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  1. Fulltext Minimally Invasive Surgery in Treatment of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries: A 2-Year Experience
    Kow Ren Yi, Ed Simor Khan Mor Japar Khan, Fauziana Abd Jabar, Fauziana Abd Jabar, Low Chooi Leng
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):69-0.
    MyJurnal
    Majority of the traumatic spine injuries are located at the thoracolumbar region. They can be compression fractures, burst fractures, flexionextension injuries (Chance fractures), dislocations, or any of the combination. Surgery is indicated for patients with thoracolumbar injury classification scoring (TLICS) of 4 or more. Traditionally, surgical approaches for thoracolumbar spinal injuries involve open surgery, instrumentation with/without decompression. In our previous study, open surgery for traumatic thoracolumbar injuries and history of blood transfusion have been found to be associated with higher risk of deep surgical site infection requiring surgical debridement. With the advent of modern implants and equipments, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been made possible for spine surgeries. We report our two-year experience in utilizing MIS to treat traumatic thoracolumbar spinal injuries. Materials and method: Patients who underwent spinal surgeries at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan from July 2017 to July 2019 were screened for suitability to be included in this study. Only patients who underwent spinal minimally invasive surgeries have been included in this study. Patients who underwent open spinal surgeries were excluded. Results: A total of 8 patients were included in this study. There were 3 burst fractures and 5 chance fractures. All patients underwent a minimum of 4-level posterior spinal instrumented fusion with MIS techniques and 2 patients had laminectomy at the injured level for decompression. All but one patient did not require blood transfusion and there was no incidence of surgical site infection among these patients. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a better option compared to open surgery in treating traumatic thoracolumbar spinal injuries. By minimizing the surgical incision, we are able to reduce blood loss and avoid deep surgical site infection.
  2. Management of a failed femoral plate in an obese patient: A case report
    Ren Yi Kow, Zamri Ab Rahman, Ruben Jaya Kumar, Zaharul Azri Mustapha@Zakaria, Low, Chooi Leng
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2017;11(1):39-42.
    MyJurnal
    Femoral nailing is the overall “gold standard” in
    treating femoral shaft fractures. However, plate
    osteosynthesis at the femoral shaft is still being done
    in selected patients. We report a case of right femoral
    implant failure after a broad limited contact dynamic
    compression plate (LC-DCP) insertion and its
    subsequent management using our minimally invasive
    technique. Our technique is biologically compliant
    as well as cosmetically friendly. We converted a loadbearing
    implant into a load-sharing implant in view that
    obesity is a significant predictive factor of non-union in a
    femoral fracture treated with locking plate. The patient
    subsequently recovered well with no complication.
  3. Fulltext Surgical management of a mangled foot by a free vascularized fibular graft: a case report
    Kow, Ren Yi, Aziah Abdul Aziz, Muhammad Firdaus Abas, Low, Chooi Leng, Akmal Azim Ahmad Alwi
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2018;12(2):30-33.
    MyJurnal
    The human foot serves as an important part to support
    the body weight and accounts for the majority of our
    movements. A mangled limb involves injury to at least
    three out of four systems, namely the soft tissues, nerves,
    blood supply and bone. While amputation is indicated in
    some cases of mangled limb, with proper planning, limb
    salvaging surgical management is also a viable option.
    Special consideration to the skeletal stabilization, control
    of infection, vascular status and soft tissue coverage is
    paramount to the success of limb salvaging surgery. We
    present a case of mangled limb which was successfully
    treated with limb salvaging surgical management. Initial
    debridement, Kirschner wires insertion and cross ankle
    external fixation were used for skeletal stabilization. An
    antibiotic spacer was inserted for local antibiotic and to
    maintain the length left due to the loss of medial and
    intermediate cuneiform bones. The anterior tibialis
    artery and its venae comitantes were utilized for free
    vascularized fibular graft to provide bony reconstruction
    as well as soft tissue coverage for the mangled foot.
  4. Fulltext Quantitative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Hospital Mesra Ibadah Course: A Pre-Post Study
    Kow Ren Yi, Ed Simor Khan Mor Japar Khan, Mohd Jumaidi Md Hashim, Anas Nazhar, Low Chooi Leng
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):61-0.
    MyJurnal
    Solat or prayer, as one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is associated with bio-psycho-social benefits in Muslim patients. Â Many Muslim patients neglected solat while being hospitalized as they are unaware of the convenience (rukhsoh) available for them. Ibadah Friendly Hospital Courses have been conducted in different states of Malaysia to impart knowledge to the hospital staff who can in turn educate their patients. This study aims to construct a content-validated assessment tool and to assess the effectiveness of a state-level Hospital Mesra Ibadah course. Materials and methods: A self-administered questionnaire was constructed and content-validated by a panel of three experts (two religious teachers and one consultant spine surgeon). All 15 questions achieved item-level content validity index (I-CVI) of 1.00 after two rounds of validation. The questionnaires were distributed to participants of a state-level Hospital Mesra Ibadah course to compare the participants’ pre-course test score and post-course test score. Results: A total of 88 participants (48.9%) were included in this study. There was a significant difference in the pre-course test mean score and post-course test mean score among the participants. There was also a significant reduction of unsure answer after the course. There was no significant association found between the gender, place of working and occupations with the pre-post test score difference. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Hospital Mesra Ibadah course is effective in imparting as well as consolidating the knowledge among participants, hence it should be routinely organized to benefit more participants.
  5. Fulltext Near-miss injury of multiple carpometacarpal joint dislocations: a report of two cases
    Kow, Ren Yi, Zaharul Azri Mustapha Zakaria, Ruben Jaya Kumar, Low ,Chooi Leng, Khairul Nizam Siron Baharom
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021;15(2):59-67.
    MyJurnal
    Multiple carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) dislocations are rare and are easily missed. The anatomical configuration renders stability to the joints. As a result, a high-velocity impact is required to dislocate the joint. We present two cases of multiple carpometacarpal joint dislocations with different mechanisms of injury and their subsequent management at our centre. In case 1, a 29-year-old gentleman presented with acute dislocations of the CMCJs involving the right middle, ring, and little fingers. An open reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires were done to stabilize the dislocated CMCJs and he subsequently recovered. In case 2, a 25-year-old gentleman had the CMCJ dislocations detected late due to other more profound injuries. Partial arthrodesis was performed to address the instability of the CMCJs of the right index, middle and ring fingers. He subsequently recovered and returned to work 6-months postoperatively. The diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint dislocation can be easily missed especially when there is a concurrent distracting injury. It is crucial to maintain a high index of suspicion as early diagnosis and prompt treatment is paramount to yield a better outcome
  6. Marjolin's ulcer: A case report of chronic leg ulcer leading to squamous cell carcinoma
    Kow, Ren Yi, Dhiauddin Hai Ismail, Jamaluddin Shafie, Ruben Jaya Kumar, Nor Hafliza Md Salleh, Low, Chooi Leng
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2016;10(3):34-36.
    MyJurnal
    Marjolin’s ulcer is a malignant cutaneous ulcer
    that undergoes transformation from a previously
    traumatized or chronically inflammed skin.1 Causes
    leading to ulcerations can be burn injury, trauma,
    chronic osteomyelitis and varicose ulcers.2 It is named
    after a French surgeon, Jean Nicolas Marjolin, who
    first described the condition in patients who developed
    malignant ulcers from burn scars.3 We report a case of
    a chronic non-healing foot ulcer that has become a
    Marjolin’s ulcer after 12 years. (Copied from article).
  7. Fulltext Cervical vertebral fracture: a report of two cases of "Near-Miss" C6 fractures
    Kow, Ren Yi, Hazwan Ab Wahid, Ed Simor Khan Mor Japar Khan, Colin Komahen, Low, Chooi Leng, Ruben Jaya Kumar
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2018;12(1):21-26.
    MyJurnal
    Cervical spine injury is commonly associated with
    road-traffic accidents. The true incidence of cervical
    spine injuries is unknown due to under-reporting of
    such injuries. Cervical spine injury is associated with
    high morbidity and mortality if it is missed. With the
    advancement of imaging modalities, the number of
    missed cervical injuries has reduced. Nevertheless, some
    clinicians are dependent solely on imaging tools to rule
    out cervical spine injury in a trauma victim. We report
    two cases of “near miss” C6 fracture to highlight the
    importance of a detailed clinical history and clinical
    examination with imaging as an adjunct to rule out
    cervical injury.
  8. Fulltext Neck of Femur Fracture in Young Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease and Hyperparathyroidism: A Report of Three Cases and Proposed Treatment Algorithm
    Raj JJ, Kow RY, Ramalingam S, Low CL
    Cureus, 2021 Jul;13(7):e16155.
    PMID: 34367767 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16155
    Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a complication arising from untreated end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It can invariably lead to osteoporosis and subsequently cause pathological neck of femur (NOF) fracture. Despite being young, osteosynthesis in neck of femur fractures of these patients often leads to nonunion and implant failure due to severely osteoporotic bone. We present our experience in managing three young patients with ESRD and secondary hyperthyroidism who sustained NOF fractures. All three patients were successfully treated and showed no complication at one year post-operation. Based on our experience and literature review, we propose a simple algorithm to guide the management of these patients.
  9. Fulltext Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Prospective Study in Malaysia
    Nizam Siron K, Mat Lani MT, Low CL, Kow RY
    Cureus, 2021 Nov;13(11):e19254.
    PMID: 34900455 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19254
    Introduction Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the common problems which lead to shoulder disabilities. This condition has been described as impingement to the rotator cuff by the anterior third of the acromion process and has been classified into three stages. Treatment option varies depending on the grade of the disease. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD) has become more popular in recent years and has shown to have a good outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes following ASAD in terms of the functional, clinical, and radiological parameters in treating SIS in the ageing population in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and methods This was an observational study looking at the outcomes of patients with stage 2 and stage 3 (partial cuff tear) impingement syndrome who underwent ASAD in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan and International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Centre from May 2018 to June 2019. The functional outcomes were evaluated using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score taken at pre-operative, six weeks, three months, and six months post-operation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Constant score (CS) taken at six months post-operation. Radiological outcomes were measured by comparing acromiohumeral distance pre- and post-operation on anteroposterior (AP) view radiograph of the affected shoulder. Results A total of 28 patients were selected for the study. On functional outcome, there was a significant effect of time on the ASES scoring system (p-value <0.05) from pre-operative to six months post-operation. On clinical outcome, the CS at six months showed 13 patients have excellent scores, 10 have good, and five have fair scores. There was a statistically significant difference in mean values of all categories (p-value <0.05). In terms of the radiological outcome, this study observed a significant increase in patients' subacromial space on X-ray from the pre-operative and post-operative treatment stages. In this study, we also observed that there was no significant difference in outcomes between partial and intact rotator cuff (RC) tears at six-month post-operation. Conclusion In this study, ASAD was found to be a beneficial intervention in the treatment of patients with shoulder impingement evidenced by the significant outcomes in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological parameters.
  10. Fulltext The Creation of Articulating Cement Spacer Using Custom-Fabricated Silicone Mold for the Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Two Case Reports
    Yuen JC, Kow RY, Jaya Raj J, Low CL
    Cureus, 2022 Dec;14(12):e32254.
    PMID: 36620812 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32254
    Joint replacement surgeries have been performed to treat joint arthropathies with excellent outcomes. As the number of joint replacement surgeries surges, the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has also increased. Currently, two-stage revision surgery is the gold standard in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection. Two-stage revision surgery involves joint washout, the removal of the primary implant, the insertion of a cement spacer, and subsequently the reimplantation of prosthesis after the infection has been eliminated. Custom-made articulating cement spacer has been used with success to improve the patient's ambulatory status and quality of life. Nevertheless, custom-made articulating cement spacer or commercialized cement mold is generally costly. By the modification of previous authors' techniques, we manage to fabricate reusable silicone molds, which can be used to create articulating cement spacers for both hip and knee joints. We share two case reports to illustrate how these fabricated silicone molds can be a cost-effective technique to create articulating cement spacers to manage periprosthetic joint infection in both hip and knee joints. Surgeons in resource-deprived countries can utilize this technique to create articulating cement spacers with minimal cost, but they need to discuss with their patients and check with the local regulatory board on the feasibility of this technique to create cement spacer that will be used in a patient.
  11. Fulltext Factors Associated with Deep Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Surgery: A Pilot Study
    Khan ES, Kow RY, Arifin KBBM, Komahen C, Low CL, Lim BC
    Cureus, 2019 Apr 03;11(4):e4377.
    PMID: 31218142 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4377
    Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common healthcare-related infection in surgical patients. Patients who have undergone spinal surgeries and have contracted postoperative SSI face increased morbidity and mortality, which invariably leads to additional burden on the healthcare system and higher costs. The risk factors for the increase in SSI in patients who have undergone spinal surgery have been investigated in numerous studies but no studies have been performed in Malaysia. The aim of this pilot study is to determine the incidence and factors associated with deep SSIs in patients that have undergone spinal surgeries. Methods This retrospective study includes all patients who underwent spinal surgeries at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Kuantan, from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017. Patients with an active spinal infection, polytrauma, and open fractures were excluded from this study. Patient characteristics and laboratory investigations were extracted to determine the risk factors for deep SSI events. Associations between SSI and risk factors were analyzed with SPSS V21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY). Results The univariate analysis indicated that fracture dislocation at the thoraco-lumbar junction (p=0.008) and a history of preoperative blood product transfusion (p=0.003) were associated with deep SSI. Other factors such as age (p=0.162), gender (p=0.262), body mass index (p=0.215), smoking status (0.272), number of vertebrae involved in the surgery (p=0.837), spinal cord involvement (p=0.259), postoperative hemoglobin reduction (p=0.816), and preoperative white blood cell count (p=0.278) were not associated with deep SSI. Conclusions This pilot study highlights the factors associated with deep SSI in spinal surgeries. A larger study is needed to further confirm these findings.
  12. Fulltext Scurvy: A Neglected Cause of Muscle Pain and Weakness in a Child With Picky Eating Behavior
    Kow RY, Nik Abdul Adel NA, Abdul Razak AH, Low CL, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2021 Jul;13(7):e16289.
    PMID: 34405060 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16289
    Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient that the human's body cannot synthesize endogenously. Scurvy, a disease of ascorbic acid deficiency, can manifest in a myriad of presentations. Due to its rarity in the modern world, scurvy is considered as a disease of the past. We present a paediatric case of scurvy with musculoskeletal manifestations as a result of picky eating behavior.  We report a previously healthy nine-year-old boy who presented with unexplained progressive bilateral lower limb generalized weakness and pain for two months. All initial biochemical and radiological investigations were unremarkable. Upon further history taking, he had severe picky eating behavior which raised the suspicion of scurvy. The diagnosis was confirmed with a serum ascorbic acid test. After ascorbic acid supplementation, his symptoms resolved immediately. Further food behavioral modification counselling to his family members helped to change his diet in a lasting way. As a result, he had no recurrence of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for an uncommon disease and emphasizes the need for a detailed dietary history upon patient's presentation.
  13. Surgical Reconstruction of an Open Medial Malleolus Fracture Using a Novel Technique: A Case Report
    Kow RY, Yuen JC, Ahmad Alwi AA, Abas MF, Low CL
    JBJS Case Connect, 2019 6 25;9(2):e0163.
    PMID: 31233428 DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00163
    CASE: A 17-year-old male sustained an open fracture of the right medial malleolus (MM) with significant bone and soft tissue loss following a motor-vehicle accident. Following serial wound debridement, his ankle was effectively reconstructed with MM antiglide plate stabilization, iliac autogenous bone graft, and a free radial forearm soft tissue flap.

    CONCLUSIONS: Open MM fracture with bone and soft tissue loss is rare. It is feasible to treat this injury with a novel surgical reconstruction technique involving autogenous bicortical iliac bone graft and radial forearm free flap.

  14. Fulltext MRI Evaluation of Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia
    Kow RY, Low CL, Siron Baharom KN, Sheikh Said SNB
    Cureus, 2021 Jun;13(6):e15758.
    PMID: 34290935 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15758
    Introduction After detailed anatomical delineation of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee, there is a surge in research on this anatomical structure. Owing to the anatomical variation and lack of experience in the identification of this structure, magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation of the ALL produces mixed results. It was aimed to evaluate the ALL using the routinely performed MR imaging of the knee and to determine any associated factors with ALL injuries. Materials and methods Thirty-six MR images of the knee from 31 patients from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2017, are evaluated. MR sequences performed include T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density (PD), and PD fat saturation (FS). All MR images were double-read by two authors and approved by a consultant radiologist with more than 20 years of radiological experience. The ALL was divided into three portions: femoral, meniscal, and tibial, and the ALL was considered fully visualized when all three portions were seen on MR images. Results At least a portion of the ALL was visualized in 27 scans (75%), and it was fully visualized in 20 scans (55.6%). The femoral portion was the most commonly identified (75%), followed by the meniscal portion (69.4%) and the tibial portion (58.3%). ALLs were best visualized on coronal view in PD FS with the lateral inferior genicular artery as a guide to locate the bifurcation of the meniscal and tibial components. Conclusion The ALL can be visualized in routine 1.5-T MR imaging, either full delineation (55.6%) or partially visualized (75%). It is best characterized via a PD-weighted sequence with fat saturation on the coronal plane. The ALL injury was associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
  15. Fulltext The Role of Medial Plantar Artery Flap in Heel Pad Reconstruction: A Report of Two Cases
    Oon ZS, Kow RY, Ahmad Alwi AA, Ayeop MAS, Low CL, Che Ahmad A
    Cureus, 2023 Jul;15(7):e41844.
    PMID: 37575710 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41844
    The heel and sole possess unique anatomical characteristics that serve a weight-bearing and shock-absorbing function. The heel is particularly vital, as any defects in this area can lead to gait instability. Reconstructing a heel defect presents challenges, as the donor flap must be durable enough to withstand high force loads while also providing protective sensation. Recently, the medial plantar artery flap has been successfully employed for the reconstruction of defective heel pads. This flap offers glabrous skin capable of weight transmission and intact protective sensation. In this report, we present two cases of heel pad loss secondary to chronic diabetic complications and trauma, respectively, which were treated with medial plantar artery flap reconstruction. Both cases were successfully treated, and they showed a good functional outcome.
  16. Fulltext Primary B-cell Lymphoma of the Thoracic Spine: A Rare Cause of Spinal Cord Compression
    Zakaria Mohamad Z, Kow RY, Low CL, Hamdan AH, Awang MS
    Cureus, 2021 Jul;13(7):e16608.
    PMID: 34447645 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16608
    Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising from the spine is exceedingly rare. Spinal cord compression can be the first presentation of a patient with primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to its rarity and vague clinical presentation, the diagnosis can be confused with tuberculosis of the spine, a more common disease in this country. We present a case of primary thoracic spine B-cell lymphoma in a 45-year-old lady who presented with spinal cord compression. This case highlights the importance of obtaining histopathological samples for examination and the treating physician should be vigilant on this rare cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment can be initiated promptly once the diagnosis is established as primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma carries a dire prognosis.
  17. Fulltext Outcomes of Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Patients and the Factors Associated With Complications: A Multicenter Study From Malaysia
    Jaya Raj J, Kow RY, Ganthel Annamalai K, Kunasingh DE, Panicker GK, Lim BC, et al.
    Cureus, 2021 Sep;13(9):e18110.
    PMID: 34692321 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18110
    Background and objective Femoral neck fractures are relatively rare in young adults, but they result in prolonged loss of function in these patients, thereby placing a huge burden on a country's healthcare and economy. Femoral neck fractures in young adults are normally treated with head salvage surgery. However, primary head replacement surgeries have been gaining traction recently to expedite the recovery of these patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the outcomes in young patients with femoral neck fractures and factors associated with their complications. Patients and methods Patients with femoral neck fractures who underwent surgery in three tertiary hospitals [Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HOSHAS), and Hospital Kuala Lipis] in Pahang state in Malaysia were reviewed and included in this study. The demographic profile of the patients, injury patterns, intervention details, functional outcomes, and complications were analyzed. The comparison between the sociodemographics, clinical assessment, and complication outcomes was analyzed using statistical software. Results The complications were associated with the mechanism of injury, capsulotomy, and type of fixation. A total of 46 patients were included in the study. Most of the patients were found to have severe displacement based on Garden and Pauwels classification. The majority of the patients underwent femoral head salvage surgeries. Almost half of the patients sustained complications and were unable to achieve weight-bearing status at six months postoperatively. Conclusion Despite a relatively short follow-up period in our study, femoral neck fractures in young adults were found to be associated with a high rate of complications. Primary head replacement surgeries should be considered in high-risk patients with femoral neck fractures.
  18. Fulltext COVID-19 Collateral Damage: Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Malaysia
    Anwarali Khan MH, Kow RY, Ramalingam S, Ho JPY, Jaya Raj J, Ganthel Annamalai K, et al.
    Cureus, 2021 Oct;13(10):e18820.
    PMID: 34804677 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18820
    Background and objective Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the dreaded complications in patients after arthroplasty surgeries, owing to the risk of morbidity and arduous investigations and management associated with it. Nevertheless, as Malaysia is currently battling against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic head-on, the treatment for other non-life-threatening diseases including PJI has taken a backseat. In this study, we present a case series of 11 patients with PJI who were managed surgically at the largest tertiary hospital in Malaysia and we hope to shed some light on the difficulties we have encountered during this trying period. Patients and methods Patients with PJIs who underwent surgical intervention during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021) were reviewed and included in this study. The demographic profile of the patients, presenting complaints, prosthesis topography, biochemical investigative findings, surgical interventions, and short-term outcomes were summarized. Results A total of 11 patients were treated surgically at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for PJI. Among them, five patients are still awaiting their second-stage surgeries despite the completion of their antibiotic regimes, and they are fit for the procedure. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the treatment of patients with PJI. In a setting with scarce resources, surgeons should strongly consider single-stage revision surgeries for the treatment of patients with PJI.
  19. Fulltext Diagnostic Yield of CT Pulmonary Angiogram in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism and Its Predictive Factors
    Low CL, Kow RY, Abd Aziz A, Mohd Yusof M, Lim BC, Kamarudin NA, et al.
    Cureus, 2023 Jun;15(6):e40484.
    PMID: 37461753 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40484
    Introduction Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the reference investigation of choice to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE). Nevertheless, the use of CTPA should be weighed against its risks, such as radiation and contrast-induced nephropathy. We aim to assess the yield of CTPA in diagnosing PE at a tertiary centre in Malaysia. We also identify predictive factors associated with the yield of CTPA in this cohort. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving all patients who had had CTPA done at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Malaysia, from January 1, 2021, to November 30, 2021. All patients' records were retrieved and reviewed. CTPA images were retrieved from the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). They were double-reviewed by the authors, with the initial reports redacted from reporting radiologists to prevent reporting bias. The predictive factors were determined using simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 351 CTPAs were reviewed, of which 93 were found to be positive for PE, giving rise to an overall CTPA yield of 26.5%. Upon simple logistic regression, factors such as gender, discipline, history of trauma, presence of COVID-19 infection, and pneumonia were found to be associated with positive CTPA. Upon multiple logistic regression, male patients were found to have a higher chance of positive CTPA results. On the other hand, patients with COVID-19 infection and pneumonia have a lower chance of positive results in CTPA. Conclusion The yield of CTPA in diagnosing PE at our institution was acceptable at 26.5%. Upon multiple logistic regression, patients with COVID-19 infection and pneumonia were more likely to have a negative CTPA result, highlighting the need for clinicians to be more prudent in requesting CTPAs in these patients.
  20. Fulltext Bibliometric Analysis of Diagnostic Yield of CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
    Kow RY, Razali K, Low CL, Siron KN, Zakaria Mohamad Z, Mohd Yusof M, et al.
    Cureus, 2023 Jul;15(7):e41979.
    PMID: 37593261 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41979
    CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the investigation of choice for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Due to the speed and ease of performing the CTPA scans, more clinicians are becoming overly reliant on them, even for patients without strong suspicion of PE. We conducted a bibliometric analysis on the PubMed database from 1990 to 2022 to investigate the literature on the diagnostic yield of CTPA in the diagnosis of PE. A total of 166 articles were published in 98 journals. The number of publications has steadily increased since 2010 and peaked in 2020. Authors from 24 countries contributed to these publications, with the overwhelming majority emanating from United States of America, totaling 66 articles. The authors' contributions were relatively well spread out, with the top four authors publishing the highest number of articles at six each. When we investigated the collaboration between the authors, we found limited multinational and multi-institutional collaborations on this topic. Therefore, more multinational and multi-institutional collaborations will be valuable in future studies. In conclusion, this bibliometric analysis summarizes the literature on diagnostic yield of CTPA in the diagnosis of PE and sheds light on the future pathway that researchers and institutions can focus on.
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