Lesions Of Clinical Significance Research Articles

A72 THE ENDOSCOPIC YIELD OF PRIORITIZED INDICATIONS USING A PROVINCIAL-WIDE COLONOSCOPY REFERRAL FORM

Abstract Background The widespread use of a standardized and validated province-wide colonoscopy referral form (PCRF), regrouping mutually exclusive indications into suggested priority wait time categories, has allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of routine colonoscopy practice Aims To validate the Quebec PCRF by better characterizing endoscopic finding yields according to specific clinical indications. Methods This retrospective cohort study includes consecutive adult patients with available data from the PCRF from two tertiary hospitals. The primary outcome was the diagnostic rates of colorectal cancer (CRC). Secondary outcomes assessed incidences of clinically significant lesions (CSL) on endoscopy and confirmed at pathology. These are CRC, advanced adenomas, sessile serrated polyps, polyps ≥ 5mm, colitis, colonic strictures, and miscellaneous other findings excluding hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. Descriptive and inferential statistics, and multivariable regression predictive modeling are reported. Results Overall, 14,657 patients (mean age 59.2 ± 14.0 years, 50.9% female) were included from September 2018 to August 2022. The most frequent indications for colonoscopy were polyp surveillance (IN13, 20.8%), recent change in bowel habits (IN7, 11.9%), a positive fecal immunochemical test (IN5, 8.3%), a family history of CRC or polyps (first-degree relative) (IN8, 6.4%), and suspected active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (IN3, 5.8%). Overall, 40.6% had CSL, including CRCs in 0.8%. CRCs were found more frequently for IN2 (19.7% vs 2.0%, pampersand:003C0.01), IN5 (29.9% vs 8.2%, pampersand:003C0.01), and an unexplained documented iron deficiency anemia (IN6) (11.8% vs 5.2%, pampersand:003C0.01). CSLs were more frequent for IN3 (1.6% vs 5.8%, p=0.04), IN7 (4.7% vs 12.0%, p=0.01), IN8 (0.8% vs 6.5%, p=0.01), IN13 (7.1% vs 20.9%, pampersand:003C0.01), IBD surveillance (IN15, 0.0% vs 4.0%, p=0.02), and surveillance for a significant family history (IN21, 0.0% vs 3.7%, p=0.02). On multivariable analysis, CRC was significantly associated with IN2 OR=31.8 (4.86; 208.7), IN5 OR=19.2 (3.86; 95.7), and IN6 OR=15.7 (2.37; 78.0) - (all are high priority PCRF referrals with a suggested shorter wait time than for most other indications). CSLs were significantly associated with age (OR=1.03 (1.02; 1.03)), IN2 (OR=2.32 (1.35; 3.99)), IN5 (OR=2.37 (1.74; 3.22)), and IN13 (OR= 1.66 (1.36; 2.02)). Conclusions This large cohort study confirms the validity of indications and corresponding prioritization of wait times of a PCRF. Funding Agencies CPAC and MSSS

The prospective validation of a scoring system to assess mucosal cleanliness during esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Cleanliness of the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract is critical for performing a high-quality esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to validate a recently developed UGI cleanliness scale (the PEACE system) in the detection of clinically significant lesions (CSL) in the UGI tract. Patients who underwent a complete diagnostic EGD were prospectively enrolled between August 2021 to October 2022. The UGI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) cleanliness was scored 0-3 for each segment. The primary outcomes were the detection of CSL and PEACE scores. Of 995 patients enrolled from 5 centers in the study adequate cleanliness (AQ; all scores of >2) was found in 929 patients. In multivariate regression analysis, AQ was associated with the number of diagnosed CSLs (OR 1.78 95% CI 1.06-3.01, p=0.03). Other factors related with CSL detection were: duration of EGD (OR 1.29 95% CI 1.23-1.35, p<0.001), male gender (OR 1.33 95% CI 1.04-1.71, p=0.025), and EGD indication (dyspepsia, alarm symptoms, gastritis surveillance, other indications vs GERD) (OR 0.43 95% CI 0.31-0.6, p<0.001; OR 0.44 95% CI 0.28-0.67, p<0.001; OR 0.44 95% CI 0.25-0.76, p=0.004 and OR 0.44 95% CI 0.31-0.62, p<0.001 respectively). 27 patients were diagnosed with UGI neoplasia - all in patients with adequate cleanliness of the UGI tract. Adequate cleanliness of the UGI tract as assessed with the PEACE system was associated with a significantly higher detection rate of CSLs during EGD. The relationship of this scale with UGI neoplasia detection warrants further investigation.

Upper GI endoscopy in subjects with positive fecal occult blood test undergoing colonoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of gastroscopy to investigate the upper GI (UGI) tract in subjects with a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT+) result is controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aimed to determine the prevalence of UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects. Databases were searched until March 31, 2022 for studies reporting UGI lesions in FOBT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Pooled prevalence rates of UGI cancers and clinically significant lesions (CSLs; lesions potentially explaining occult blood loss), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We included 21 studies with 6993 FOBT+ subjects. Pooled prevalence of UGI cancers was .8% (95% CI, .4-1.6) and UGI CSLs was 30.4% (95% CI, 20.7-42.2), and that of colonic cancers and CSLs was 3.3% (95% CI, 1.8-6.0) and 31.9% (95% CI, 23.9-41.1), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of UGI CSL and UGI cancers in FOBT+ subjects with/without colonic pathology (ORs of 1.2 [95% CI, .9-1.6; P= .137] and 1.6 [95% CI, .5-5.5; P= .460]). Anemia in FOBT+ subjects was associated with UGI cancers (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 1.3-31.5; P= .025) and UGI CSLs (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.2-8.4; P= .0001). GI symptoms were not associated with UGI CSLs (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, .6-2.8; P= .511). There is an appreciable prevalence of UGI cancers and other CSLs in FOBT+ subjects. Anemia but not symptoms or colonic pathology are linked to UGI lesions. Although the data suggest that same-day gastroscopy in FOBT+ subjects undergoing colonoscopy yields approximately 25% more malignancies as colonoscopy alone, prospective data are required to determine the cost-efficacy of dual endoscopy as a standard of care for all FOBT+ subjects.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer.

Active surveillance has gained popularity as an acceptable management option for men with low-risk prostate cancer. Successful utilization of this strategy can delay or prevent unnecessary interventions - thereby reducing morbidity associated with overtreatment. The usefulness of active surveillance primarily depends on correct identification of patients with low-risk disease. However, current population-wide algorithms and tools do not adequately exclude high-risk disease, thereby limiting the confidence of clinicians and patients to go on active surveillance. Novel imaging tools such as mpMRI provide information about the size and location of potential cancers enabling more informed treatment decisions. The term “multiparametric” in prostate mpMRI refers to the summation of several MRI series into one examination whose initial goal is to identify potential clinically-significant lesions suitable for targeted biopsy. The main advantages of MRI are its superior anatomic resolution and the lack of ionizing radiation. Recently, the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System has been instituted as an international standard for unifying mpMRI results. The imaging sequences in mpMRI defined by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 includes: T2-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, derived apparent-diffusion coefficient from diffusion-weighted MRI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. The use of mpMRI prior to starting active surveillance could prevent those with missed, high-grade lesions from going on active surveillance, and reassure those with minimal disease who may be hesitant to take part in active surveillance. Although larger validation studies are still necessary, preliminary results suggest mpMRI has a role in selecting patients for active surveillance. Less certain is the role of mpMRI in monitoring patients on active surveillance, as data on this will take a long time to mature. The biggest obstacles to routine use of prostate MRI are quality control, cost, reproducibility, and access. Nevertheless, there is great a potential for mpMRI to improve outcomes and quality of treatment. The major roles of MRI will continue to expand and its emerging use in standard of care approaches becomes more clearly defined and supported by increasing levels of data.

Diagnostic accuracy of blood sucrose as a screening test for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in adult horses

BackgroundEquine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is common in adult horses, particularly those involved in performance disciplines. Currently, detection of EGUS by gastroscopy is the only reliable ante mortem method for definitive diagnosis; however it is unsuitable as a screening test because it is expensive, time consuming, and is not readily available to most veterinarians. Sucrose permeability testing represents a simple, economical alternative to gastroscopy for screening purposes, and the feasibility of this approach in the horse has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of blood sucrose as a screening test for EGUS in a large group of adult horses with and without naturally occurring gastric disease.ResultsOne hundred and one adult horses with or without naturally occurring gastric ulceration were studied. The diagnostic accuracy of blood sucrose for diagnosis of gastric lesions (GL), glandular lesions (GDL), squamous lesions (SQL), and clinically significant lesions (CSL) at 45 and 90 min after administration of 1 g/kg of sucrose via nasogastric intubation was assessed using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). For each lesion type, sucrose concentration in blood was compared to gastroscopy, as the gold standard, and sensitivities (Se) and specificities (Sp) were calculated across a range of sucrose concentrations. Ulcer grading was performed blindly by one observer; and the results were validated by comparing them with that of two other observers, and calculating the level of agreement. Cut-off values were selected manually to optimize Se. The prevalence of GL, GDL, SQL, and CSL was 83, 70, 53 and 58% respectively. At the selected cut-offs, Se ranged from 51 to 79% and Sp ranged from 43 to 72%, depending upon the lesion type and time of sampling.ConclusionsBlood sucrose is neither a sensitive or specific test for detecting EGUS in this population of adult horses with naturally occurring gastric ulceration. Further studies aimed at evaluating the performance characteristics of the test in different study populations are warranted. Given the limitations of endoscopy, due consideration should also be given to alternative methods for comparison of blood sucrose with a gold standard.

Screening for Malignancy in Patients With Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism: A Single-Center Retrospective Case Series.

In this prospective review of cancer screening in unselected patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) presenting to a large teaching hospital in the Republic of Ireland, we aimed to determine the effects of the implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence screening policy in a "real-world" population. Within our institution, 64 individuals presented with unprovoked VTE during the study period, of whom 47 underwent a screening computed tomography (CT) scan. Two cases of previously undiagnosed cancer were identified. However, in both cases, the clinical history provided by the affected individuals would have prompted a CT scan regardless of the recommendations of the screening policy. The screening CT scans identified 18 incidental lesions within the cohort, which required further diagnostic studies. None of the additional investigations completed to date have detected any lesion of clinical significance. These findings support the view that cancer screening with CT imaging in unselected individuals with unprovoked VTE is not justified or cost-effective.

SU‐F‐J‐112: Clinical Feasibility Test of An RF Pulse‐Based MRI Method for the Quantitative Fat‐Water Segmentation

Purpose:Quantitative fat‐water segmentation is important not only because of the clinical utility of fat‐suppressed MRI images in better detecting lesions of clinical significance (in the midst of bright fat signal) but also because of the possible physical need, in which CT‐like images based on the materials’ photon attenuation properties may have to be generated from MR images; particularly, as in the case of MR‐only radiation oncology environment to obtain radiation dose calculation or as in the case of hybrid PET/MR modality to obtain attenuation correction map for the quantitative PET reconstruction. The majority of such fat‐water quantitative segmentations have been performed by utilizing the Dixon's method and its variations, which have to enforce the proper settings (often predefined) of echo time (TE) in the pulse sequences. Therefore, such methods have been unable to be directly combined with those ultrashort TE (UTE) sequences that, taking the advantage of very low TE values (∼ 10's microsecond), might be beneficial to directly detect bones. Recently, an RF pulse‐based method (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mri.2015.11.006), termed as PROD pulse method, was introduced as a method of quantitative fat‐water segmentation that does not have to depend on predefined TE settings. Here, the clinical feasibility of this method is verified in brain tumor patients by combining the PROD pulse with several sequences.Methods:In a clinical 3T MRI, the PROD pulse was combined with turbo spin echo (e.g. TR=1500, TE=16 or 60, ETL=15) or turbo field echo (e.g. TR=5.6, TE=2.8, ETL=12) sequences without specifying TE values.Results:The fat‐water segmentation was possible without having to set specific TE values.Conclusion:The PROD pulse method is clinically feasible. Although not yet combined with UTE sequences in our laboratory, the method is potentially compatible with UTE sequences, and thus, might be useful to directly segment fat, water, bone and air.

Antiangiogenic and Neurogenic Activities of Sleeping Beauty-Mediated PEDF-Transfected RPE Cells In Vitro and In Vivo.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent multifunctional protein that inhibits angiogenesis and has neurogenic and neuroprotective properties. Since the wet form of age-related macular degeneration is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), PEDF would be an ideal candidate to inhibit CNV and support retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. However, its short half-life has precluded its clinical use. To deliver PEDF to the subretinal space, we transfected RPE cells with the PEDF gene using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Transfected cells expressed and secreted biologically active recombinant PEDF (rPEDF). In cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, rPEDF reduced VEGF-induced cumulative sprouting by ≥47%, decreased migration by 77%, and increased rate of apoptosis at least 3.4 times. rPEDF induced neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma cells and protected ganglion and photoreceptor cells in organotypic retinal cultures. In a rat model of CNV, subretinal transplantation of PEDF-transfected cells led to a reduction of the CNV area by 48% 14 days after transplantation and decreased clinical significant lesions by 55% and 40% after 7 and 14 days, respectively. We showed that transplantation of pigment epithelial cells overexpressing PEDF can restore a permissive subretinal environment for RPE and photoreceptor maintenance, while inhibiting choroidal blood vessel growth.

3T MRI of the prostate correlation to 3D reconstruction of transperineal mapping biopsies.

e15176 Background: MRI is new tool in the diagnosis and surveillance of localized prostate cancer. Studies have examined the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for detecting and localizing prostate cancer as compared to radical prostatectomy specimens. We have previously demonstrated excellent correlation between 3-dimensional transperineal mapping biopsies (3DMB) to radical prostatectomy specimens. We hypothesize that MRI does not perform as well detecting smaller lesions of the prostate as larger ones. In this study, we retrospectively compare the correlation of 3DMB to 3T MRI-positive lesions. Methods: Between 2010 and 2011, 34 men with histologically-proven prostate cancer underwent 3T endorectal coil MRI and subsequent template-guided (5-mm grid) 3DMB. Three-dimensional computer models of the mapping biopsies were created using Proview software to identify clusters of positive biopsies likely belonging to a single lesion. MRIs were read by two trained radiologists blinded to 3DMB results. Disagreement between radiologists was settled by consensus. MRI and 3DMB were then compared in a retrospective fashion. Results: Median age and PSA were 65 years (49-76) and 4.3 ng/mL (0.7-15.0). Median prostate volume was 40 cm3 (21-105 cm3). Median total biopsy cores on 3DMB was 60 (26-151), and mean positive cores was 3 (0-13). 3D reconstruction of patient biopsy sets resulted in 58 distinct foci of cancer. MRI identified 64 individual lesions suspicious for cancer. Of these, 66% (n=42) could be correlated to a positive area on 3DMB consisting of one or more positive biopsies, and 34% (n=22) corresponded to negative regions on 3DMB. When two or more biopsies represented a positive lesion on 3DMB, the positive-predictive value of MRI was 100% (n=24). Conversely, only 72% (n=42) of positive 3DMB areas could be correlated to a lesion on MRI, and 28% (n=16) were not seen on MRI.. Conclusions: MRI has vast potential as a less-invasive method in the detection and surveillance of prostate cancer. While MRI does appear to have excellent positive predictive value, the number of false negatives and relevance to clinically-significant lesions require further illumination.

Prediction of Simultaneous Esophageal Lesions in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

To evaluate the frequency of concomitant esophageal lesions detected by esophagoscopy in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck (HNSCC) and to identify the risk factors. Retrospective medical record analysis. Regional hospital. From March 2000 to March 2006, 118 patients with HNSCC had undergone esophagoscopy as part of the disease workup. Three patients had double head and neck primary tumors. Sixty-five patients also underwent chromoendoscopy with Lugol's iodine solution. The incidence of simultaneous esophageal cancer diagnosed on esophagoscopy. Additional esophageal lesions of clinical significance discovered during chromoendoscopy were also evaluated. Clinically important esophageal lesions were found in 12 patients (10%)-9 carcinomas and 3 dysplastic lesions. Chromoendoscopy was useful in 5 of these 12 cases, detecting 3 dysplastic lesions not visualized by ordinary esophagogastroduodenoscopy and additional lesions in 2 patients with esophageal carcinoma. Of the patients in whom isolated oral cavity SCC was considered, the incidence of synchronous esophageal lesions was only 1.5%. Sex (P = .02), younger age (P = .04), alcohol drinking (P = .047), and tumor sites (P = .002) were significant predictors of synchronous esophageal lesions on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, only tumor site remained a significant risk factor (P = .009). Clinically important esophageal lesions rarely coexists with oral cavity SCC, for which the benefit of routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy is questionable. Chromoendoscopy enhances the identification of early but clinically important esophageal abnormalities if esophagoscopy is performed for SCC in the larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx.

Duplex Ultrasound Surveillance Can Be Worthwhile After Arterial Intervention

A surveillance program based on duplex ultrasound testing after peripheral arterial intervention can increase long-term patency by identifying and by repairing clinical significant lesions. Its successful application requires numerous conditions regarding pathobiology of arterial repair failure and its consequences, arterial testing expertise, and durability of secondary procedures used to repair duplex-detected lesions. The methodology of surveillance should be tailored to the type of arterial intervention. Clinical reports on the efficacy of duplex ultrasound surveillance have supported its routine use, but controversy of cost-effectiveness remains. Duplex surveillance will decrease procedural primary patency, but when successful, the primary-assisted and secondary patency rates should be significantly higher than the rates when no surveillance was performed. An examination of the primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates of an arterial procedure will indicate the benefit (or lack of benefit) of a surveillance program and the appropriateness of the threshold criteria used for secondary interventions.

Something Old and Something New: a Brief History of Thyroid Ultrasound Technology

To discuss both early and recent ultrasound technologic advances and to explore the role of such technology in the evaluation of the thyroid gland. The physics of sound and the history of the use of reflected sound waves are reviewed, and the medical applications of ultrasound, with a particular focus on the thyroid gland, are presented. Since the first reports of thyroid ultrasonography were published in the late 1960s, the field has undergone remarkable evolution. Ultrasound imaging improved in parallel with growth in computing, transducer, and display technology. The transition from A-mode to B-mode to gray-scale imaging was associated with dramatic improvements in clarity and interpretability of ultrasound images. Current high-resolution ultrasound images are able to identify virtually all structural thyroid lesions of clinical significance. Although ultrasound characteristics cannot be used for accurate diagnosis of benign thyroid lesions, certain features such as irregular margins, microcalcifications, and central vascularity suggest the presence of "suspicious" thyroid nodules. Recent advances including the use of contrast agents, tissue harmonic imaging, and multiplanar reconstruction of images will further enhance the resolution and interpretability of ultrasound images. The use of Doppler flow analysis may improve the predictive value for determining the risk of a malignant thyroid lesion, but no current ultrasound technique is capable of determining benignity with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Ultrasound guidance of fine-needle aspiration biopsy has been demonstrated to improve both diagnostic yield and accuracy and will likely become the standard of care. Because high-quality ultrasound systems are now available at a reasonable price, routine clinical use of ultrasonography is considered an important extension of the physical examination by many endocrinologists.

The Role of Diagnostic Selective Nerve Root Blocks in the Management of Spinal Pain

Biochemical mechanisms to explain pain generation began relatively recently. Evaluating pain originating from the spine can be challenging because no historical or physical examination findings are sufficiently sensitive or specific for identifying each of the myriad of potential pain generators. These discrete anatomic structures include the nerve root, disc annulus, posterior longitudinal ligament, sacroiliac joint, and facet joint. The diagnostic selective nerve root block is a useful test to determine the etiology of pain when other testing is inconclusive. If a patient with radicular symptoms has non-corroborative visual anatomic and neurophysiologic testing, diagnostic selective nerve root block may elucidate the level of pain generation. Also, in a patient with multiple abnormalities on visual anatomic testing, the lesion of clinical significance can be identified. However, this test may not be necessary in the patient when the specific radiculopathy level diagnosis is apparent; this is the case when a characteristic history and physical examination have a corroborative single-level imaging lesion. Determining which level is generating symptoms has implications for subsequent physical therapy, therapeutic injections, and surgery. This review of selective nerve root blocks describes the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology, rationale, clinical utility, and complications.

Granulomas in the Livers of Humans and Fischer Rats Associated with the Ingestion of Mineral Hydrocarbons: A Comparison

Ninety-day feeding studies were conducted in Fischer 344 rats using a series of highly refined mineral hydrocarbons which included mineral oils and waxes representative of those used in consumer products and food applications. The series included materials which had been refined by oleum or hydrogenation. The materials tested were representative of the range of carbon chain lengths, molecular weights, and viscosities which are currently in use. Findings revealed the presence of granulomatous lesions in the liver and histiocytosis in the lymph nodes. Some mineral hydrocarbons did not induce any lesions; others induced relatively minor effects; and a low melting point wax induced the largest lesions in both liver and mesenteric lymph nodes, with inflammation and areas of focal necrosis in the livers. The majority of lesions reported were associated with the highest dose levels used. These studies are in contrast to studies in Sprague–Dawley rats in which comparable doses did not induce similar lesions, indicating marked strain variability. Lipogranulomas associated with the ingestion of mineral oil have been reported in humans. The comparative morphology of the lesions seen in the Fischer rat study and those observed in the human are discussed and differences are highlighted. The lesions in the human are not believed to progress to lesions of clinical significance. The pathogenesis of the lesions induced in Fischer rats and in humans is discussed and it is concluded that the majority, if not all of the lesions, in the rats are of no significance for humans. The possibility that a small proportion of cases of granulomatous hepatitis in humans may represent an atypical response to mineral hydrocarbons may need further investigation.

Spinal and cranial neural tube defects

Developmental lesions of the central nervous system with failure of normal midline fusion are often referred to as being dysraphic and vary from inapparent and insignificant to a massive deformity incompatible with survival. Several different schemata are used to classify this wide variety and often complex set of malformations; however, the nomenclature is confusing and even contradictory. As most of these congenital lesions of clinical significance involve an aberration in the formation of the neural tube, it is suggested that the term neural tube defects (NTD) be used to characterize this entire group of anomalies. From a practical clinical standpoint, NTD can be subdivided into three main groupings: open spinal NTD, closed spinal NTD, and cranial NTD. This article briefly covers the epidemiology, embryology, classification, clinical presentation, and management of this group of congenital lesions.

Snake-bite-induced acute renal failure in India

Acute renal failure complicates the course in 5% to 30% of victims of severe viper poisoning. No consensus exists on the single mechanism causing acute renal failure after viper bite. It is known, however, that viper venom induces several clinical abnormalities that favor the development of acute renal failure. These alterations include a varying degree of bleeding, hypotension, circulatory collapse, intravascular hemolysis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation with or without microangiopathy. A direct cytotoxic action of snake venom on the kidney is suspected, but convincing evidence is still lacking. Severe hypocomplementemia is consistently present, but I doubt its role in the causation of renal lesions. Hypersensitivity to venomous or antivenomous protein occasionally causes acute renal failure. In sea snake poisoning, myonecrosis and myoglobinuria appear to play the predominant pathogenetic role. The renal lesions of clinical significance in envenomed patients are acute tubular and patchy or diffuse cortical necrosis. Glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and papillary necrosis have been reported in rare patients. I trust that this overview of the clinical and basic-science aspects of snake-bite-induced acute renal failure will prompt investigators to further define the pathogenetic mechanisms involved. Lessons learned may aid patients with acute renal failure of diverse causes, both here in India and around the world.