Hemodynamic changes after endoscopic variceal ligation: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: there is controversy about the need to maintain vasoconstrictor treatment after adequate haemostasis is achieved through endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in bleeding esophageal varices (BEV). Measuring a "before and after urgent-EBL" hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in acute variceal hemorrhage is very difficult. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine hemodynamic variations after an EBL session. A "before" HVPG (PRE) was performed and another one 24 hours "after-ligation" (POST), in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic band ligation as BEV prophylaxis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: this was a single-center, cohort, prospective study. Patients followed a program of repeated sessions of EBL until eradication of their varices and underwent a basal hepatic venous pressure gradient (PRE HVPG), without changing their usual treatment with beta-blockers. Subsequently, an endoscopic ligation session was performed, following the clinical practices guidelines. A second pressure measurement (POST HVPG) was taken 24 hours after the endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: 30 patients were included. PRE and POST HVPG median results were 16.5 mmHg (14-20) and 19.5 mmHg (17-21), respectively, with a significant increase after the procedure (p < 0.001). Percentage variations in portal pressure, based on the baseline gradient values (12, 16 and 20 mmHg), were higher for patients with a lower basal HVPG versus a higher HVPG for any of the categories compared (p = 0.087, p = 0.016 and p < 0.001, respectively). In our series, 36.7 % of patients showed a ≥ 20 % gradient increase after ligation. CONCLUSION: endoscopic band ligation causes an increase in portal pressure, at least for a transitional period, determined by the hepatic venous pressure gradient.

Myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected coronary artery disease: comparison between 320-MDCT and rubidium-82 PET.

OBJECTIVES: Despite advances in non-invasive myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) evaluation, computed tomography (CT) multiphase MPI protocols have not yet been compared with the highly accurate rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (82RbPET) MPI. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate agreement between 82RbPET and 320-detector row CT (320-CT) MPI using a multiphase protocol in suspected CAD patients. METHODS: Forty-four patients referred for MPI evaluation were prospectively enrolled and underwent dipyridamole stress 82RbPET and multiphase 320-CT MPI (five consecutive volumetric acquisitions during stress). Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. RESULTS: There was high agreement for recognizing summed stress scores ≥ 4 (kappa 0.77, 95% CI 0.55-0.98, p < 0.001) and moderate for detecting SDS ≥ 2 (kappa 0.51, 95% CI 0.23-0.80, p < 0.001). In a per segment analysis, agreement was high for the presence of perfusion defects during stress and rest (kappa 0.75 and 0.82, respectively) and was moderate for impairment severity (kappa 0.58 and 0.65, respectively). The 320-CT protocol was safe, with low radiation burden (9.3 ± 2.4 mSv). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant agreement between dipyridamole stress 320-CT MPI and 82RbPET MPI in the evaluation of suspected CAD patients of intermediate risk. The multiphase 320-CT MPI protocol was feasible, diagnostic and with relatively low radiation exposure. KEY POINTS: • Rubidium-82 PET and 320-MDCT can perform MPI studies for CAD investigation. • There is high agreement between rubidium-82 PET and 320-MDCT for MPI assessment. • Multiphase CT perfusion protocols are feasible and with low radiation. • Multiphase CT perfusion protocols can identify image artefacts.

Myocardial tissue characterization in Chagas' heart disease by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: Chagas' heart disease is an important public health problem in South America. Several aspects of the pathogenesis are not fully understood, especially in its subclinical phases. On pathology Chagas' heart disease is characterized by chronic myocardial inflammation and extensive myocardial fibrosis. The latter has also been demonstrated by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). In three clinical phases of this disease, we sought to investigate the presence of LGE, myocardial increase in signal intensity in T2-weighted images (T2W) and in T1-weighted myocardial early gadolinium enhancement (MEGE), previously described CMR surrogates for myocardial fibrosis, myocardial edema and hyperemia, respectively. METHODS: Fifty-four patients were analyzed. Sixteen patients with the indeterminate phase (IND), seventeen patients with the cardiac phase with no left ventricular systolic dysfunction (CPND), and twenty-one patients with the cardiac phase with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (CPD). All patients underwent 1.5 T CMR scan including LGE, T2W and MEGE image sequences to evaluate myocardial abnormalities. RESULTS: Late gadolinium enhancement was present in 72.2 % of all patients, in 12.5 % of IND, 94.1 % of the CPND and 100 % of the CPD patients (p < 0.0001). Myocardial increase in signal intensity in T2-weighted images (T2W) was present in 77.8 % of all patients, in 31.3 % of the IND, 94.1 % of the CPND and 100 % of the CPD patients (p < 0.0001). T1-weighted myocardial early gadolinium enhancement (MEGE) was present in 73.8 % of all patients, in 25.0 % of the IND, 92.3 % of the CPND and 94.1 % of the CPD (p < 0.0001). A good correlation between LGE and T2W was observed (r = 0.72, and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in T2-weighted (T2W) myocardial signal intensity and T1-weighted myocardial early gadolinium enhancement (MEGE) can be detected by CMR in patients throughout all phases of Chagas' heart disease, including its subclinical presentation (IND). Moreover, those findings were parallel to myocardial fibrosis (LGE) in extent and location and also correlated with the degree of Chagas' heart disease clinical severity. These findings contribute to further the knowledge on pathophysiology of Chagas' heart disease, and might have therapeutic and prognostic usefulness in the future.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy in a patient with isolated autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease.

Isolated polycystic liver disease (IPLD) is a rare genetic condition characterized by the presence of multiple liver cysts with no association with polycystic kidney disease. Most patients are asymptomatic and acute complications (cyst torsion, bleeding, infection) are uncommon.Imaging techniques, including abdominal ultrasounds, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, represent a vital diagnostic modality. They are also useful for therapy support in this disease. Below we report a peculiar case of a female patient recentlydiagnosed with IPLD who, having received treatment with ultrasoundguided percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy for a giant liver cyst, showed symptom and laboratory improvement.

Reasons for initiation of proton pump inhibitor therapy for hospitalised patients and its impact on outpatient prescription in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump-inhibitors are often prescribed unnecessarily in hospitals, which in turn induces their prescriptions after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients starting treatment with proton-pump-inhibitors during hospitalisation and proportion of inappropriate prescriptions. Patient risk factors and whether initiation in hospital induced their continuation in ambulatory care were also analyzed. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital (1350 beds) was carried out on the first Tuesday in February 2015. Pharmacists screened admitted patients treated with proton-pump-inhibitors using an electronic prescription program (FarmaTools®-5.0). They also checked patients' home medications before admission by accessing a primary care program (Horus®). Authorized indications according to Spanish-Medicines-Agency and those recommended in Spanish-Clinical-Practice-Guidelines were considered appropriate. Hospital-medical-records were checked to know whether proton-pump-inhibitors were prescribed at discharge. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy nine patients were analysed. Two hundred ninety four of them were prescribed proton-pump-inhibitors (77.6%). Treatment was initiated during admission for 143 patients (48.6%, 95% CI: 42.8-54.5). Of them, 91 (63.6%, 95% CI: 55.2-71.5) were inappropriate, mainly due to its inclusion unnecessarily in protocols associated with surgeries or diseases (56 cases of 91, 61.5%). Additional inappropriate indications were surgical stress ulcer prophylaxis for surgeries without bleeding risks (19.8%) and polypharmacy without drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (18.7%). Of 232 discharge reports assessed, in 153 (65.9%, 95% CI: 59.5-72), proton-pump-inhibitor continuation was recommended, of them, 51 (33.3%) were initiated at admission. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized patients there is a high prevalence of prescription of proton-pump-inhibitors unnecessarily. The superfluous use is often associated with the prescription of treatment protocols. Those treatments started in the hospital generally did not contribute to over-use existing primary care, most of them were removed at discharge.

Exercise-induced decrease in myocardial high-energy phosphate metabolites in patients with Chagas heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The influence of exercise on cardiac metabolic response in patients with Chagas disease is incompletely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Changes in cardiac energetic metabolism were investigated in Chagas disease patients before and during isometric handgrip exercise with (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Twenty-eight patients (10 with systolic dysfunction: group I; 10 with normal systolic function and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities: group II; and 8 asymptomatic without ECG abnormalities: group III) and 8 healthy control subjects (group C) were evaluated by electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, functional tests for coronary artery disease, and image-selected localized cardiac (31)P-MRS. The myocardial phosphocreatine to [ß-phosphate]adenosine triphosphate ratio (PCr/ß-ATP) was measured at rest and during isometric handgrip exercise. Exercise testing or 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy were negative for myocardial ischemia in all individuals. At rest, cardiac PCr/ß-ATP was decreased in all Chagas groups (1.23 ± 0.37) versus group C (1.88 ± 0.08; P < .001) and was lower in group I (0.89 ± 0.24) versus groups II (1.44 ± 0.23) and III (1.40 ± 0.37; P < .001). There was no stress-induced change in cardiac PCr/ß-ATP (1.88 ± 0.08 at rest vs 1.89 ± 0.08 during exercise; P = NS) in group C. Mean cardiac PCr/ß-ATP was 0.89 ± 0.24 and 0.56 ± 0.21 at rest and during exercise, respectively, in group I (37% decrease; P < .001). In group II, PCr/ß-ATP was 1.44 ± 0.23 at rest and 0.97 ± 0.37 during exercise (33% decrease; P < .001). In group III, PCr/ß-ATP was 1.40 ± 0.37 at rest and 0.60 ± 0.19 during exercise (57% decrease; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial high-energy phosphates are reduced at rest in Chagas heart disease patients, and the reduction is greater in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Regardless of left ventricular function, Chagas patients exhibit an exercise-induced decline in cardiac high-energy phosphates consistent with myocardial ischemia, suggesting the possibility that this metabolic approach may offer a tool to probe new interventions in Chagas disease patients.

Quantitative analysis of pulmonary perfusion with dual-energy CT angiography: comparison of two quantification methods in patients with pulmonary embolism.

The study aimed to evaluate a quantification method of pulmonary perfusion with Dual-Energy CT Angiography (DE-CTA) normalized by lung density in the prediction of outcome in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). In this prospective study with CTA scans acquired with different breathing protocols, two perfusion parameters were calculated: %PBV (relative value of PBV, expressed per unit volume) and PBVm (PBV normalized by lung density, expressed per unit mass). DE-CTA parameters were correlated with simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) and with outcome groups, alone and in combinationwith tomographic right-to-left ventricular ratios (RV/LV). PBVm showed significant correlation with sPESI. PBVm presented higher accuracy than %PBV In the prediction of ICU admission or death in patients with PE, with the best performance when combined with RV/LV volumetric ratio.

Lobar pulmonary perfusion quantification with dual-energy CT angiography: Interlobar variability and relationship with regional clot burden in pulmonary embolism.

Purpose: Semi-automated lobar segmentation tools enable an anatomical assessment of regional pulmonary perfusion with Dual-Energy CTA (DE-CTA). We aimed to quantify lobar pulmonary perfusion with DE-CTA, analyze the perfusion distribution among the pulmonary lobes in subjects without cardiopulmonary diseases and assess the correlation between lobar perfusion and regional endoluminal clots in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: We evaluated 151 consecutive subjects with suspected PE and without cardiopulmonary comorbidities. DE-CTA derived perfused blood volume (PBV) of each pulmonary lobe was measured applying a semi-automated lobar segmentation technique. In patients with PE, blood clot location was assessed, and CT-based vascular obstruction index of each lobe (CTOIlobe) was calculated and classified into three groups: CTOIlobe= 0, low CTOIlobe (1-50%) and high CTOIlobe (>50%). Results: Among patients without PE (103/151, 68.2%), median lobar PBV was 13.7% (IQR 10.2-18.0%); the right middle lobe presented lower PBV when compared to all the other lobes (p < .001). In patients with PE (48/151, 31.8%), lobar PBV was 12.6% (IQR 9.6-15.7%), 13.7% (IQR 10.1-16.7%) and 6.5% (IQR 5.1-10.2%) in the lobes with CTOIlobe= 0, low CTOIlobe and high CTOIlobe scores, respectively, with a significantly decreased PBV in the lobes with high CTOIlobe score (p < .001). ROC analysis of lobar PBV for prediction of high CTOIlobe score revealed AUC of 0.847 (95%CI 0.785-0.908). Conclusion: Pulmonary perfusion was heterogeneously distributed along the pulmonary lobes in patients without cardiopulmonary diseases. In patients with PE, the lobes with high vascular obstruction score (CTOIlobe> 50%) presented a decreased lobar perfusion.

[Signet ring cell carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater]. / Carcinoma de células en anillo de sello de la ampolla de Vater.

INTRODUCTION: Signet ring cell carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is a rare entity and less than 20 cases have been described in the literature. We report the cases of two patients with this disease and provide a literature review of previous studies. CASE REPORT: We describe two patients with obstructive jaundice. Abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography showed dilatation of the intrahepatic and common bile duct. Duodenoscopy indicated a protruding mass on the ampulla of Vater. Histopathological examination showed round cells and their nuclei were located on one side with prominent signet-ring features. One patient underwent a cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy and the other a total pancreatectomy. DISCUSSION: Signet ring cell carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater has only been described in isolated cases in the literature. Therefore, the clinicopathological features and prognosis of this disease have not yet been well defined.

Hypotheses, rationale, design, and methods for prognostic evaluation in type 2 diabetic patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries. The MASS IV-DM Trial.

BACKGROUND: The MASS IV-DM Trial is a large project from a single institution, the Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil to study ventricular function and coronary arteries in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS/DESIGN: The study will enroll 600 patients with type 2 diabetes who have angiographically normal ventricular function and coronary arteries. The goal of the MASS IV-DM Trial is to achieve a long-term evaluation of the development of coronary atherosclerosis by using angiograms and coronary-artery calcium scan by electron-beam computed tomography at baseline and after 5 years of follow-up. In addition, the incidence of major cardiovascular events, the dysfunction of various organs involved in this disease, particularly microalbuminuria and renal function, will be analyzed through clinical evaluation. In addition, an effort will be made to investigate in depth the presence of major cardiovascular risk factors, especially the biochemical profile, metabolic syndrome inflammatory activity, oxidative stress, endothelial function, prothrombotic factors, and profibrinolytic and platelet activity. An evaluation will be made of the polymorphism as a determinant of disease and its possible role in the genesis of micro- and macrovascular damage. DISCUSSION: The MASS IV-DM trial is designed to include diabetic patients with clinically suspected myocardial ischemia in whom conventional angiography shows angiographically normal coronary arteries. The result of extensive investigation including angiographic follow-up by several methods, vascular reactivity, pro-thrombotic mechanisms, genetic and biochemical studies may facilitate the understanding of so-called micro- and macrovascular disease of DM.

[Leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with Crohn's disease]. / Vasculitis leucocitoclástica asociada a enfermedad de Crohn.

In the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a number of extraintestinal manifestations are known to occur, being the dermatological ones often associated to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Pyoderma gangrenosum and erythema nodosum are the most frequent, but there are other skin manifestations less frequently reported such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis. We present a case, in which Crohn's disease and leukocytoclastic vasculitis were simultaneously diagnosed, and corticoids treatment achieved complete remission of the both cutaneous and gastrointestinal manifestations.

Stent evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography: a comparison between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 hypo-osmolar iodine concentration contrasts.

OBJECTIVE: Qualitative and quantitative image analysis between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 in stents´ evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: Sixty-five patients with low-risk stable angina undergoing stent follow-up with coronary CTA were assigned to Iopamidol I-370 (n = 33) or Ioversol I-320 (n = 32) in this prospective, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized trial. Stent lumen image quality was graded by 5-point Likert Scale. Lumen mean attenuation was measured at native coronary segments: pre-stent, post-stent, distal segments and at coronary plaques. Lumen attenuation increase (LAI) ratio was calculated for all stents. Heart rate (HR) variation, premature heart beats (PHB), heat sensation (HS), blooming and beam hardening were also assessed. RESULTS: Image quality was similar between groups, with no significant difference (Likert score 4.48 ± 0.75 vs 4.54 ± 0.65, p = 0.5). There were similarities in LAI ratio between I-370 and I-320 (0.39 ± 0.42 vs 0.48 ± 0.44 HU, p = 0.08). Regarding lumen mean attenuation at native coronary segments, a significant difference was observed, with I-320 presenting lower values, including contrast mean attenuation in distal segments. After statistical multivariate analysis, three variables correlated with stent image quality: 1) stent diameter, 2) HR variation and 3) stent lumen LAI ratio. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between Iopamidol-370 mgI ml-1 and Ioversol-320 mgI ml-1 contrasts regarding overall stent lumen image quality, which was mainly influenced by stent diameter, HR and LAI ratio.Advances in knowledge:Coronary CTA allows adequate stents' visualization and image quality is influenced by stent diameter, HR variation and LAI ratio.Stents' image quality showed no difference between different concentration contrasts (I-370 vs. I-320); however, higher concentration contrasts may provide an improved overall visualization, especially regarding coronary distal segments.

Feasibility and safety of pulmonary vein isolation by high-power short-duration radiofrequency application: short-term results of the POWER-FAST PILOT study.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by point-by-point radiofrequency application (PPRF) results in longer procedures than that achieved by single-shot ablation techniques. In addition, it is associated with significant risk of oesophageal injury. The POWER-FAST pilot study evaluated the feasibility and safety of PVI by high-power short-duration (HPSD) PPRF. METHODS: HPSD PPRF around the PVs was done in 48 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation. Fifty watts was delivered until a predefined lesion index value was reached (LSI ≥ 5 or Abl-I ≥ 350) and 60 W during 7-10 s in the first 18 and last 30 patients, respectively. A control group of 47 consecutive patients who had undergone PVI before the HPSD group with conventional PPRF (30 W for 30 s) was included for reference. Echocardiography and oesophageal endoscopy was performed shortly after ablation in all patients. RESULTS: PVI of all targeted veins was achieved in 98% and 100% of patients of the conventional and HPSD groups, respectively (p = 0.59). Total radiofrequency time was 34 ± 11, 24 ± 8, and 15 ± 5 min in groups 30 W, 50 W, and 60 W (p < 0.001). Audible steam pops occurred in 4 out of 48 (8%) patients in the HPSD group, accounting for 4 (0.08%) out of 5 269 HPSD radiofrequency applications. No patient in the HPSD group developed pericardial effusion. The incidence of oesophageal lesions was 28%, 22%, and 0% in groups 30 W, 50 W, and 60 W, respectively (p = 0.007) CONCLUSIONS: PVI can be achieved with HPSD PPRF in most patients. This approach appears safe and associated with low risk of esophageal damage.

Association between perivascular inflammation and downstream myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

AIMS: To investigate the association between pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) computed tomography (CT) attenuation derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) by positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: PCAT CT attenuation was measured in proximal segments of all major epicardial coronary vessels of 105 patients with suspected CAD. We evaluated the relationship between PCAT CT attenuation and other quantitative/qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR by PET. Overall, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years and 93% had intermediate pre-test probability of obstructive CAD. Obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) was detected in 37 (35.2%) patients and impaired CFR (<2.0) in 32 (30.5%) patients. On a per-vessel analysis (315 vessels), obstructive CAD, non-calcified plaque volume, and PCAT CT attenuation were independently associated with CFR. In patients with coronary calcium score (CCS) <100, those with high-PCAT CT attenuation presented significantly lower CFR values than those with low-PCAT CT attenuation (2.47 ± 0.95 vs. 3.13 ± 0.89, P = 0.003). Among those without obstructive CAD, CFR was significantly lower in patients with high-PCAT CT attenuation (2.51 ± 0.95 vs. 3.02 ± 0.84, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Coronary perivascular inflammation by CTA was independently associated with downstream myocardial perfusion by PET. In patients with low CCS or without obstructive CAD, CFR was lower in the presence of higher perivascular inflammation. PCAT CT attenuation might help identifying myocardial ischaemia particularly among patients who are traditionally considered non-high risk for future cardiovascular events.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging identifies focal regions of intramyocardial fibrosis in patients with severe aortic valve disease: Correlation with quantitative histopathology.

BACKGROUND: Chronic aortic valve disease (AVD) is characterized by progressive accumulation of interstitial myocardial fibrosis (MF). However, assessment of MF accumulation has only been possible through histologic analyses of endomyocardial biopsies. We sought to evaluate contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ce-MRI) as a noninvasive method to identify the presence of increased MF in patients with severe AVD. METHODS: Seventy patients scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery were examined by cine and ce-MRI in a 1.5-T scanner. Cine images were used for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes, mass, and function. Delayed-enhancement images were used to characterize the regions of MF. In addition, histologic analyses of myocardial samples obtained during aortic valve replacement surgery were used for direct quantification of interstitial MF. Ten additional subjects who died of noncardiac causes served as controls for the quantitative histologic analyses. RESULTS: Interstitial MF determined by histopathologic analysis was higher in patients with AVD than in controls (2.7% +/- 2.0% vs 0.6% +/- 0.2%, P = .001). When compared with histopathologic results, ce-MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 74%, a specificity of 81%, and an accuracy of 76% to identify AVD patients with increased interstitial MF. There was a significant inverse correlation between interstitial MF and LV ejection fraction (r = -0.67, P < .0001). Accordingly, patients with identifiable focal regions of MF by ce-MRI exhibited worse LV systolic function than those without MF (45% +/- 14% vs 65% +/- 14%, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced MRI allows for the noninvasive detection of focal regions of MF in patients with severe AVD. Moreover, patients with identifiable MF by ce-MRI exhibited worse LV functional parameters.

[Cultural adaptation to Spanish and validation of the Gastrointestinal Short Form Questionnaire]. / Adaptación cultural al español y validación de la escala GSFQ (Gastrointestinal Short Form Questionnaire).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process followed for the cultural and psychometric adaptation (validation) to Spanish of the Gastrointestinal Short Form Questionnaire (GSFQ), used to measure the interference of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD and to report the psychometric properties of this instrument. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The adaptation process was supervised by a five-member expert panel. After forward and backward translations in duplicate, a Spanish version was obtained, which was administered to two samples; a five-patient pilot sample to check comprehension and face validity, and a 4,000-patient sample to check structural validity (factor analysis and reliability), construct validity, and discriminative validity. RESULTS: The questionnaire showed a unique dimension that matched that of the original questionnaire. Reliability was high (alpha=0.83), and the correlation between even-odd items was good (r=0.69). The overall score correlated with generic health-related quality of life measures evaluated by the EQ-5D tariff (r=0.499) and VAS (r=-0.481). The scale discriminated between GERD severity levels (p<0.008) as measured by the Savary-Miller scale, except for the most severe level with respect to the levels immediately below. The questionnaire was able to detect differences between diverse concomitant diseases and antecedents. Sensitivity with respect to the GERD clinician criterion was 60.5% and specificity was 68.3%. Normative comparison scaling values are reported. CONCLUSIONS: The results show acceptable psychometric properties. A new instrument to assess the interference of GERD symptoms is thus available to health professionals. This instrument takes the patient's perspective into account.

Clinical evaluation of left ventricular function and morphology using an accelerated k-t sensitivity encoding method in cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

OBJECTIVES: To provide clinical validation of a recent 2D SENSE-based accelerated cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) sequence (accelerated k-t SENSE), investigating whether this technique accurately quantifies left ventricle (LV) volumes, function, and mass as compared to 2D cine steady-state free precession (2D-SSFP). METHODS: Healthy volunteers (n = 16) and consecutive heart failure patients (n = 26) were scanned using a 1.5 T MRI system. Two LV short axis (SA) stacks were acquired: (1) accelerated k-t SENSE (5-6 breath-holds; temporal/spatial resolution: 37 ms/1.82 × 1.87 mm; acceleration factor = 4) and (2) standard 2D-SSFP (10-12 breath-holds; temporal/spatial resolution: 49 ms/1.67 × 1.87 mm, parallel imaging). Ascending aorta phase-contrast was performed on all volunteers as a reference to compare LV stroke volumes (LVSV) and validate the sequences. An image quality score for SA images was used, with lower scores indicating better quality (from 0 to 18). RESULTS: There was a high agreement between accelerated k-t SENSE and 2D-SSFP for LV measurements: bias (limits of agreement) of 2.4% (- 5.4% to 10.1%), 6.9 mL/m2 (- 4.7 to 18.6 mL/m2), - 1.5 (- 8.3 to 5.2 mL/m2), and - 0.2 g/m2 (- 11.9 to 12.3 g/m2) for LV ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume index, and mass index, respectively. LVSV by accelerated k-t SENSE presented good agreement with aortic flow. Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities for all LV parameters were also high. CONCLUSION: The accelerated k-t SENSE CMR sequence is clinically feasible and accurately quantifies LV volumes, function, and mass, with short acquisition time and good image quality.

Radiation dose reduction by adjusting bolus tracking parameters in a 320-detector row scanner.

BACKGROUND: The importance of bolus tracking (BT) regarding total effective radiation dose (ERD) in the era of advanced coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been ignored. We aimed to investigate whether adjusting BT parameters reduces ERD. METHODS: Adults consecutively referred to CTA (n = 289) in a 320 detector-row scanner were distributed into four BT protocols according to delay time and time between intermittent scans, as follows: A (n = 70, delay 10s, intermittent scans 1s); B (n = 79, delay 10s, intermittent scans 2s); C (n = 68, delay 15s, intermittent scans 1s); and D (n = 72, delay 15s, intermittent scans 2s). Image quality was assessed. RESULTS: The overall ERD in BT and AP were 0.32 ±â€¯0.14 mSv and 6.06 ±â€¯0.66 mSv, respectively. ERD in BT was different among protocols (A:0.44 ±â€¯0.14 mSv; B:0.32 ±â€¯0.10 mSv; C:0.28 ±â€¯0.14 mSv; D:0.23 ±â€¯0.09 mSv; p < 0.001), with no loss in image quality. Adjusted for potential confounders (heart rate, tube current and acquisition window), protocol D provided the highest reduction in total ERD (ß = -0.33, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Delaying initiation of BT images (and acquiring them less frequently) reduces radiation dose and does not impair image quality.

Endoscopic submucosal injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats and prevents stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells have potential applications in inflammatory bowel disease due to their immunomodulatory properties. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endoscopic administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in a colitis model in rats. METHODS: Colitis was induced in rats by rectal trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After 24 h ASCs (107 cells) or saline vehicle were endoscopically injected into the distal colon. Rats were followed for 11 days. Daily weight, endoscopic score at days 1 and 11, macroscopic appearance at necropsy, colon length and mRNA expression of Foxp3 and IL-10 in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were analyzed. RESULTS: Endoscopic injection was successful in all the animals. No significant adverse events or mortality due to the procedure occurred. Weight evolution was significantly better in the ASC group, recovering initial weight by day 11 (- 0.8% ± 10.1%, mean ± SD), whereas the vehicle group remained in weight loss (- 6.7% ± 9.2%, p = 0.024). The endoscopic score improved in the ASC group by 47.1% ± 5.3% vs. 21.8% ± 6.6% in the vehicle group (p < 0.01). Stenosis was less frequent in the ASC group (4.8% vs. 41.2%, p < 0.01). Colon length significantly recovered in the ASC group versus the vehicle group (222.6 ± 17.3 mm vs. 193.6 ± 17.9 mm, p < 0.001). The endoscopic score significantly correlated with weight change, macroscopic necropsy score and colon length. Foxp3 and IL-10 mRNA levels in MLN recovered with ASC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ASC submucosal endoscopic injection is feasible, safe and ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats, especially stenosis.