Classification of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of systemic vasculitides, that are characterized by inflammation in the small vessels, ranging from capillaries to arterioles or venules. AAV is divided into three variants based on the clinical manifestations and histological findings such as microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and eosinophilic GPA (EGPA). MPA often induces rapid progressive necrotising glomerulonephritis, and occasionally induces diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. In contrast, GPA preferentially affects the respiratory tracts from the bronchus to the nasal cavity. GPA can also involve the kidneys, but the frequency of renal involvement is less than MPA. EGPA is based on allergic components such as asthma, peripheral eosinophilia, migratory eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophil infiltration. Since 1982, when the association between ANCA and systemic vasculitis was first reported, several classification criteria for AAV have been proposed. This review describes the classification criteria for and nomenclature of AAV from the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria to the 2012 revised Chapel Hill consensus conference (CHCC) nomenclature of Vasculitides. New classification trials for AAV such as AAV based on the ANCA-types (myeloperoxidase-ANCA vasculitis, proteinase 3-ANCA vasculitis and ANCA negative vasculitis) and the ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2017 provisional classification criteria for GPA were also introduced. In addition, the histopathological classification of ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis and the revised 2017 international consensus on testing of ANCAs in GPA and MPA are also discussed.

Endoscopic Findings of Kyoto Classification of Gastritis

Several studies have conclusively established an association between upper gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection; thus, it is important to assess H. pylori infection based on endoscopic findings. The Kyoto classification of gastritis is a classification that comprehensively describes the association between an individual's H. pylori infection status and endoscopic findings. Characteristic endoscopic findings in uninfected individuals include a regular arrangement of collecting venules, fundic gland polyps, and red streaks, among other such features. Characteristic endoscopic findings in patients with current H. pylori infection include diffuse and spotty mucosal erythema, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, enlarged or tortuous folds, secretion of sticky mucus, mucosal nodularity, foveolar hyperplastic polyps, and/or xanthomas. Characteristic endoscopic findings in previously infected individuals include patchy and map-like mucosal erythema. This classification can reflect the risk of gastric cancer and can benefit primary care physicians, as well as expert endoscopists owing to its easy applicability in routine clinical practice.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis

Estimating the risk of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric cancer during endoscopic examination is important. Owing to recent advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy, the gross appearance of the background gastric mucosa has enabled discrimination of subjects with active, chronic, and past H. pylori infection from those with no history of infection. To provide subjective criteria for H. pylori infection-related endoscopic findings with increased risk of gastric cancer, the Kyoto classification of gastritis was proposed at the 85th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in May 2013 in Kyoto. The main contents focus on determining the gastric cancer risk by scoring the endoscopic findings of the background gastric mucosa from 0 to 8. These important findings are not described in the Kyoto Global Consensus Conference proceedings published in English. To better estimate the gastric cancer risk during screening endoscopy in an H. pylori-prevalent population, knowledge of the Japanese version of the Kyoto classification is important. This new classification emphasizes the discrimination of subjects with H. pylori infection by assessing 19 endoscopic findings (presence of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, diffuse redness, spotty redness, mucosal swelling, enlarged folds, sticky mucus, chicken skin-like nodularity, foveolar-hyperplastic polyp, xanthoma, depressed erosion, regular arrangement of collecting venules, fundic gland polyp, linear red streak, raised erosion, hematin deposit, multiple white and flat-elevated lesions, patchy redness, and map-like redness). In this review, the validity of the Kyoto classification is summarized in conjunction with several suggestions to resolve emerging H. pylori infection-related problems in Korea.

Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia during sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia in rats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypercapnia causes dilation of cerebral vessels and increases cerebral blood flow, resulting in increased intracranial pressure. Sevoflurane is reported to preserve cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity. However, the contribution of inhaled anesthetics to vasodilatory responses to hypercapnia has not been clarified. Moreover, the cerebrovascular response to desflurane under hypercapnia has not been reported. We examined the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on vasodilatory responses to hypercapnia in rats. METHODS: A closed cranial window preparation was used to measure the changes in pial vessel diameters. To evaluate the cerebrovascular response to hypercapnia and/or inhaled anesthetics, the pial vessel diameters were measured in the following states: without inhaled anesthetics at normocapnia (control values) and hypercapnia, with inhaled end-tidal minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of 0.5 or 1.0 of either sevoflurane or desflurane at normocapnia, and an MAC of 1.0 of sevoflurane or desflurane at hypercapnia. RESULTS: Under normocapnia, 1.0 MAC, but not 0.5 MAC, of sevoflurane or desflurane dilated the pial arterioles and venules. In addition, under both 1.0 MAC of sevoflurane and 1.0 MAC of desflurane, hypercapnia significantly dilated the pial arterioles and venules in comparison to their diameters without inhaled anesthetics. The degrees of vasodilation were similar for desflurane and sevoflurane under both normocapnia and hypercapnia. CONCLUSIONS: Desflurane induces cerebrovascular responses similar to those of sevoflurane. Desflurane can be used as safely as sevoflurane in neurosurgical anesthesia.

Validity and reproducibility of retinal arteriole and venule diameter measurements: ELSA-Brasil study. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Investigation of alterations to retinal microvasculature may contribute towards understanding the role of such changes in the pathophysiology of several chronic non-communicable diseases. The objective here was to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of retinal arteriole and venule diameter measurements made by Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) graders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at six teaching and research institutions. METHODS: To evaluate validity, each of 25 retinal images from the University of Wisconsin (gold standard) was measured by five ELSA-Brasil graders. To evaluate reproducibility, 105 images across the spectrum of vessel diameters were selected from 12,257 retinal images that had been obtained between 2010 and 2012, and each image was reexamined by the same grader and by an independent grader. All measurements were made using the Interactive Vessel Analysis (IVAN) software. Bland-Altman plots, paired t tests and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean differences between ELSA-Brasil and gold-standard readings were 0.16 µm (95% CI -0.17-0.50; P = 0.31) for central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), -0.21 µm (95% CI -0.56-0.14; P = 0.22) for central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and 0.0005 (95% CI -0.008-0.009; P = 0.55) for arteriole/venule ratio (AVR). Intragrader ICCs were 0.77 (95% CI 0.67-0.86) for CRAE, 0.90 (95% CI 0.780.96) for CRVE and 0.70 (0.55-0.83) for AVR. Intergrader ICCs were 0.75 (95% CI 0.64-0.85) for CRAE, 0.90 (95% CI 0.79-0.96) for CRVE and 0.68 (95% CI 0.55-0.82) for AVR. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal microvascular diameter measurements are valid and present moderate to high intra and intergrader reproducibility in ELSA-Brasil.

Porcine intestinal lymphoid tissues synthesize estradiol

Estradiol (17β-estradiol) is synthesized primarily in the gonads of both sexes and regulates the development and function of reproductive organs. Recently, we reported that intestinal lymphocyte homeostasis is regulated by estradiol synthesized de novo in the endothelial cells of the high endothelial venules (HEVs) of mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches in mice. This observation prompted us to hypothesize that HEVs of intestinal lymphoid tissues are sites of estradiol synthesis across species. In this study, we examined whether estradiol is synthesized in the intestinal lymphoid tissues of adolescent piglets. Comparisons of estradiol levels in blood and tissue showed that estradiol concentrations in mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches were significantly higher than the level in serum. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that porcine intestinal lymphoid tissues express mRNAs for steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, 17β-Hsd, 3β-Hsd, Cyp17a1, and Cyp19a1), and immunohistochemical results in ilial tissue showed expression of aromatase (CYP19) in Peyer's patch-localized endothelial cells of HEVs. When mesenteric lymph node and Peyer's patch tissues were cultured in vitro, they produced estradiol. Taken together, the results indicate that mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches are sites of estradiol synthesis in adolescent piglets.

Accuracy of Endoscopic Diagnosis for Mild Atrophic Gastritis Infected with Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study examined the accuracy of endoscopic evaluation for determining the Helicobacter pylori infection status in patients with mild atrophy who might not exhibit characteristic endoscopic findings. METHODS: Forty endoscopists determined the H. pylori infection status of 50 randomly presented H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative cases on the basis of a list of established findings. RESULTS: The median clinical endoscopy experience was 7 years (range, 1–35 years), including 22 board-certified endoscopists (55%) of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. The mean accuracy rate of endoscopic diagnosis was 67% and was unrelated to experience status (experienced vs. trainee: 69% vs. 65%, p=0.089) and total years of experience (R 2 =0.022). The most frequently selected endoscopic findings were regular arrangement of collecting venules (59%), atrophy (45%), and red streak (22%), which had fair accuracy rates of 67%, 65%, and 73%, respectively. By contrast, the accuracy rates of nodularity (89%) and mucosal swelling (77%) were highest. The 20 endoscopists who more frequently identified these findings diagnosed H. pylori infection significantly more accurately than did the other endoscopists (71% vs. 64%, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Careful attention to nodularity and mucosal swelling in patients with mild atrophy may enhance diagnosis, enable prompt treatment, and avoid possible long-term carcinogenesis.

Microvascular in-vivo analysis of retrograde venous arterialization of ischemic skeletal muscle

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> Nearly 20% of patients with critical limb ischemia will not be suitable for arterial bypass due to distal small vessel occlusion, and venous arterialization of the distal venous bed might be a valuable surgical option. This study demonstrates the in-vivo microcirculatory effects of this type of intervention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Using intravital video microscopy, the authors studied the distal skeletal microcirculatory characteristics following venous arterialization of critical hindlimb ischemia in the rat. 25 Wistar rats underwent proximal ligation of the femoral arteries followed by venous arterialization carried out by anastomosing the saphenous vein to the femoral artery using microsurgery techniques. Microcirculatory hemodynamic conditions of the soleus muscle were observed under normal, ischemic, and arterialized conditions. Fluorescein-labeled red cells were used to measure red cell velocities (Vrbc) at the capillaries, and acridine orange injections used to stain endothelial cell nuclei to measure microcirculatory diameters, and leukocyte nuclei to measure leukocyte adhesion. Laser Doppler Perfusion (LDP) units at the distal limb were measured continuously throughout the procedure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Proximal femoral arterial ligation resulted in drastic reductions in LDP and Vrbc. Following distal venous arterialization, LDP returned to an average of 41% of baseline. Vrbc returned to near baseline values in 70% of the capillaries. Flow at the capillary and venular system showed frequent reversals and great variations in velocities. Venules and venu-venular anastomoses diameters increased by 50%. There was immediate macromolecular tracer leakage and leukocyte activation was significantly increased in both ischemic and arterialized groups (15 cells vs 156 and 178 cells respectively).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Venous arterialization may provide an improvement in microcirculatory velocities but is accompanied by microcirculatory injury and dysfunction in the acute phase. These results suggest that mechanisms besides microcirculatory hemodynamics play a role in the overall picture of clinical effectivity of the procedure</p>

Predictive Value of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Assessed by High Endothelial Venule Counts in the Neoadjuvant Setting of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an important source of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which have a strong prognostic and predictive value in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A previous study reported that the levels of CXCL13 mRNA expression were associated with TLSs, but measuring the gene expression is challenging in routine practice. Therefore, this study evaluated the MECA79-positive high endothelial venule (HEV) densities and their association with the histopathologically assessed TLSs in biopsy samples. In addition, the relationship of TLSs with the CXCL13 transcript levels and clinical outcomes were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 TNBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were studied. The amounts of TILs and TLSs were measured histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides. The HEV densities and TIL subpopulations were measured by immunohistochemistry for MECA79, CD3, CD8, and CD20. CXCL13mRNA expression levels using a NanoString assay (NanoString Technologies). RESULTS: The mean number of HEVs in pre-NAC biopsies was 12 (range, 0 to 72). The amounts of TILs and TLSs, HEV density, and CXCL13 expression showed robust correlations with each other. A lower pre-NAC clinical T stage, higher TIL and TLS levels, a higher HEV density, CD20-positive cell density, and CXCL13 expression were significant predictors of a pathologic complete response (pCR). Higher CD8-positive cell density and levels of CXCL13 expression were significantly associated with a better disease-free survival rate. CONCLUSION: MECA79-positive HEV density in pre-NAC biopsies is an objective and quantitative surrogate marker of TLS and might be a valuable tool for predicting pCR of TNBC in routine pathology practice.

Potential of Cells and Cytokines/Chemokines to Regulate Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Human Diseases

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid tissues involved in chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and cancer. They exhibit almost all the characteristics of secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), which are associated with adaptive immune responses; as such, they contain organized B-cell follicles with germinal centers, distinct areas containing T cells and dendritic cells, high endothelial venules, and lymphatics. In this review, we briefly describe the formation of SLO, and describe the cellular subsets and molecular cues involved in the formation and maintenance of TLS. Finally, we discuss the associations of TLS with human diseases, especially autoimmune diseases, and the potential for therapeutic targeting.

Potential of Cells and Cytokines/Chemokines to Regulate Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Human Diseases

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid tissues involved in chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and cancer. They exhibit almost all the characteristics of secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), which are associated with adaptive immune responses; as such, they contain organized B-cell follicles with germinal centers, distinct areas containing T cells and dendritic cells, high endothelial venules, and lymphatics. In this review, we briefly describe the formation of SLO, and describe the cellular subsets and molecular cues involved in the formation and maintenance of TLS. Finally, we discuss the associations of TLS with human diseases, especially autoimmune diseases, and the potential for therapeutic targeting.

Window to Heart; Ocular Manifestations of Hypertension / 한양의대학술지

Systemic hypertension affects not only the heart, kidneys, brain, and large arteries but also the eyes. High blood pressure (BP) causes a series of pathophysiological changes in the retinal vasculature, including focal and diffuse narrowing of the retinal arteriole, opacification of the arteriolar wall, and compression of the venules by arterioles. In severe cases, hemorrhage, nerve fiber layer infraction, and disc swelling can occur. Systemic hypertension results in various retinal vascular diseases, such as hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein or artery occlusion, retinal arterial macroaneurysm, and nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. High BP also increases the risk of development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Signs of hypertensive retinopathy are predictive of target-organ damages, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. While managing patients with hypertensive retinopathy, physicians should be aware of the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors.

Endoscopic gastritis, serum pepsinogen assay, and Helicobacter pylori infection

Endoscopic findings of the background gastric mucosa are important in the Helicobacter pylori-seroprevalent population. It is strongly correlated not only with the risk of gastric cancer, but also with the excretion ability of gastric mucosa cells. In noninfected subjects, common endoscopic findings are regular arrangement of collecting venules, chronic superficial gastritis, and erosive gastritis. In cases of active H. pylori infection, nodularity on the antrum, hemorrhagic spots on the fundus, and thickened gastric folds are common endoscopic findings. The secreting ability of the gastric mucosa cells is usually intact in both noninfected and actively infected stomachs, and the intragastric condition becomes hyperacidic upon inflammation. Increased serum pepsinogen II concentration correlates well with active H. pylori infection, and also indicates an increased risk of diffuse-type gastric cancer. In chronic inactive H. pylori infection, metaplastic gastritis and atrophic gastritis extending from the antrum (closed-type chronic atrophic gastritis) toward the corpus (open-type chronic atrophic gastritis) are common endoscopic findings. The intragastric environment is hypoacidic and the risk of intestinal-type gastric cancer is increased in such conditions. Furthermore, there is a decrease in serum pepsinogen I concentration when the secreting ability of the gastric mucosa cells is damaged. Serologic and endoscopic changes that occur upon H. pylori infection are important findings for estimating the secreting ability of the gastric mucosa cells, and could be applied for the secondary prevention of gastric cancer.

Loss of Caveolin 1 is Associated With the Expression of Aquaporin 1 and Bladder Dysfunction in Mice / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: It is suggested that caveolin and aquaporin might be closely associated with bladder signal activity. We investigated the effect of the deletion of caveolin 1, using caveolin 1 knockout mice, on the expression of aquaporin 1 in order to identify their relation in the urothelium of the urinary bladder. METHODS: The cellular localization and expressions of aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1, in the wild type and caveolin 1 knockout mice urinary bladder, were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques. RESULTS: Aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1 were coexpressed in the arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the suburothelial layer in the wild type controls. Aquaporin 1 protein expression was significantly higher in the caveolin 1 knockout mice than in the wild type controls (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results imply that aquaporin 1 and caveolin 1 may share a distinct relation with the bladder signal activity. This might play a specific role in bladder dysfunction.

Clinical Application of Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging in the Stomach

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) can visualize superficial microanatomies in the stomach. The normal morphology of the microanatomy visualized by M-NBI differs according to the part of the stomach. The gastric fundic glandular mucosa appears as a regular honeycomb-like subepithelial capillary network (SECN) pattern with a regular collecting venule pattern and regular oval crypt opening with circular marginal crypt epithelium (MCE) pattern. The gastric pyloric glandular mucosa displays a regular coil-shaped SECN pattern and regular polygonal or curved MCE pattern. For a diagnosis of early gastric cancer using M-NBI, the vessel plus surface classification system was developed. This system is clinically useful for the differential diagnosis of focal gastritis and small depressed cancer and for determining the horizontal extent of early gastric cancer for successful endoscopic resection. Advantages of M-NBI over conventional endoscopic imaging techniques with white light include accurate diagnosis and cost effectiveness. This technique is a breakthrough in the endoscopic diagnostic field.

A Case of Dengue Fever with Macular Involvement

PURPOSE: To report a case of Dengue fever with bilateral macular edema and retinitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 31-year-old female was referred to our clinic with blurred vision. The patient had visited Bali, Indonesia approximately 2 weeks prior. Dengue fever was diagnosed at the Division of Infectious Disease because the patient's serum dengue virus antibodies test was positive for dengue viral IgM antibodies. The patient's best corrected visual acuity was 0.4 in the right eye and 0.6 in the left eye. Slit lamp examination showed inflammatory cells in the vitreous but not in the anterior segment of both eyes. Fundus examination showed thickening of the retina in both eyes as well as a splinter retinal hemorrhage in left eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed hyperfluorescence of the venule in the perifoveal vascular network of the left macula, and indocyanine green angiography showed early diffuse hyperfluorescence in both eyes. Standard automated perimetry showed an overall reduction of the visual field and an increase in scotoma in both eyes. At 1 week after the initial visit, the macular edema had not improved and the patient's vision had deteriorated, especially in left eye. To improve the macular edema and ocular inflammation, a subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in the left eye was administered. At 5 weeks after treatment, corrected visual acuity improved to 1.0 in both eyes. Ocular findings, such as macular edema and intraretinal hemorrhage were resolved. The patient did not complain of any remaining discomfort. However, standard automated perimetry revealed that a pericentral scotoma was still present in left eye. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the authors report a case of bilateral macular edema and retinitis at the posterior pole after dengue infection. The patient demonstrated a relatively positive response to steroid therapy in the left eye and to conservative treatment in the right eye.

A Case of Microvenular Hemangioma on the Scalp / 대한피부과학회지

Microvenular hemangioma is a relatively rare, acquired, and slow-growing benign vascular lesion that usually arises as a small, reddish papule or plaque in young to middle-aged individuals. It commonly occurs on the arms, trunk, or legs. Histologically, it consists of irregular branching capillaries and venules involving the full thickness of the reticular dermis. A 38-year-old woman presented for 3 years with a solitary reddish nodule on the scalp. Histological examination showed irregular venules throughout the dermis. We report this case of microvenular hemangioma developing on the scalp, an unusual location.

A Case of Enterocolic Lymphocytic Phlebitis Mimicking Surgical Abdomen

Vasculitis that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract often occurs as part of a systemic inflammatory process. It is a well-recognized manifestation of the small and medium sized vessel vasculitides. Vasculitis of the GI tract may occur in isolation; although it can progress to a systemic illness. It usually involves the arterioles, venules, and capillaries; however, it is very rare for only the venules to be affected. Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis is a localized vasculitis, typically affecting the small and medium-sized intramural and mesenteric veins of the intestines. We report a case of enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis of the colon. A 38-year-old woman was presented with hematochezia and severe abdominal pain on the day of admission. She had no history of intestinal disease or systemic disease. Computed tomography showed an extremely thickened wall of the colon, along with several air bubbles in the colon with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema in the abdominal wall. An emergency exploration laparotomy and extended right hemicolectomy was performed. The patient recovered completely after surgery and remains well without further therapy.

Prediction of Helicobacter pylori Infection Status via Close Observation of Gastric Mucosal Pattern by Standard Endoscopy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Common endoscopic findings in stomachs with Helicobacter pylori infections include antral nodularity, thickened gastric folds, and visible submucosal vessels. These findings are suggestive but not diagnostic of H. pylori infection. Magnifying endoscopy can reveal more precisely the abnormal mucosal patterns in an H. pylori-infected stomach; however, it requires more training, expertise, and time. We aimed to establish a new classification for predicting H. pylori-infected stomachs by non-magnifying standard endoscopy alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 617 participants who underwent gastroscopy were prospectively enrolled from August 2011 to January 2012. We performed a careful close examination of the corpus at the greater curvature maintaining a distance < or =10 mm between the endoscope tip and the mucosal surface. We classified gastric mucosal patterns into four categories: normal regular arrangement of collecting venules (numerous minute red dots), mosaic-like appearance (type A; swollen areae gastricae or snakeskin appearance), diffuse homogenous redness (type B), and mixed pattern (type C; irregular redness with groove) to predict H. pylori infection status. RESULTS: The frequencies of H. pylori infection in patients with a normal regular arrangement of collecting venules pattern and types A, B, and C patterns were 9.4%, 87.7%, 98.1%, and 90.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of all abnormal patterns for prediction of H. pylori infection were 93.3%, 89.1%, 92.3%, and 90.6%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 91.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Careful close observation of the gastric mucosal pattern with standard endoscopy can predict H. pylori infection status.

Clinical Features According to the Occlusion Site in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical patterns according to the occlusion site in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Ninety-one branch retinal vein occlusion patients were divided into 4 groups according to the occlusion site based on the description by Duke-Elder and Wybar: Papillary retinal vein occlusion group (group A), main retinal vein occlusion group (group B), minor retinal vein occlusion group (group C), and retinal venule occlusion group (group D). The following factors were analyzed retrospectively: baseline/final visual acuity, visual improvement, macular thickness, and macular circulatory states. RESULTS: The macular thickness (microm) was 575.33 +/- 178.44 in group A, 511.92 +/- 218.02 in group B, 397.21 +/- 144.51 in group C, and 336.68 +/- 120.55 in group D. The retinal ischemic area (DD) was 22.00 +/- 13.28 in group A, 18.26 +/- 10.12 in group B, 12.52 +/- 10.52 in group C, and 12.36 +/- 11.92 in group D, which was found to be significantly greater in the group with the higher branch occlusion site (p < 0.05). However, visual acuity, macular circulatory states and other clinical characteristics were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusion site is a relating factor for retinal ischemic area and macular thickness in patients with Branch retinal vein occlussion, but which is not a prognostic factor for final visual acuity.