Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in patients with prior psychophysical stress: a systematic review of case reports and case series.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underdiagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in younger women. Due to limited information about SCAD, case reports and case series can provide valuable insights into its features and management. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the features of SCAD patients who experienced psychophysical stress before the SCAD event. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until January 7, 2023. We included case reports or series that described patients with SCAD who had experienced psychophysical stress before SCAD. Patients with pregnancy-associated SCAD were excluded from our analysis. RESULTS: In total, we included 93 case reports or series describing 105 patients with SCAD. The average patient age was 44.29 ± 13.05 years and a total of 44 (41.9%) of patients were male. Among the included SCAD patients the most prevalent comorbidities were fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and hypertension with the prevalence of 36.4 and 21.9%, respectively. Preceding physical stress was more frequently reported in men than in women; 38 out of 44 (86.4%) men reported physical stress, while 36 out of 61 (59.1%) females reported physical stress (p value = 0.009). On the other hand, the opposite was true for emotional stress (men: 6 (13.6%)), women: 29 (47.6%), p value < 0.001). Coronary angiography was the main diagnostic tool. The most frequently involved artery was the left anterior descending (LAD) (62.9%). In our study, recurrence of SCAD due to either the progression of a previous lesion or new SCAD in another coronary location occurred more frequently in those treated conservatively, however the observed difference was not statistically significant (p value = 0.138). CONCLUSION: While physical stress seems to precede SCAD in most cases, emotional stress is implicated in females more than males.

Correlation of Patient Activation Measure Level with Patient Characteristics and Type of Vascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patient activation or level of engagement in one's medical care is linked to hospital readmissions and worse outcomes in a number of diseases. Patients with higher levels of activation are typically guiding their care rather than acting as passive observers of care. This study aims to determine if either patient demographics or type of vascular disease can predict patient activation. METHODS: All patients presenting over a 4-month period to an outpatient vascular clinic were asked to complete the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) survey. In total, 257 completed surveys were collected. Survey responses were scored on a Likert scale with anchors. Responses are tallied with a score of 1-100 and converted to summary levels 1-4 in accordance with the previously validated scoring system. Level 1 patients are considered disengaged and overwhelmed. Patients in level 2 are becoming aware of their health care, but still struggle. Level 3 patients are taking action, while level 4 represents patients who are maintaining healthy behaviors and pushing further. Chi-squared test and multivariable regression were then performed to determine if patient characteristics or type of disease correlated with activation levels. RESULTS: In total, 257 patients completed the survey. The mean participant age was 67 years (±15). Sixteen percent of patients lived alone, 58% were married, and in 39% mean household income was <$50,000. Overall, 21 patients (8.2%) were classified as level 1, 65 (25%) level 2, 94 (37%) level 3, and 77 (30%) level 4. The group comprised 32% peripheral artery disease (PAD), 20% carotid, 18% aortic/aneurysm, 14% venous, and 16% were various other vascular diseases. Over each disease group there was a wide range of activation, but no significant difference between the type of vascular disease and activation level. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients comprised 35% (n = 29) of the PAD group, and 66% of these patients reported an activation level of 3 (n = 10) or 4 (n = 9). There was no difference in the levels of activation reported by the CLTI patients compared to the general PAD cohort (P = 0.99). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that age, level of education, household income, and type of vascular disease correlated with PAM score, but there was no correlation between length of symptoms, race, or gender. CONCLUSIONS: Patient activation is unpredictable using patient characteristics or type of vascular disease, and CLTI patients report high activation levels. Quality databases that collect only patient demographics may not fully capture patient predictors of poor outcomes. Use of the PAM survey should be further explored in vascular patients to correlate activation level with vascular-specific outcomes.

Perspectives on blood pressure by patients on haemo- and peritoneal dialysis.

AIM: The management of blood pressure in patients requiring dialysis remains challenging and controversial. This study aimed to describe the perspectives of patients treated with peritoneal or haemodialysis regarding blood pressure, to inform patient-centred management. METHODS: We conducted a secondary thematic analysis of qualitative data from multiple data sets derived from the Standardised Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG) initiative. We extracted and analysed the responses of adult patients (aged 18 years or over) on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and their caregivers. Qualitative data were extracted from 26 focus groups, two international Delphi surveys and two consensus workshops completed as part of the SONG-Haemodialysis and SONG-Peritoneal dialysis projects. RESULTS: Collectively, the studies involved 644 patients and caregivers from 86 countries. We identified four themes: helpless and incapacitated (including the subthemes of disabling and debilitating symptoms, limiting ability to work, fear of "crashes" - a sudden drop in blood pressure - forced to depend on others); dismissed and ignored (disregarded as a problem, lacking information, education and reassurance); escalating medication burden; and taking control for improved self-management (determining thresholds in fluid management, establishing a routine for proactive monitoring). CONCLUSION: Blood pressure symptoms are debilitating for patients on dialysis and exacerbated by a perceived lack of information about how to understand and manage these symptoms. More patient-centred management of blood pressure, particularly symptom-causing blood pressure, in patients on dialysis is likely to substantially improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Type D Personality and Health-Related Quality of Life in Vascular Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association of type D personality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and assessed the stability of type D personality in vascular surgery patients during the year after surgery. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study between 2008 and 2014, 294 patients were assessed with validated questionnaires preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Associations between type D personality, depression, and HRQoL were analyzed by generalized estimating equation models. Type D personality was analyzed in its standard dichotomous form as well as continuous (z) scores of its two components, negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI), and their interaction term. RESULTS: Prevalence of type D personality varied between 18% and 25%. However, only 9% of the complete responders were classified as type D personality at all four assessments, whereas one third changed between type D classifications. Continuous scores showed greater stability over time. Dichotomized type D personality measured over time was significantly associated with impaired HRQoL, but this was not the case if measured once at baseline, like in general use. The continuous NA score and depression were also significantly associated with impaired HRQoL over time. CONCLUSION: Type D personality was not a stable trait over time. Preoperative assessment of type D personality did not predict improvement in HRQoL after vascular surgery. However, the study revealed associations between the NA component of type D personality, depression, and lower HRQoL. This indicates that measures of overall negative affect should be taken into account when assessing HRQoL patient-reported outcomes in vascular surgery patients.

The relationship between depression and executive function and the impact of vascular disease burden in younger and older adults.

Background: depression is associated with worse executive function, but underlying mechanisms might differ by age. Aims: to investigate whether vascular disease burden affects the association between depression and executive dysfunction differentially by age. Method: among 83,613 participants of Lifelines (population-based cohort study), linear regression analyses were applied to examine the association between executive function (Ruff Figural Fluency test, dependent variable) and depression according to DSM-IV criteria (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, independent variable). Results: adjusted for demographic characteristics, major depressive disorder was associated with a lower level of executive function in both younger and older adults. Minor depressive disorder was only associated with worse executive function in younger adults. Adding vascular disease burden to the final model with major depressive disorder, reduced this strength of this association by 5.9% in younger and 5.0% in older adults. Conclusions: major depression was associated with worse executive function across the lifespan, but minor depression only in younger adults. The impact of vascular burden on the association did not differ between younger and older adults. Therefore, vascular risk reduction is important in both age groups.

[Posttraumatic stress disorder : Trigger and consequence of vascular diseases]. / Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung : Auslöser und Folgeerscheinung vaskulärer Erkrankungen.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was previously thought to be a psychological reaction precipitated by exposure to war, sexual and physical violence; however, PTSD is also prevalent after life-threatening medical events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. After such events PTSD is often underdiagnosed despite the fact that it is clearly associated with adverse clinical outcomes including recurrence of cardiac events and increased mortality. Moreover, PTSD increases the risk of vascular events. This review summarizes the bidirectional relationship between PTSD and vascular diseases and outlines current knowledge regarding clinical features, prevalence and the putative underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Design and initial enrollment in the Vascular Physicians Offer and Report (VAPOR) trial.

Although patient smoking cessation is a key priority for vascular surgeons, significant variation exists in the manner in which vascular surgeons address this key process of care. We describe a multicenter, cluster-randomized trial that compares a standardized, brief smoking cessation intervention to usual care for patients facing vascular surgery or endovascular interventions. Eight centers were randomized to provide usual care for smoking cessation or a standardized protocol consisting of (1) physician "very brief advice" to stop smoking, (2) offering nicotine replacement therapy, and (3) referral to a phone-based counseling service. Trial enrollment began on September 1, 2014. At present, 142 patients had been enrolled in the trial across eight sites. Compared with patients in the usual care arm, patients enrolled in the smoking cessation intervention arm were more likely to receive physician advice (98% vs 77%), a prescription for nicotine replacement therapy (77% vs 13%), and quitline referral (93% vs 33%; all P < .001). Although final results of the intervention on smoking cessation rates are still forthcoming, surgeon delivery of a brief, evidence-based smoking cessation intervention appears feasible for patients facing invasive vascular care.

Smoking cessation counseling in vascular surgical practice using the results of interviews and focus groups in the Vascular Surgeon offer and report smoking cessation pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: Although smoking cessation is a key priority emphasized by professional societies and multidisciplinary consensus guidelines, significant variation exists in the methods and efficacy of smoking cessation treatment practiced by vascular surgeons. We conducted a series of patient, surgeon, and nonpatient stakeholder focus groups to identify important domains for establishment of a successful smoking cessation program. METHODS: As part of a planning effort for a randomized clinical trial on usual care vs a standardized, evidence-based smoking cessation intervention, our group performed a series of interviews and focus groups. These were four 1-hour interviews, conducted with stakeholders such as tobacco cessation counselors (n = 2), a Quit Line representative (n = 1), and a Vascular Quality Initiative leader (n = 1), as well as two 90-minute, formal, professionally moderated focus groups, one with vascular surgeons (n = 7), and another with patients (n = 4). Transcripts and audio recordings were qualitatively reviewed for themes to establish the most important domains perceived to be associated with a successful smoking cessation program. RESULTS: Patients emphasized four domains critical for a successful smoking cessation program: the motivation to quit, an individualized approach, the timing of an intervention, and the tone of the physician who offers counseling. Although surgeons and nonpatient stakeholders also emphasized the importance of a compassionate physician tone, surgeons and nonpatient stakeholders differed from patients in their remaining domains. They emphasized the feasibility of a brief intervention in a busy clinical practice, implementation of the effort, and necessary infrastructure for smoking cessation programs. All focus group participants described a brief, evidence-based smoking cessation intervention as feasible in routine vascular practice. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in motivation and significance exist for patients, surgeons, and stakeholders when they considered the specific domains most important in building a successful smoking cessation program. Despite these differences, all parties involved agreed that a brief, standardized intervention can be successful delivered in a busy vascular clinic setting.

Vascular structure and function and their relationship with health-related quality of life in the MARK study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence concerning the relationship between vascular disease and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We investigated the relationship between vascular structure and function with health-related quality of life in a population with intermediate cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This study analyzed 303 subjects with ankle-brachial index (ABI) values ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 who were included in the MARK study (age 35 to 74 years; mean:60.5 ± 8.5), of which 50.2 % were women. Measurements included: ABI, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), all measured using the VaSera device. The central augmentation index was adjusted to 75 lpm (AIx_75) using the Mobil-O-Graph device. HRQL was assessed by the Spanish version of the SF-12, version2. The highest obtained CAVI and ba-PWV values and the lowest ABI values were considered for the study. RESULTS: The cohort was composed of21 % smokers, 76 % hypertensive patients, and 24 % diabetic patients. The ABI mean was 1.09 ± 0.07,the ba-PWV mean was 14.64 ± 2.55 m/s with a 12.9 % of subjects higher than 17.5 m/s, AIx_75 26.46 ± 14.05, and CAVI 8.61 ± 1.08 with a 36.6 % of subjects higher than 9. Men scored higher than women in the HRQL measurements for physical (PSC-12; 49.9 vs. 46.9, p = 0.004) and mental (MSC-12) domains (51.2 vs. 47.7, p = 0.003). Age was positively correlated with CAVI (r = 0.547), ba-PWV (r = 0.469), AIx_75 (r = 0.255, p < 0.01), and the MSC-12 (r = 0.147, p < 0.05), but not the PSC-12. In the adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, the positive association of ABI and CAVI with the PSC-12 was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The ABI in the normal range has a positive association with the PSC-12 of HRQL evaluated with the SF-12. The CAVI also showed a positive association with the PSC-12 of HRQL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01428934 .

Relationships between Cognitive Performance, Neuroimaging and Vascular Disease: The DHS-MIND Study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and elevated burdens of vascular disease are hypothesized to contribute to this risk. These relationships were examined in the Diabetes Heart Study-MIND using a battery of cognitive tests, neuroimaging measures and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden assessed by coronary artery calcified (CAC) plaque. We hypothesized that CAC would attenuate the association between neuroimaging measures and cognition performance. METHODS: Associations were examined using marginal models in this family-based cohort of 572 European Americans from 263 families. All models were adjusted for age, gender, education, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, with some neuroimaging measures additionally adjusted for intracranial volume. RESULTS: Higher total brain volume was associated with better performance on the Digit Symbol Substitution Task and Semantic Fluency (both p ≤ 7.0 × 10(-4)). Higher gray matter volume was associated with better performance on the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination and Semantic Fluency (both p ≤ 9.0 × 10(-4)). Adjusting for CAC caused minimal changes to the results. CONCLUSIONS: Relationships exist between neuroimaging measures and cognitive performance in a type 2 diabetes-enriched European American cohort. Associations were minimally attenuated after adjusting for subclinical CVD. Additional work is needed to understand how subclinical CVD burden interacts with other factors and impacts relationships between neuroimaging and cognitive testing measures.

Influence of vascular risk factors on executive function among an age-homogeneous elderly cohort.

The pathogenesis of executive dysfunction in geriatric depression remains uncertain although causal bidirectional relationships with depression have been discussed. Previous studies have described a potential link with 'vascular depression'. In this study, we investigate the influence of vascular risk factors and magnetic resonance imaging markers of structural brain ageing, such as increasing deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH), on executive function in an age-homogeneous population-based study cohort. A total of 606 participants of identical age (75.8 years; standard deviation 0.45 years) took part in the baseline investigation of the Vienna Transdanube Ageing (VITA) study. Each participant underwent a full psychometric examination with standardised neuroimaging and clinical chemistry investigations. Participants were re-examined with the same protocol after exactly 30 and 60 months. Data refer to the individuals who completed the examination at baseline. In the ordinal logistic regression, fewer years of education (P < 0.0001), Trail Making Test-A (P < 0.0001), high homocysteine (P = 0.001), and depression (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B) values. A significant influence of other vascular risk factors, such as lipids, diabetes, and smoking, on executive dysfunction was not observed. A comparison of both lacunes and DWMH with respect to the TMT-B results showed no significant correlation. Our data do not support the notion that vascular pathogenesis might underlie executive dysfunction.

Vascular burden and cognitive function in late-life depression.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation of vascular risk factors, subclinical, and manifest vascular disease with four domains of cognitive functioning in a large sample of clinically depressed older persons. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was used, and depressed patients were recruited from general practices and mental healthcare institutes. Presence of a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, depressive episode was established with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was used as a measure for vascular risk profile, ankle-brachial index for subclinical vascular disease, and history of a cardiovascular event as a measure for manifest vascular disease. Three neurocognitive tasks evaluated processing speed, working memory, verbal memory, and interference control. RESULTS: In 378 participants, linear regression analysis showed that FRS was related to poorer interference control (t = -2.353; df = 377; p <0.05) but to no other cognitive domain after adjustment for age, sex, education level, and depressive symptom severity. Lower ankle-brachial index and history of cardiovascular event were related to slower processing speed (t = 2.659; df = 377; p <0.05 and t = -3.328; df = 377; p <0.01, respectively) but to no other cognitive domain. In 267 participants without manifest vascular disease, higher FRS was related to slower processing speed (t = -2.425; df = 266; p <0.05) and poorer interference control (t = -2.423; df = 266; p <0.05), and lower ankle brachial index was related to slower processing speed (t = 2.171; df = 266; p <0.05). CONCLUSION: In depressed older persons, vascular burden is related to slower processing speed also in the absence of manifest vascular disease. Poorer interference control was only related to vascular risk factors but not to subclinical or manifest vascular disease.

Vascular disease and risk factors are associated with cognitive decline in the alzheimer disease spectrum.

We investigated the relationship between vascular disease and risk factors versus cognitive decline cross-sectionally and longitudinally in normal older control, mild cognitive impairment, and mild Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia subjects. A total of 812 participants (229 normal older control, 395 mild cognitive impairment, 188 AD) underwent cognitive testing, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical evaluations at baseline and over a period of 3 years. General linear, longitudinal mixed-effects, and Cox proportional hazards models were used. Greater homocysteine level and white matter hyperintensity volume were associated with processing speed impairment (homocysteine: P=0.02; white matter hyperintensity: P<0.0001); greater Vascular Index score was associated with memory impairment (P=0.007); and greater number of apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) alleles was associated with global cognitive impairment (P=0.007) at baseline. Apolipoprotein E ε4 was associated with greater rate of increase in global cognitive impairment (P=0.002) and processing speed impairment (P=0.001) over time, whereas higher total cholesterol was associated with greater rate of increase in global cognitive impairment (P=0.02) and memory impairment (P=0.06) over time. These results suggest a significant association of increased vascular disease and risk factors with cognitive impairment at baseline and over time in the AD spectrum in a sample that was selected to have low vascular burden at baseline.

Executive testing predicts functional loss in subjects with white matter lesions.

In order to assess ecological validity of executive function (EF) tests and the impact of EF dysfunction on functional status in elderly subjects with moderate and severe subcortical white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), we made a correlation analysis between EF scores and two measures of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Trail-making test and CLOX correlated with the ability to perform IADL in subjects with severe WMH. EF tests might present low ecological validity for those with WMH below severe stage.

Vascular Factors and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of vascular factors on the degree of intensity and rate of progression of cognitive disorders in the course of Alzheimer Disease (AD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research group consisted of 39 persons, all of whom were diagnosed with AD according to the NINCDS/ADRDA criteria. We divided these patients into 2 subgroups, based on the vascular factors measured by the modified Hachinski Ischemic Scale (Ha-mod): group A, without the vascular component (HA-mod score of 0-1 point), and group B, with the vascular component (a score over 1 point). Cognitive functions were evaluated at baseline and again 2 years later, using the Cognitive Part of the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog). RESULTS: We found that the patients from subgroup B, with the stronger vascular component, demonstrated the highest intensity of cognitive disorders at baseline, both in terms of the overall ADAS-cog score, and in the subscores for ideational praxis, orientation, spoken language ability, comprehension of spoken language, and word-finding difficulty in spontaneous speech. Another variable which was connected with the intensity of dementia was age. After 2 years, however, the rate of progression of cognitive disorders was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of vascular factors correlates directly with the intensity of cognitive disturbances. At the 2-year follow-up examination, however, no correlation was observed in the research group between greater vascular involvement and more rapid progression of cognitive disorders, as measured by the ADAS-cog scale.

A content analysis of cognitive and affective uses of patient support groups for rare and uncommon vascular diseases: comparisons of may thurner, thoracic outlet, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Rare disease patients are the predominant group of patients who are now connecting online to patient support groups, yet research on their uses of support groups has received little attention. This is a content analysis of three vascular diseases of differing degrees of rarity. Wall posts from Facebook patient support groups for May Thurner syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome were analyzed over a period of two years. Using Uses and Gratifications as the theoretical framework, the study purpose was to assess how variations in health condition and rarity of condition affect online support group user needs. Results indicated common main cognitive and affective uses across conditions, indicating a consistent pattern of needs communicated by all patients. However, there were nuanced differences in subcategories of cognitive and affective uses between the most and least rare disorders, which inform areas for tailored support mechanisms. Additionally, these vascular patients used their respective support groups primarily for cognitive reasons, especially for the rarest conditions, which informs of basic medical informational needs these patients face related to tests, treatment, surgery, and diagnoses.

Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity Associated with Vascular Depression or Apathy in Community-Dwelling Elderly Subjects: The Sefuri Study.

BACKGROUND: Although physical inactivity is a major public health problem, the causative factors for physical inactivity per se are poorly understood. To address this issue, we investigated the relationship between deep white matter lesions (DWMLs) on magnetic resonance imaging, apathy, and physical activities using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS: We examined 317 community-dwelling elderly subjects (137 men and 180 women with a mean age of 64.5 years) without dementia or clinically apparent depression. Physical activity was assessed with a questionnaire consisting of 3 components (leisure-time, work, and sport activities). RESULTS: The mean score from the apathy scale (a visual analogue version of Starkstein's apathy scale) of the Grades 2-3 DWML group was 420 (95% confidence interval [CI] 379-461), which was lower (more apathetic) than the Grade 0 DWML group score of 478 (95% CI 463-492) after adjustment for education as a covariate. SEM showed that the direct paths from DWMLs or education to apathy were significant, and the direct path from apathy to leisure-time activity was highly significant (ß = .25, P < .001). The degree of apathetic behavior was negatively associated with sport activity in female subjects and positively associated with TV watching in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that DWMLs are one of the major factors that cause apathetic behavior and that apathy has significant negative effects on leisure-time physical activity in community-dwelling elderly subjects. Even a minor level of apathy without major depression would have a significant impact on activities of daily living and quality of life.

[Peculiarities of treatment of chronic venous diseases in Russia. Preliminary results of the "VEIN ACT Program"].

Presented herein are the results of the Russian part of the International Research Program "VEIN ACT" aimed at studying the structure of variants of conservative treatment for chronic venous diseases in the Russian Federation, assessing its efficacy and safety, as well as monitoring of patient compliance. The obtained findings demonstrated high popularity, among both physicians and patients, of phlebotrophic drugs, determining high patient's adherence thereto. Recommendations on correction of the lifestyle were complied with by more than 80% of patients, however frequently not in the full scale. Noted was sufficiently low compliance to compression therapy, manifesting itself as a decrease in the class of compression and irregular use thereof in more than 30% of patients. Usefulness of conservative therapy was objectively proved, consisting in satisfaction with treatment and a statistically significant decrease in severity of symptoms of chronic venous diseases in the overwhelming majority of patients.

The Hachinski ischemic scale and cognition: the influence of ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: cardiovascular burden is considered a risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. While this link is well established in the literature, implementing this work in primary care settings remains a challenge. The goal of this study is to examine the utility of the Hachinski Ischemic Scale (HIS) in identifying cognitive dysfunction and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in an ethnically diverse sample. METHODS: data were analysed on 517 participants (211 Mexican Americans and 306 non-Hispanic Whites) recruited from Project FRONTIER, a study of rural health. Neuropsychological measures were utilised to assess for cognitive functioning. RESULTS: among non-Hispanic Whites, HIS scores were significantly related to poorer performance on tasks of global cognition [B (SE) = -0.13 (0.06), P = 0.02], immediate memory [B (SE) = -0.85 (0.26), P < 0.001], attention [B (SE) = -1.6 (0.36), P < 0.001] and executive functioning [B (SE) = 0.46 (0.12), P < 0.001], and significantly predicted diagnosis of MCI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-1.6]. For Mexican Americans, HIS scores were significantly related to immediate memory [B (SE) = -0.78 (0.28), P = 0.01], attention [B (SE) = -0.74 (0.36), P = 0.04] and executive functioning [B (SE) = 0.37 (0.14), P = 0.01]; however, HIS scores were not significantly related to diagnosis of MCI in Mexican Americans (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.96-1.4, P = 0.116). CONCLUSION: HIS scores were related to cognitive functioning; however, these results differed by ethnicity. It is possible that these findings indicate that vascular factors may increase risk for MCI among non-Hispanic Whites but not for Mexican Americans. These findings are consistent with past research that suggests risk factors for MCI may differ by ethnicity.

Chronic venous disease treated with endovenous microwave ablation: long-terms results and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation is considered to be safe for treatment in chronic venous disease patients, but data is lacking about its long-terms results. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 2009-June 2012, 100 patients underwent endovenous microwave ablation. Demographic data, post-operative complication, and CIVIQ-2 questionnaire scores were recorded. Microwave energy was set at 50-65 watts and the pull back speed was 3 cm/minute. RESULTS: C2 was a common finding, (59.6%). Mean follow-up time was 25.2 months and the most immediate complication was numbness (32.1%) with permanent numbness at 3.8%. Quality of life as determined by CIVIQ-2 score changedfrom 32 before operation to 24 after operation (p<0.001). Complete venous occlusion rate was 79.8% and the rate of partial venous occlusion with no venous reflux was 8.7%. CONCLUSION: Endovenous microwave ablation can be used safely. It could be an alternative treatment for patients with chronic venous disease.