Comparison of office, home and ambulatory blood pressure measurements in hypertensive and suspected hypertensive SWICOS participants.

PURPOSE: Hypertension should be confirmed with the use of home BP measurement (HBPM) or 24h ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM). The aim of our study was to compare measurements obtained by OBPM, HBPM and ABPM in individuals with elevated OBPM participating in the population-based Swiss Longitudinal Cohort Study (SWICOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants with OBPM ≥140/90 mmHg assessed their BP using HBPM and ABPM. The cut-off for hypertension was ≥135/85 mmHg for HBPM, ≥130/80 mmHg for ABPM. White-coat hypertension (WCH) was defined as normal HPBM and ABPM in participants not taking antihypertensive drugs. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as hypertension in HBPM or ABPM despite antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: Of 72 hypertensive subjects with office BP ≥140/90 mmHg and valid measurements of HBPM and ABPM, 39 were males (aged 62.8 ± 11.8y), 33 were females (aged 57.4 ± 14.2y). Hypertension was confirmed with HBPM and ABPM in 17 participants (24%), with ABPM only in 24 further participants (33%), and with HBPM only in 2 further participants (3%). Participants who had hypertension according to ABPM but not HBPM were younger (59 ± 11 y versus 67 ± 16 y; p < 0.001) and more frequently still working (83% versus 23%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of WCH was 28%. Among the 32 subjects taking antihypertensive drugs, uncontrolled hypertension was found in 49%. CONCLUSION: This population-based study found a high prevalence of WCH and potential uncontrolled hypertension among individuals with elevated OBPM. This study, therefore, supports the ESH recommendations of complementing OBPM by ABPM or HBPM. The use of HBPM instead of ABPM for the confirmation of hypertension in individuals with elevated OBPM might lead to underdiagnosis and uncontrolled hypertension, in particular in the younger working population. In these individuals, this study suggests using ABPM instead of HBPM.

What is already known?Comparing blood pressure measurements in the doctor's office or clinic (OBPM) with out-of-office measurements (either self-measurement at home (HBPM) or ambulatory over 24 hours during both day and night times (ABPM)) improves the accuracy of hypertension diagnosis.Why was the study done?This study was done to provide additional information by comparing HBPM and ABPM in individuals with elevated OPBMs (≥140/≥90mmHg), who participated in the Swiss Longitudinal Cohort Study (SWICOS)What was found?Our study confirmed differences between office and out-of-office measurements. In 60% of the study participants, ABPM or HBPM confirmed the elevated OBPM but only around half of these participants were treated with antihypertensive drugs. A high proportion of the participants (28%) had white coat hypertension.What does this study add?Our study adds to the literature already available on this issue by reporting on data obtained from a cohort of individuals living in a countryside area of Southern Switzerland.This study also showed that HBPM might underestimate BP in the younger working population.How might this impact on clinical practice?The findings of this population-based study support the European Society of Hypertension recommendations for wider use of out-of-office blood pressure measurement for the confirmation of hypertension in individuals with elevated OBPM to avoid underdiagnosis and uncontrolled hypertension.In the young working population, ABPM should be used instead of only HBPM to confirm hypertension.

Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI): A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: In older patients, sarcopenia is a prevalent disease associated with negative outcomes. Sarcopenia has been investigated in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but the criteria for diagnosis of the disease are heterogeneous. This systematic review of the current literature aims to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing TAVI and to analyse the impact of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature has been performed in electronic databases from the date of initiation until March 2020. Using a pre-defined search strategy, we identified studies assessing skeletal muscle mass, muscle quality and muscle function as measures for sarcopenia in patients undergoing TAVI. We evaluated how sarcopenia affects the outcomes mortality at ≥1 year, prolonged length of hospital stay, and functional decline. RESULTS: We identified 18 observational studies, enrolling a total number of 9'513 patients. For assessment of skeletal muscle mass, all included studies used data from computed tomography. Cut-off points for definition of low muscle mass were heterogeneous, and prevalence of sarcopenia varied between 21.0% and 70.2%. In uni- or multivariate regression analysis of different studies, low muscle mass was found to be a significant predictor of mortality, prolonged length of hospital stay, and functional decline. No interventional study was identified measuring the effect of nutritional or physiotherapy interventions on sarcopenia in TAVI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among patients undergoing TAVI, and negatively affects important outcomes. Early diagnosis of this condition might allow a timely start of nutritional and physiotherapy interventions to prevent negative outcomes in TAVI patients.

Time to relapse after tildrakizumab withdrawal in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were responders at week 28: post hoc analysis through 64 weeks from reSURFACE 1 trial.

BACKGROUND: As treatment interruptions occur during psoriasis management in clinical practice, it is important to know the duration of clinical response after treatment withdrawal. OBJECTIVES: To report time to and predictors of relapse in patients who were tildrakizumab 100 and 200 mg responders (≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI 75) at week 28 re-randomized to placebo from reSURFACE 1 trial. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis from a 64-week phase 3 trial. Relapse was primarily defined as loss of PASI 75 response. Both relapses defined as loss of PASI 90 and loss of absolute PASI < 2 response were included as sensitivity analyses. PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI < 2 responders re-randomized to placebo at week 28 and followed up until week 64 were included. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates of the 64-week relapse rate were calculated. The log-rank test to compare KM curves from responders to tildrakizumab 100 and 200 mg was used. Independent predictors of relapse were explored. RESULTS: Median time to loss of PASI 75/PASI 90/PASI < 2 response from week 28 was 142/111/112 days with tildrakizumab 100 mg and 172/140/113 days with tildrakizumab 200 mg, respectively (all not significant). Around 20% of patients did not relapse (either maintained a PASI 75 response or were lost to follow-up) during the 36-week period. Increase in body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio, HR [95% confidence interval, CI] for loss of PASI 75 response: 1.0345 [1.0112-1.0582]) and increase in disease duration (HR [95% CI]: 1.0151 [1.0028-1.0275] for loss of PASI 75 response) were associated with an increased risk of relapse, regardless of the relapse definition. CONCLUSIONS: When treatment is interrupted, tildrakizumab provides durable maintenance of efficacy with a median time to loss of PASI 75 response of 5-6 months, irrespective of the dose. Interventions on modifiable risk factors for relapse, such as BMI, may improve personalized long-term psoriasis management.

[Pulmonary nodules in a patient on long-term steroid treatment]. / Pulmonale Rundherde unter Steroid-Dauertherapie.

We report on a patient who was chronically treated with steroids. She simultaneously developed pulmonary nocardiosis as well as a soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis by mycobacterium abscessus. Both infections are rare, but more frequently occur in immunocompromised hosts. The patient was healed after 12 month of adequate antibiotic treatment.

Prediction of hypertensive crisis based on average, variability and approximate entropy of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Approximate entropy (ApEn) of blood pressure (BP) can be easily measured based on software analysing 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), but the clinical value of this measure is unknown. In a prospective study we investigated whether ApEn of BP predicts, in addition to average and variability of BP, the risk of hypertensive crisis. In 57 patients with known hypertension we measured ApEn, average and variability of systolic and diastolic BP based on 24-h ABPM. Eight of these fifty-seven patients developed hypertensive crisis during follow-up (mean follow-up duration 726 days). In bivariate regression analysis, ApEn of systolic BP (P<0.01), average of systolic BP (P=0.02) and average of diastolic BP (P=0.03) were significant predictors of hypertensive crisis. The incidence rate ratio of hypertensive crisis was 14.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8, 631.5; P<0.01) for high ApEn of systolic BP as compared to low values. In multivariable regression analysis, ApEn of systolic (P=0.01) and average of diastolic BP (P<0.01) were independent predictors of hypertensive crisis. A combination of these two measures had a positive predictive value of 75%, and a negative predictive value of 91%, respectively. ApEn, combined with other measures of 24-h ABPM, is a potentially powerful predictor of hypertensive crisis. If confirmed in independent samples, these findings have major clinical implications since measures predicting the risk of hypertensive crisis define patients requiring intensive follow-up and intensified therapy.

[Nasal polyps and osteolyses]. / Nasenpolypen und Osteolysen.

A 38-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of progressive leg pain. An x-ray film of both tibial bones showed multiple osteolysis. At the same time, nasal polyps were present. A biopsy of the tibial bone remained unclear. A carcinoma was not found. A biopsy of the nasal polyps revealed a Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease.

Mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells with vinorelbine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in multiple myeloma patients is reliable and cost effective.

Cyclophosphamide with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used to mobilize stem cells in multiple myeloma. Timing of collection is variable and incidence and severity of side effects is substantial. To optimize timing of collection, to reduce side effects and to limit costs of the procedure, we evaluated vinorelbine, a drug shown to have activity in multiple myeloma, in combination with G-CSF as mobilizing regimen. A total of 19 consecutive patients with advanced stage multiple myeloma received one dose of vinorelbine 35 mg/m(2) intravenously on day 1 in an outpatient setting and G-CSF 10 microg/kg/day from day 4 divided in two daily doses. Median CD34+ cell blood counts measured on day 8 of mobilization were 142 x 10(6)/l (range 57-467). One 15-l apheresis on day 8 resulted in sufficient stem cells (median 11.1 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, range 6.2-36.0 prior and median 7.5 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, range 4.0-20.2 post-positive CD34+ cell selection) for transplantation. Hematopoietic recovery was swift with ANC >0.5 x 10(9)/l on day 11 median (range 10-15) and platelets >20 x 10(9)/l on day 12 median (range 10-15) after reinfusion of the stem cells on day 0. No episodes of febrile neutropenia were observed during mobilization. In our institutions cost reduction for the procedure was about 1700 euros compared to the mobilization with cyclophosphamide and G-CSF. Vinorelbine and G-CSF allow precise timing and harvesting of sufficient stem cells, and might be an alternative to cyclophosphamide in the mobilization of stem cells for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma.

Microarrays of bladder cancer tissue are highly representative of proliferation index and histological grade.

The number of genes suggested to play a role in cancer biology is rapidly increasing. To be able to test a large number of molecular parameters in sufficiently large series of primary tumours, a tissue microarray (TMA) approach has been developed where samples from up to 1000 tumours can be simultaneously analysed on one glass slide. Because of the small size of the individual arrayed tissue samples (diameter 0.6 mm), the question arises of whether these specimens are representative of their donor tumours. To investigate how representative are the results obtained on TMAs, a set of 2317 bladder tumours that had been previously analysed for histological grade and Ki67 labelling index (LI) was used to construct four replica TMAs from different areas of each tumour. Clinical follow-up information was available from 1092 patients. The histological grade and the Ki67 LI were determined for every arrayed tumour sample (4x2317 analyses each). Despite discrepancies in individual cases, the grade and Ki67 information obtained on minute arrayed samples were highly similar to the data obtained on large sections (p<0.0001). Most importantly, every individual association between grade or Ki67 LI and tumour stage or prognosis (recurrence, progression, tumour-specific survival) that was observed in large section analysis could be fully reproduced on all four replica TMAs. These results show that intra-tumour heterogeneity does not significantly affect the ability to detect clinico-pathological correlations on TMAs, probably because of the large number of tumours that can be included in TMA studies. TMAs are a powerful tool for rapid identification of the biological or clinical significance of molecular alterations in bladder cancer and other tumour types.

'Viagra effect' - influence of mass media on patient behavior.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of modern mass media and communication on the public health system are well known. So far however, these different influences of the media have not been objectively evaluated by physician-patient contacts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study we asked urologists, primary care physicians and internists in private practices in Cologne and a rural area (Erftkreis, Germany) to quantify their weekly contacts with patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). The poll was conducted by four separately mailed questionnaires whereas a double counting was avoided. Between the second and third mailing, an unbelievable public attention was seen following the FDA approval of Viagra in the United States. When Viagra was available in Germany, a fourth questionnaire was sent (4 months later) to all practitioners (n = 751). RESULTS: During this time span, there was a statistically (p

[Ulcerating scrotal leiomyoma]. / Ulzeriertes skrotales Leiomyom.

A 74-years old patient is admitted to the hospital with a over a period of 4 years growing, scrotal, ulcerated tumor. There is no connection to the testicle or the epididymis palpable. All laboratory findings including the tumorparameters are normal. The scrotal sonography shows a solid tumor, that is filled with vessels in the Doppler sonography. The complete tumor resection with histological examination leads to the diagnosis of a scrotal leiomyoma. This rare, benign tumor is a differential diagnosis to paratesticular or non-germinal tumors.

Contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography of the splanchnic vasculature before and after caloric stimulation. Original investigation.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To develop a comprehensive noninvasive magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) strategy for the morphologic and functional assessment of the splanchnic arteries, based on a combination of breath-held contrast-enhanced 3D MRA and segmented k-space 2D phase-contrast acquisitions acquired before and after caloric stimulation. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were examined twice: once in the fasting state (6 hours with no food intake) and a second time following caloric stimulation with a standard 475-kcal meal. Flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) was quantitated using a 2D breath-held, segmented k-space phase-contrast (PC) acquisition in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the vessels, while vascular morphology was displayed with a contrast-enhanced 3D MRA acquisition consisting of 44 contiguous 2-mm sections, acquired in apnea (28 seconds). For comparative analysis, the splanchnic vasculature was divided into 11 segments and evaluated on a 2-point scale (cannot exclude pathology, can exclude pathology). RESULTS: Flow volume in the SMA increased from 2.3 ml/min/kg (+/- 0.9 ml/min kg) to 7.3 ml/min kg (+/- 4.7 ml/min kg) following caloric stimulation (P < 0.05). Flow in the SMV exceeded flow in the SMA and increased from 3.4 ml/min/kg (+/- 0.3 ml/min kg) to 9.1 ml/min/kg (+/- 4.8 ml/min/kg) following stimulation. Flow volume of SMV correlated better with SMA flow after stimulation. Caloric stimulation significantly improved visualization of the splanchnic arterial vasculature (P < 0.05). Only 5 of 110 evaluated arterial segments (4.5%) remained inadequately seen to exclude vascular pathology. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging offers a comprehensive assessment of the splanchnic arterial vasculature based on 3D display of vessel morphology and analysis of flow function. While the most relevant proximal vessel segments are visible even under fasting conditions, caloric stimulation enhances visualization of small vessels.

MR defecography: depiction of anorectal anatomy and pathology.

With the advent of open-configuration MR systems, enabling image acquisition in a vertical patient position, MR defecography has become possible. MR defecography permits analyses of the anorectal angle, opening of the anal canal, functioning of the puborectal muscle, and descent of the pelvic floor during defecation. The rectal walls are well delineated on the GRE images, permitting visualization of intussusceptions and rectoceles. The concomitant depiction of structures surrounding the anorectal canal is helpful in the assessment of a spastic pelvic floor and the descending perineum syndrome and in permitting visualization of enteroceles. Dynamic MR defecography is an attractive alternative in the evaluation of defecation disorders.

[Active instrumental guidance in interventional MR tomography: introduction to a new concept]. / Aktive Instrumentenführung in der interventionellen MR-Tomographie: Einführungen in ein neues Konzept.

PURPOSE: An active MR-based guidance system for visualisation of invasive instruments is described. METHODS: The principle of MR tracking is based on the integration of a miniaturised coil into the tip of the instrument itself. A phantom experiment was designed to demonstrate the localising accuracy of this technique. In addition, biocompatibility and warming effects were evaluated. Preliminary intravascular applications that were performed in animal experiments under MR guidance included embolisation, vascular occlusion as well as transjugular intrahepatic punctures. Percutaneous biopsies, cholecystostomies and laparoscopic applications were also evaluated with MR tracking. RESULTS: Phantom experiments confirmed an excellent localisation accuracy of MR tracking compared top conventional radiography. At a field strength of 0.5 T, the temperature increase remained below 2 degrees C. Results of phantom experiments revealed a potential of significant heating dependent on the sequence parameters employed. MR tracking allowed a robust, simultaneously biplanar visualisation of the instrument tips in real time. Based on MR "road map" images, various intravascular and percutaneous interventions were successfully performed in vivo under MR guidance. CONCLUSIONS: MR tracking is a flexible concept permitting monitoring in the guidance of instruments in an MR environment. Various preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate safety, localisation accuracy and feasibility of this biplanar localisation technique in real time.

MR guidance of laser disc decompression: preliminary in vivo experience.

The purpose of this study was to perform percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) under MR guidance in an open configuration 0. 5-T MR system. Following failed conservative treatment for 6 months, eight patients with contained disc herniations were enrolled in the study. Following MR guided introduction of the laser fiber into the targeted disc space, the laser-induced temperature distribution was visualized using a color-coded subtraction technique based on a T1-weighted GRE sequence. In seven patients PLDD could be performed. In all cases laser effects were depicted by MR. In this regard the color-coded technique was found to be superior to conventional magnitude images. Whereas no apparent decrease in the extent of herniation was discovered immediately following PLDD, T2-weighted FSE images showed signal intensity alterations in two of the seven patients. Clinical evaluation, obtained 3-4 months after PLDD, revealed a fair (n = 2) or good (n = 4) response to the treatment. One patient showed no change in symptoms. MR guidance and monitoring of PLDD is feasible within an open 0.5-T system and seems to render PLDD more safe and controllable.

Dynamic MR defecography with a superconducting, open-configuration MR system.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) defecography performed with a superconducting, open-configuration system in diagnosis of defecation disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy volunteers and 15 patients with defecation disorders were studied with MR defecography performed with a superconducting, open-configuration system; the patients also underwent fluoroscopic defecography. Before MR imaging, the rectum was filled with 300 mL of mashed potatoes mixed with 1.5 mL of gadopentetate dimeglumine. T1-weighted gradient-echo images were acquired every 2 seconds in the midsagittal plane with the patient at rest, at maximal contraction of the anal sphincter, during straining, and during defecation. RESULTS: MR defecography permitted analysis of the anorectal angle, anal canal, puborectal muscle, and descent of the pelvic floor. Owing to the high signal intensity of the intraluminal contrast material, the rectal walls were well demonstrated on the MR images, permitting visualization of intussusception and rectocele. Concomitant demonstration of structures surrounding the anorectal canal was helpful in assessment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome and descending perineum syndrome. MR defecography was superior to fluoroscopic defecography and allowed detection of all clinically relevant pathologic conditions except for one. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MR defecography is an attractive alternative for evaluation of defecation disorders.

Real-time monitoring of laser diskectomies with a superconducting, open-configuration MR system.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the ability of a 0.5-T superconducting, open-configuration MR system to guide laser diskectomies. The study was performed ex vivo on six human cadavers as well as in vivo on three patients. CONCLUSION: The macroscopic size of necrosis correlated well with the monitored temperature spread (r2 = .76-.85). After MR-guided introduction of the laser fiber into the targeted disk space, temperature spread was visualized in all subjects.

Virtual colonoscopy with magnetic resonance imaging: in vitro evaluation of a new concept.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Screening for colonic polyps is desirable. A new concept based on cross-sectional and endoscopic analysis of a magnetic resonance (MR) data set is presented. METHODS: Ex vivo autopsy colonic specimens, containing artificially placed polyps, were obtained and filled with a gadolinium-containing solution. Forty-four thin-section MR images were obtained in a 1.5-T MR scanner in 28 seconds. A three-dimensional endoscopic fly-through of these images was rendered. Fly-throughs and two-dimensional cross-sectional images were analyzed by two observers for the presence of polyps. RESULTS: The average sensitivity and specificity for the detection of polyps based on three-dimensional endoscopic MR colon imaging were 87% and 96%, respectively. Analysis of cross-sectional images showed an overall sensitivity and specificity of merely 57% and 84%, respectively. The difference in the interpretation of three-dimensional MR colonoscopy and two-dimensional cross-sections was statistically significant (P < 0.001). With three-dimensional MR colonoscopy, overall sensitivity for detection of polyps measuring < or =5 mm in length and diameter was 70%; for larger polyps, it increased to 95% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of an MR-based endoluminal assessment of the colon is shown. Minimal invasiveness, lack of radiation exposure, and high in vitro diagnostic accuracy warrant further investigation of this novel concept.