Beam projections and radiation exposure in transradial and transfemoral approaches during coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the operator and patient radiation exposure in standard projections during elective diagnostic coronary angiography procedures via transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) approaches. METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, a total of 202 consecutive patients who were candidates for diagnostic coronary angiography were randomized to undergo the procedure via TFA or TRA approaches (101 in each group). Patients with abnormal Allen test and history of coronary artery bypass surgery, valvular heart disease, and unsuccessful coronary angiography were excluded from the study. A single operator performed all of the procedures using a single angiography system. Patient and operator radiation exposure were measured using diamentor and an electronic personal dosimeter, respectively. Each procedure comprised a standardized sequence of projections including four standard views for the left coronary system and two standard views for the right coronary system. RESULTS: Left anterior oblique (LAO) caudal (50°/30°) and right anterior oblique RAO (30°) projections were associated with the highest and lowest patient radiation exposure, respectively. The operator received a significantly higher radiation exposure in the TRA approach for LAO cranial (for both left and right coronary systems) and LAO caudal (for left coronary system) projections during coronary angiography compared with the TFA approach. CONCLUSION: Though a similar amount of patient radiation exposure in each projection was observed among TFA and TRA groups; LAO cranial and LAO caudal projections were associated with a significantly higher operator radiation exposure in the TRA group. These findings need to be considered when choosing the optimal arterial approach for patients scheduled for coronary angiography.

Is there any relationship between food habits in the last two decades and gastric cancer in North-Western Iran?

PURPOSE: The aims of this case-control study were to assess the correlation between some food habits in the last two decades and gastric cancer in East Azerbaijan of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this hospital based case control study, 616 patients (212 gastric cancer patients, 404 cancer free patients) were recruited. Food habits of patients over the past two decades were assessed with a structured questionnaire. We used conditional logistic regression analysis for estimating crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: In this study, over-eating, consumption of high fat milk and yogurt and especial types of cheese increased the risk of gastric cancer (All<0.05). Consumption of such especial cheeses such as Koze and Khiki increased the risk of gastric cancer by 12.6 fold (95% CI:1.99-79.36) and 7.36 fold (95% CI:1.33- 40.54), respectively. In addition, high fat food, moldy food, and pickled vegetables consumption as well as reuse of cooking oil for frying were significantly associated with gastric cancer risk. Furthermore, intake of Ghorme (deep fried meat) was positively correlated with gastric cancer risk (OR:1.31;95%CI: 0.91-1.87). CONCLUSIONS: It can be confirmed that particular food habits which have been very common in East-Azerbaijan in the last two past decades increase risk of gastric cancer. According to our results and taking into account the long latency period of gastric cancer it can be concluded that nutrition education for a healthy diet should be performed from early childhood. However, further well designed cohort studies are needed to achieve more clear results.