isolated VSDs between August 2003 and June 2021.Indications for the procedure included congestive heart failure/failure to thrive and pulmonary hypertension.Major adverse events(MAEs)were defined as the composite of all-cause mortality,reoperation,persistent atrioventricular block,and significant(≥grade 2)valvular dysfunction.Results:The median age and body weight at operation were 26.0 days(interquartile range[IQR],18.8–28.3)and 3.7 kg(IQR,3.3–4.2),respectively.The median follow-up duration was 110.4 months(IQR,56.8–165.0).Seven patients required preoperative respiratory support,andfive had significant(≥grade 2)preoperative valvular dysfunction.One early mortality occurred due to irreversible cardiogenic shock;no late mortality was observed.One reopera-tion was due to hemodynamically significant residual VSD at 103.8 months postoperatively.The overall survival,freedom from reoperation,and freedom from MAE at 15-years were 98.0%,96.3%,and 94.4%,respectively.Pre-operative mechanical ventilation was associated with a longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation(p<0.001)and a longer length of intensive care unit stay(p<0.001).Conclusions:VSD closure with favorable outcomes without morbidities is feasible even in neonates.However,neonates requiring preoperative respiratory support may require careful postoperative management considering the long-term postoperative risks.Overall,surgical VSD closure might be indicated earlier in neonates with respiratory compromise.

Benefit in physical function and quality of life to nonsurgical treatment of varicose veins: Pilot study

BACKGROUND Studies on varicose veins have focused its effects on physical function;however,whether nonsurgical treatments alter muscle oxygenation or physical function remains unclear.Moreover,the differences in such functions between individuals with varicose veins and healthy individuals remain unclear.AIM To investigate changes in physical function and the quality of life(QOL)following nonsurgical treatment of patients with varicose veins and determine the changes in their muscle oxygenation during activity.METHODS We enrolled 37 participants(those with varicose veins,n=17;healthy individuals,n=20).We performed the following measurements pre-and post-nonsurgical treatment in the varicose vein patients and healthy individuals:Calf muscle oxygenation during the two-minute step test,open eyes one-leg stance,30 s sit-to-stand test,visual analog scale(VAS)for pain,Pittsburgh sleep quality index,physical activity assessment,and QOL assessment.RESULTS Varicose veins patients and healthy individuals differ in most variables(physical function,sleep quality,and QOL).Varicose veins patients showed significant differences between pre-and post-nonsurgical treatment—results in the 30 sit-to-stand test[14.41(2.45)to 16.35(4.11),P=0.018],two-minute step test[162.29(25.98)to 170.65(23.80),P=0.037],VAS for pain[5.35(1.90)to 3.88(1.73),P=0.004],and QOL[39.34(19.98)to 26.69(17.02),P=0.005];however,no significant difference was observed for muscle oxygenation.CONCLUSION Nonsurgical treatment improved lower extremity function and QOL in varicose veins patients,bringing their condition close to that of healthy individuals.Future studies should include patients with severe varicose veins requiring surgery to confirm our findings.

Atrial fibrillation after surgery for esophageal carcinoma:Clinical and prognostic significance

瞄准：回顾地评估临床的关联，起作用的仙子冒因素，不同药理学预防的结果，和短期的预示的价值的风险在在为食道的癌的外科以后的伊朗的银币纤维性颤动(AF ) 。方法：在为与没有在食管切除术以后的 AF 的 126 个病人比较的食道的癌的外科在一样期间预定以后，我们回顾地与 AF 学习了 63 个病人。手术后的 AF 发生与可能涉及它的出现和短期的幸存的不同临床的因素有关。结果：一种强壮的关系被观察在之间心脏病的 AF 和手术后的组织缺氧，长期的妨碍的肺的疾病(COPD ) 的历史，手术后的胸的, 胸廓胃的膨胀，比 65 年旧的年龄，男性别和历史。没有差别关于医院停留的短期的死亡和长度在二个组之间被观察。结论：AF 在年老、男的病人更经常发生在食管切除术以后。贡献手术后的 AF 的另外的因素是 COPD 和心脏病的历史，手术后的组织缺氧和胸的, 胸廓胃的膨胀。

Surgical left atrial appendage occlusion during cardiac surgery： A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical left atrial appendage occlusion(s-LAAO) during concomitant cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search through May 31 st 2018 for all eligible studies comparing s-LAAO vs no occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Clinical outcomes during follow-up included: embolic events, stroke, all-cause mortality, atrial fibrillation(AF), reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications. We further stratified the analysis based on propensity matched studies and AF predominance.RESULTS Twelve studies(n = 40107) met the inclusion criteria.s-LAAO was associated with lower risk of embolic events(OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76; P < 0.001) and stroke(OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.57-0.82; P < 0.0001).Stratified analysis demonstrated this association was more prominent in the AF predominant strata. There was no significant difference in the incidence risk of allcause mortality, AF, and reoperation for bleeding and postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Concomitant s-LAAO during cardiac surgery was associated with lower risk of follow-up thromboembolic events and stroke, especially in those with AF without significant increase in adverse events. Further randomized trials to evaluate long-term benefits of s-LAAO are warranted.

Evaluation of 15 Years Practice of Coelioscopic Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy in the Surgery Department“A”at the University Hospital Point G

Aim: To evaluate 15 years practice of coelioscopic Treatment of ectopicpregnancy in the Surgery Department “A” at the University Hospital Point G. Material and Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study at the Surgery Department “A” at the University Hospital Point G from January 2001 to August 2015. Inclusion criteria were all pregnant women with ectopic pregnancy treated with coelioscopy. Sociodemographic, clinical, paracclinical and therapeutic aspects were recorded. Results: In 15 years, 42 cases of ectopic pregnancy out of 3840 gynecologic coelioscopies (1.04%) were collected. The average age was 28.5 years old with the extremes of 16 and 41 years old. Metrorragia was associated to pain in 83.3% (35/42);amenorrhea was found in 66.7% (28/41). Physical exam revealed pain with abdominal defense in 59.5% (25/42), adnexal mass in 31% (13/42), and pelvic contracture in 9.5% (4/42). In pre-operative, ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed complicated in 71.4% (30/42) and uncomplicated in 28.6% (12/42). Patients underwent salpingectomy in 85.7% (36/42), delivery from the fallopian tube in 9.8% (4/42), and hemostatic salpingectomy in 4.4% (2/42). The average duration of hospital stay was 1.88 day with the extremes of 1 and 7 days. The postoperative evolution was favorable in 97.6% (41/42), infection at the site of surgery was reported in 2.4% (1/42). Not a single death was registered. Conclusion: Treatment of ectopic pregnancy is of routine at the surgery department “A” in Point G. Fertility is preserved in the future.

Incidence and Related Risk Factors of Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in Infants after Cardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

Objective:Junctional ectopic tachycardia is common after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease.However,its incidence and related risk factors in infants after cardiac surgery are not well known.The objective of this study was to determine the overall incidence and related risk factors for junctional ectopic tachycardia in neonates and infants.Methods:We enrolled a total of 271 patients aged<1 year who underwent open cardiac surgery at Severance Cardiovascular Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020.Exclusion criteria were immediate postoperative mortality,other arrhythmias detected in the perioperative period,and prematurity.Result:The overall incidence of junctional ectopic tachycardia was 12.9%.The logistic regression analysis revealed that longer cardiopulmonary bypass time,surgery involving atrioventricular node stretching,and the presence of early repolarization on preoperative electrocardiography increased the risk of junctional ectopic tachycardia.Patients with junctional ectopic tachycardia had longer intubation time and intensive care unit stay.Conclusion:Junctional ectopic tachycardia is a common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease in infants.Occasionally,infants developing junctional ectopic tachycardia after cardiac surgery have specific preoperative electrocardiography findings.The risk factors for junctional ectopic tachycardia were associated not only with surgical procedural factors but also with preoperative electrocardiographic parameters.

Surgery for Aneurysmal Right Coronary Fistula and Constrictive Pericarditis in an Adult: Case Report

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a direct communication between a coronary artery and the lumen of any of the cardiac chambers, i.e. the coronary sinus, the pulmonary artery, the superior vena cava or the proximal pulmonary veins. The majority of these fistulas are congenital in origin although they may occasionally be detected after cardiac surgery. Congenital CAF is a rare anomaly and aneurysmal formation in the fistula is even rarer. Majority of CAFs are isolated lesions, however, congenital or acquired heart diseases may co-exist. Herein, we report a case of huge congenital aneurysmal right CAF connected to the right atrium in an Iraqi man of 62 associated with tuberculous effusive-constrictive pericarditis to whom off pump pericardiectomy was performed followed by ligation of right coronary artery and vein graft implantation to its posterior descending branch under cardiopulmonary bypass. To the best of our knowledge, such association was not previously reported. CAF can be repaired surgically with minimum risk and excellent outcome. Surgery is advised whenever coronary fistula is diagnosed unless it is very small to avoid the potential complications.

Surgeries for the Heart and Abdominal Aorta in a Patient with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Manifestations Following Initial Heart Surgery

A 72-year-old man with abdominal aortic aneurysm and angina pectoris underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) prior to abdominal aortic surgery. Perioperatively, he developed thrombocytopenia ((29,000 mm3), which was suggested as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Cardiac status was also aggravated at the same time, suggestive of bypass graft thrombosis. The results of platelet factor 4 (pf4) antibody test were negative, but platelet aggregation test was positive for heparin. Heparin was immediately discontinued, and replaced by argatroban;the patient’s cardiac status improved. One month later, he underwent abdominal aortic surgery using argatroban without issues related to anticoagulation and hemostasis. Autologous donated fresh blood prepared by the “switch-back” method was also used in this case, and its value was confirmed.

Role of Surgery on Growth of Tricuspid Valve in Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum:Mid-Term Results of Modified Right-Ventricular Overhauling Procedure

Objectives:To access the effectiveness of our modified right-ventricular overhauling procedure on tricuspid valve(TV)growth in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum(PAIVS).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients with PAIVS who underwent modified right ventricular overhauling(mRVoh)between 2008 and 2019 at two institutions.Our mRVoh consisted of wide resection of hypertrophied infundibular and trabecular muscle,peeling off fibrotic endocardial tissue in the right ventricle(RV)cavity,surgical pulmonary valvotomy,and Blalock-Taussig shunt or banding of ductus arteriosus under cardiopulmonary bypass.The TV annulus sizes were measured and analyzed using echocardiography before and after mRVoh.Results:No mortalities were observed during a median follow-up of 3 years(interquartile range:1.3–4.7 years)of follow-up were noted.mRVoh was performed at a median age of 163.5 days(range:21–560 days),including seven neonates and two infants(<60 days).During follow-up,the median TV annular z-score increased significantly from−2.24 to−1.15 before and after mRVoh(p=0.004).In ten patients with a prior history of percutaneous interventions for RV outflow tract(RVOT)widening at least 6 months before mRVoh,the TV annular z-score significantly changed during the period after mRVoh(−2.03 to−1.61,p=0.028)compared with the period before mRVoh(−2.51→–2.03,p=0.575)after percutaneous intervention only.Conclusions:mRVoh in PAIVS patients was positively associated with TV annular growth,and it was more effective than percutaneous RVOT widening interventions without mRVoh.

Simultaneous lateral and subxiphoid access methods for safe and accurate resection of a superior vena cava aneurysm:A case report

BACKGROUND Superior vena cava(SVC)aneurysms are a relatively uncommon disease that has not been widely reported.The conventional surgical approach for treating SVC aneurysms includes open thoracotomy and mid-sternotomy.However,in this case,the aneurysm could be safely resected by thoracoscopic simultaneous lateral and subxiphoid access methods.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male presented with intermittent chest pain and persistent discomfort in the chest area.A chest computed tomography scan revealed a 6.2 cm aneurysm in the left innominate vein and SVC junction.For surgical resection,simultaneous lateral and subxiphoid access were planned to achieve optimal proximal and distal aneurysm control.The approach site was 1 cm below the xiphoid process,the fifth mid-axillary line and the seventh anterior axillary line on the right side.The aneurysm was resected using a stapler.The patient was discharged on the third day after chest tube removal on the second postoperative day with no particular issues.CONCLUSION Aneurysms located within the mediastinum can be accessed through thoracoscopic approach without open surgery and safely resected using vascular staples.

Initial Experience with Open Heart Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa:Challenges in Mali with Minimum Standards for Practice

Introduction: There has been limited experience with Open Heart Surgeries (OHS) in Sub-Saharan Africa. In west Africa especially in Mali, most fledgling centers are unable to overcome the myriad of challenges encountered in establishing OHS though there is a high prevalence of surgically correctable heart diseases. The aim of this paper is to review our initial experience of our first cases in developing OHS program and discuss the challenges and prospects that need to be overcome to further develop it. Methods: A total of 6 patients who underwent OHS during the first “cardiac mission” in July 2016 were included in this retrospective study. The medical records of the patients were examined and data on age, sex, diagnosis, EuroSCORE, type of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass details, complications and length of hospital stay were extracted. Results: Six patients with a male to female ratio of 1, ages ranging between 12 and 35 years (mean of 22.5 ± 12 years) were studied. The mean of EuroSCORE was 6 ± 41. Pericardial patch closure of isolated atrial septal defect was performed in one patient. One patient had mitral valve repair for rheumatic mitral regurgitation consisting of chordal shortening with a tricuspid valvuloplasty. Three patients had mitral valve replacement with tricuspid valvuloplasty. Four patients had mitral valve replacement. Sixty-day mortality?was 0%. Conclusion: Safe conduct of open heart surgery in Mali Hospital setting is feasible. Grant financial aid is required for rapid growth of Open-Heart Surgery in this part of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The diagnostic value of tenascin-C in acute aortic syndrome

OBJECTIVES Misdiagnosis of acute aortic syndrome(AAS)significantly increases mortality.Tenascin-C(TN-C)is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein related to cardiovascular injury.The elevation of TN-C in AAS and whether it can discriminate suddenonset of acute chest pain in Chinese remains unclear.METHODS We measured the plasma concentration of TN-C by ELISA in a cohort of 376 patients with chest or back pain.Measures to discriminate AAS from acute coronary syndrome(ACS)were compared and calculated.RESULTS From October 2016 to September 2021,376 undiagnosed patients with chest or back pain were enrolled.166 of them were finally diagnosed as AAS,100 were ACS and 110 without cardiovascular diseases(NCV).TN-C was significantly elevated in AAS at 18.18 ng/mL(IQR:13.10–27.68)compared with 7.51 ng/mL(IQR:5.67–11.38)in ACS(P<0.001)and 3.68 ng/mL(IQR:2.50–5.29)in NCV(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in TN-C level among the subtypes of AAS.Of the 166 AAS patients,the peaked level of TN-C was at acute stage(P=0.012),then a slight of decrease was observed at subacute stage.The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for AAS patients versus NCV was 0.979(95%CI:0.964-0.994)for TN-C.At a cutoff level of 11.474 ng/mL,TN-C has a sensitivity of 76.0%,specificity of 85.5%,accuracy of 82.0%,positive predictive value(PPV)of 76.0%,negative predictive value(NPV)of 85.5%.Diagnostic performance of TN-C was superior to D-dimer and hs-cTnT.CONCLUSIONS The concentration of serum TN-C in AAS patients was significantly higher than that in ACS patients and NCV.TN-C could be a new biomarker to distinguish AAS patients in the early stage after symptoms onset from other pain diseases.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic fissureless right upper lobe anterior segmentectomy for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors(IMTs)are exceptionally rare neoplasms with intermediate malignant potential.Surgery is the accepted treatment option,aiming for complete resection with clear margins.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old woman presented with a growing solitary pulmonary nodule measuring 2.0 cm in the right upper lobe(RUL)of the lung.The patient underwent a RUL anterior segmentectomy using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy.A preliminary tissue diagnosis indicated malignancy;however,it was later revised to an IMTs.Due to the absence of a minor fissure between the right upper and middle lobes,an alternative resection approach was necessary.Therefore,we utilized indocyanine green injection to aid in delineating the intersegmental plane.Following an uneventful recovery,the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day.Thereafter,annual chest tomography scans were scheduled to monitor for potential local recurrence.CONCLUSION This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing IMTs,showing the importance of accurate pathologic assessments and tailored surgical strategies.

Effects of β-Glucan Supplementation on Repairing of Phenol-Induced Vaginal Mucosal Epithelium Damage in Rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of β-glucan on the repair of damaged vaginal mucosa, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the inflammatory factor-6 (IL-6) in vaginal tissues. Methods: Thirty-six adult female specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 phase groups with 12 rats each. Vaginal inflammation rat models were established by injecting phenol gel into the vagina of each rat at a dose of 0.1 ml/100g body weight. After modeling, rats were divided into 4 groups based on different concentrations of the test agent. The control group was injected with 0.5 ml of saline, experimental group A was injected with 0.375 ml saline 0.125 ml β-glucan, experimental group B was injected with 0.25 ml saline 0.25 ml β-glucan, and experimental group C was injected with 0.50 ml β-glucan. The injection sites were selected at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions of the vagina. Rats were sacrificed at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection, and tissue samples were collected from the injection sites and prepared for histological analysis. New blood vessels and fibroblast numbers in the tissues were observed after Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of VEGF and IL-6 in the tissues were measured using quantificational reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Histological examination of vaginal tissue specimens at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-injection showed that on day 7, there were no significant changes in the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, on days 14 and 28, the experimental groups showed more new blood vessels, macrophages, and fibroblasts with increased activity compared to the control group. The expression levels of VEGF in vaginal tissues were elevated on days 14 and 28 in the experimental groups. The comparison of IL-6 levels in vaginal tissues on day 28 showed that serum IL-6 levels returned to normal, and there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: In the 3 experimental phases, the increase in VEGF levels in vaginal tissues on day 14 post-injection was more pronounced with higher concentrations of β-glucan, and IL-6 levels returned to normal on day 28. β-Glucan can enhance VEGF levels in damaged vaginal tissues, promote the repair of damaged vaginal tissues, and higher concentrations of β-glucan have a better effect.

Programmed death ligand-1 expression and its prognostic role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM To investigate the expression and prognostic role of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1) in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).METHODS A total of 200 patients with ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy with standard lymphadenectomy as the initial definitive treatment in Seoul National University Hospital from December 2000 to April 2013 were eligible for this analysis. Tissue microarrays were constructed by collecting tissue cores from surgical specimens, and immunostained with antibodies directed against PD-L1, p16, and c-Met. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to assess clinical outcomes. Patients were divided into two groups by PD-L1 status, and significant differences in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups were assessed. RESULTS Tumor tissues from 67 ESCC patients(33.5%) were PDL1-positive. Positive p16 expression was observed in 21 specimens(10.5%). The H-score for c-Met expression was ≥ 50 in 42 specimens(21.0%). Although PDL1-positivity was not significantly correlated with any clinical characteristics including age, sex, smoking/alcoholic history, stage, or differentiation, H-scores for c-Met expression were significantly associated with PDL1-positivity(OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.16-4.72, P = 0.017). PD-L1 expression was not significantly associated with a change in overall survival(P = 0.656). In contrast, the locoregional relapse rate tended to increase(P = 0.134), and the distant metastasis rate was significantly increased(HR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.01-2.79, P = 0.028) in patients with PD-L1-positive ESCC compared to those with PD-L1-negative ESCC.CONCLUSION PD-L1 expression is positively correlated with c-Met expression in ESCC. PD-L1 may play a critical role in distant failure and progression of ESCC.

Predictive biomarkers in precision medicine and drug development against lung cancer

The molecular characterization of various cancers has shown that cancers with the same origins,histopathologic diagnoses,and clinical stages can be highly heterogeneous in their genetic and epigenetic alterations that cause tumorigenesis.A number of cancer driver genes with functional abnormalities that trigger malignant transformation and that are required for the survival of cancer cells have been identified.Therapeutic agents targeting some of these cancer drivers have been successfully developed,resulting in substantial improvements in clinical symptom amelioration and outcomes in a subset of cancer patients.However,because such therapeutic drugs often benefit only a limited number of patients,the successes of clinical development and applications rely on the ability to identify those patients who are sensitive to the targeted therapies.Thus,biomarkers that can predict treatment responses are critical for the success of precision therapy for cancer patients and of anticancer drug development.This review discusses the molecular heterogeneity of lung cancer pathogenesis;predictive biomarkers for precision medicine in lung cancer therapy with drugs targeting epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK),c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase[ROSl),and immune checkpoints;biomarkers associated with resistance to these therapeutics;and approaches to identify predictive biomarkers in anticancer drug development.The identification of predictive biomarkers during anticancer drug development is expected to greatly facilitate such development because it will increase the chance of success or reduce the attrition rate.Additionally,such identification will accelerate the drug approval process by providing effective patient stratification strategies in clinical trials to reduce the sample size required to demonstrate clinical benefits.

Increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level predicts atrial fibrillation after surgery for esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the value of plasma N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: NT-proBNP levels were measured in 142 patients 24 h before and 1 h after surgery for esophageal carcinoma. All patients having a preoperative cardiac diagnosis by electrocardiogram (ECG), remained under continuous monitoring for at least 48 h after surgery, and then underwent clinical cardiac evaluation until discharge. RESULTS: Postoperative AF occurred in 11 patients (7.7%). AF patients were significantly older (69.6 ± 12.2 years vs 63.4 ± 13.3 years, P = 0.031) than non-AF patients. There were no significant differences in history of diabetes mellitus, sex distribution, surgical approach, anastomosis site, intraoperative hypotension and postoperative fever. The preoperative plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative AF (121.3 ± 18.3 pg/mL vs 396.1 ± 42.6 pg/mL, P = 0.016). After adjustment for age, gender, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), history of cardiac diseases, hypertension, postoperative hypoxia and thoracic-gastric dilation, NT-proBNP levels were found to be associated with the highest risk factor for postoperative AF (odds ratio = 4.711, 95% CI = 1.212 to 7.644, P = 0.008).CONCLUSION: An elevated perioperative plasma BNP level is a strong and independent predictor of postoperative AF in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal carcinoma. This finding has important implications for identifying patients at higher risk of postoperative AF who should be considered for preventive antiarrhythmic therapy.

Proportion and clinical features of never-smokers with non-small cell lung cancer

Background: The proportion of never?smokers with non?small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) is increasing, but that in Korea has not been well addressed in a large population. We aimed to evaluate the proportion and clinical features of never?smokers with NSCLC in a large single institution.Methods: We analyzed clinical data of 1860 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with NSCLC between June 2011 and December 2014.Results: Of the 1860 NSCLC patients, 707(38.0%) were never?smokers. The proportions of women(83.7% vs. 5.6%) and adenocarcinoma(89.8% vs. 44.9%) were higher among never?smokers than among ever?smokers. Significantly more never?smokers were diagnosed at a younger median age(65 vs. 68 years, P < 0.001) and earlier stage(stage I–II, 44.5% vs. 38.9%, P < 0.001) a= 0.015) compared with ever?smokers. Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations(57.8% vs. 24.4%, Pnd anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangements(7.8% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.001) were more common in never?smokers, whereas Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations(5.8% vs. 9.6%, P ntly encountered in never?smokers than in ever?smokers. Never?smokers showed longer su= 0.021) were less frequervival after adjust?ing for the favorable effects of younger age, female sex, adenocarcinoma histology, better performance status, early stage disease, being asymptomatic at diagnosis, received antitumor treatment, and the presence of driver mutations(hazard ratio, 0.624; 95% confidence interval, 0.460–0.848; P = 0.003).Conclusions: More than one?third of the Korean patients with NSCLC were never?smokers. NSCLC in never?smokers had different clinical characteristics and major driver mutations and resulted in longer overall survival compared with NSCLC in ever?smokers.

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation and surgical perspectives

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation is a result of disturbed left ventricular geometry secondary to myocardial ischemia in the absence of intrinsic mitral valve pathology. It is a common complication after myocardial infarction, and patients who have ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR) have a worse prognosis compared to patients who have ischemic heart disease alone, and this is directly related to the severity of IMR. Medical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgical options including various repair techniques and valve replacement had been tried with variable success. Still there is intense debate among surgeons whether to interfere with moderate degree IMR at the time of coronary artery revascularization.

Accuracy of myocardial viability imaging by cardiac MRI and PET depending on left ventricular function

AIM To compare myocardial viability assessment accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR)compared to[^(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)-positron emission tomography(PET)depending on left ventricular(LV)function.METHODS One-hundred-five patients with known obstructive coronary artery disease(CAD)and anticipated coronary revascularization were included in the study and examined by CMR on a 1.5T scanner.The CMR protocol consisted of cine-sequences for function analysis and late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)imaging for viability assessment in 8 mm long and contiguous short axis slices.All patients underwent PET using[^(18)F]-FDG.Myocardial scars were rated in both CMR and PET on a segmental basis by a 4-point-scale:Score 1=no LGE,normal FDG-uptake;score 2=LGE enhancement<50% of wall thickness,reduced FDG-uptake(≥50% of maximum);score 3=LGE≥50% ,reduced FDG-uptake(<50% of maximum);score 4=transmural LGE,no FDG-uptake.Segments with score 1 and 2 were categorized"viable",scores 3 and 4 were categorized as"non-viable".Patients were divided into three groups based on LV function as determined by CMR:Ejection fraction(EF),<30% :n=45;EF:30% -50% :n=44;EF>50% :n=16).On a segmental basis,the accuracy of CMR in detecting myocardial scar was compared to PET in the total collective and in the three different patient groups.RESULTS CMR and PET data of all 105 patients were sufficient for evaluation and 5508 segments were compared in total.In all patients,CMR detected significantly more scars(score 2-4)than PET:45% vs 40% of all segments(P<0.0001).In the different LV function groups,CMR found more scar segments than PET in subjects with EF<30% (55% vs 46% ;P<0.0001)and EF 30% -50% (44% vs 40% ;P<0.005).However,CMR revealed less scars than PET in patients with EF>50% (15% vs 23% ;P<0.0001).In terms of functional improvement estimation,i.e.,expected improvement after revascularization,CMR identified"viable"segments(score 1 and 2)in 72% of segments across all groups,PET in 80% (P<0.0001).Also in all LV function subgroups,CMR judged less segments viable than PET:EF<30% ,66% vs 75% ;EF=30% -50% ,72% vs 80% ;EF>50% ,91% vs 94% .CONCLUSION CMR and PET reveal different diagnostic accuracy in myocardial viability assessment depending on LV function state.CMR,in general,is less optimistic in functional recovery prediction.