IJU this issue

Abstract

This issue contains two Editorials, one Review article, three Original articles, one Case Report, three Short Communications, and two Letters to the Editor. This issue starts with an Editorial by Professor Razack (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). Professor Razack, of the University of Malaya, describes the history and current status of urology in Malaysia. The Malaysian Urological Association (MUA) was founded in 1974, and aims to strengthen closer links within Asia and rest of the world's urological communities. Urology in Malaysia had made great strides since its humble start in the late 1960s to its current status, in which most of the latest equipment and facilities are available within the country. There are three da Vinci robots in the country and many laser machines for both treatment of stones and prostate diseases. MUA continues to look for opportunities to host international conferences and meetings. The review by Kitajima et al. (Kobe, Japan) describes recent issues in contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). CIN is a serious complication among patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography with potentially high morbidity and mortality. Patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency appear to be at higher risk of CIN. To prevent CIN, every effort is required, including the routine identification of at-risk patients, the use of appropriate hydration regimens, the withdrawal of nephrotoxic drugs, the selection of a low-osmolality or iso-osmolar contrast medium (CM), and using the minimum volume of CM possible Cao et al. (Qingdao, China) determine whether steroidogenic enzyme expression is associated with the steroid secretory pattern of subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) by investigating the mRNA and protein expression of CYP17 and CYP11B1 in SCS adenomas. They found that CYP11B1 and CYP17 are overexpressed in subclinical cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) and their overexpression accounts for the increased production of cortisol that is characteristic of CPA. Gacci et al. (Florence, Italy) report factors predicting the recovery of continence after a radical prostatectomy (RP). They found that preoperative erectile function can predict post-prostatectomy incontinence, and bladder neck preservation has a significant effect on early continence recovery after RP. Kobayashi et al. (Sapporo, Japan) report an animal model for erectile dysfunction (ED) following lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Male Sprague–Dawley rats with partial BOO are an experimental model of LUTS and ED. The partial-BOO rats show decreased erectile function due to endothelial dysfunction induced by impaired eNOS function. Sugimoto et al. (Saga, Japan) report a rare case of a ureterosciatic hernia successfully treated by a ureteral placement. Non-enhanced computed tomography reveals left hydroureteronephrosis and obstruction of the distal left ureter with herniation into the sciatic foramen. After 2 months with treatment with the stent, there was no recurrence. The three Short Communications are of great interest. Suzuki et al. (Tokyo, Japan) analyze the results of direct decompressive surgery plus stabilization of the vertebrae involved in six non-ambulatory patients with metastatic extradural spinal cord compression due to renal cell carcinoma. Tanaka et al. (Tokyo, Japan) evaluate diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating between minimal fat angiomyolipoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Kozyrakis et al. (Athens, Greece) report on their experience with six patients diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma-like bladder carcinoma over the past 15 years. The Letter to the Editor from Nomiya et al. (Tokyo, Japan) report the first Japanese case of interstitial cystitis (IC) symptoms associated with ketamine abuse. Ketamine abuse should be included in the differential diagnoses for those presenting with LUTS suggestive of IC. The Letter to the Editor from Adam (Pretoria, South Africa) describes a message about an article by Ochiai et al. (International Journal of Urology 2011; 18: 200–5). He points out importance of combination threshold values for the PCA3 assay and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, or a normal digital rectal examination (DRE), or both, to identify the presence of cancer. In their cohort study, a PCA3 score <60 associated with a PSA level <4 ng/mL and a normal DRE excluded the presence of cancer on histology. None declared.