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[Digital subtraction arterioportography in the examination of patients with the portal hypertension syndrome].

Based upon data of 107 angiographic examinations in the regimen of digital subtraction the authors propose a regional program of angiographic examinations of patients with the syndrome of portal hypertension including the digital subtraction recurrent celiac and mesenteric portography, terminal occlusive flebohepatography. The given complex of investigations allows the determination with a minimum traumatic action of the form of portal hypertension and selection of the best for each patient kind of operative intervention. The article describes the methods of angiographic examinations improved and adapted by the authors for diagnosing the syndrome of portal hypertension. Criteria for the assessment of the results obtained are proposed. The use of digital subtraction arterioportography in complex with digital occlusive flebohepatography allows the main problems facing the surgeons when choosing the kind of operative interventions for patients with portal hypertension to be solved.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Early identification and interventions for students with mathematics difficulties.

This article highlights key findings from the small body of research on mathematics difficulties (MD) relevant to early identification and early intervention. The research demonstrates that (a) for many children, mathematics difficulties are not stable over time; (b) the presence of reading difficulties seems related to slower progress in many aspects of mathematics; (c) almost all students with MD demonstrate problems with accurate and automatic retrieval of basic arithmetic combinations, such as 6 + 3. The following measures appear to be valid and reliable indicators of potential MD in kindergartners: (a) magnitude comparison (i.e., knowing which digit in a pair is larger), (b) sophistication of counting strategies, (c) fluent identification of numbers, and (d) working memory (as evidenced by reverse digit span). These are discussed in terms of the components of number sense. Implications for early intervention strategies are explored.

Age Factors↗

Acute effects of exercise on neuropsychological function in elderly subjects.

Fit elderly score higher on tests of fluid intelligence than aged-matched sedentary controls. Elderly patients who have taken part in exercise programs have shown improvement in mental function. We compared the effects of 45 minutes of exercise on memory, mood, and cognitive function in elderly subjects to a control intervention using a randomized control study design. Neuropsychological tests employed where the color slide test, digit symbol test, digit span test, logical memory test, word fluency test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. We measured mood using a mood test and geriatric depression scale. Each subject was tested before, and immediately after, control and exercise sessions. Fifteen elderly subjects [ten men and five women; mean age, 66 years, (range, 60 to 85 years)] completed the study. There was a greater improvement in six of the eight scores of cognitive function following exercise, compared to control. These differences were significantly greater following exercise for the logical memory test score (P less than or equal to 0.02) and Mini-Mental State Examination (P less than or equal to 0.025) compared with the control intervention.

Affect↗

Recurrent torticollis caused by dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm in a pediatric patient: results of endovascular treatment by use of coil embolization: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Torticollis is a symptom that can be related to different pathological mechanisms ranging from simple to life-threatening conditions. We report a child with recurrent torticollis caused by an intracranial dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm. This is a very rare condition in childhood, and it was resolved successfully with endovascular treatment. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient was a 10-year-old boy with a 4-year history of left recurrent torticollis, followed by hemiparesis, dysarthria, dysmetria, and tremor. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and digital angiography detected a dissecting aneurysm involving the fourth segment of the left vertebral artery. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent endovascular treatment. Coil embolization, followed by histoacryl injection into the lesion, provided complete obliteration of the aneurysmal sac. CONCLUSION: The patient's postoperative course was characterized by a dramatic disappearance of symptoms and signs within a few hours of the intervention. No relapses of symptoms occurred during a follow-up period of 18 months. This is the first report of a child in whom recurrent torticollis was related to a dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm. Although long-term results of vertebral artery coil embolization remain to be elucidated, the method seems reliable and effective in treatment of these vascular lesions in pediatric patients.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography: expanding applications and technical evolution.

Although several noninvasive techniques now exist for vascular imaging, including MR imaging, three-dimensional CT, and color-flow and duplex sonography, the gold standard to which these techniques are compared remains catheter angiography. Cut-film and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using iodinated contrast material are the standard methods by which vascular imaging is performed. However, despite the development of low-osmolar contrast agents, premedication regimens, and careful patient selection, adverse reactions to contrast material, including idiosyncratic reactions and contrast-induced nephropathy, continue to occur in a small number of patients [1-3]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was developed as an alternative to iodinated contrast material to avoid these problems [4]. Once the behavior of intravascular gas, the methods of safe delivery, and the principles of successful imaging are understood, the use of CO2 as an intravascular contrast agent during DSA allows accurate imaging with little risk. Recent advances in delivery systems, postprocessing capabilities, and its extension to new vascular interventional procedures have greatly expanded the usefulness of CO2 angiography in both diagnostic and interventional vascular radiology.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Internal mammary arteries supplying hepatocellular carcinoma: vascular anatomy at digital subtraction angiography in 97 patients.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the vascular anatomy of the internal mammary arteries that supply hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), with an emphasis on number of tumor feeders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board; informed consent was waived. Between August 1996 and July 2005, internal mammary arteries that supply HCCs were found in 97 (2.2%) of 4438 patients (76 men, 21 women; mean age, 55 years +/- 10.5 [standard deviation]; range, 19-79 years). Computed tomographic scans and digital subtraction angiograms in these 97 patients were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two interventional radiologists. Tumor size, number of tumor feeders, and tumor location were recorded. The t test and analysis of variance were used to correlate tumor size with number of tumor feeders, tumor feeder laterality, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) time. RESULTS: The following 125 tumor feeders were identified in 97 patients: phrenic branch (n = 59), musculophrenic artery (n = 40), superior epigastric artery (n = 15), anterior intercostal artery (n = 6), ensiform artery (n = 4), and pericardiacophrenic artery (n = 1). In two patients, tumors were in dorsal hepatic areas directly beneath the diaphragm. Half of the tumors located in liver segments II or III were supplied by the right internal mammary artery. In three patients, the tumor feeders from the left internal mammary artery crossed the midline. Tumor size was not statistically associated with number of tumor feeders (P = .076), tumor feeder laterality (P = .141), and TACE time (P = .729). CONCLUSION: The common tumor feeders of the internal mammary artery are the phrenic branch and the musculophrenic artery. Moreover, the internal mammary artery can supply a tumor even in the dorsal hepatic area.

Adult↗

Beyond retinal screening: digital imaging in the assessment and follow-up of patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Many screening methods are available for detecting diabetic retinopathy. However, once patients develop retinopathy, it is unclear as to what method should be used for their review. We describe a novel and integrated system for the screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy using high street optometrists for primary screening and digital imaging as a secondary screening tool, with referral to a joint retinal clinic only where ophthalmological intervention may be required. Of 3586 patients screened by optometrists, 328 were classified as having moderate/severe pre-proliferative retinopathy or diabetic maculopathy. Patients with proliferative retinopathy (1% of the total) were recalled directly to the joint retinal clinic. A consecutive sample (281) of these patients, together with a further 100 classified by the optometrists as having no or background retinopathy were compared using digital images and standard 35 mm colour transparencies. These, together with the original optometrist reports, were reviewed independently and individually by an ophthalmologist. A further sample of 124 patients who had undergone both digital imaging and ophthalmologist slit-lamp examination were also compared. Comparison of 35 mm colour transparencies with optometrist reports showed the latter had a sensitivity for detecting sight-threatening retinopathy (STR) of 62%, a specificity of 84%, and a kappa score of 0.62. The results for digital images were 90%, 97%, and 0.90, respectively, although the extent of retinopathy was under-reported in 10 patients. With ophthalmologist slit-lamp examination as the gold standard, the sensitivity of digital imaging was 90% with a substantial level of agreement between them (kappa 0.61). We conclude that digital images provide an efficient method for the follow-up of patients with established or previously treated retinopathy.

Adult↗

Skin dose and dose-area product values in patients undergoing intracoronary brachytherapy.

Entrance skin doses, dose-area product (DAP) values, fluoroscopy times and digital cine acquisition data were measured for 86 patients undergoing intracoronary brachytherapy procedures with beta sources, to estimate risk of skin injuries. Interventions were carried out in three dedicated X-ray interventional cardiology rooms equipped with X-ray systems operating in pulsed modes, with high filtration and edge filter options. Skin dose distribution was analysed in detail in 56 patients using slow films and thermoluminescent dosimetry. Digital recording of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine cine images also allowed analysis of the technical parameters used throughout the procedures. A protocol for clinical follow-up of these patients at the cardiology service is also presented, which prescribes special attention when a threshold dose is reached. Median values for DAP, fluoroscopy time and number of frames were 81.2 Gy cm(2), 17.5 min and 1569 frames, respectively, and maximum values were 323.3 Gy cm(2), 46.2 min and 3213 frames, respectively. In two cases, maximum skin doses in a procedure reached 3.5 Gy and 4.6 Gy. Comparing median values in this study, intracoronary brachytherapy involved approximately two-fold the DAP used in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures performed during the same period in the same catheterization laboratories, as a consequence of the need to monitor the radioactive source location used for the treatment of stenoses and the intravascular ultrasound. Special care must be paid in those cases of high dose in relation to potential patient skin injuries and late effects.

Brachytherapy↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of hypothenar hammer syndrome].

Traumatic injuries of arteries lead to acute bleeding or ischemia. In the hand, which is perfused by two arteries, this symptom could be missed. The hypothenar hammer syndrome is a traumatic occlusion of the distal arteria ulnaris. Dependent on the mechanism of the trauma the clinical symptoms may appear late. A specific angiographic or duplex sonographic diagnostic investigation is necessary to show the arterial occlusion. There is no proven therapeutic procedure. Exact diagnosis of the occlusion as an effect of the trauma is important for the patient and is the basis of any therapeutic intervention.

Adult↗

Evolution of the filmless cardiac angiography suite: promise and perils of the evolving digital era.

Although cineangiography has been in use for 35 years, it has important limitations. Films are expensive to produce, cannot be readily copied or transmitted electronically, are bulky, and require a large storage space. Digital angiography will soon replace film for archiving cardiac catheterization images, ultimately offering powerful new capabilities at a reduced cost. The transition toward the filmless angiogram is characterized by both great promise and important risks. Current nonfilm archiving systems (such as super-VHS videotape or analog optical disks) have not met the needs of the cardiovascular community, owing to poor image quality and resolution inferior to that of cine films. Analog storage media can result in a standard error in lesion measurements exceeding 1 mm and have a suboptimal signal-to-noise ratio. While digital media record adequate image detail, proprietary formats preclude the universal compatibility supplied by cine film. As a consequence of incompatibility, referred patients must undergo repeat catheterization prior to surgery or intervention. To resolve the compatibility problem, a committee established by the American College of Cardiology in conjunction with manufacturers (DICOM) has developed a standardized digital recording format using CD-ROM to transfer images between medical centers. The availability of this standardized interchange medium will have a positive impact on research as well as on patient care by eliminating barriers to image exchange throughout the cardiovascular community. Support for the DICOM approach by practitioners is vital to the transition to digital future.

Angiography↗

Infrared tympanic thermometry in the pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the performance of two different commercially available, noncontact infrared tympanic thermometers in predicting core body temperature as measured by pulmonary artery catheters in pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The performance of the tympanic thermometers was compared with the performance of an indwelling rectal probe and digital axillary temperature determinations. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive sample, unblinded study. SETTING: Pediatric ICU of a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients requiring pulmonary artery catheter monitoring for clinical management. INTERVENTIONS: Temperature measurements were made using each infrared tympanic thermometer unit in the core mode. These values were compared with simultaneously obtained pulmonary arterial, digital axillary, and rectal probe temperatures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Bias and variability of each method compared with the pulmonary arterial temperature were calculated. Bias did not vary with temperature measured or age of the patient. Indwelling rectal probes showed the least bias and variability and axillary temperature the most. Neither infrared tympanic thermometer had clinically important bias; one model had variability similar to that of the rectal probes, and the other model had significantly greater variability. CONCLUSIONS: In a pediatric ICU population, rectal probes reflect core temperature better than axillary determinations and both infrared tympanic models estimated core body temperature better than digital axillary temperature. One of the tympanic systems (Thermoscan Pro-1 infrared tympanic thermometer) performed in a similar way to the indwelling rectal probes and may be used to estimate core temperature in situations where a pulmonary artery catheter is not in place. The other test tympanic system (First Temp) had greater variability than the rectal probes.

Adolescent↗

Mobile health apps improve Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by enhancing medication adherence: A multicentre randomised controlled trial with mediation analysis.

AIMS: This study evaluated whether a gamified mHealth application (CareAide&#xae;) improves Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and whether this effect is mediated by medication adherence. METHODS: Prespecified secondary analysis of the T2DM cohort from a 6-month multicentre RCT (NCT06068309; N&#x202f;=&#x202f;663; three Malaysian hospitals). Participants were randomised 1:1 to standard care or CareAide&#xae;. Adherence (MMAS-8), EQ-5D-5L utility (Malaysian value set), and AQoL-6D were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Simple mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 4; 5000 bootstraps) adjusted for baseline HRQoL. RESULTS: CareAide&#xae; significantly predicted higher MMAS-8 scores (mean difference +1.756; d = 1.638; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). Higher MMAS-8 scores significantly predicted improved AQoL-6D utility (b = 0.024; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). The direct effect on AQoL-6D was non-significant (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.248). Bootstrapped indirect effect confirmed full mediation via AQoL-6D (0.042; 95% CI [0.024, 0.060]). A sensitivity analysis adjusting for baseline HbA1c confirmed full mediation (indirect = 0.034; 95% CI [0.015, 0.052]; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;563). EQ-5D-5L utility showed a significant direct between-group difference at 6 months (p&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.012) but did not operate as a mediation outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence fully mediates the AQoL-6D HRQoL benefit of a gamified mHealth intervention in T2DM, as confirmed by both the primary and HbA1c-adjusted sensitivity analyses. These findings support integration of behaviourally informed digital adjuncts into routine primary diabetes care.

Humans↗

Impact of retinopathy of prematurity screening examination on cardiorespiratory indices: a comparison of indirect ophthalmoscopy and retcam imaging.

PURPOSE: To compare the impact of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening examination between a digital fundus camera and conventional binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) using cardiorespiratory indices as a measure of distress. DESIGN: Prospective comparative (nonrandomized) interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-six preterm infants with a birth weight of < or =1500 g or gestational age of < or =32 weeks and undergoing ROP screening were included. METHODS: Retinopathy of prematurity screening examination with BIO or the digital fundus camera was performed. Cardiovascular indices were recorded before, during, and 1 hour after examination. Race, birth weight, gender, twin status, duration of the examination, gestational age, and postconceptual age were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, respiratory rate (RR), and mean blood pressure (BP). RESULTS: Thirty-four infants underwent indirect ophthalmoscopy, whereas 52 underwent digital fundus camera examination. The increase in HR and RR was significantly higher in the indirect ophthalmoscopy group than in the digital fundus camera group (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in HR and mean BP during examination in both groups (P<0.05). No clinically significant response persisted at 1 hour. Digital fundus camera examination took significantly longer (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Screening for ROP with a digital fundus camera is associated with a significantly lower stress-related response than conventional indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Blood Pressure↗

A preliminary study of PDA-based dietary self-monitoring in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to pilot test an intervention to enhance the adherence of study participants to the hemodialysis dietary regimen. DESIGN: A single case study design was used to examine the potential effectiveness of the intervention over a 4-month period of time. SETTING: A dialysis center in southwestern Pennsylvania. PATIENTS: Of the five individuals entered into the study, one was male and four were female, four were black, and one was white. Participants were 63 to 70 years of age, and had been receiving dialysis for a median of 36 months (range, 18 to 84 months). INTERVENTION: The intervention included counseling to enhance self-efficacy, by a renal dietitian, paired with personal digital assistant-based dietary self-monitoring. Participants met twice per week with interventionists during the first 6 weeks, weekly during the second 6-week period, and biweekly in the final 4-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Monthly laboratory data regarding serum albumin, potassium, and phosphorus levels; Kt/V; and data on average monthly interdialytic weight gain were abstracted from the participants' medical records. C-reactive protein level was determined at baseline and at 4 months. RESULTS: Four of five study participants had an increase in serum albumin level from baseline to their final measurement, and one participant maintained a stable albumin level. Four of five participants also experienced a small increase in serum phosphorus level. Mixed results were obtained with regard to serum potassium and average monthly interdialytic weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the small sample and single case study design, caution must be used in drawing firm conclusions from this study. Data suggest that the intervention may result in improved dietary intake and improved serum albumin levels. With increased dietary intake, serum phosphorus levels may increase. Additional research is needed to determine the potential efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this intervention for improving dietary adherence.

Aged↗

Regular physical exercise and low-fat diet. Effects on progression of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Significant regression of coronary and femoral atherosclerotic lesions has been documented by angiographic studies using aggressive lipid-lowering treatment. This study tested the applicability and effects of intensive physical exercise and low-fat diet on coronary morphology and myocardial perfusion in nonselected patients with stable angina pectoris. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were recruited after routine coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris; they were randomized to an intervention group (n = 56) and a control group on "usual care" (n = 57). Treatment comprised intensive physical exercise in group training sessions (minimum, 2 hr/wk), daily home exercise periods (20 min/d), and low-fat, low-cholesterol diet (American Heart Association recommendation, phase 3). No lipid-lowering agents were prescribed. After 12 months of participation, repeat coronary angiography was performed; relative and minimal diameter reductions of coronary lesions were measured by digital image processing. Change in myocardial perfusion was assessed by 201Tl scintigraphy. In patients participating in the intervention group, body weight decreased by 5% (p less than 0.001), total cholesterol by 10% (p less than 0.001), and triglycerides by 24% (p less than 0.001); high density lipoproteins increased by 3% (p = NS). Physical work capacity improved by 23% (p less than 0.0001), and myocardial oxygen consumption, as estimated from maximal rate-pressure product, by 10% (p less than 0.05). Stress-induced myocardial ischemia decreased concurrently, indicating improvement of myocardial perfusion. Based on minimal lesion diameter, progression of coronary lesions was noted in nine patients (23%), no change in 18 patients (45%), and regression in 13 patients (32%). In the control group, metabolic and hemodynamic variables remained essentially unchanged, whereas progression of coronary lesions was noted in 25 patients (48%), no change in 18 patients (35%), and regression in nine patients (17%). These changes were significantly different from the intervention group (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients participating in regular physical exercise and low-fat diet, coronary artery disease progresses at a slower pace compared with a control group on usual care.

Adult↗

Helical computed tomography in the assessment of abdominal aortic pathology.

A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the role of helical computed tomography in the assessment of abdominal aortic pathology. A total of 17 patients underwent intra-arterial digital subtraction of angiography (IADSA) and helical computed tomography, with eight patients undergoing subsequent operative intervention. A comparison of radiological findings between IADSA and helical computed tomography (CT) was made and, where applicable, a comparison was made with operative findings. Pathology included abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (n = 12), thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (n = 2) and dissection (n = 1), graft distension following AAA repair (n = 1) and plaque haemorrhage in the distal aorta following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the iliac artery (n = 1). Planned operative management as based on pre-operative helical CT imaging findings, in particular with reference to the type of graft used (straight or bifurcated) was not changed at operation. Our findings on helical CT in regards to AAA, thoroco-abdominal aneurysm and dissection correlated well with angiography and surgery findings.

Aged↗

Digital subtraction angiography.

Digital subtraction angiography is a new imaging technique that uses a computer to subtract background distractions and to enhance contrast and density. The intravenous administration of contrast material permits safe outpatient screening for arterial disease. The exact role of intravenous digital subtraction angiography in cerebrovascular disease is still in evolution and remains the subject of debate. The value of intravenous digital subtraction angiography in screening for renovascular hypertension is less controversial, but selection of patients remains a subject for further study. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography has become a standard imaging technique that offers both the inherent safety produced by reduction of the volume of contrast material and the added safety afforded by reduction of both the size of the catheter and the time required to perform complex arterial interventional procedures. With the evolution of more sophisticated computed technology and radiographic equipment, the impact of both intravenous and arterial digital subtraction angiography will become even more dramatic.

Angiography↗