Analysis of 1051 ICD Leads Extractions in Search of Factors Affecting Procedure Difficulty and Complications: Number of Coils, Tip Fixation and Position-Does It Matter?

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads are considered a risk factor for major complications (MC) during transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Methods: We analyzed 3878 TLE procedures (including 1051 ICD lead extractions). Results: In patients with ICD lead removal, implant duration was almost half as long (69.69 vs. 114.0 months; p < 0.001), procedure complexity (duration of dilatation of all extracted leads, use of more advanced tools or additional venous access) (15.13% vs. 20.78%; p < 0.001) and MC (0.67% vs. 2.62%; p < 0.001) were significantly lower as compared to patients with pacing lead extraction. The procedural success rate was higher in these patients (98.29% vs. 94.04%; p < 0.001). Extraction of two or more ICD leads or additional superior vena cava (SVC) coil significantly prolonged procedure time, increased procedure complexity and use of auxiliary or advanced tools but did not influence the rate of MC. The type of ICD lead fixation and tip position did not affect TLE complexity, complications and clinical success although passive fixation reduces the likelihood of procedural success (OR = 0.297; p = 0.011). Multivariable regression analysis showed that ICD lead implant duration ≥120 months (OR = 2.956; p < 0.001) and the number of coils in targeted ICD lead(s) (OR = 2.123; p = 0.003) but not passive-fixation ICD leads (1.361; p = 0.149) or single coil ICD leads (OR = 1.540; p = 0.177) were predictors of higher procedure complexity, but had no influence on MC or clinical and procedural success. ICD lead implant duration was of crucial importance, similar to the number of leads. Lead dwell time >10 years is associated with a high level of procedure difficulty and complexity but not with MC and procedure-related deaths. Conclusions: The main factors affecting the transvenous removal of ICD leads are implant duration and the number of targeted ICD leads. Dual coil and passive fixation ICD leads are a bit more difficult to extract whereas fixation mechanism and tip position play a much less dominant role.

Tricuspid Valve Damage Related to Transvenous Lead Extraction

BACKGROUND

Damage to the tricuspid valve (TVD) is now considered either a major or minor complication of the transvenous lead extraction procedure (TLE). As yet, the risk factors and long-term survival after TLE in patients with TVD have not been analyzed in detail.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis used clinical data of 2631 patients (mean age 66.86 years, 39.64% females) who underwent TLE procedures performed in three high-volume centers. The risk factors and long-term survival of patients with worsening tricuspid valve (TV) function after TLE were analyzed.

RESULTS

In most procedures (90.31%), TLE had no negative influence on TV function, but in 9.69% of patients, a worsening of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) to varying degrees was noted, including significant dysfunction in 2.54% of patients. Risk factors of TLE relating to severe TVD were: TLE of pacing leads (5.264; p = 0.029), dwell time of the oldest extracted lead (OR = 1.076; p = 0.032), strong connective scar tissue connecting a lead with tricuspid apparatus (OR = 5.720; p < 0.001), and strong connective scar tissue connecting a lead with the right ventricle wall (OR = 8.312; p < 0.001). Long-term survival (1650 ± 1201 [1-5519] days) of patients with severe TR was comparable to patients without tricuspid damage related to TLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe tricuspid valve damage related to TLE is relatively rare (2.5%). The main risk factors for the worsening of TV function are associated with a longer lead dwell time (more often the pacing lead), causing stronger connective tissue scars connecting the lead to the tricuspid apparatus and right ventricle. TVD is unlikely to affect long-term survival after TLE.

P1182Asymptomatic masses on the pacing leads - influence on long term survival

Background

Asymptomatic Masses on Endocardiac Leads  (AMELs) are relatively often found in echocardiography in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) but their clinical significance is unknown.

Purpose

Aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of AMELs and assesment of their influence on long term survival (mean follow up- 4,28 ± 3,13 years) of patients undergoing transvenous leads extraction (TLE).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of patients undergoing TLE in single center in years 2006-2019. Echocardiography before TLE was performed in 2558  patients (60,4% male). AMELs were detected in 426 (16,7%) cases. Classifications of AMELs included connective tissue surronding the leads, clots, alike vegetations masses.  Additionally, real vegetations, thickening of the leads and strong connective tissue scars were distinguished. Long term survival was compared between individual types of AMELs and patients without any additional masses on the leads.

Results are presented in the table.

Conclusion

Poor long-term survival was observed in patients with AMELs on the pacing leads.

Abstract Table

P1181Lead dependent tricuspid dysfunction- mechanism and treatment

Background

Lead dependent tricuspid dysfunction (LDTD) is  a hardly recognizable severe complication of permanent cardiac pacing.

Purpose

Aim of the study was to assess the mechanism of lead dependent tricuspid dysfunction (LDTD) and effect of transvenous leads extraction (TLE) in theese patients.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of 3110 patients undergoing TLE from 01/2006 to 09/2019 in a single center. Echocardiographic assessment  was performed in 2559 patients. LDTD mechanism and improvement of valve function after unblocking (by removing the lead) were analyzed.

Results

LDTD was recognized in 98 (7,3%) patients. The most common mechanism of LDTD was pulling up the leaflet of tricuspid valve by the lead. Improvement of tricuspid valve function was observed in all patients with recognized LDTD. 18 patients with slight improvement were directed to cardiosurgery after TLE.

Conclusions

LDTD should be considered in patients with implanted pacing system and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Transvenous leads extraction can improve function of tricuspid valve in theese patients.

Abstract Table

Phase Angle as an Objective and Predictive Factor of Radiotherapy-induced Changes in Body Composition of Male Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND

Unfavorable changes in body composition are frequent among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Unfortunately, in daily clinical practice, there is a lack of reliable diagnostic tools for predicting changes in body composition in individuals following radiotherapy (RT). Among non-invasive tools, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) seems to be most promising. One BIA parameter, the phase angle (PA), reflects condition of various body cells and their mass in detail.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using BIA, the body composition was measured prior to and after RT in 52 male patients with HNC. PA derived from BIA prior to RT was tested as a predictor of body composition changes developing during RT.

RESULTS

Patients with low PA had a greater than 9.3-fold higher chance of body mass index (BMI) reduction below 18.5 kg/m² and over 5.9-fold and 4.2-fold higher chance of lean mass and fat mass reduction after therapy end compared with patients with a high PA value. PA values demonstrated significant diagnostic accuracy for detection of fat-free mass, lean mass and BMI reduction in the study group [area under the curve (AUC)=0.781, 0.774 and 0.786, respectively].

CONCLUSION

PA prior to RT is a useful marker for selection of individuals with HNC who are at a high risk of unfavorable changes in body composition.

P1704 An unusual mass in the right heart

A 39 year old patient after removal of the uterus, the left oviduct and the right appendages due to Tu (massive fibroids). The histopathological examination revealed: leiomyomatosis intravascularis masiva (multifocal, intravenous smooth muscle cell hyperplasia without necrosis, cellular atypia and mitotic activity. Vascular invasion within the uterus, parametrium, mesovarium, perinodule tissues). The patient was admitted to the Gynaecology Clinic on the 9th postoperative day due to pain in the right lumbar region. The angio-CT of the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities revealed a tumour/thrombus in the right internal iliac vein, common iliac vein and inferior vena cava (VCI). Then, the patient underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealing an additional mass in the VCI entering the right atrium (RA), periodically passing through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle (RV). The mass was of irregular shape, free-floating and did not obstruct the right ventricle inflow. Due to a suspicion of thrombus, an attempt at pharmacological treatment was initiated: initially LMWH at a therapeutic dose, followed by UFH iv. (controlled by APTT). Follow-up echocardiography: the image has not changed, the mass is still in the same location. The patient then underwent a surgical treatment: the pathological mass with a length of 35 cm was removed from VCI and RA with extracorporeal circulation. The histopathological examination confirmed: numerous foci of intravenous leiomyomatosis in the form of smooth muscle hyperplasia penetrating into the light of numerous vessels, mainly venous.

Discussion

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumours of the reproductive tract in premenopausal women, they are also the most common cause of hysterectomy. They are formed as a result of benign proliferation of myometrial smooth muscle cells. A special, though very rare, form is intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) - caused by abnormal growth of benign tumours, arising from smooth muscle, into venous vessels. Although histopathologically they are benign tumours, due to the possible invasion of large vessels they can be highly "aggressive" and extend into the heart chambers and pulmonary arteries (intracardiac leiomyomatosis - ICLM). Possible symptoms of ICLM: dyspnoea (30-37%), peripheral oedema (20-28%), chest pain (12-30%), palpitation (10-17%), fainting (11%). Approximately 13% of patients have no symptoms at all. In the differential diagnosis of masses in the right heart cavities, the following should be taken into account : thrombus, myxoma, metastases

of malignant neoplasms, in particular renal cancer, as well as: liver cancer, adrenal cancer, lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma.

Conclusion

IVL should be taken into account as a differential diagnosis in case of a free-floating mass in the right heart chambers, originating from the inferior vena cava, among premenopausal women with a history of hysterectomy.

Abstract P1704 Figure. mass in the right atrium

113 Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - efficacy of dual chamber pacing in reducing of gradient

Hypertrophy of the right ventricle (RV) in the course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is found in 30-60% of cases, with the possibility of a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO), obstruction in the apex or the middle part of the right ventricle.

A patient, aged 41, admitted due to limitation of exercise tolerance, effort dyspnea, presyncope. In an echocardiogram, interventricular septum (IVS) hypertrophy was observed up to 2.0 cm; normal size of the heart cavities; normal left ventricular systolic function (EF-70%). A color doppler mapping detected the zone of flow acceleraction and turbulent flow in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), next a spectral doppler examination showed the RVOT obstruction with a maximal gradient of 64 mmHg. Because of the suboptimal echocardiographic imaging, a heart CT scan was performed, revealing the features of left ventricular hypertrophy, most severe at the base and the medium part of IVS (up to 25 mm). Asymmetric hypertrophy of the middle portion of the right ventricle and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction was also observed. A hemodynamic study confirmed the presence of gradient in RVOT, up to 40 mmHg. Holter electrocardiogram recorded an episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Taking into account the clinical picture, the family history of the disease, and calculated HCM Risk SCD (7.55%), the decision was made to implant a dual chamber cardioverter defibrillator. The defibrillator electrode was fixed at the apex of the right ventricle. A short AV delay was programmed for prevalent right ventricular stimulation (AV delay 100 ms), resulting in 99.6% ventricular stimulation. The control echocardiogram showed a reduction in the maximum gradient in RVOT to 24 mmHg. In addition, the patient was treated with a beta-blocker.

To sum up, in the case of HCM we should always examine the RV with color and spectral doppler to exclude potential narrowing in RV.

Constant AV sequential stimulation with a short AV delay is a recognized method that can be considered in symptomatic adult HCM patients with a left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In the case described here, the above mentioned method proved effective in the significant reduction of the gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract.

Abstract 113 Figure. gradient in RVOT

Echocardiographic assessment of residuals after transvenous intracardiac lead extraction

Detection of residual fibrotic tissue, called ghosts, after lead extraction is a new phenomenon in cardiology. This paper aims at describing the phenomenon of ghosts and determining their characteristic features. The study group consisted of 580 consecutive patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction (TLE) due to local infection, endocarditis and a superfluous lead. Each patient was clinically examined with the application of transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography directly before and after TLE. In the study population ghosts were detected in 110 patients (19%), and in 470 cases (81%) fibrotic tissue residuals were not found. Ghosts were most often located along the originally implanted lead's route. Longer ghosts were found after the removal of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and dual chamber pacing (DDD) devices. The local infection and infective endocarditis are associated with a larger number of ghosts revealed after the removal procedure (p = 0.006). The type of the implanted device: CRT/ICD/double chamber pacemaker/single chamber pacemaker, similar to the number of leads, did not impact on the number of the detected ghosts. The relationship between abrasions of the leads and the presence of ghosts proved significant, however (p = 0.043). TLE is associated with the presence of fibrotic tissue residuals in approx. 19% of patients. Indications for lead extraction due to local infection and endocarditis yielded significantly more cases of ghosts than in the entire patient population. The presence of abrasions is a good predictor for the presence of ghosts on the leads.

Incidence, clinical correlates, timing, and consequences of acute thrombus formation in patients undergoing the MitraClip procedure

BACKGROUND

Despite adequate heparinization, formation of fresh intracardiac thrombi during the MitraClip procedure was reported.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical consequences of intracardiac thrombus formation during the MitraClip device implantation.

METHODS

Clinical data and transesophageal echocardiography findings obtained during MitraClip procedures in 100 consecutive patients (81 men; mean [SD] age, 67.8 [8.3] years) were reviewed. In all patients, a heparin bolus was given immediately after a successful transseptal puncture, and the activated clotting time above 250 seconds was maintained throughout the procedure.

RESULTS

Thrombus formation was documented in 9 patients (9%). In 6 patients, thrombi formed on a transseptal needle/sheath (2 attached to the sheath in the right atrium and 4 on the sheath immediately after the puncture in the left atrium), and in 3 patients, on the MitraClip device in the left atrium (2 on a steerable guiding catheter and 1 on the clip delivery system). Overall, 6 thrombi (67%) formed prior to and 3 (33%) after heparin administration. All thrombi were transient and disappeared within minutes. No periprocedural ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or other embolic complications were reported. Clinical characteristics were similar in patients with and without thrombi, except for lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; mean [SD], 23% [10%] and 30% [10%], respectively; P = 0.03). In-hospital death was reported in 6 patients: 2 with a visible thrombus and 4 without (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Transient thrombus formation is relatively common during the MitraClip procedure, especially in patients with low LVEF; however, acute clinical consequences are benign.

P3135Tricuspid valve dysfunction caused by transvenous lead extraction. Can we predict this complication?

Background

Accidental damage of tricuspid apparatus is known complication of TLE procedure risk factors of this complication remain unknown.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to search factors which can predict damage of tricuspid apparatus during TLE.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2018 we performed 2002 TLE procedures using conventional mechanical sheaths. 3366 leads (mean implant duration 95,2 months) were removed due to non-infective indications in 62,0%. Tricuspid valve function was examined with preoperative and post-operative TTE and during monitoring of procedure. Patients with incomplete TV function evaluation were excluded from the study. Three groups of patients were compared

Results

TLE procedure brings risk (7%) of different degree damage or tricuspid leflet or even chordae tendinae (2%). The detailed results are presented in the table.

Conclusions

TLE using conventional mechanical sheaths is effective but brings risk of extraction related tricuspid valve dysfunction. Main risk factor of this complication seems to be implant dwell time, number of leads presence of abandoned leads and lead loop in the heart remaining in conflict with tricuspid valve.

2407Influence of transvenous lead extraction procedure on function of tricuspid apparatus

Background

Accidental damage of tricuspid apparatus remain known complication of TLE procedure but our knowledge is limited due lack of separate analysis in the literature.

Purpose

The goal of this study was analysis of the appearance of lead extraction related tricuspid valve dysfunction using trans-chest and trans-oesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

Between March 2006 and December 2018 we performed 2900 TLE procedures using conventional mechanical sheaths in 1760 male and 1140 female patients (mean age 66.6y). 4811 leads (mean implant duration 91.5 months) were removed due to non-infective indications in 65.3%. Full radiological success was obtained in 95.7% procedures, partial in 4.0%, clinical success in 98.0%, full procedural success in 96.1%. Major complications (MC) appeared in 8 (1.8%).

Results

Results are presented in the table

Conclusions

TLE using conventional mechanical sheaths is effective. Tricuspid valve dysfunction different degree is frequent finding in candidates for TLE. TLE procedure brings risk (7.2%) of different degree damage of tricuspid leflet (significant in 1.5%) or even chordae tendinae (4%). Patients with severe lead extraction related tricuspid valve dysfunction needs exact follow-up and some of them can be candidates for cardiac surgery. On the other hand in not so rare cases of lead related tricuspid valve dysfunction – lead removal/replacement can to bring improvement of tricuspid valve function (6.1%).

P2854Floating connecting tissue scars ghosts after transvenous lead extraction

Background

The phenomenon of appearance of connecting tissue remnants floating in vena cava (VC), right atrium (RA) tricuspid valve (TV), right ventricle (RV) or coronary sinus (CS) was described recently. Frequency of occurrence and their significance remain unknown. Till now, our knowledge is limited due lack exact description in the literature.

Purpose

The goal of this study was analysis of the appearance of this phenomenon using trans-esophageal echocardiography.

Methods

Between 2006 and January 2018 we performed 2408 TLE procedures using conventional mechanical sheaths. 3836 leads (mean implant duration 96,13 months) were extracted, mainly due to non-infective indications in 64,2%. Results of exact TEE before and after the procedure were available in 2034 patients. All patients with incomplete ECHO/TEE evaluation were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Results are presented in the table

Conclusions

In about 25% of patients after TLE floating connecting tissue scars can be observed. Most frequently they can be noted in VC (33%) RA (28%) and RV (10%). In 23% ghosts has numerous location in different combinations. Mean size of “ghosts” is about 20x4 mm. This phenomenon should be known for doctors who perform transesophageal echocardiography to avoid faulty diagnosis.

Lead-related infective endocarditis: factors influencing the formation of large vegetations

Aims

The presence of intracardiac lead vegetations (ILV) is one of the important criteria for diagnosis of lead-related infective endocarditis (LRIE). The objective of the present study was to evaluate risk factors of ILV and their impact on vegetation size.

Methods and results

Clinical data of 500 patients with LRIE undergoing transvenous lead extraction in 2006-15 were retrospectively analysed. The study population consisted of 352 patients with the presence of vegetations (giant, >3 cm; large, 2.0-2.9 cm; moderate-sized, 1.0-1.9 cm; and small, <1 cm) and 148 patients without ILV. We identified risk factors for vegetation occurrence and ILV size. Intracardiac lead vegetations were found more frequently in younger patients (P < 0.05), slightly more often in women (P = 0.084), and less commonly in patients with atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). Intracardiac lead vegetation occurred significantly more frequently in patients with intracardiac lead abrasion (OR 2.373; 95% CI [1.497-3.765]; P < 0.001) and much less frequently in the concomitant presence of pocket infection (PI) (OR 0.127; 95% CI [0.074-0.218]; P < 0.00). Large vegetations were significantly more common in patients with renal failure (RF) (P < 0.001), heart failure (P < 0.001), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (P < 0.05), and loops of the leads (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intracardiac lead abrasion is one of the most common factors influencing the occurrence of ILV. Metabolic disorders in patients with RF, heart failure, defibrillation leads, and loops of the leads were found to contribute to the formation of large vegetations. In LRIE patients, ILVs were less frequently detected in the presence of concomitant PI, indicating a different mechanism of LRIE development in patients with and without vegetations.

Stasis papillomatosis with cardiac complications and vein insufficiency

We report the case of a 73-year-old man with massive swelling of the lower extremities, with a chronic and rather uncommon form of stasis dermatitis - stasis papillomatosis. The patient was also diagnosed with severe heart failure, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism that required a substantial dose of exogenous tyrosine, microcytic and megaloblastic anemia, iron deficiency, and type 2 diabetes. The cause of stasis dermatitis lesions is not completely understood. It may be caused by the allergic reaction to some epidermal protein antigen formation or chronic damage to the dermal-epidermal barrier that makes the skin more sensitive to irritants or trauma. It has, however, been suggested that the term stasis dermatitis should be used to refer only to cases caused by chronic venous insufficiency, which belongs to a group of lifestyle diseases and affects both women and men more and more frequently.

Increased serum level of N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as a possible biomarker of cardiovascular risk in psoriatic patients

BACKGROUND

Apparently, these days psoriasis is regarded as a systemic disease with frequent cardiovascular comorbidities, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, valvular defects etc., which may lead to reduced lifespan or even sudden death. Therefore, it is important that biomarkers helpful in early detection or prediction of cardiovascular complications as well as their prevention should be identified. Even though the N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-known cardiovascular predictor in cardiovascular (CV) patients and in the general population, its usefulness in detection of CV comorbidities in psoriatic patients is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine whether the N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration was increased in psoriatic patients.

METHODS

The study included 73 psoriatic patients and 45 age-matched healthy individuals. The serum NT pro-BNP concentration as well as lipid profile parameters were assessed in the study and control groups. Correlations between patients' clinical data, their serum NT-proBNP and lipid concentrations were calculated.

RESULTS

The serum concentration of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in psoriatic patients (109.22 ± 172.59 pg/mL) in comparison with controls (35.82 ± 22.90 pg/mL) (P = 0.000054). In 28 (38.36%) psoriatic patients the lipid profile was within normal limits, whereas in 45 (61.64%) psoriatic patients triglyceride and/or total cholesterol were increased. Moreover, in both psoriatic groups, i.e. normo- and hyperlipidaemic, NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher compared to normo- and hyperlipidaemic controls, P = 0.02 and P = 0.001 respectively. A positive correlation was found between the NT-proBNP concentration and duration of psoriasis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings confirmed higher NT-proBNP concentrations in psoriatic patients, which could be a useful biomarker of CV disease in both normo- and hyperlipidaemic groups.

Age-related changes in the distribution of lean, fat with skin and bones in duck carcases

The experimental birds were Pekin ducks (352 males and 352 females) reared to the age of 13 weeks. They were fed standard diets ad libitum. Starting from the second week, 21 males and 21 females were slaughtered every 7 d. Their carcases were divided into the following elements: neck, wings, legs, breast and back, which were then dissected into lean, skin with fat and bones. The body weights of one-day-old ducklings were similar (circa 62 g), but at 5 weeks of age the males were heavier than the females, and at 13 weeks of age their body weights were 3537 g and 2994 g, respectively. In 2-week-old ducks 55.77% of lean was located in the legs, 15.91% in the back part, 2.78% in the wings, 12.47% in the neck and only 13.12% in the breast. Considerable changes in the distribution of lean were noted in the ducks aged 7 weeks. Its percentage decreased in the legs (to 29.34%) and increased in the breast and wings (to 36.86% and 10.96%, respectively). Age-related changes in the distribution of skin with fat were smaller. Its percentage increased in the wings, legs and back, and decreased in the neck and breast. Until the age of 7 weeks the percentage of bones was decreasing quickly in the legs and increasing in the neck and breast, compared with their total weight in the carcase.

Effect of body weight on the carcass composition of French Lop rabbits

The experiment was performed on 60 male French Lop rabbits reared under extensive conditions and sacrificed at body weights of approximately 3 kg at the age of 150 d (30 animals) and approximately 4.5 kg at the age of 210 d (30 animals). Chilled carcasses without heads were divided into the front, middle and hind sections, which were then dissected to separate lean meat (including intramuscular fat), fat and bones. An increase in the body weight of rabbits at slaughter was accompanied by a decrease, of about 0.60%, in the proportion of the head and giblets (kidneys, liver, heart and lungs) in the carcass, and by an increase in the perirenal fat content from 0.66 to 1.69%. The average carcass dressing percentage of rabbits sacrificed at an average body weight of 3054 g reached 49.13%, and it was 2.49% higher than in rabbits slaughtered at a body weight of 4427 g. The percentage content of the front, middle and hind sections of the carcasses of the lighter rabbits was 38.50, 21.76 and 39.74%, respectively. In the carcasses of the heavier rabbits, the proportion of the front section was 2.29% higher, the proportion the hind section was 2.45% lower, while the proportion of the middle section remained at a similar level as in the lighter rabbits. The carcasses of the lighter rabbits, compared with the carcasses of the heavier rabbits, had a higher percentage content of meat (82.60 vs. 81.15%; P ≤ 0.01) and a lower percentage content of fat (1.78 vs. 4.38%). In addition, rabbits sacrificed at a body weight of approximately 3.0 kg were marked by a higher content of lean meat in the middle and front sections of the carcass (by 1.89 and 3.07%, respectively), and by a slightly lower content of lean meat in the hind section (by 0.85%). Key words: Rabbit, body weight, slaughter quality

Prediction of Meatiness and Fatness in Ducks by Using a Skin Slice with Subcutaneous Fat and Carcass Weight Without Skin

The experiment was performed on Pekin ducks (A-44 strain; 60 males and 60 females). The birds were reared to 7 wk of age and fed standard diets ad libitum. At the completion of the rearing period, the ducks were killed. The carcasses were chilled, and skin slices with s.c. fat were removed by a new method. The remaining part of the carcass was dissected into meat, intermuscular fat, and bones. The statistical analysis showed that the weight of a skin slice with s.c. fat, taken from the carcass surface excluding the forearms and wing tips [skin slice with fat (X(2))], and the weight of a carcass without this slice, forearms, and wing tips (X(1)) were very good indicators of the content of skin with fat (r = 0.99) and meat (r = 0.96), respectively, in a whole carcass. The above traits provided the basis for deriving regression equations to estimate the content of meat (Y) or skin with s.c. and intermuscular fat (U) in whole carcasses of ducks. The following 2 equations may be recommended for practical application: Y = 0.691 X(1) - 0.77 (S(y) = 21.6 g) U = 1.056 X(2) + 53.32 (S(u) = 10.6 g).

Slaughter value and meat quality of Muscovy ducks, Pekin ducks and their crossbreeds, and evaluation of the heterosis effect

Abstract. The studies were conducted on 200 Muscovy ducks, 100 Pekin ducks of the A-44 strain and 200 their crossbreeds (sex ratio: 1:1). The ducks were fed complete commercial diets, appropriate for respective species. Slaughter and slaughter value estimation were performed at the age of: 7 weeks – for males and females of the A-44 strain, 10 weeks – for Muscovy females, and 12 weeks – for Muscovy males and crossbreeds (♂ and ♀). Analysis of the chemical composition, physicochemical properties and sensory properties of meat was made on breast muscles. The heterosis effect on the slaughter value and meat quality was additionally estimated in hybrids. The highest live body weights were reported for Mucovy drakes (4450 g), and the lowest – for ducks from this genetic group (ca. 2400 g). The crossbreeds were characterized by average body weights (2980 g), but the highest relative meatiness (ca. 54%) and the lowest fatness (ca. 20%) of carcasses. The best sensory properties were reported for muscles of ducks of the A-44 strain. A favorable heterosis effect was observed in crossbreeds: positive in relation to meatiness and negative in relation to fatness, undesirable in the customers’ opinion. No favorable heterosis effect was noted in most meat quality traits.

Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the pineal gland of the Turkey

NADPH-diaphorase activity was histochemically demonstrated in the nerve fibers, neuronal-like cell bodies and in the endothelial cells of the vasculature in the pineal gland of the turkey. The nerve fibers were localized in the choroid plexus, connecting the pineal gland with the diencephalon as well as inside the pineal gland, where they formed basket-like structures around the pineal follicles. A group of neuronal-like cell bodies was observed in the proximal part of the gland. The positive staining was not observed in the pinealocytes of rudimentary-photoreceptor type and in the supporting cells.

The peripheral blood lymphocyte pattern in psoriasis preceded by an infection

BACKGROUND

There is a great deal of information to suggest that activated T cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Less is known about the possible influence of a trigger bacterial antigen on circulating blood cells. The purpose of our study was to analyze the quantity and subpopulations of activated lymphocytes in peripheral blood in patients with psoriasis preceded by an infection and in a control group.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with psoriasis induced by an infection and twenty-two healthy controls were examined. The T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were examined by means of flow cytometry, using panels of monoclonal antibodies. Expression was estimated by reference to the fluorescence intensity of the surface antigens studied.

RESULTS

A decreased percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+-bearing IL-6 receptor cells, a decreased expression of CD3, CD19, and CD4 antigens, and a significantly increased percentage of CD45RO+CD4+ were found in the studied subpopulation of lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research demonstrated changes in the percentage and expression of certain subpopulations of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood in the course of psoriasis preceded by a bacterial infection, which suggests not only local, but also systemic activation of the immune system.