Heartlands Hospital is an acute general hospital in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, England. It is managed by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled the creation of highly realistic videos demonstrating skin biopsy techniques for dermatology education. This study evaluates the visual realism and clinical accuracy of AI-generated videos, highlighting their potential as educational tools while recognizing significant anatomical inaccuracies that currently limit their clinical reliability. Integration of expert clinical input is essential to optimize the use of such technologies in training environments.
This study evaluated the radiological and functional outcomes of anterior lumbar reconstruction for collapsed discs following recurrent disc prolapse (RDP) using stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). We assessed functional outcomes, fusion success, and changes in disc height and lumbar lordosis. A retrospective review was conducted on prospectively collected data from 71 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including VAS for back and leg pain, ODI, and EQ-5D-5 L, were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Fusion was assessed using thin-slice CT scans and dynamic flexion-extension radiographs. Disc height, segmental lordosis, and total lumbar lordosis were measured before and after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 36.8 months. The average surgical time was 72 min per level (range: 55–110). Preoperative disc height averaged 5.8 mm (range: 3–10) and increased to 13.1 mm (range: 9–17) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in segmental and total lordosis. The CT-confirmed fusion rate was 98.6
Background: Subcutaneous metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are rare, with only limited cases documented in the literature. Their presence can pose diagnostic and management challenges, particularly when mimicking benign postoperative changes. Methods: We present a retrospective study of three consecutive cases of patients with confirmed dermal metastases from PTC identified during post-treatment surveillance. All cases of cutaneous metastases of PTC were included in this study and were managed at a single tertiary centre between 2020 and 2024. Results: In each case, dermal metastases were detected either within previous surgical scars or within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck, highlighting their potential to present subtly and mimic scar tissue. Diagnostic confirmation was achieved via imaging and excisional biopsy, followed by histological analysis. All patients underwent surgical intervention and received adjuvant radioactive odine therapy. One patient required systemic therapy for progressive metastatic disease. Conclusion: Dermal metastases from PTC remain rare but clinically significant. Imaging and biopsy with specialist histopathological support play a critical role in differentiating metastases from alternative pathology. We recommend prompt evaluation and histological examination of any new skin or subcutaneous lesion in patients with a history of PTC.
Albumin is essential for maintaining oncotic pressure and vascular integrity. In burn injuries, increased capillary permeability leads to hypoalbuminemia, which is a recognized marker of poor outcomes in critical illness. However, its prognostic value in acute burn care remains underexplored. This study evaluated the prognostic value of admission serum albumin in predicting mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, ventilatory requirements, sepsis, and pulmonary infection in patients with burn injuries. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted. Of 5587 studies screened, 19 were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio, with pooled outcomes reported as odds ratios (ORs), standardized mean differences, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q, I2, and tau2. Hypoalbuminemia on admission was significantly associated with increased mortality during admission (OR 9.51; 95% CI, 3.04-29.78; I2 49.3%). Admission hypoalbuminemia was also associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR 2.83; 95% CI, 2.49-3.22; I2 0%). Evidence for other outcomes was limited and heterogeneous. Admission serum albumin appears to be a valuable prognostic marker in patients with burn injuries, particularly for mortality and AKI. Further research is required to support its integration into burn-specific risk models, characterize albumin trends within the first 24 h postinjury, and establish optimal cut-off values.
