Linear endoscopic ultrasound:Current uses and future perspectives in mediastinal examination

This editorial elaborates on the current and future applications of linear endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various anatomical regions.The scope of endosonographic assessment is broad and,among other factors,allows for the evaluation of the mediastinal anatomy and related pathologies,such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and the staging of central malignant lung lesions.Moreover,EUS assessment has proven more accurate in detecting small lesions missed by standard imaging examinations,such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.We focus on its current uses in the mediastinum,including lung and esophageal cancer staging,as well as evaluating mediastinal lymphadenopathy and submucosal lesions.The editorial also explores future perspectives of EUS in mediastinal examination,including ultrasound-guided therapies,artificial intelligence integration,advancements in mediastinal modalities,and improved diagnostic approaches for various mediastinal lesions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Diabetic Eye Disease among General Population in Medina City, Saudi Arabia

Background: Diabetic eye disease is known as a group of eye problems that diabetic patients may develop as a complication of diabetes and can lead to blindness. They may include Diabetic retinopathy (DR), Cataracts, and Glaucoma. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) around diabetic eye disease in the general population including patients with DM and non-diabetic people in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 385 participants via a self-administered online Questionnaire started in January 2023 in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Results: In total, 339 participants with ages ranged from 18 to more than 60 years with a mean age of 26.8 ± 12.6 years old completed the questionnaire. The majority were females (74.6%), singles (67.8%), and had a university level of education (54.6%). Most of the study participants were found to have poor knowledge levels (67%) in comparison to 33% who had an overall good knowledge of diabetic eye diseases. Knowledge level was found to be higher among old-aged participants and those with a family history of DM (P = 0.001, P = 0.049) respectively. Regarding participants’ attitudes and practices, the study showed good attitudes toward eye care practice for diabetics with half of the participants (50%) reporting self-awareness as a reason that made them undergo the first eye screening. Conclusion: Participants in the present study have poor knowledge and awareness level of diabetic eye disease. Furthermore, positive attitudes and perceptions have been revealed by the participants toward the practice of providing eye care for diabetics. .

Thoracic Ganglioneuroma: A Rare Neural Tumor (Case Report and Literature Review)

Ganglioneuroma is an extremely rare tumor that is derived from neural crest. Many ganglioneuroma cases are detected incidentally unless they are large enough to cause compressive symptoms. We report an 18-year-old patient with posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma which was abutting the descending aorta. The patient underwent successful resection by thoracoscopic approach and was followed up for one year with no complications. In summary, a detailed review with experts in both radiology and pathology is mandated to diagnose these tumors. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal marrow:Basic understanding of the normal marrow pattern and its variant

For now, magnetic resonance (MR) is the best noninvasive imaging modality to evaluate vertebral bone marrow thanks to its inherent soft-tissue contrast and non-ionizing nature. A daily challenging scenario for every radiologist interpreting MR of the vertebral column is discerning the diseased from normal marrow. This requires the radiologist to be acquainted with the used MR techniques to judge the spinal marrow as well as its normal MR variants. Conventional sequences used basically to image marrow include T1W, fat-suppressed T2W and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) imaging provides gross morphological data. Interestingly, using non-routine MR sequences; such as opposed phase, diffusion weighted, MR spectroscopy and contrasted-enhanced imaging; may elucidate the nature of bone marrow heterogeneities; by inferring cellular and chemical composition; and adding new functional prospects. Recalling the normal composition of bone marrow elements and the physiologic processes of spinal marrow conversion and reconversion eases basic understanding of spinal marrow imaging. Additionally, orientation with some common variants seen during spinal marrow MR imaging as hemangiomas and bone islands is a must. Moreover, awareness of the age-associated bone marrow changes as well as changes accompanying different variations of the subject’s health state is essential for radiologists to avoid overrating normal MR marrow patterns as pathologic states and metigate unnecessary further work-up.

Effect of acid etching on marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate to apical dentin:microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The present investigation assessed the effect of acid etching on marginal adaptation of white- and gray-colored mineral trioxide aggregate （MTA） to apical dentin using microcomputed tomography （micro-CT） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Sixty-four extracted single-rooted human maxillary teeth were used. Following root-end resection and apical preparation, the teeth were equally divided into four groups according to the following root end filling materials： （i） white-colored MTA （WMTA）, （ii） etched WMTA （EWMTA）, （iii） gray-colored MTA （GMTA） and （iv） etched GMTA （EGMTA）. After 48 h, the interface between root-end filling materials and the dentinal walls was assessed using micro-CT and SEM. Data were statistically analyzed using the KruskaI-Wallis and Dunn tests. Micro-CT analysis revealed gap volumes between the apical cavity dentin walls and EGMTA, GMTA, EWMTA and WMTA of （0.007 1±0.004） mm3, （0.053±0.002） mm3, （0.003 6±0.001） mm3 and （0.005 9±0.002） mm3 respectively. SEM analysis revealed gap sizes for EGMTA, WMTA, EWMTA and GMTA to be （492.3±13.8） μm, （594.5±17.12）μm, （543.1±15.33） μm and （910.7±26.2）μm respectively. A significant difference in gap size between root end preparations filled with GMTA and EGMTA was found （P〈O.05）. No significance difference in gap size between WMTA and EWMTA were found in either SEM or micro-CT analysis. In conclusion, pre-etching of apical dentin can provide a better seal for GMTA but not for WMTA.

Indications for exchange or explantation of phakic implantable collamer lens with central port in patients with and without keratoconus

AIM:To evaluate the causes of phakic implantable collamer lens(ICL)exchange/explantation in patients with and without keratoconus(KC)at two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.METHODS:A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent ICL(model V4 c with central port)exchange/explantation was performed using the electronic medical record systems.All available preoperative and postoperative data were documented for each patient.RESULTS:Over 7 y,2283 ICL implantation procedures were performed;46 implants(2%)required exchange(21 implants)/explantation(25 implants),of which 14 cases(30.4%)were patients with KC.Indications for ICL exchange/explantation in non-KC group were vault measurement,cataract formation,increased intraocular pressure,inaccurate refraction,and patient dissatisfaction in 22(68.75%),4(12.5%),3(9.37%),2(6.25%),and 1(3.12%)case,respectively.The most common indication for ICL exchange/explantation in the KC group was inaccurate vault sizing in 11 patients(78.57%),inaccurate refraction in 2 patients(14.28%),and patient dissatisfaction postoperatively in 1(7.14%)case.CONCLUSION:ICL implantation results in predictable refractive outcomes over the long term with exchange/explantation rates comparable to previous literature.Improper vault size is the most common cause of ICL exchange/explantation among patients with or without KC.

Perceptions of emergency medicine residents on the quality of residency training in the United States and Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: We compare educational environments(i.e. physical, emotional and intellectual experiences) of emergency medicine(EM) residents training in the United States of America(USA) and Saudi Arabia(SA).METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an adapted version of the validated Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure(PHEEM) survey instrument from April 2015 through June 2016 to compare educational environments in all emergency medicine residency programs in SA and three selected programs in the USA with a history of training Saudi physicians. Overall scores were compared across programs, and for subscales(autonomy, teaching, and social Support), using chi-squared, t-tests, and analysis of variance.RESULTS: A total of 219 surveys were returned for 260 residents across six programs(3 SA, 3 USA), with a response rate of 84%. Program-specific response rates varied from 79%–100%. All six residencies were qualitatively rated as "more positive than negative but room for improvement". Quantitative PHEEM scores for the USA programs were significantly higher: 118.7 compared to 109.9 for SA, P=0.001. In subscales, perceptions of social support were not different between the two countries(P=0.243); however, role autonomy(P<0.001) and teaching(P=0.005) were better in USA programs. There were no significant differences by post-graduate training year.CONCLUSION: EM residents in all three emergency medicine residency programs in SA and the three USA programs studied perceive their training as high quality in general, but with room for improvements. USA residency programs scored higher in overall quality. This was driven by more favorable perceptions of role autonomy and teaching. Understanding how residents perceive their programs may help drive targeted quality improvement efforts.

Concurrent Multi-Modality Treatment of Keloids (CMTK) Not Manageable by Conventional Postoperative Radiotherapy

Objective: To design and test a treatment regimen which is clinically responsive, readily available, cost effective, and applicable especially to children and women of child bearing age. Design Setting: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Two major postgraduate teaching hospitals: one in Tripoli, Libya and the other in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants: Fifty-seven patients with 79 keloids, referred from Plastic Surgery Units between April 1996 and January 2005. Main Outcome Measure: Degree of flattening of the keloidal lesion and symptomatic recovery. Results: Result of treatment has been analyzed using unified set criteria. Seventy-seven percent of this cohort had complete response. 19% of cases had partial response, 50% acknowledged the treatment outcome had been “satisfactory” and 44% had an “acceptable” outcome. There was no significant acute or delayed reaction. Conclusion: The technique appears universally adaptable, cost effective, and can safely be prescribed for children and women of child-bearing age. In spite of prolonged treatment course, compliance was excellent.

The Use of Standardized Reporting and Time-in-Range in the Management of Diabetes: A Consensus Report

Introduction: The exhaustion of healthcare resources due to the rising prevalence in Saudi Arabia mandates the search for each method that can help in better control of diabetes. Methods: The gathered task force gath-ered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus for the use of time-in-range targets as guidance for better glycemic control while using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This article has the recommenda-tions of this expert panel. Results: HbA1c and self-monitoring blood glu-cose (SMBG) are not enough to detect blood glucose (BG) fluctuations on a daily basis. The incorporation of technology like FreeStyle Libre with its applications like Libre View is now used in many institutes in Saudi Ara-bia. This system is comprehensive and has all the standardized metrics needed. However, training and support are always needed. Barriers and challenges include the awareness & experience of the technology, the time barrier, the patients’ barriers, the technical barriers, and of course, the availability barrier. All the barriers and challenges should be dealt with by designing new training programs. Conclusion: The expert panel recom-mended using CGMs technology in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) children and adults, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on multiple insulin injections, gestational diabetes (GDM) who need further glycemic control, and those at high risk for hypoglycemia. In addition, we recommend using them for a short period for those who require intensive BG control or during acute illness or stress. In addition, Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) could be used as an educational tool for any individuals with DM to study the im-pact of certain elements of lifestyle modifications on their immediate BG level.

Morton’s Neuroma;Surgical Exploration Is an Option in Symptomatic Patients with Normal Investigation

Morton neuroma is well described problem to metatarsophalangeal Joint (MTPJ) Etiology of Morton’s Neuroma which has wide range of problems from trauma, and nerve hypertrophy etc. Clinical evaluation is very important for diagnosis and sometimes investigations like ultrasound or MRI scan are helpful for conformation of diagnosis. Management varies from orthotics, shoe modification, injections or surgical excision. We are reporting a case which showed importance of surgical exploration when investigation is normal and difficulty in making diagnosis clinically.

Clinical Practice Recommendations for Assessment and Management of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder, potentially severe, often clinically ignored, easily diagnosed by laboratory tests, and highly treatable. It may cause chronic illnesses if left untreated. Saudi Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SSEM) assembled a panel of twelve endocrinologists with experience in thyroid diseases in adults and children and made up a task force. An initial concept proposal that included types of hypothyroidism, population, scope, and prevalence in Saudi Arabia was obtained. The proposal was divided into several topics discussed in February 2022. The panel approved that the consensus will include all types of hypothyroidism in Saudi Arabia, screening, diagnosis, management, and special population. A literature review was carried out. Most of the latest international guidelines were screened in Europe and USA. The literature search was completed in March 2022. They drafted a report that was distributed to the entire panel. Approval of the recommendations required consensus, defined as a majority approval. The recommendations were revised to accommodate any differences of opinion until a consensus was reached. Recommendations were finally formulated on April 2022. Subsequently, the panel reviewed and discussed the supporting rationale of the revised recommendations. This article presents these practical recommendations.

Saudi Consensus on the Usage of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on the Management of Chronic Kidney Diseases

According to recent epidemiological data, chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) affect approximately 10% of the global population. Like many countries, CKD is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of CKD in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be around 4.5% of the adult population, with a higher prevalence in older age groups. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a class of oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, SGLT2i have been shown to have beneficial effects on kidney function in patients with or without T2DM. Therefore, a Saudi task force gathered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus on SGLT2i use in CKD Saudi patients. A panel of 14 experts made up a task force. An initial concept proposal was obtained. The proposal was divided into several topics discussed on 24 May 2023. A literature review was carried out. The literature search was completed on 3rd June 2023. A drafted report was distributed to the entire panel. Approval of the recommendations required consensus, defined as a majority approval (i.e. above 75%). The recommendations were revised to accommodate any differences of opinion until a consensus was reached. Recommendations were finally formulated on 21st June 2023. Subsequently, the panel reviewed and discussed the supporting rationale of the revised recommendations. This article presents these practical recommendations.

孕期复发性乙状结肠扭转1例报道及文献回顾

Intestinal obstruction caused by sigmoid volvulus is extremely rare during pregnancy; only 73 cases have been reported worldwide. A case report of recurrent sigmoid volvulus in a 22- year- old pregnant Saudi female and a reviewof the literature are presented. Despite a previous sigmoidopexy in another institution, colonoscopic detortion and rectal tube decompression was successful until after delivery when sigmoid colectomy was performed. From this case, we propose a treatment option based on the absence or presence of peritonitis and gestational age is suggested. In the first trimester, nonoperative procedure using colonoscopic detorsion and rectal tube decompression is recommended until the second trimester when sigmoid colectomy is performed for recurrent cases. In the third trimester, the treatment is nonoperative until fetal maturity and delivery when sigmoid colectomy is performed. Sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy is an uncommon and potentially serious condition and should be recognized as a surgical emergency. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary to minimize maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Lesson learnt from 60 years of liver transplantation:Advancements,challenges,and future directions

Over the past six decades,liver transplantation(LT)has evolved from an experimental procedure into a standardized and life-saving intervention,reshaping the landscape of organ transplantation.Driven by pioneering breakthroughs,technological advancements,and a deepened understanding of immunology,LT has seen remarkable progress.Some of the most notable breakthroughs in the field include advances in immunosuppression,a revised model for end-stage liver disease,and artificial intelligence(AI)-integrated imaging modalities serving diagnostic and therapeutic roles in LT,paired with ever-evolving technological advances.Additionally,the refinement of transplantation procedures,resulting in the introduction of alternative transplantation methods,such as living donor LT,split LT,and the use of marginal grafts,has addressed the challenge of organ shortage.Moreover,precision medicine,guiding personalized immunosuppressive strategies,has significantly improved patient and graft survival rates while addressing emergent issues,such as short-term complications and early allograft dysfunction,leading to a more refined strategy and enhanced postoperative recovery.Looking ahead,ongoing research explores regenerative medicine,diagnostic tools,and AI to optimize organ allocation and posttransplantation car.In summary,the past six decades have marked a transformative journey in LT with a commitment to advancing science,medicine,and patient-centered care,offering hope and extending life to individuals worldwide.

A novel mortality risk score for emphysematous pyelonephritis:A multicenter study of the Global Research in the Emphysematous Pyelonephritis group

Background:Emphysematous pyelonephritis(EPN)is a necrotizing infection of the kidney and the surrounding tissues associated with considerable mortality.We aimed to formulate a score that classifies the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at hospital admission.Materials and methods:Patients diagnosed with EPN between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively included.Data from 15 centers(70%)were used to develop the scoring system,and data from 7 centers(30%)were used to validate it.Univariable and mułtivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors related to mortality.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to construct the sconng system and calculate the risk of mortality.A standardized regression coefficient was used to quantify the discriminating power of each factor to convert the individual coefficients into points.The area under the curve was used to quantify the scoring system performance.An 8-point scoring system for the mortality risk was created(range,0-7).Results:In total,570 patients were included(400 in the test group and 170 in the validation group).Independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable logistic regression were included in the scoring system:quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score≥2(2 points),anemia,paranephric gas extension,leukocyte count>22,000/pL,thrombocytopenia,and hyperglycemia(1 point each).The mortality rate was<5%for scores≤3,83.3%for scores 6,and 100%for scores 7.The area under the Curve was 0.90(95%confidence interval,0.84-0.95)for test and 0.91(95%confidence interval,0.84-0.97)for the validation group.Condusions:Our score predicts the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at presentation and may help clinicians identify patients at a higher risk of death.