Factors Affecting Adverse Events after Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors that contribute to adverse events (AEs) after embolization of venous malformations (VMs) using sclerosing agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent direct puncture embolization of VMs with a sclerosing agent and adjunctive techniques, also termed as sclerotherapy, from 2016 to 2021 was performed. Three-hundred one embolizations in 137 patients (median age, 19.0 years; interquartile range, 12.8-31.5 years) were evaluated. The VM characteristics and embolization details were analyzed. Anticoagulation was also evaluated based on D-dimer levels. Cutaneous and noncutaneous AEs were analyzed. The AEs were categorized using Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. RESULTS: VMs involving tissue planes were subcutaneous (n = 104), intramuscular (n = 84), and combined (n = 113). Overlying skin involvement was observed in 56% of the patients. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was mainly used (83%). Periprocedural anticoagulation was used in 9% of the patients. Most AEs were minor (30/301, 9.7%), and only 1.7% (5/301) were major (21 cutaneous and 14 noncutaneous AEs). Age below 18 years (odds ratio, 4.4502; 95% confidence interval, 1.5607-12.6890; P = .0052) and overlying skin involvement (odds ratio, 7.1794; 95% confidence interval, 1.6226-31.7656; P = .0094) were factors associated with cutaneous AEs. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs; however, this association was not statistically significant. There was no severe hematologic AE or permanent consequence. CONCLUSIONS: The overall AE rate after VM embolization was 11.6%; however, major AEs were rare (1.7%). Cutaneous AEs were associated with young age and overlying skin involvement. All noncutaneous AEs developed in patients with intramuscular VMs.

Relationship between the triglyceride glucose index and coronary artery calcification in Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been considered a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the TyG index and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Thus, we investigated the relationship between the TyG index and CAC in healthy Korean adults. METHODS: In total, 4319 participants who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) in a health promotion center were enrolled. Anthropometric profiles and multiple cardiovascular risk factors were measured. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2], and the insulin resistance index of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was estimated. The CAC was measured using multidetector CT, and CAC presence was defined as an Agatston score of >0. RESULTS: All subjects were stratified into four groups based on their TyG indices. Significant differences were observed in cardiovascular parameters among the groups, and the prevalence of CAC significantly increased with increasing TyG index. In the logistic regression analysis after adjustment for multiple risk factors, the odds ratio for the prevalence of CAC, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the TyG index was 1.95 (95% CI 1.23-3.11; P for trend = 0.01); the odds ratio for the prevalence of CAC, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of HOMA-IR was 1.64 (95% CI 1.12-2.40; P for trend = 0.04). In the receiver operating characteristics analysis, the TyG index was superior to HOMA-IR in predicting CAC. CONCLUSION: The TyG index is more independently associated with the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis than is HOMA-IR in healthy Korean adults.

Serum ferritin levels are associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults.

Although an association between serum ferritin and atherosclerosis has been suggested, limited epidemiologic data are available regarding the association between ferritin and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. A total of 2932 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles including ferritin were measured. The arterial stiffness was measured using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Serum ferritin levels were classified into quartiles and baPWV values gradually increased with each ferritin quartile. Multiple regression analysis showed that ferritin levels were independently correlated with baPWV. After adjusting for multiple risk factors, as compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios for high baPWV (>75(th) percentile) were 1.15 (0.84-1.56), 1.37 (0.97-1.73), and 1.46 (1.29-2.17) among men (p for trend < 0.05) and 1.24 (0.87-1.79), 1.53 (1.09-2.16), and 1.80 (1.25-2.82) among women (p for trend < 0.05), for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ferritin, respectively. In conclusion, serum ferritin levels are independently associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults.

Long-Term Voice Outcomes After Robotic Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term voice function after robotic thyroidectomy in comparison with conventional transcervical thyroidectomy. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the voice functions of 54 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent robotic thyroidectomy by a gasless unilateral axillary or axillo-breast approach and of 70 patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy. Subjective voice symptom score (VSS) was evaluated in questionnaires before thyroidectomy and then at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Objective acoustic parameters analyzed during the same period included fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, highest frequency, frequency and intensity range, and maximal phonation time. RESULTS: At 3 months after surgery, VSS was better in the robotic group than in the conventional group. At 2 years after surgery, VSS had recovered to the pre-operative level in the robotic group, whereas it remained significantly worse at 2 years in the conventional group. The phonatory frequency range and highest frequency were significantly wider and higher, respectively, in the robotic group than the conventional group at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.Within the robotic group, the frequency range and highest frequency recovered to pre-operative levels by 6 months, whereas in the conventional group they remained below the pre-operative levels at 2 years post-operatively. There were no differences in other acoustic parameters between the two groups of patients at any period. CONCLUSION: Up to 2 years post-operatively, robotic thyroidectomy has advantages in terms of recovery of voice symptoms and acoustic parameters over conventional thyroidectomy.

The effects of aerobic exercise training on serum osteocalcin, adipocytokines and insulin resistance on obese young males.

OBJECTIVE: Osteocalcin has been proposed to be a novel link between bone and energy metabolism. Previous studies showed its relations to exercise, body fat and glucose metabolism, but their interrelationship remains inconslusive. We evaluated the changes in osteocalcin level following 8-week exercise programme and assessed how they are related to concomitant changes in body fat composition, insulin resistance and various adipocytokines in a single centre, randomized and prospective design. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 39 young obese, otherwise healthy males were randomly assigned to control (n = 10) and exercise (n = 29) groups. Subjects in Exercise group were on 8-week supervised exercise training programme of four sessions per week. Body fat compositions were analysed using whole body bone mineral density, various metabolic parameters, osteocalcin and adipocytokines were assessed from fasting blood samples before and after 8-week exercise programme. RESULTS: Body fat reduction following exercise significantly increased serum total (1·51 ± 0·36 vs 1·69 ± 0·39 mmol/l, P = 0·01, baseline vs postexercise) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin level (0·44 ± 0·14 vs 0·64 ± 0·26 mmol/l, P < 0·01), and the increase in osteocalcin was in negative correlations with changes in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage as well as HOMA-IR and leptin (all P < 0·05). The changes in osteocalcin and leptin were not independent predictors of changes in insulin resistance and osteocalcin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a physiological axis of bone-fat-energy metabolism, exercise-induced body fat reduction and improved insulin sensitivity were accompanied by an increase in serum osteocalcin and leptin levels, but other factors also seem to be involved in this interrelationship.

Normal-weight obesity is associated with increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with normal body mass index (BMI) but elevated amounts of body fat (normal-weight obesity; NWO) show cardiometabolic dysregulation compared to subjects with normal BMI and normal amounts of body fat (normal-weight lean; NWL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether NWO individuals have higher rates of subclinical atherosclerosis compared to NWL subjects. METHODS: From a large-scale health checkup system, we identified 2078 normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m(2)) subjects with no previous history of coronary artery disease who underwent analysis of atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). NWO was defined as normal BMI and highest tertile of body fat percentage by sex (men ≥ 25. 4 % and women ≥ 31.4 %). CCTA was performed using a 64-detector row CT. A plaque was defined as a structure >1 mm(2) within and/or adjacent to the vessel lumen and classified according to the presence/proportion of intraplaque calcification. RESULTS: NWO subjects (n = 283) demonstrated metabolic dysregulation compared to NWL individuals (n = 1795). After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking, NWO individuals showed higher PWV values than NWL individuals (1474.0 ± 275.4 vs. 1380.7 ± 234.3 cm/s, p = 0.006 by ANCOVA). Compared with NWL subjects, NWO subjects had a higher prevalence of soft plaques even after age, sex, and smoking adjustment (21.6% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.039 by ANCOVA). The PWV value and the log{(number of segments with plaque) + 1} showed a positive correlation with numerous parameters such as age, systolic blood pressure, visceral fat, fasting glucose level, serum triglyceride level, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in contrast to the negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level. The visceral fat was an independent determinant of log{(number of segments with plaque) + 1} (ß = 0.027, SE = 0.011, p = 0.016) even after adjustment for other significant factors. Most importantly, NWO was an independent risk factor for the presence of soft plaques (odds ratio 1.460, 95 % confidence interval 1.027-2.074, p = 0.035) even after further adjustment for multiple factors associated with atherosclerosis (blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid level, CRP, medication, smoking status, physical activity). CONCLUSIONS: NWO individuals carry a higher incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis compared with NWL individuals, regardless of other clinical risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Association between ADH1B and ADH1C polymorphisms and the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) family proteins are key enzymes in ethanol metabolism. We examined the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADH1B and ADH1C and the risk of HNSCC. We analyzed six SNPS of ADH1B, namely -992C > G, -957C > A, +3170A>G, +3377G>T, +3491G>A, and +13543A>G, and five SNPs of ADH1C, namely -1064C>T, -325G>C, +5702A>G, +7462T>C, and +13044A>G, in 260 Korean HNSCC patients and 330 controls, using single base extension and the TaqMan assay. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) of the CG and GG genotypes of ADH1B -992C>G, the AA genotype of -957C>A, the GG genotype of +3170A>G, the GA genotype of +3491G>A, and +13543A>G were 0.51 (0.32-0.82), 0.63 (0.42-0.94), 1.84 (1.13-2.99), 1.77 (1.15-2.73), 2.34 (1.44-3.79), and 2.21 (1.23-3.95), respectively. The ORs of ADH1C +13044A>G were 1.94 (1.01-3.71) and 1.97 (1.05-3.71) in the dominant and co-dominant models, respectively. The ORs of the GC genotype of ADH1C -325G>C and the AG genotype of +5702A>G were 2.52 (1.51-4.21) and 2.43 (1.36-4.32), respectively. ADH1B +3170A>G and ADH1C +13044A>G were in strong linkage disequilibrium with the other SNPs of ADH1B and ADH1C, respectively. There were gene-environment interactions between ADH1B +3170A>G and ADH1C +13044A>G and alcohol consumption and smoking. ADH1B +3170A>G and ADH1C +13044A>G SNPs are associated with an increased risk of HNSCC, and they could be used as biomarkers for the high-risk group of HNSCC in Koreans.

Rethinking AASM guideline for split-night polysomnography in Asian patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Split-night polysomnography (SN-PSG) provides both a diagnosis and titration of continuous positive airway pressure over a single night in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, in Asian patients, the diagnostic validity of American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines for SN-PSG remains uncertain. Therefore, we examined whether the current criteria for SN-PSG are pertinent for Asian patients. METHOD: We investigated 134 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5). We divided the raw data (full-night study) into two parts and compared the first 2 h of sleep with the full night of sleep to evaluate the diagnostic precision and accuracy of the first 2 h of sleep. RESULTS: No difference in AHI was observed between the first 2 h and the full night of sleep. A significant correlation of AHI was observed between the first 2 h and the full night of sleep for severe OSA patients (AHI ≥ 30). A correlation coefficient of AHI was higher by the criterion of AHI ≥ 30 than by the criterion of AHI ≥ 40 (r = 0.831 and r = 0.778, respectively), which is the current AASM criterion for SN-PSG. Moreover, the criterion AHI ≥ 30 showed better diagnostic accuracy than the criterion AHI ≥ 40 (89.3 and 88.7 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study found possible evidence supporting different diagnostic criteria for SN-PSG in Asian population. We suggest further studies in other Asian populations to confirm these findings.

Altered Quality of Life and Psychological Health (SCL-90-R) in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life (QOL) and psychological status in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2011 to May 2012 with 130 patients with septal deviation (SD) (n = 59) and CRSwNP (n = 71). All patients underwent computed tomography (CT), allergy tests, and sniffin' stick olfactory test. Anosmia was defined by Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI) scores less than 16. QOL and psychological symptoms were assessed with the Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). RESULTS: Odor discrimination and identification scores were significantly lower in CRSwNP than in SD (P = .008 and P = .005, respectively). In CRSwNP, identification score decreased with higher CT score (r = -0.29, P = .014). CRSwNP with anosmia showed a decreased QOL (P = .044), and SNOT-20 negatively correlated with TDI in severe CRSwNP (CT score ≥15, r = -0.714, P = .001). Anosmia patients had higher anxiety and phobia scores of SCL-90-R in both SD and CRSwNP. However, depression score increased only in CRSwNP with anosmia (P = .025). CONCLUSION: Olfactory dysfunction may have significant effects on QOL and psychological health. CRSwNP with anosmia is a distinct phenotype having mixed type of olfactory loss that might have a detrimental effect on depression.

Transplantation of insulin-secreting cells differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived stem cells into type 2 diabetes mice.

Currently, there are limited ways to preserve or recover insulin secretory capacity in human pancreas. We evaluated the efficacy of cell therapy using insulin-secreting cells differentiated from human eyelid adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hEAs) into type 2 diabetes mice. After differentiating hEAs into insulin-secreting cells (hEA-ISCs) in vitro, cells were transplanted into a type 2 diabetes mouse model. Serum levels of glucose, insulin and c-peptide were measured, and changes of metabolism and inflammation were assessed in mice that received undifferentiated hEAs (UDC group), differentiated hEA-ISCs (DC group), or sham operation (sham group). Human gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis were done. DC group mice showed improved glucose level, and survival up to 60 days compared to those of UDC and sham group. Significantly increased levels of human insulin and c-peptide were detected in sera of DC mice. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis showed human gene expression and the presence of human cells in kidneys of DC mice. When compared to sham mice, DC mice exhibited lower levels of IL-6, triglyceride and free fatty acids as the control mice. Transplantation of hEA-ISCs lowered blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes mice by increasing circulating insulin level, and ameliorating metabolic parameters including IL-6.

Subclinical vascular inflammation in subjects with normal weight obesity and its association with body fat: an 18 F-FDG-PET/CT study.

BACKGROUND: Although body mass index (BMI) is the most widely accepted parameter for defining obesity, recent studies have indicated a unique set of patients who exhibit normal BMI and excess body fat (BF), which is termed as normal weight obesity (NWO). Increased BF is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, it is unclear whether NWO subjects already have a higher degree of vascular inflammation compared to normal weight lean (NWL) subjects; moreover, the association of BF with vascular inflammation in normal weight subjects is largely unknown. METHODS: NWO and NWL subjects (n = 82 in each group) without any history of significant vascular disease were identified from a 3-year database of consecutively recruited patients undergoing 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18 F-FDG-PET/CT) at a self-referred Healthcare Promotion Program. The degree of subclinical vascular inflammation was evaluated using the mean and maximum target-to-background ratios (TBRmean and TBRmax) of the carotid artery, which were measured by 18 F-FDG-PET/CT (a noninvasive tool for assessing vascular inflammation). RESULTS: We found that metabolically dysregulation was greater in NWO subjects than in NWL subjects, with a significantly higher blood pressure, higher fasting glucose level, and worse lipid profile. Moreover, NWO subjects exhibited higher TBR than NWL subjects (TBRmean: 1.33 ± 0.16 versus 1.45 ± 0.19, p < 0.001; TBRmax: 1.52 ± 0.23 versus 1.67 ± 0.25, p < 0.001). TBR was significantly associated with total BF (TBRmean: r = 0.267, p = 0.001; TBRmax: r = 0.289, p < 0.001), age (TBRmean: r = 0.170, p = 0.029; TBRmax: r = 0.165, p = 0.035), BMI (TBRmean: r = 0.184, p = 0.018; TBRmax: r = 0.206, p = 0.008), and fasting glucose level (TBRmean: r = 0.157, p = 0.044; TBRmax: r = 0.182, p = 0.020). In multiple linear regression analysis, BF was an independent determinant of TBRmean and TBRmax, after adjusting for age, BMI, and fasting glucose level (TBRmean: regression coefficient = 0.020, p = 0.008; TBRmax: regression coefficient = 0.028, p = 0.005). Compared to NWL, NWO was also independently associated with elevated TBRmax values, after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio = 2.887, 95% confidence interval 1.206-6.914, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: NWO is associated with a higher degree of subclinical vascular inflammation, of which BF is a major contributing factor. These results warrant investigations for subclinical atherosclerosis in NWO patients.

Treatment of esophagopleural fistulas using covered retrievable expandable metallic stents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents for esophagopleural fistulas (EPFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period 1997-2013, nine patients with EPF were treated using covered retrievable expandable metallic stents. The underlying causes of EPF were esophageal carcinoma (n = 6), lung cancer (n = 2), and postoperative empyema for Boerhaave syndrome (n = 1). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in eight patients (88.9%). In one patient, incomplete EPF closure was due to incomplete stent expansion. Clinical success, defined as complete EPF closure within 7 days, was achieved in five patients (55.6%). Overall fistula persistence (n = 1) or reopening (n = 4) occurred in five patients (55.6%) 0-15 days after stent placement. The causes of reopening were due to the gap between the stent and the esophagus (n = 3) or stent migration (n = 1). For fistula persistence or reopening, additional interventional management, such as gastrostomy, stent removal, or stent reinsertion, was performed. Stent migration occurred as a complication in one patient with EPF from a benign cause secondary to postoperative empyema. In the eight patients who died during the follow-up period, the mean and median survival times were 78.8 days and 46 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a covered expandable metallic esophageal stent for the palliative treatment of EPF is technically feasible, although the rate of clinical success was poor secondary to fistula persistence or reopening. Fistula reopening was caused by the gap between the stent and the esophagus or by stent migration, and additional interventional treatment was useful to ensure enteral nutritional support.

Sex-specific characteristics of anthropometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: neck circumference and waist-hip ratio.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the sex-specific effects of anthropometric profiles on the occurrence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: We evaluated 151 patients with suspected OSA undergoing polysomnography and anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI), neck and waist circumference (NC and WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR). RESULTS: In men, NC (P = .006), WC (P = .035), and WHR (P = .003) were significantly increased in OSA and all were significantly correlated with apnea hypopnea index (AHI). However, in female OSA patients, BMI (P = .05), WC (P = .008), and WHR (P = .001) were elevated, but only WHR was significantly correlated with AHI. Correlation analyses showed significant correlations between NC and other anthropometric indexes in men but not in women. The receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that NC and WHR in men, and WHR in women, were significant in both model I (AHI > or = 5) and model 2 (AHI > or = 15). CONCLUSION: Waist-hip ratio is the most reliable correlate of OSA in both sexes. Neck circumference is an independent risk factor for male, but not for female, OSA patients. These different aspects of obesity may contribute to the pathogenesis of OSA and provide helpful guidance in the screening of OSA.

The clinical and radiological status of contralateral ears in unilateral cholesteatoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological features and the risk of middle ear disease in the contralateral ears of unilateral cholesteatoma with clinical and radiological assessment. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with unilateral cholesteatoma and 30 control subjects underwent otoscopic and audiologic examination. Temporal bone computed tomography was performed to evaluate the pneumatization of the temporal bones, the status of anterior epitympanic space and eustachian tube. Then, the parameters of the temporal bone pneumatization were calculated. RESULTS: 28% of the contralateral ears in the cholesteatoma patients showed abnormal tympanic membrane findings. In the audiologic examination, 10% of the contralateral ears showed moderate hearing loss and 3% showed severe hearing loss. Aeration areas were 1.81 ± 1.01, 2.50 ± 1.31 and 4.49 ± 1.45 cm(2), aeration ratios were 24, 28 and 42%, in cholesteatoma, contralateral and control ears, respectively. Development of the anterior epitympanic space and eustachian tube patency was reduced in contralateral ears relative to control ears. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of temporal bone pneumatization, eustachian tube function, and development of the anterior epitympanic space are significantly decreased in the contralateral ears of unilateral cholesteatoma patients, and there is an increased risk of middle ear diseases. Continuous monitoring of the contralateral ear is crucial for early detection and optimal treatment of middle ear disease.

Sociodemographic characteristics of pediatric patients with vascular malformations: Results of a single site study.

Vascular malformations, the abnormal development of blood vessels, are a rare set of congenital anomalies. The sociodemographic factors associated with vascular malformations in pediatric patients are poorly understood. This study examined sociodemographic factors of 352 patients presenting to a single vascular anomaly center from July 2019 to September 2022. Characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sex, age at presentation, degree of urbanization, and insurance status were recorded. This data was analyzed by comparing the different types of vascular malformations, including arteriovenous malformation, capillary malformation, venous malformation (VM), lymphatic malformation (LM), lymphedema, and overgrowth syndrome. Patients were primarily white, not Hispanic or Latino, female, had private health insurance, and were from the most urban setting. No differences in sociodemographic factors were found among the different vascular malformations except patients with VM presented at a later age than patients with LM or overgrowth syndrome. This study provides novel insight into the sociodemographic factors of pediatric patients presenting with vascular malformations and indicates a need for their improved recognition for the timely initiation of treatment.

The association of insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis with thigh and calf circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between body composition parameters such as thigh and calf circumference and insulin resistance or atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and thigh and calf circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 4,427 subjects with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. Insulin sensitivity was assessed according the rate constant for plasma glucose disappearance (Kitt) determined via the short insulin tolerance test. Biochemical and anthropometric profiles were measured according to a standardized protocol. Visceral fat thickness and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) were measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: Insulin sensitivity index (Kitt) was significantly correlated with weight adjusted thigh and calf circumference. Thigh circumference was inversely associated with IMT in men and women and calf circumference was negatively correlated with IMT in women. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that thigh circumference was independently correlated with insulin sensitivity index (Kitt) and IMT. Furthermore, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, thigh circumference was an independent determinant factor for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Thigh and calf circumference were correlated with insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis, and thigh circumference was independently associated with insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sphenoid sinus barotrauma after scuba diving.

We report the case of an 18-year-old male patient operated on for sphenoid sinus barotrauma after scuba diving. The patient attended our emergency department because of intractable headache but did not improve with conservative treatment. After computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examination, he was diagnosed with sphenoid sinusitis that extended to the nasal septum. He therefore underwent surgery for sinus ventilation and abscess drainage.

Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement in the management of portal venous stenosis after curative surgery for pancreatic and biliary neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stent placement in the management of portal venous stenosis after curative surgery for pancreatic and biliary neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1995 to April 2007, percutaneous transhepatic portal venous stent placement was attempted in 19 patients with postoperative portal venous stenosis. Portal venous stenosis was a complication of surgery in 11 patients and caused by tumor recurrence in eight patients. The clinical manifestations were ascites, hematochezia, melena, esophageal varices, and abnormal liver function. Stents were placed in the stenotic or occluded lesions after percutaneous transhepatic portography. Technical and clinical success, stent patency, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in 18 patients (technical success rate, 95%). Clinical manifestations improved in 16 patients (clinical success rate, 84%). The mean patency period among the 18 patients with technical success was 21.3 ± 23.2 months. The mean patency period of the benign stenosis group (30.1 ± 25.6 months) was longer than that of the tumor recurrence group (7.3 ± 7.7 months), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.038). There were two cases of a minor complication (transient fever) and three cases of major complications (septicemia, liver abscess, and acute portal venous thrombosis). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement can be safe and effective in relieving portal venous stenosis after curative surgery for pancreatic and biliary neoplasms. Patients with benign stenosis had more favorable results than did those with tumor recurrence.