Congenital segmental dilatation of the colon in a newborn: a radiologic perspective of an unusual entity.

A newborn with congenital segmental dilatation of the intestine affecting the colon is presented. This rare condition, unrelated to Hirschsprung's disease, may affect any portion of the bowel and is characterized by focal dilatation of a segment of bowel flanked by normal proximal and distal bowel. While reported in the surgical literature, congenital segmental dilatation of the intestine has not been reported in the pediatric radiology literature even though pediatric radiologists may be the first to encounter imaging suggesting the diagnosis. We therefore present the characteristic imaging findings, including abdominal radiographs and images from a contrast enema, and discuss the clinical presentation, pathology findings, associations, treatment, and prognosis of congenital segmental dilatation of the intestine to increase awareness of this unusual diagnosis.

Etiological Diagnosis of Linear-Array Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Distal Common Bile Duct Dilatation.

ABSTRACT: The etiology of distal common bile duct (CBD) dilatation is complex. Linear-array endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can not only visualize the distal and surrounding structures of the bile duct closely but also obtain pathological specimens by fine-needle aspiration, which provides an important basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of linear-array EUS in the etiology of distal CBD dilatation. Patients with distal CBD dilatation underwent linear-array EUS in the endoscopic center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Kunshan were collected from January 2015 to June 2019. The pathology results after surgery, endoscopic pathology, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of linear-array EUS and CT or MRI was compared. For the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, the diagnostic accuracy of linear-array EUS was 97.5%, which was significantly higher than that of MRI (86.36%) and CT (89.74) (P < 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of linear-array EUS for periampullary tumors was 93.75%, which was higher than MRI and CT with an accuracy of 82.73% and 80.34% (P = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Linear EUS was effective for the etiological diagnosis of distal CBD dilatation.

Imaging Changes and Clinical Complications After Drug-Eluting Bead Versus Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND. Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has emerged as an alternative to conventional TACE (cTACE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although selection between the approaches remains controversial. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare DEB-TACE and cTACE in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC in terms of hepatobiliary changes on imaging and clinical complications. METHODS. This retrospective study included 1002 patients (871 men, 131 women; mean age, 59 ± 12 years) from three centers who had previously untreated unresectable HCC and underwent DEB-TACE with epirubicin (780 procedures in 394 patients) or cTACE with ethiodized oil mixed with doxorubicin and oxaliplatin (1187 procedures in 608 patients) between May 2016 and November 2018. Among these patients 83.4% had hepatitis B-related liver disease, 57.6% had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A or B HCC, and 42.4% had three or more nodules. Mean tumor size was 6.3 ± 4.2 cm. Hepatobiliary changes and tumor response were evaluated with CT or MRI 1 month after TACE. Clinical records were reviewed for adverse events. RESULTS. Bile duct dilatation (p < .001) and portal vein narrowing (p = .006) on imaging and liver failure (p = .03) and grade 3 abdominal pain (p < .001) in clinical follow-up occurred at higher frequency in the DEB-TACE group (15.5%, 4.6%, 2.3%, and 6.1%) than in the cTACE (7.4%, 1.6%, 0.7%, and 2.1%) group. Higher frequency of bile duct dilation in patients who underwent DEB-TACE was observed in subgroup analyses that included patients with BCLC stage A or B HCC (p = .001), with cirrhosis (p < .001), without cirrhosis (p = .04), and without main portal vein tumor thrombus (p = .002). Total bilirubin level 1 month after treatment was 1.5 ± 2.4 mg/dL (95% CI, 1.2-1.8 mg/dL) for DEB-TACE versus 1.3 ± 2.0 mg/dL (95% CI, 1.1-1.5 mg/dL) for cTACE (p = .02). The cTACE and DEB-TACE groups did not differ in other manifestations of postembolization syndrome or systemic toxicity (p > .05). Local tumor disease control rates did not differ between the cTACE and DEB-TACE groups (1 month, 96.7% vs 98.5%, p = .06; 3 months, 81.8% vs 82.4%, p = .87), but overall DCR was significantly higher in the cTACE than in the DEB-TACE group (1 month, 87.5% vs 80.0%, p = .001; 3 months, 78.5% vs 72.1%, p = .02). CONCLUSION. Compared with cTACE, DEB-TACE was associated with greater frequency of hepatobiliary injury and severe abdominal pain. CLINICAL IMPACT. Greater caution and closer follow-up are warranted for patients who undergo DEB-TACE for unresectable HCC than for those who undergo cTACE.

Abdominal distension after eating lettuce: The role of intestinal gas evaluated in vitro and by abdominal CT imaging.

BACKGROUND: Some patients complain that eating lettuce, gives them gas and abdominal distention. Our aim was to determine to what extent the patients' assertion is sustained by evidence. METHODS: An in vitro study measured the amount of gas produced during the process of fermentation by a preparation of human colonic microbiota (n = 3) of predigested lettuce, as compared to beans, a high gas-releasing substrate, to meat, a low gas-releasing substrate, and to a nutrient-free negative control. A clinical study in patients complaining of abdominal distention after eating lettuce (n = 12) measured the amount of intestinal gas and the morphometric configuration of the abdominal cavity in abdominal CT scans during an episode of lettuce-induced distension as compared to basal conditions. KEY RESULTS: Gas production by microbiota fermentation of lettuce in vitro was similar to that of meat (P = .44), lower than that of beans (by 78 ± 15%; P < .001) and higher than with the nutrient-free control (by 25 ± 19%; P = .05). Patients complaining of abdominal distension after eating lettuce exhibited an increase in girth (35 ± 3 mm larger than basal; P < .001) without significant increase in colonic gas content (39 ± 4 mL increase; P = .071); abdominal distension was related to a descent of the diaphragm (by 7 ± 3 mm; P = .027) with redistribution of normal abdominal contents. CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: Lettuce is a low gas-releasing substrate for microbiota fermentation and lettuce-induced abdominal distension is produced by an uncoordinated activity of the abdominal walls. Correction of the somatic response might be more effective than the current dietary restriction strategy.

Homoarginine Supplementation Prevents Left Ventricular Dilatation and Preserves Systolic Function in a Model of Coronary Artery Disease.

Background Homoarginine ( hA rg) has been shown to be cardioprotective in a model of ischemic heart failure; however, the mechanism remains unknown. hA rg can inhibit tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase ( TNAP ), an enzyme that promotes vascular calcification. We hypothesized that hA rg will exert beneficial effects by reducing calcification in a mouse model of coronary artery disease associated with TNAP overexpression and hypercholesterolemia. Methods and Results TNAP was overexpressed in the endothelium in mice homozygous for a low-density lipoprotein receptor mutation (wicked high cholesterol [ WHC ] allele). WHC and WHC -endothelial TNAP mice received placebo or hA rg supplementation (14 mg/L in drinking water) starting at 6 weeks of age simultaneously with an atherogenic diet. Outcomes were compared between the groups after 4 to 5 weeks on treatment. Experiments were performed in males, which presented a study limitation. As expected, WHC -endothelial TNAP mice on the placebo had increased mortality (median survival 27 days, P<0.0001), increased coronary calcium and lipids ( P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ( P<0.0001), reduced ejection fraction ( P<0.05), and increased myocardial fibrosis ( P<0.0001) compared with WHC mice. Contrary to our hypothesis, hA rg neither inhibited TNAP activity in vivo nor reduced coronary artery calcification and atherosclerosis in WHC -endothelial TNAP mice; however, compared with the placebo, hA rg prevented left ventricular dilatation ( P<0.01), preserved ejection fraction ( P<0.05), and reduced myocardial fibrosis ( P<0.001). Conclusions The beneficial effect of hA rg supplementation in the setting of calcified coronary artery disease is likely due to its direct protective actions on the myocardial response to the ischemic injury and not to the inhibition of TNAP activity and calcification.

Flavanone-rich citrus beverages counteract the transient decline in postprandial endothelial function in humans: a randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study.

Specific flavonoid-rich foods/beverages are reported to exert positive effects on vascular function; however, data relating to effects in the postprandial state are limited. The present study investigated the postprandial, time-dependent (0-7 h) impact of citrus flavanone intake on vascular function. An acute, randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study was conducted by including middle-aged healthy men (30-65 years, n 28) to assess the impact of flavanone intake (orange juice: 128·9 mg; flavanone-rich orange juice: 272·1 mg; homogenised whole orange: 452·8 mg; isoenergetic control: 0 mg flavanones) on postprandial (double meal delivering a total of 81 g of fat) endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery at 0, 2, 5 and 7 h. Plasma levels of naringenin/hesperetin metabolites (sulphates and glucuronides) and nitric oxide species were also measured. All flavanone interventions were effective at attenuating transient impairments in FMD induced by the double meal (7 h post intake; P<0·05), but no dose-response effects were observed. The effects on FMD coincided with the peak of naringenin/hesperetin metabolites in circulation (7 h) and sustained levels of plasma nitrite. In summary, citrus flavanones are effective at counteracting the negative impact of a sequential double meal on human vascular function, potentially through the actions of flavanone metabolites on nitric oxide.

Which bowel preparation is best? Comparison of a high-fibre diet leaflet, daily microenema and no preparation in prostate cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy to assess the effect on planned target volume shifts due to rectal distension.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated and compared a high-fibre diet leaflet, daily microenema and no preparation to establish how best to achieve consistent bowel preparation in prostate cancer patients being treated with radical radiotherapy. METHODS: 3 cohorts of 10 patients had different dietary interventions: no bowel preparation, high-fibre diet information leaflet and daily microenemas. The available cone beam CT (CBCT) scans of each patient were used to quantify interfractional changes in rectal distension (measured using average cross-sectional area-CSA), prostate shifts relative to bony anatomy compared with that at CT planning scan and rates of geometric miss (i.e. shifts of ≥5 mm). 85 CBCT scans were available in the pre-leaflet cohort, 89 scans in the post-leaflet, and 89 scans in the post-enema group. RESULTS: Mean rectal CSA in the post-enema group was reduced compared with both pre-leaflet (p=0.010) and post-leaflet values (p=0.031). The magnitude of observed mean prostate shifts was significantly reduced in the post-enema group compared with the pre-leaflet group (p=0.014). The proportion of scans showing geometric miss (i.e. shift >5 mm) in the post-enema group (31%) was significantly lower than in the pre-leaflet (62%, p<0.001) or post-leaflet groups (56%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicates microenema to be an effective measure to achieve reduction in rectal CSA, prostate shift and reduce geometric miss of ≥5 mm. A further prospective randomised study is advocated to validate the results. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The use of microenema is effective in reducing prostate shift and rectal CSA, consequently decreasing the incidence of geographical miss.

Gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in children with sickle cell anemia: correlation with echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: The heart is one of the organs affected by sickle cell anemia (SCA). This prospective study has aimed to evaluate myocardial perfusion and left ventricle (LV) function in children with SCA by gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (G-MPS) and to compare the results with echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Forty-three patients with SCA were evaluated by G-MPS and echocardiography. Myocardial perfusion and motion with thickening function were analyzed both visually and quantitatively. End-diastolic (EDV), end-systolic volumes (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), lung-to-heart (L/H) ratio were also calculated. RESULTS: None of the patients showed stress perfusion impairment in G-MPS. LV dilatation in 15 patients was observed both by G-MPS and echocardiography. EF values were within normal limits. Correlation between EF values calculated by two methods was not statistically significant. However, LV dilatation detected by both methods and EDV-ESV values in G-MPS were correlated to end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters calculated in echocardiography (p<0.05). M-Mode echocardiography revealed higher myocardial performance index (LV-MPI) in patients with LV dilatation. There was also a significant relationship between LV dilatation and frequent blood transfusions (>5/years) and acute chest syndrome (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Myocardial perfusion impairment in children with SCA is not frequently observed. Thus, performing the scintigraphy only in patients with cardiac symptoms should be considered. Since EF values of the children with SCA are not deteriorated in early stages, LV-MPI and LV dilatation should be considered as a significant parameter other than EF or perfusion data.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids early supplementation improves ultrasound indices of endothelial function, but not through NO inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction: N-3 PUFA supplementation in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate early initiated one month n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation effects on ultrasound indices of endothelial function and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Forty patients with AMI and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were recruited into the study and randomized to the study group (group P; n = 20; standard therapy + n-3 PUFA 1 g daily) or the control group (group C; n = 20; standard therapy). Ultrasound indices of endothelial function: flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilatation (NMD) and serum ADMA concentrations (ELISA) were obtained before and after one month (30 ± 1 days) therapy (presented as means ± standard deviations). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between both groups in mean delta (baseline/after one month) FMD (P: 8.1 ± 12.6% vs C: -2.2 ± 11.8%; p = 0.02) with no difference in mean delta NMD (P: 3.3 ± 11.9% vs 0.66 ± 14.3%; p = 0.53). We found also a significant increase in mean FMD (7.4 ± 6.4 to 15.5 ± 10.5%; p = 0.02) with a nonsignificant change in mean NMD values (26.9 ± 12.1 to 30.2 ± 14.0%; p = 0.24) after 1-month therapy with n-3 PUFA. FMD and NMD mean values did not change in control patients (FMD: 11.6 ± 6.1% to 9.4 ± 8.0%; p = 0.5 NMD: 25.1 ± 11.4% to 25.8 ± 14.0%; p = 0.84). The comparison of mean delta ADMA values for both groups revealed no differences (P: 6.2 ± 9.7 µmol/l vs C: 3.6 ± 9.5 µmol/l; p = 0.43). Mean serum ADMA concentrations were significantly increased after 1-month therapy in the group P (P: 2.1 ± 1.8 to 8.3 ± 9.7 µmol/l; p = 0.001; C: 4.5 ± 7.1 to 8.1 ± 9.5 µmol/l; p = 0.09). However, there was a nonsignificant difference in mean baseline serum ADMA levels between both groups (P: 2.1 ± 1.8 µmol/l vs C: 4.5 ± 7.1 µmol/l; p = 0.32). There were no significant correlations between FMD, NMD, ADMA levels and demographic, clinical or biochemical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Early and short-term n-3 PUFA supplementation improved ultrasound indices of endothelial function without affecting serum ADMA levels in patients with AMI and successful primary PCI.

Potential benefits of combined N-acetylcysteine and ciprofloxacin therapy in partial biliary obstruction.

This study investigates the potential benefits of antibiotics and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent, in patients who are candidates for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to partial bile duct obstruction. In total, 102 patients who had choledocholithiasis and choledochal dilatations by abdominal ultrasonography were included in the study. The patients were divided into placebo and NAC therapy groups. Physiological saline (equal volume with NAC solution) and ciprofloxacin (2 × 200 mg/d intravenously) were administered to the placebo group, and NAC (1800 mg/d intravenously) and ciprofloxacin (2 × 200 mg/d intravenously) were administered to the NAC group. In both groups, treatment protocols were administered for 7 days before ERCP. Total and direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), white blood cell (WBC) count, and neutrophil percent (NE%) levels were measured before the 7-day treatment protocol. The same measurements were also evaluated before ERCP. In the NAC group, the levels of ALP, GGT, WBC, CRP, and NE% decreased significantly (P < .001), whereas a significant decrease did not occur in the placebo group. The combined usage of NAC and ciprofloxacin can be an alternative therapeutic option until ERCP is performed in partial cholestatic patients.

A practical approach to the management of pediatric fecal incontinence.

We describe the rationale and key aspects for success of a bowel management program for the treatment of pediatric fecal incontinence. A retrospective review was done of the medical strategies used for the treatment of over a 1000 patients with fecal incontinent, combining the experience of the authors' previously published reports (Peña A, Guardino K, Tovilla JM, et al. J Pediatr Surg 1998; 33:133-137 and Bischoff A, Levitt MA, Bauer C, et al. J Pediatr Surg 2009; 44:1278-1284) and additional treated patients after those publications. Emphasis was placed on the review of the key factors needed to achieve success. Through the years, we have learned important lessons that resulted in our current strategy which allows us to obtain better results than earlier in our series. At present, the key aspects for success are (a) to distinguish between true fecal incontinence and pseudoincontinence; (b) to determine the characteristics of the colon (dilated or nondilated), ascertained by looking at the patient's contrast enema, and determine the treatment strategy from this; (c) to monitor the result of the enema (amount of stool left in the colon) with daily abdominal radiographs during a 1-week period; and (d) to thereby modify the type of enema daily, depending on the clinical result, and the abdominal radiograph. Following a systematic rationale in the classification of patients with fecal incontinence and applying selectively, individualized management, it is possible to achieve a 95% success rate in patients suffering from fecal incontinence.

Low-level laser irradiation inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm progression in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

AIMS: Increased early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the severe complications of its current treatment have emphasized the need for alternative therapeutic strategies that target pathogenetic mechanisms of progression and rupture. Recent in vitro studies from our laboratory have shown that low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) (780 nm) modifies cellular processes fundamental to aneurysm progression. The present study was designed to determine whether LLLI retards the progression of suprarenal AAA in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: High-frequency ultrasonography (0.01 mm resolution) was used to quantify the effect of LLLI on aneurysmatic aortic dilatation from baseline to 4 weeks after subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II by osmotic minipumps in the apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse. At 4 weeks, seven of 15 non-irradiated, but none of the 13 LLLI, mice had aneurysmal dilatation in the suprarenal aneurysm-prone segments that had progressed to >or=50% increase in maximal cross-sectional diameter (CSD) over baseline (P = 0.005 by Fisher's exact test). The mean CSD of the suprarenal segments (normalized individually to inter-renal control segments) was also significantly lower in irradiated animals (LLLI vs. non-irradiated: 1.32 +/- 0.14 vs. 1.82 +/- 0.39, P = 0.0002 by unpaired, two-tailed t-test) with a 94% reduction in CSD at 4 weeks compared with baseline. M-mode ultrasound data showed that reduced radial wall velocity seen in non-treated was significantly attenuated in the LLLI mice, suggesting a substantial effect on arterial wall elasticity. CONCLUSION: These in vivo studies, together with previous in vitro studies from this laboratory, appear to provide strong evidence in support of a role for LLLI in the attenuation of aneurysm progression. Further studies in large animals would appear to be the next step towards testing the applicability of this technology to the human interventional setting.

Sonographic discrimination of corticobasal degeneration vs progressive supranuclear palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of brain parenchyma sonography (BPS) in discriminating between patients with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). METHODS: Thirteen patients with PSP and eight with CBD were studied with BPS according to a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Seven (88%) of the eight CBD patients showed marked hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) but none of eleven PSP patients (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). This finding indicated CBD with a positive predictive value of 100%. Marked dilatation of the third ventricle (width > 10 mm) was found in 10 (83%) of 12 PSP patients, but in none of the CBD patients (p < 0.005). BPS measurements of ventricle widths closely matched MRI measurements (Pearson correlation, r = 0.90, p < 0.001). The presence of at least one of the BPS findings 1) marked SN hyperechogenicity and 2) third-ventricle width < 10 mm indicated CBD with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 83%, and a positive predictive value of 80%. Other BPS findings such as echogenicity of lentiform and caudate nuclei and widths of the frontal horns did not discriminate between CBD and PSP. One PSP patient could not be assessed because of insufficient acoustic temporal bone windows. CONCLUSIONS: Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity, reported earlier as characteristic brain parenchyma sonography finding in idiopathic Parkinson disease, is also typical for corticobasal degeneration.

Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome with bilateral duplicated systems.

A 29-year-old multigravida woman presented for her second prenatal ultrasound evaluation at 30 weeks of gestation. The study showed a female fetus, bilateral duplicated systems with severe hydronephrosis in the upper pole moieties and a massively distended bladder. Initial interpretation suggested ectopic/obstructing bilateral ureteroceles. To evaluate these findings further, a prenatal magnetic resonance imaging scan was obtained, documenting the absence of ureteroceles. The presumptive diagnosis of megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome was made. After birth, contrast enema confirmed the presence of microcolon. This appears to be the first reported case of megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome with bilateral duplex systems evaluated with prenatal magnetic resonance imaging.

Surgical management of chronic unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence associated with megarectum: A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Functional constipation with associated fecal incontinence responds poorly to medical management once megarectum has developed. The authors describe resecting the dilated rectum and inserting a cecostomy button for antegrade enemas in this difficult condition. METHODS: Four children, ages 9 to 15 years, with a history of unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence were referred for evaluation after not responding to medical management. All patients had exhibited normal lumbosacral magnetic resonance images (MRI) and open rectal biopsies; however, all 4 patients had a megarectum on contrast enema. In addition, anorectal manometry was consistent with functional fecal retention. The dilated rectum was resected by anastamosing the nondilated sigmoid colon to the distal rectum, and a standard gastrostomy button was inserted into the cecum for antegrade enemas. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 8 to 60 months). RESULTS: Constipation and incontinence resolved within 6 months in all patients, and all children remained continent without the aid of cathartic agents. There were no postoperative episodes of fecal impaction. The only complication was antibiotic-associated diarrhea in 1 patient. Cecostomy buttons were removed at 1 year postplacement in all 4 patients with continued success. Three patients underwent repeat anorectal manometry; all 3 had normal rectal sensory threshold volumes and anorectal inhibitory reflexes. Barium studies also were obtained in the 3 patients without evidence of recurrent rectal dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Refractory constipation and incontinence associated with megarectum may be amenable to surgical intervention in selected patients. The authors' limited experience suggests that proctectomy and button cecostomy is an effective treatment option that improves the quality of life in these patients. Furthermore, proctectomy alone may be curative.

Effects of long-term and reduced-dose hormone replacement therapy on endothelial function and intima-media thickness in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Short-term estrogen therapy improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women. However, there are few reports on its long-term effects on endothelial function and carotid intima-media thickness. Further, we determined whether a reduced dosage of estrogen may maintain its beneficial effects. DESIGN: Eighteen postmenopausal women (53.7+/-1.1 years) who had been diagnosed as having osteoporosis were enrolled. Among them, 11 women were prescribed oral conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg per day, and 7 women were prescribed an oral calcium supplement as the control group. Each patient decided whether she would take hormone replacement therapy or a calcium supplement. We performed ultrasound measurement of endothelial function of the brachial artery and carotid intima-media thickness. Examinations were scheduled to be performed pre-therapy and after 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of therapy. RESULTS: After three years of therapy, 6 women in the hormone replacement therapy group agreed to take half the dose of oral conjugated estrogen. Improvement of flow-mediated dilatation was observed at 3 months and the improvement was preserved up to 36 months. A similar improvement was also observed while women were on hormone replacement therapy even at the reduced dosage. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in the control group increased after 12 months, which was not observed in the hormone replacement therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that even at half the dose of estrogen, hormone replacement therapy may improve endothelial function and prevent the progression of carotid intima-media thickening in postmenopausal women.

Coenzyme Q improves LDL resistance to ex vivo oxidation but does not enhance endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic young adults.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may cause arterial endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemic subjects. Antioxidants can protect LDL from oxidation and therefore improve endothelial function. Dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q (CoQ(10)) raises its level within LDL, which may subsequently become more resistant to oxidation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether oral supplementation of CoQ(10) (50 mg three times daily) is effective in reducing ex vivo LDL oxidizability and in improving vascular endothelial function. Twelve nonsmoking healthy adults with hypercholesterolemia (age 34+/-10 years, nine women and three men, total cholesterol 7.4+/-1.1 mmol/l) and endothelial dysfunction (below population mean) at baseline were randomized to receive CoQ(10) or matching placebo in a double-blind crossover study (active/placebo phase 4 weeks, washout 4 weeks). Flow-mediated (FMD, endothelium-dependent) and nitrate-mediated (NMD, smooth muscle-dependent) arterial dilatation were measured by high-resolution ultrasound. CoQ(10) treatment increased plasma CoQ(10) levels from 1.1 +/-0.5 to 5.0+/-2.8 micromol/l (p =.009) but had no significant effect on FMD (4.3+/-2.4 to 5.1+/-3.6 %, p =.99), NMD (21.6+/-6.1 to 20.7+/-7.8 %, p = .38) or serum LDL-cholesterol levels (p = .51). Four subjects were selected randomly for detailed analysis of LDL oxidizability using aqueous peroxyl radicals as the oxidant. In this subgroup, CoQ(10) supplementation significantly increased the time for CoQ(10)H(2) depletion upon oxidant exposure of LDL by 41+/-19 min (p = .04) and decreased the extent of lipid hydroperoxide accumulation after 2 hours by 50+/-37 micromol/l (p =.04). We conclude that dietary supplementation with CoQ(10) decreases ex-vivo LDL oxidizability but has no significant effect on arterial endothelial function in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Tortuosity of the vertebral artery resulting in vertebral erosion.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case of a patient with unilateral vertebral artery tortuosity and dilatation resulting in vertebral body and transverse foramen erosion. An emphasis is placed on diagnostic imaging. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 45-year-old man had a frozen shoulder and headaches. Previous arm pain, numbness, and a cold extremity were the result of occlusion of the subclavian artery and had been treated with a subclavian-carotid bypass procedure. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: As a result of the angiographic detection of the left vertebral artery dilatation and tortuosity and the concomitant hypoplastic right vertebral artery, high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation of the cervical spine was contraindicated. However, the patient's symptoms were not related to these findings. Alternatively, low-force manipulation of the cervical spine, shoulder range of motion and muscle techniques were used, and the patient's symptoms diminished significantly with improved shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to be alert to clinical presentations and appropriate imaging protocols in cases of suggested vertebral artery anomaly.

Gastroschisis: a radiological and clinical review.

A retrospective clinico-radiological review was undertaken of 66 consecutive cases of gastroschisis managed at our institution between August 1982 and February 1993. The condition's morbidity and mortality were reviewed, as were its radiological features and their impact upon management. All patients underwent surgery in the first 24 h of life, and the overall survival rate was 92 %. The finding of bowel atresia at operation was associated with a particularly poor outcome, with only two out of five infants surviving. A minority of infants developed serious complications including necrotizing enterocolitis, short-bowel syndrome, persistent small-bowel dysfunction and cholestatic jaundice. Investigation by plain films, contrast studies and ultrasound examinations was necessary and helpful in these patients. Plain film radiography commonly revealed bowel-wall thickening and luminal dilatation, frequently accompanied by generalised abdominal distension. Small-bowel enema was considered to be superior to the conventional follow-through in distinguishing mechanical from functional obstruction in infants with persistent bowel dilatation.