P Schlossberg

Plain English
This study looked at a treatment called partial splenic embolization (PSE) for children with portal hypertension, which can cause serious bleeding and low platelet counts. Researchers reviewed the results for 26 patients aged between 18 months and 20 years who received PSE between 2010 and 2017. They found that 80% of the children had improved platelet counts after the treatment, and only a few needed further therapies for related complications, making PSE a safe and effective option that helps preserve spleen function. Who this helps: This treatment benefits children with portal hypertension and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
Bile duct strictures are a common complication after pediatric liver transplant, often requiring repeated procedures. This study tested a structured three-session dilation protocol and found it reduced total drainage time and improved outcomes compared to less systematic approaches. A standardized biliary dilation protocol can spare children multiple interventions.

Plain English
This study focused on a new method for fixing a blocked kidney artery stent that had become damaged after a kidney transplant. The researchers succeeded in repairing the stent using a combination of approaches that included accessing the artery through the kidney itself, which helped to restore normal blood flow. This led to improvements in the patient's kidney function, reducing blood pressure and swelling in the legs. Who this helps: This technique benefits kidney transplant patients who experience issues with their artery stents.

Plain English
This study looked at a child with high blood pressure caused by a narrowed renal artery, known as renal artery stenosis (RAS). The researchers found abnormal results on a specific imaging test (I MIBG scan) that can sometimes lead to a wrong diagnosis when RAS is present. Understanding this connection is important because it helps doctors identify RAS more accurately, which can lead to better treatment for the child. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pediatric patients with hypertension.

Plain English
This study looked at how well two types of stents—bare-metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES)—work for treating narrowing in arteries after kidney transplants. Researchers reviewed records of 18 patients and found that those with BMS needed more follow-up procedures (4 out of 11) compared to those with DES (none of the 7). However, the differences in outcomes like blood pressure and kidney function changes were not significant, suggesting both stents work similarly overall. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and kidney transplant patients by providing insights into treatment options.

Plain English
Researchers studied a new method for connecting the esophagus in infants with a condition called esophageal atresia, especially those with serious heart problems. They had a case where a baby couldn't safely have standard surgery because of heart issues, but were able to successfully connect the esophagus using an image-guided technique instead. This method could be a safer option for other high-risk infants needing similar surgeries. Who this helps: This helps infants with esophageal atresia, especially those with complex heart conditions.

Plain English
This study focused on a patient with a rare connection between an artery and vein in the abdomen that caused significant health issues like weight loss and abdominal pain. The researchers successfully used special coils and glue to block this abnormal connection, leading to immediate relief from symptoms, with the patient feeling completely better after three months. This is important because it shows a new, effective way to treat this condition, improving patients' quality of life. Who this helps: Patients suffering from arterioportal fistulas.

Plain English
This study looked at whether MRI can be the only imaging test needed before liver surgery for adult donors. They examined 25 candidates and found that MRI identified issues in 36% of them, leading to nine people being ruled out as donors due to various concerns, while confirming helpful information in the others. This is important because it shows that MRI can effectively evaluate liver donors, but better methods are still needed to see the bile ducts clearly. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants and the doctors selecting suitable donors.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to perform liver biopsies using an MRI machine to guide the needle. The researchers conducted 14 biopsies on 11 patients, achieving a 93% success rate in getting useful information from the samples. They confirmed liver cancer in 6 cases and found metastases in 3, demonstrating that this method can accurately target small liver lesions even when other imaging methods failed to provide clear results. Who this helps: Patients with liver masses that are hard to diagnose.

Plain English
This study looked at a rare case where cancer that originated in another part of the body spread to the adrenal gland and then extended into a major blood vessel called the inferior vena cava. This type of cancer spreading is not commonly documented, making this case significant. Understanding these cases better is important as it can help improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients with similar conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic cancer and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at five cases of adrenal myelolipomas, which are tumors found on the adrenal glands. The researchers found that these tumors showed very small amounts of fat and tiny spots of calcification on CT scans, which is a less common appearance. Recognizing these specific features in CT images is important because it helps doctors accurately diagnose this type of tumor. Who this helps: This helps radiologists and pathologists in diagnosing adrenal tumors.

Plain English
This study looked at how to treat kidney tumors called renal angiomyolipomas, which are usually harmless but can cause symptoms, especially in patients with a condition called tuberous sclerosis. The researchers treated two patients by blocking the blood supply to these tumors, allowing them to manage the tumors while preserving healthy kidney tissue. This approach is important because it helps patients avoid more invasive surgeries and maintain kidney function. Who this helps: This benefits patients with symptomatic renal angiomyolipomas, particularly those with tuberous sclerosis.