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W-C Huang

Publications and source records attributed to W-C Huang.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Changes in TRPC channel expression during postnatal development of cerebellar neurons.

In the brain, classical (canonical) transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are thought to be involved in different aspects of neuronal development. We investigated the developmental expression profile of TRPC channels in rat cerebellum during the first 6 weeks after birth. TRPC3 expression is significantly up-regulated whereas TRPC4 and TRPC6 expression are significantly down-regulated over this period of time. TRPC3 expression is mainly found on Purkinje cells and their dendrites, suggesting that the increase in TRPC3 expression reflects development of the dendritic tree of Purkinje cells. TRPC4 expression was restricted to granule and their precursor cells. TRPC6 expression is found on Purkinje cell bodies, on mature granule cells in the internal granule cell layer (but not their precursors) and interneurons in the molecular layer. The decrease in TRPC4 expression suggests that it is required for proper granule cell development whereas the decrease in TRPC6 expression is presumably correlated with interneuron development. Moreover, we demonstrate the presence of functional TRPC channels on Purkinje cell dendrites that are activated following stimulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Our results reveal cell-specific expression patterns for different TRPC proteins and suggest that developmental changes in TRPC protein expression may be required for proper postnatal cerebellar development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Debulking surgery for advanced thymoma.

AIMS: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of debulking surgery in the treatment of locally advanced but operable malignant thymoma. METHODS: We reviewed 43 cases with incompletely resected stage III and IVa malignant thymoma managed between January 1987 and December 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-two had stage III and 21 had stage IVa disease. Maximal debulking was performed in 15 patients, nine with stage III and six with stage IVa disease. Nine patients also had myasthenia gravis (MG). Using univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found that maximal debulking surgery, RT, and with the presence of MG were associated with better survival. Debulking resulted in a better outcome than non-debulking surgery (mean survival: 106 months vs 57.2 months). After adjustment with multivariate analysis, RT and MG were both associated with better survival. CT did not appear to be beneficial for advanced thymoma. CONCLUSIONS: RT is independently associated with a better outcome in locally advanced thymoma. Debulking surgery apparently allows for a better response to RT.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Anatomical and functional significance of urogenital hiatus in primary urodynamic stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the correlations of anatomical and functional sonographic parameters of urogenital hiatus in primary urodynamic stress incontinence. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively our urodynamic database from July 1996 to June 2003 and identified subjects with primary urodynamic stress incontinence who had had anatomical assessment of the lower urinary tract and the central part of the pelvic floor by ultrasound. The morphological changes that had occurred in the central pelvic floor were determined by the measurement of genitohiatal angle, genitohiatal distance and anorectal angle. RESULTS: A total of 396 women with a mean age of 48.8 +/- 10.7 (range, 26-82) years were included in the study. One hundred and eighteen subjects (29.8%) were postmenopausal. Stage I pelvic organ prolapse was found in 345 (87.1%) of the women, stage II in 19 (4.8%) and stage III in 32 (8.1%). The genitohiatal angle and genitohiatal distance were significantly and positively associated with resting and straining bladder neck angles. The genitohiatal angle was associated with bladder neck funneling and dependent cystocele during stress (r = 0.144, P = 0.016 and r = 0.140, P = 0.02, respectively), and it was negatively associated with functional profile length (r = -0.157, P = 0.012). The genitohiatal distance was negatively associated with functional profile length and maximum urethral closure pressure (r = -0.148, P = 0.018 and r = -0.227, P = 0.009, respectively). Increased genitohiatal distance was also related to a low Valsalva leak-point pressure (r = -0.199, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that resting bladder neck angle was the independent factor for genitohiatal angle and genitohiatal distance. CONCLUSIONS: In primary urodynamic stress incontinence, an increased resting genitohiatal distance or genitohiatal angle on sonographic imaging implies anterior vaginal wall prolapse. In addition, an increased genitohiatal distance is associated with functional impairment of urethral closure.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Transvaginal sonography in the morphological and functional assessment of segmental dilation of the distal ureter.

Primary megaureter presents a spectrum of findings ranging from mild, clinically unimportant, stable ureterectasis to severe, progressive obstructive hydroureteronephrosis. We report a patient with a double uterus and ipsilateral renal dystrophy. A previous imaging study had revealed a double uterus and obstructed left hemivagina, into which a single vaginal ectopic ureter inserted. On follow-up intravenous urography 8 years later, the left kidney was non-functioning, and there was segmental dilation of the distal right ureter. Transvaginal sonography with real-time scanning and Doppler were useful in exploring the morphological and functional status of this dilated distal ureter.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2006

Ultrasonographic characteristics and cystoscopic correlates of bladder wall invasion by endophytic cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To present the ultrasonographic findings and explore cystoscopic correlates of endophytic cervical cancer invading the bladder wall. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging files in 19 cases of cervical cancer, comprising six cases of endophytic lesions invading the bladder wall (study group) and 13 cases of endo- or exophytic, clinical stage IB1 lesions without bladder wall invasion (controls). Bladder wall infiltration or invasion was confirmed by cystoscopic biopsy or surgical findings or both. All 19 patients had undergone transvaginal ultrasound examination to evaluate the cervix and lower urinary tract. The main measures included tumor volume of the primary cervical neoplasm, tumor protuberance, mobility of the cervix over the lower bladder wall, continuity of the endopelvic fascia and echogenicity and morphological texture of the bladder wall and its thickness. RESULTS: A tumor protuberance emerging from the cervicocorporeal junction and invading the bladder in the supratrigonal area was seen in the study group but not in the controls. Disruption of the endopelvic fascia, a thickened bladder wall, changes in the bladder mucosa and interruption of the entire bladder wall were ultrasonographic characteristics demonstrating the sequential stages of bladder wall invasion. The morphological changes in the bladder wall on ultrasound examination were categorized into four stages. Based on the morphological classification, two of the six patients in the study group belonged to stage I, one to stage II, one to stage III and two to stage IV of bladder wall invasion. CONCLUSIONS: In cervical cancer, transvaginal ultrasonography helps to explore sequential changes seen in bladder wall invasion, information that is not as readily available from cystoscopic examination.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Two- and three-dimensional ultrasonographic findings in urethral stenosis with bladder wall trabeculation: case report.

Female bladder outlet obstruction is uncommon. We report a case of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to urethral stenosis leading to bladder wall trabeculation. The patient presented at our clinic because of lower urinary tract symptoms including nocturia, urgency, bed wetting, hesitancy, straining to void, and incomplete emptying. Urodynamic study revealed a low maximum free uroflow rate, high residual urine volume, and low compliance on filling phase cystometry. Introital ultrasonography with two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) scanning displayed a constriction in the echolucent part of the lower-mid urethra with hyperechogenicity and a lattice-like appearance of the bladder wall. Cystourethroscopy confirmed urethral stenosis and bladder wall trabeculation. The voiding symptoms subsided after the urethral stenosis was relieved by urethral dilatation, but, despite some improvement, the irritative symptoms persisted. Introital ultrasonography with 2D and 3D scanning may help to clarify the cause of female bladder outlet obstruction.

Female↗
PubMed2006

Functional correlates of Doppler flow study of the female urethral vasculature.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of individual patient factors (age, parity, body mass index, menstrual cycle, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, bladder neck position and urethral mobility) on the appearance of Doppler flow in urethral vessels, to investigate the association between the Doppler flow parameters and intrinsic urethral function, storage and voiding, and to explore differences in the urethral vasculature between subjects with and without urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). METHODS: Over a 4-year period we prospectively performed imaging studies in 355 women, including 244 who denied any lower urinary tract symptoms within the previous 3 months (Group A) and 111 who had had lower urinary tract symptoms (Group B). Studies included morphologic assessment and Doppler flow investigation of the lower urinary tract. Vascular flow velocity and vessel density in the urethral vasculature were measured. For women in Group B, multichannel urodynamic studies were also performed. RESULTS: The urethral vasculature has five main branches of vessels. Their appearance was not affected by the menstrual cycle or menopause except for those of the anterior vaginal vessel and anterior branch of the middle urethral vessel. Other than that of the posterior urethral vessel, in which there was a correlation with parity, the resistance index (RI) was not affected by individual patient factors. However, there was a correlation between the vascular index (VI) and individual factors such as age (r = -0.336, P = 0.002), body mass index (r = -0.287, P = 0.028), menopause (r = -0.402, P < 0.001), and hormone replacement therapy (r = 0.392, P = 0.027). Only the VI and RI of the posterior urethral vessel correlated significantly with the urethral pressure profile. In subjects with lower urinary tract symptoms, the appearance of the urethral vasculature on power Doppler imaging and the corresponding RI and VI values were not correlated with objective evidence of USI. CONCLUSION: Patient factors may affect specific Doppler flow parameters of the urethral vasculature, which are related to intrinsic resting urethral closure. There is no difference in the appearance of the urethral vasculature in subjects with or without USI.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Biometry of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women.

OBJECTIVES: To identify using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound the morphological features and normal biometry of the levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women and to explore ethnic differences between these measurements and those in nulliparous Caucasian women. METHODS: 3D sonographic data from 59 nulliparous Chinese women (aged 19-38 years) who had no pelvic organ prolapse and no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were retrieved from an image dataset and analyzed by offline post-processing. The pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus were measured in the planes of maximal pubovisceral muscle thickness and minimum hiatal dimension, respectively. In addition, the genitohiatal and levator ani angles were measured. These values were compared with those in a published study of Caucasian women. RESULTS: In Chinese women there was no relationship between minimum anteroposterior (AP) hiatal diameter and minimum lateral hiatal diameter. Body weight was correlated with hiatal area and minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.391, P = 0.003 and r = 0.378, P = 0.004, respectively), whereas body mass index was correlated only with minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.349, P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in average pubovisceral muscle thickness (P = 0.001) between nulliparous Chinese and Caucasian women. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight, body mass index, and ethnicity are factors affecting the biometry of the levator hiatus in Chinese nulliparous women.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis, management and follow-up of complex paraurethral abnormalities.

Most urethral diverticula are thought to result from infection and obstruction of the paraurethral ducts and glands. When rupture of a resulting retention cyst or abscess occurs into the urethra, a diverticulum is formed. We report two cases of paraurethral abnormalities: urethral diverticulum and paraurethral abscess. Transvaginal sonography, with its high-resolution visualization of the lower urinary tract, may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders. Using three-dimensional technology, the internal architecture of the paraurethral abnormalities and their spatial relationship to the urethra and bladder, important considerations at surgery, are clearly demonstrated on ultrasonography. Complete excision of complex paraurethral anomalies may be performed under transvaginal sonographic monitoring without inadvertent injury to the bladder or urethra.

Abscess↗
PubMed2005

Dynamic morphological changes in the anterior vaginal wall before and after laparoscopic Burch colposuspension in primary urodynamic stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dynamic morphological changes in the anterior vaginal wall in primary urodynamic stress incontinence before and after laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and to explore the related effects on urethral and voiding functions. METHODS: Ultrasound cystourethrography and urodynamic study were performed in 112 patients with primary urodynamic stress incontinence before and 3 months after laparoscopic Burch colposuspension. Ultrasound assessment included measurement of the bladder neck positions at rest and during straining, the bladder wall thickness at the dome and trigone, and observation of the motion of the bladder neck in addition to the development of cystocele on Valsalva maneuver. On ultrasonography, a cystocele was defined as prolapse or descent of the bladder base below the bladder neck at rest, on Valsalva, or both. RESULTS: After laparoscopic Burch colposuspension, ultrasound cystourethrography revealed significant differences in the bladder neck position at rest and during stress (preoperative median 93 degrees vs. postoperative 70 degrees at rest and preoperative 160 degrees vs. postoperative 81 degrees during stress, P < 0.001, respectively) and rotational angle (preoperative median 58 degrees vs. postoperative 10 degrees , P < 0.001). A laparoscopic Burch operation corrected 50% (5/10) of the preoperative cystoceles. However, a residual cystocele developed postoperatively in 29% (30/102) of the women who did not have one previously. Postoperative ultrasonographic and urodynamic studies did not reveal any differences between those women with or without postoperative cystocele except for the residual urine volume, detrusor opening pressure, and straining and rotational angles of the bladder neck (P < 0.001, 0.032, 0.010 and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension may correct a pre-existing cystocele, but in other patients a cystocele may persist or be disclosed. After laparoscopic Burch operation a persistent cystocele is not associated with urethral compression or voiding impairment.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Two- and three-dimensional sonographic findings in a case of distal urethral obstruction due to a paraurethral tumor.

The cause of bladder outlet obstruction in women may be categorized generally into two types, functional and anatomical. On ultrasonography, the urethra appears as a tubular structure with a central echolucent part and surrounding hyperechogenic structures. Morphological changes in the echolucent portion of the urethra have been reported to be associated with voiding dysfunction. We present a case of distal urethral obstruction secondary to metastatic paraurethral adenocarcinoma. Three-dimensional sonography clearly demonstrated the configuration of the metastatic tumor and its spatial orientation in association with distal urethral obstruction.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Transvaginal sonography in the assessment of distal ureteral calculi.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the morphological and functional findings of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the diagnosis and management of distal ureteral calculi. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging studies in seven cases of distal ureteral calculi (study group) and 20 cases of female volunteers without urinary tract infection (control group). All 27 patients had undergone TVS for assessment of the lower urinary tract. The variables measured on ultrasound included the presence or absence of distal ureteral calculi, the size and location of a calculus if present, the presence or absence of the ureter jet phenomenon, morphological changes of the ureteral papilla and adjoining tissue, and the height of the ureteral papilla, as well as vascular changes seen on Doppler imaging. RESULTS: In the controls, 80% of the ureteral papillae were triangular and 20% trapezoidal. The average (+/-SD) height of the ureteral papillae was 3.5 +/- 0.7 mm on the right and 3.6 +/- 0.9 mm on the left. There was no statistically significant difference between the heights of the right and left papillae (P = 0.619). In the study group, echogenic stones were identified in all seven patients and a hypoechogenic tubular structure connected to the involved papilla was identified in 6/7 patients. The average height of the involved papilla was 6.7 +/- 1.6 mm. Ureteric jets were visible in all patients in both the study and control groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with distal ureteral calculi, TVS provides a rapid, non-invasive and repeatable means of assessing the morphology and function of the distal ureter.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Sonographic findings in acute urinary retention secondary to retroverted gravid uterus: pathophysiology and preventive measures.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the pathophysiology of acute urinary retention in women with a retroverted gravid uterus and to suggest measures to prevent its recurrence. METHODS: In five women with a retroverted gravid uterus and acute urinary retention necessitating catheterization, the morphology of the genitourinary system was assessed by using transabdominal, transvaginal and introital sonography. RESULTS: In the supine resting position, the cervix was displaced superiorly and anteriorly by the impacted and retroverted uterus so that it compressed the lower bladder, leading to obstruction of the internal urethral orifice. The upper bladder extended superiorly and overlay the uterus. During straining, urethral motion was not limited and there was an average rotational angle of the bladder neck of 32 degrees, ranging from 21 degrees to 44 degrees. Increasing abdominal pressure further compressed the lower bladder. Measures suggested to the women for the prevention of urinary retention included limiting fluid intake before sleep, changing from the supine to the prone position before getting up and avoiding a Valsalva maneuver but performing a Credé maneuver during voiding. In all except one case these measures successfully prevented recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Acute urinary retention secondary to a retroverted gravid uterus is caused by a displaced cervix compressing the lower bladder and interfering with drainage to the urethra. The urethra itself is not compressed or distorted. Understanding the pathophysiology of the lower urinary tract may allow maneuvers which prevent acute urinary retention.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

The significance of urethral hyperechogenicity in female lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of hyperechogenic spots in the urethra on ultrasound cystourethrography. METHODS: One hundred and five women with lower urinary tract symptoms who had undergone urodynamic study and ultrasound cystourethrography were included. Ultrasound cystourethrography was used to evaluate the morphology of the lower urinary tract, including the bladder neck position, bladder wall thickness at the trigone and dome, and presence or absence of hyperechogenic spots (urethral hyperechogenicity) in the urethra and their location and number. RESULTS: Of the 105 women, 30 (29%) had hyperechogenic spots in the urethra, including 26 (87%) with only one spot; 17 (53%) of the echogenic spots were located in the proximal urethra, including four cases with multiple echogenic spots. No significant differences were found in the demographics, urinary symptoms, ultrasonographic, urodynamic and urethrocystoscopic findings between those women with and without urethral hyperechogenicity, except for parity (P = 0.030). There was no association between urethral hyperechogenicity and urinary symptoms. A weak but negative correlation between the number of echogenic spots in the urethra and maximum urethral pressure was found in the subgroup with urethral hyperechogenicity (r = -0.421; P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: On ultrasound cystourethrography, a single echogenic spot in the urethra is not associated with specific urinary symptoms and does not affect urethral function.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Sonographic findings in a case of voiding dysfunction secondary to the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure was introduced as a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating female stress urinary incontinence. This procedure is supposed to be associated with less postoperative voiding dysfunction because the vaginal tape, theoretically, remains tension-free. Nevertheless, significant voiding dysfunction or complete urinary retention has been reported to complicate 2.8% to 7.6% of TVT procedures. We report a case of voiding dysfunction following a TVT procedure. Two-dimensional sonography revealed the tape situated beneath the mid-urethra. The spatial orientation between the vaginal tape and the urethral structure was clearly demonstrated on three-dimensional scanning. The urethra was indented from the posterior by the vaginal tape, resulting in acute constriction of the hypoechogenic region of the urethra. Urethral dilation was performed using Hegar dilators. Thereafter, the patient's voiding difficulty improved dramatically and the residual urine volume decreased. One week later, repeat sonography showed the hypoechogenic region of the urethra to have a normal configuration with a lesser degree of urethral indentation.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Headache profiles in patients with a dilatated cyst of the cavum septi pellucidi.

The dilatated cyst of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) is rare and may be associated with headaches. We reviewed the computerized database of 54,000 patients' computed tomography or magnetic resonance images and found 22 cases (0.04%) involving a dilatated cyst of the CSP. Sixteen patients had a chief complaint of headache, which was classified as acute episodic headache (type I, n = 7, 43.7%), chronic daily headache (CDH) with acute onset (type II, n = 5, 31.3%), or CDH with insidious onset (type III, n = 4, 25%). Acute Valsalva-induced headaches were common with type I (85%) or II (100%); 70% of these responded to indomethacin. At follow-up, patients with type I headache had the highest remission rate (71%), and type III patients the lowest (0%). Dilatated cysts of the CSP should be considered a cause of acute Valsalva-induced headache or new daily persistent headache, and may respond to indomethacin. A protracted course (> or = 3 months) indicates a worse outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recurrent retroperitoneal myxoid liposarcoma during pregnancy: a case report and literature review.

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma in pregnancy is rare, and only a few cases of primary liposarcoma during pregnancy have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published report of retroperitoneal liposarcoma that was previously treated and recurred during pregnancy. Our patient was diagnosed with a pelvic mass on ultrasound at 12-weeks' gestation. The mass was found to be a retroperitonal, well-differentiated myxoid liposarcoma and was radically excised at the time of cesarean delivery at 36-weeks' gestation. However, the tumor recurred soon and progressed rapidly, and the patient eventually died of the disease. A thorough sonographic investigation and timing of surgery may be critical in terms of finding a surgically resectable lesion and leading to a more favorable prognosis.

Adult↗