Arch Surg Chicago
-
Comparative Study
Intravenous contrast medium impairs oxygenation of the pancreas in acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the rat.
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is widely used to evaluate severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) by demonstrating areas of malperfusion, which might indicate irreversible necrosis. Because of our prior finding that the intravenous contrast medium (CM) accentuates the severity of ANP by promoting further necrosis and higher mortality, we sought to investigate the mechanism by which this injury is mediated. ⋯ The prolonged reduction of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the pancreas following the administration of intravenous CM in rats with severe ANP indicates that CM impairs the pancreatic microcirculation in necrotizing forms of AP. This may explain our previous finding that CM increases pancreatic injury and mortality in rodents with ANP, and it underlines our concern that the use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography early in human AP may promote the evolution of pancreatic necrosis.
-
Comparative Study
Breast size as a risk factor for sternal wound complications following cardiac surgery.
To determine if macromastia is associated with risk for deep sternal wound infection following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy incision. ⋯ Large and medium bra cups sizes are associated with an increased risk for deep sternal wound infection after undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy incision.
-
To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of ultrasonography in patients with blunt abdominal or thoracic trauma in regard to the indication for immediate operation, delayed abdominal exploration, or conservative treatment. ⋯ Ultrasonography saves time and money, can be performed in the emergency department, shows high sensitivity and specificity, and is the method of first choice in the evaluation of blunt trauma.