The effect of Nateglinide and Octreotide on follicular morphology and free radical scavenging system in letrazole-induced rat model of PCOS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of octreotide and nateglinide on ovarian follicle count, ovarian tissue damage, biochemical parameters and free radical scavenging system in letrazole-induced rat model of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 (Control Group): after localizing the ovaries and the uterine horns, the abdominal wall was closed without any surgical procedure. Group 2 (PCOS Group): PCOS was induced by administrating Letrozole orally for 21 successive days. At the end of 21 days, rats underwent ovarian biopsies. The experimental PCOS model was considered successful in the presence of atretic follicles without granulosa cell stratification. Group 3 (PCOS + Nateglinide Group): Nateglinide was administered by oral dropper for 30 days to the rats in which PCOS model was created. Group 4 (Nateglinid only Group): 30 days of NG was applied to the rats without PCOS. Group 5 (PCOS+Octreotide Group): 0.1 mg/kg/day Octreotide was given intraperitoneally for 4 weeks to the rats in which PCOS model was created. Group 6 (Octreotide only Group): animals without PCOS given 0.1 mg/kg/day Octreotide at the end of the treatment, bilateral oophorectomy was performed and blood samples were collected from all groups. Ovarian tissue was stained immunohistochemically with TLR-4 in addition to conventional staining. In addition to follicle classification, ovarian damage was graded. Serum insulin, FSH and LH, TNF-α, IL-6, SHBG, SOD, IGF-1, MDA and GSH levels were also measured. RESULTS: The cystic and degenerated follicle density of PCOS group was high compared with the other groups. Both cystic and degenerated follicles were significantly reduced in PCOS+NG and PCOS+OC groups compared to PCOS group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of serum LH, FSH and insulin levels (p>0.05). Serum testosterone level was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the other groups (p<0.01). Adding OC or NG to PCOS groups did not cause significant changes in testosterone levels. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were high in PCOS group (p<0.03). IGF-1 and MDA levels were higher in PCOS than in other groups (p<0.03, p<0.01 respectively). Adding OC or NG to the treatment normalized IGF-1 and MDA levels. Serum GSH levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group (p<0.05). Adding NG to the treatment increased GSH levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both NG and OCT reverses atretic and degenerate follicle damage due to PCOS through TLR-4, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Author Correction: Computed tomographic perfusion imaging for the prediction of response transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium­90 glass microspheres of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2021; 25 (1): 366-375-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202101_24404-PMID: 33506926, published online on 15 January 2021. After publication, the authors applied to add some corrections to the paper. They added the following authors and affiliations • R. Kutlu, M.F. Erbay, A. Kahraman, E. Kekilli, M. Otlu Karadag • Department of Radiology, Inönü University Medicine Faculty, Malatya, Turkey Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inönü University Medicine Faculty, Malatya, Turkey Department of Nuclear Medicine, Turgut Ozal Training and Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey They also modified the Acknowledgements section as follows "This study covers the topics of the specialist thesis of the authors. They would like to sincerely thank both Professor Ramazan Kutlu for his work on this subject and the Inönü University, the Department of Radiology and the Department of Nuclear Medicine". There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/24404.

Role of α- and ß-adrenergic signaling in phenotypic targeting: significance in benign and malignant urologic disease.

The urinary tract is highly innervated by autonomic nerves which are essential in urinary tract development, the production of growth factors, and the control of homeostasis. These neural signals may become dysregulated in several genitourinary (GU) disease states, both benign and malignant. Accordingly, the autonomic nervous system is a therapeutic target for several genitourinary pathologies including cancer, voiding dysfunction, and obstructing nephrolithiasis. Adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors) are G-Protein coupled-receptors that are distributed throughout the body. The major function of α1-adrenoceptors is signaling smooth muscle contractions through GPCR and intracellular calcium influx. Pharmacologic intervention of α-and ß-adrenoceptors is routinely and successfully implemented in the treatment of benign urologic illnesses, through the use of α-adrenoceptor antagonists. Furthermore, cell-based evidence recently established the antitumor effect of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists in prostate, bladder and renal tumors by reducing neovascularity and impairing growth within the tumor microenvironment via regulation of the phenotypic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). There has been a significant focus on repurposing the routinely used, Food and Drug Administration-approved α1-adrenoceptor antagonists to inhibit GU tumor growth and angiogenesis in patients with advanced prostate, bladder, and renal cancer. In this review we discuss the current evidence on (a) the signaling events of the autonomic nervous system mediated by its cognate α- and ß-adrenoceptors in regulating the phenotypic landscape (EMT) of genitourinary organs; and (b) the therapeutic significance of targeting this signaling pathway in benign and malignant urologic disease. Video abstract.

Computed tomographic perfusion imaging for the prediction of response transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium­90 glass microspheres of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to estimate the clinical value of quantitative computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTPI) parameters in predicting early treatment response, as determined by the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (mRECIST), in patients with HCC who underwent transarterial radioembolization (TARE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 54 patients with HCC who had TARE treatment between July 2018 and August 2019. Each patient was evaluated using CTPI before the procedure and in the first and third months after the procedure. In the third month, treatment response was determined based on mRECIST and used as a reference. ROC analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the CTPI parameters before treatment and one month after treatment and the treatment response. RESULTS: Significant cut-off values for three of the CTPI parameters - hepatic blood flow (BF), time to start (TTS) and hepatic perfusion index (HPI) - which were among the pre-treatment CTPI parameters, were found to predict progressive disease (PD). The TTS cut-off value was 1.29 (sensitivity: 86.7%; specificity: 6.7%), the BF cut-off value was 81.58 (sensitivity: 53.3%; specificity: 90%) and the HPI cut-off value was 88.26 (sensitivity: 33%; specificity: 96.7%). CONCLUSIONS: BV, TTS and HPI may be predictive for PD in HCC lesions in the third month after TARE treatment. In contrast, the CTPI parameters in the first month after TARE played no significant role in predicting the treatment response and determining the effects of TARE on the microvascular level.

Tadalafil Alone or in Combination with Tamsulosin for the Management for LUTS/BPH and ED.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Aim of our systematic review is to evaluate and summarize the efficacy and safety of tadalafil alone or in combination with tamsulosin for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). RECENT FINDINGS: Daily tadalafil, in particular 5 mg, according to retrieved studies, appears to be both safe and effective in treating LUTS/BPH and ED, compared with placebo or tamsulosin. The combination of daily tadalafil 5 mg and tamsulosin 0.4 mg allows a better improvement of LUTS compared with both the monotherapies, even if with an increased, but acceptable and tolerated, adverse events rate. After discontinuation of tamsulosin or tadalafil in patients previously treated with their combination, the improvement of LUTS retains significance compared with baseline. Tadalafil 5 mg should be considered a primary treatment option for patients with LUTS/BPH and ED. Evidence highlight an excellent tolerability, safety, and effectiveness profile, both alone or in combination with tamsulosin 0.4 mg. A better efficacy on LUTS relief has been observed for combination therapy, preserving also sexual function. The further switch to monotherapy allows to preserve LUTS relief, but tadalafil only is able to retain ED improvement. Our results support the evidence for a more and more tailored and modular LUTS treatment.

Effects of diclofenac sodium on the hippocampus of rats with acute subdural hematoma: histological, stereological, and molecular approach.

This study was aimed at evaluating the potential effects of acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and diclofenac sodium (DS) therapy following ASDH on the rat hippocampus. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into four groups. 0.1 ml of non-heparinized autologous blood from the tail vein of the animals in the non-treatment group (NTG) and treatment group (TG) was injected into the subdural space. The TG received intramuscular diclofenac sodium at a 15 mg/kg dose daily from the postoperative second hour to the seventh day after the operation. The control group (CG) and sham group (SG) were used for control and sham operations, respectively. On the postoperative eighth day, all animals were sacrificed, and the hippocampi of all animals were stereologically and histologically evaluated. Also blood samples of the animals were biochemically analyzed. As a result of the study, the mean number of neurons in CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus and the total number of neurons were decreased in the hippocampus samples of the NTG and especially the TG subjects. When comparing the second blood samples, there was no difference between the levels of adrenaline and serotonin among the groups. However, after the operation, noradrenalin levels in the treatment group were found to be higher than those of the sham and control groups (p < 0.05). In the NTG and TG, histopathological findings were observed such as Nissl condensation as well as completely dead and indistinguishable neurons with abnormally shaped, shrunken cytoplasm and nuclei. Also necrotic areas on the specimens of the TG were seen. In immunohistochemical sections, c-FOS positivity was decreased in the NTG and especially the TG. Otherwise, PGC-1 positive cells were increased in the NTG and especially the TG. In this study, it was shown for the first time by means of stereological techniques that using DS after ASDH caused a decrease in the number of hippocampal neurons (CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions).

Immunogenicity and safety of the 9-valent HPV vaccine in men.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the immunogenicity and tolerability of a prophylactic 9-valent HPV (types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) VLP (9vHPV) vaccine in young men 16-26 years of age in comparison to young women 16-26 years of age (the population that was used to establish 9vHPV vaccine efficacy). Safety and immunogenicity data from this study will be used to bridge 9vHPV vaccine efficacy findings in 16-26 year old women to 16-26 year old men. METHODS: This study enrolled 1106 heterosexual men (HM) and 1101 women who had not yet received HPV vaccination. In addition, 313 men having sex with men (MSM) were enrolled and were evaluated separately for immunogenicity because previous results showed that antibody responses to quadrivalent HPV (types 6/11/16/18) VLP (qHPV) vaccine were lower in MSM than in HM. All subjects were administered a 3-dose regimen (Day 1, Month 2, Month 6) of 9vHPV vaccine. Serum samples were collected for anti-HPV assays. Safety information was collected for ∼ 12 months. RESULTS: The geometric mean titers (GMTs) for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 for HM were non-inferior to those of women at Month 7. For all vaccine HPV types, Month 7 GMTs were numerically lower in MSM than in HM. Over 99.5% of subjects were seropositive at Month 7 for each vaccine HPV type. Administration of 9vHPV vaccine to both 16-26 year old men and women was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: These results support bridging the efficacy findings with 9vHPV vaccine in young women 16-26 years of age to men 16-26 years of age.

The evaluation of hemodynamic changes during the reperfusion phase in adult living donor liver transplantations: the role of cardiovascular problems.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the hemodynamic changes of and to analyze the effects of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as its risk factors on hemodynamic parameters during the reperfusion phase (RP) in adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study evaluated 154 adult patients being assessed from January 2001 to December 2013 for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The patients were divided into separate groups according to the presence or absence of CAD and its risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, sex, and age. The hemodynamic parameters were noted during the RP with respect to the patient files. The comparison of the groups and the effects of cardiovascular problems on hemodynamic parameters were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A decrease of more than 20% in systolic arterial pressure was seen in 16 (16.7%), 7 (43.8%), and 17 (40.5%) patients without CAD, with CAD, and with its high risk factors (>2), respectively (P < .05). Moreover, diastolic hypotension was seen in 59 (38.3%) patients during RP; of those, 10 (62.5%) had CAD and 19 (45.2%) had CAD high-risk factors. The decline in both systolic and diastolic arterial pressure was significantly correlated with the increased number of risk factors (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: RP in ALDLT remains an issue not only for the surgeons but also for the anesthesiologists. Clinicians should be aware of CAD and its risk factors before OLT and successful management of such problems are mandatory for hemodynamic stability during this formidable process.

Efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on bone healing in diabetic rats: a stereological and histopathological study.

We evaluated the effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) and routine antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) on early healing of bone defects in diabetic rats. We used 48 rats in the study. Diabetes was induced in 24 rats using streptozotocin; the remaining 24 healthy untreated rats served as controls. Twelve of the diabetic rats and 12 of the healthy rats were treated with AP for 3 days before surgery. Bilateral bone defects were created in the mandible of all animals. ABS was applied to the defects on the left sides of the mandibles, while nothing was applied to the right sides. Animals were sacrificed on days 7 and 14 after operation and examined for histopathology and by stereology. The volume of newly formed bone was significantly less in the diabetic rats on both days 7 and 14. Local administration of ABS significantly increased the mean volume of newly formed bone in both diabetic and nondiabetic rats at days 7 and 14. No significant difference in new bone formation was found between AP and ABS treatment in diabetic rats. Both AP and local administration of ABS have beneficial effects on bone healing in diabetic animals.

Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: role of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Several studies have highlighted a strong association between benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in elderly men. Many epidemiological trials, such as in vitro and in vivo studies, have reported the emerging role of metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertension, in the development and progression of urinary and sexual symptoms. Moreover, many authors have focused their studies on the identification of all the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of LUTS/BPH and ED, including alteration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and RhoA-ROCK pathways or vascular and neurogenic dysfunction. All these are potential targets for proposed phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is). Therefore, several trials have recently been designed to evaluate the role of PDE5-Is alone or in combination with conventional treatment for BPH, such as α-adrenergic blockers, in men affected by LUTS/BPH, with or without ED. Different PDE5-Is are in clinical use worldwide and currently six of them are licensed for the oral treatment of ED. All these compounds differ in pharmacokinetic factors, with influence on drug action, and subsequently in the overall safety and efficacy profile.

Systematic review of the relationship between bladder and bowel function: implications for patient management.

BACKGROUND: The complex relationship between bladder and bowel function has implications for treating pelvic disorders. In this systematic review, we discuss the relationship between bladder and bowel function and its implications for managing coexisting constipation and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. METHODS: Multiple PubMed searches of articles published in English from January 1990 through March 2011 were conducted using combinations of terms including bladder, bowel, crosstalk, lower urinary tract symptoms, OAB, incontinence, constipation, hypermotility, pathophysiology, prevalence, management and quality of life. Articles were selected for inclusion in the review based on their relevance to the topic. RESULTS: Animal studies and clinical data support bladder-bowel cross-sensitization, or crosstalk. In the rat, convergent neurons in the bladder and bowel as well as some superficial and deeper lumbosacral spinal neurons receive afferent signals from both bladder and bowel. On a functional level, in animals and humans, bowel distention affects bladder activity and vice versa. Clinically, the bladder-bowel relationship is evident through the presence of urinary symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and bowel symptoms in patients with acute cystitis. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, can contribute to the development of lower urinary tract symptoms, including OAB symptoms, and treatment of OAB with antimuscarinics can worsen constipation, a common antimuscarinic adverse effect. The initial approach to treating coexisting constipation and OAB should be to relieve constipation, which may resolve urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between bladder and bowel function should be considered when treating patients with urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, or both.

A 5-year retrospective analysis of 5α-reductase inhibitors in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: finasteride has comparable urinary symptom efficacy and prostate volume reduction, but less sexual side effects and breast complications than dutasteride.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated 5-year safety, efficacy and prostate volume data from BPH patients treated with finasteride or dutasteride. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 378 consecutive men treated with 5α-reductase inhibitor monotherapy between January 2004 and September 2009 (197 on finasteride and 211 on dutasteride) in a single clinic was performed. Efficacy assessments included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV). Safety assessments included International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and adverse events. Patients were evaluated at 3 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Mean age of the group was 58.7 ± 6.7 years. Maintenance of therapy at 5 years was 57.4% and 42.5% for the finasteride and dutasteride groups respectively. Changes in IPSS, Qmax, PVR, PV and PSA were similar for both groups at 5 years. The incidence of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido resulting in discontinuation from therapy was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the dutasteride (5.1%, 2.4%, 2.7% respectively) compared with the finasteride (2.1%, 1.8%, 1.4% respectively) group. In addition, the incidence of self-reported breast tenderness and/or enlargement was significantly (p < 0.01) greater in the dutasteride (3.5%) compared with the finasteride (1.2%) group. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis of data from consecutive patients treated at a single clinic, both finasteride and dutasteride were effective therapies for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, dutasteride resulted in significantly more sexual side effects and breast complications than finasteride.

Antimuscarinics for treatment of storage lower urinary tract symptoms in men: a systematic review.

Despite potential benefits, primary care clinicians may avoid using antimuscarinics in men with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms because of safety concerns. To review the efficacy and safety of antimuscarinics, alone or in combination with an α-blocker, for the treatment of men with OAB symptoms, we conducted a systematic review of articles published before 22 July 2010, using PubMed. Data from 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of tolterodine extended release (ER), oxybutynin and solifenacin show that combined antimuscarinic+α-blocker treatment is generally more effective than monotherapy or placebo in men with OAB symptoms. The efficacy and safety of tolterodine ER+α-blocker treatment was not affected by prostate size or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. In men meeting entry criteria for OAB and benign prostatic obstruction trials, tolterodine ER alone was effective selectively in men with prostate size or PSA level below study medians. Incidence of acute urinary retention (AUR) in men receiving antimuscarinics with or without an α-blocker was ≤3% in all of these trials; changes in postvoid residual volume and maximum flow rate did not appear clinically meaningful. Post hoc analyses from double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and prospective studies of fesoterodine, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin and tolterodine also suggest that antimuscarinics are generally safe and efficacious in men. A retrospective database study found that risk of AUR in men was the highest in the first month of treatment and decreased considerably thereafter. Antimuscarinics, alone or with an α-blocker, appear to be efficacious and safe in many men with predominant OAB symptoms or persistent OAB symptoms despite α-blocker or 5-α-reductase inhibitor treatment. However, antimuscarinics are not approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Monitoring men for AUR is recommended, especially those at increased risk, and particularly within 30 days after starting antimuscarinic treatment.

Symptomatic and urodynamic responses in patients with reduced or no seminal emission during silodosin treatment for LUTS and BPH.

Data from phase 3 studies (NCT00224107, NCT00224120) of silodosin for treatment of BPH symptoms were analyzed to examine the relationship between treatment efficacy and occurrence of abnormal ejaculation. Men aged ≥50 years with International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) ≥13 and peak urinary flow rates (Qmax) of 4-15 ml s(-1) received placebo or silodosin 8 mg once daily for 12 weeks. Silodosin-treated patients were stratified by absence or presence of 'retrograde ejaculation' (RE). Groups were compared using analysis of covariance (for change from baseline) and responder analyses. Of the 466 patients receiving silodosin, 131 (28%) reported RE and 335 (72%) did not; 4 of the 457 patients receiving placebo (0.9%) reported RE. Most RE events in silodosin-treated patients (110/134; 82%) were reported as 'orgasm with absence of seminal emission.' Silodosin-treated patients with (+) and without (-) RE showed significant improvement in IPSS, Qmax and quality of life versus placebo (P<0.02). RE+ patients versus RE- patients experienced numerically greater improvement, but differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). For RE+ patients, the odds of achieving improvement of ≥3 points in IPSS and ≥3 ml s(-1) in Qmax by study end were 1.75 times those for RE- patients (P=0.0127). Absence of seminal emission may predict superior treatment efficacy of silodosin in individual patients.

Assessing patients' descriptions of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and perspectives on treatment outcomes: results of qualitative research.

AIMS: Understanding the patient's experience and symptom descriptions is critical to assess outcomes. Thus, there is a need for qualitative research to better understand how patients describe their symptoms and treatment expectations. METHODS: Eight focus groups were conducted in two research phases: Phase 1 focused on eliciting patient's descriptions of urinary symptoms, and Phase 2 assessed patient perspectives on treatment outcomes. Participants with a range of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were recruited from urology clinics and community settings in the United States. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Content and descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 33 men and 30 women participated. Mean ages for men and women were 55 and 61 in Phase 1, and 57 and 61 in Phase 2, respectively. About 73% of participants were white people, and most had a high school education or greater. A wide range of LUTS were emergently described, and the words, concepts and phrases were generally similar across groups. Most participants identified with the word 'bother', and thought it was important to assess both the frequency and bother of each symptom. Reasons for seeking care included symptom bother and fears about cancer and bladder infections. Most participants thought that a 50% improvement in a single symptom or group of symptoms would be a meaningful treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: This qualitative research provides a better understanding on how men and women describe their LUTS and their perspectives on treatment outcomes. This research can be used to inform the development of a new LUTS outcomes' tool.

Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients: report of 2 cases and risk for recurrence.

Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in some individuals with advancing lung disease related to cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of its resistance to antimicrobial agents and virulence, its presence in the lungs of potential lung transplant recipients can be problematic. We present 2 cases of individuals with CF in whom M. abscessus was present in the preoperative sputum cultures. The organism manifested different degrees of invasiveness in the 2 cases after transplantation with different outcomes, suggesting an approach to future candidates for lung transplantation that may be of clinical significance to their physicians and surgeons.

The role of MR imaging in detecting nodal disease in thyroidectomy patients with rising thyroglobulin levels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One of the dilemmas facing clinicians treating patients with thyroid cancer is the evaluation of postthyroidectomy patients with rising serum thyroglobulin levels and indeterminate or normal findings on neck sonography. In this study, we examine the role of MR imaging in this subgroup of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed MR images of patients with thyroid cancer with abnormal lymph nodes in the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces and determined the size and signal-intensity characteristics of these nodes. We reviewed patient charts for the following history: 1) thyroidectomy, 2) rising thyroglobulin levels, 3) iodine-131 radiation therapy, 4) neck dissection, and 5) pathology on neck sonography and chest CT. We reviewed pathology findings to determine if thyroid cancer metastases were present in these lymph nodes. RESULTS: Eight patients had abnormal retropharyngeal space nodes, and 1 patient had a parapharyngeal space mass. Lymph nodes ranged from 7 to 25 mm. On MR imaging, 1 patient had a cystic node, 2 had complex nodes, and 6 had solid nodes. Eight patients had rising serum thyroglobulin levels and a history of thyroidectomy, radioiodine therapy, and neck dissection. Two of these patients had no pathologic nodes on sonography and normal findings on chest CT. Six patients had tissue sampling of their skull base node, and metastatic thyroid cancer was present in 5. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging of the neck should be considered in thyroidectomy patients with rising serum thyroglobulin levels and a history of radioiodine therapy and neck dissection. Radiologists should carefully examine the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces in these patients because nodal metastases may occur there more commonly than realized.

A practical guide to the evaluation and treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms in the primary care setting.

AIMS: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in both men and women, and are among the most prevalent patient complaints heard by primary care physicians (PCPs). This article aims to provide PCPs with a logical algorithm for the assessment and initiation of treatment for LUTS in the male patient. RESULTS: Management of LUTS involves a focused history and physical, as well as the assessment of bother. In patients for whom treatment is warranted, a series of decisions regarding therapy should be considered. Male patients commonly suffer from storage and/or voiding symptoms. Treatment of male LUTS is commonly begun with agents that are aimed at remedying the outlet symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When this intervention is ineffective or when refractory symptoms persist, consideration should be given to treating the storage symptoms characteristic of overactive bladder (OAB). DISCUSSION: This article is intended to provide the PCP with a logical guide to the treatment of male LUTS. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and OAB predominate among the causes of these symptoms, and the PCP should be comfortable treating each. Recent data detailing the safety of the use of these treatments in the male patient are reviewed and incorporated into the algorithm. CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians are in a unique position to successfully identify and treat male patients with LUTS. With this paper, they now have a tool to approach treatment logically and practically.