Location Of Stenosis Research Articles

Stenosis of gastric sleeve after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: clinical, radiographic and endoscopic findings.

To determine the clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings of sleeve stenosis after sleeve gastrectomy and to correlate treatment with outcomes. We identified 43 patients who underwent barium studies to evaluate upper GI symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings were reviewed and correlated with treatment and outcomes. 26 patients (60%) had sleeve stenoses. All stenoses appeared as short segments of smooth, tapered narrowing, with a mean length of 8.0 mm and mean width of 7.5 mm, and 24 (92%) were located in the proximal or distal third of the sleeve. 23 patients (88%) had upstream dilation, and 1 (4%) had retained food proximal to the stenosis. 23 (70%) of 33 patients with obstructive symptoms and 3 (30%) of 10 without obstructive symptoms had sleeve stenoses. Endoscopy revealed sleeve stenosis in 8 (67%) of 12 patients with radiographic stenosis. Endoscopic dilation resulted in improvement/resolution of symptoms in seven (88%) of 8 patients. Sleeve stenosis after sleeve gastrectomy was characterized radiographically by a short segment of smooth, tapered narrowing, typically in the proximal or distal third of the sleeve. Approximately, 70% of patients with obstructive symptoms and 30% with non-obstructive symptoms had sleeve stenosis. One-third of radiographically diagnosed stenoses were not seen at endoscopy. The barium study, therefore, is a useful test for sleeve stenosis in patients with obstructive or nonobstructive symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy. Advances in knowledge: This article describes the appearance and location of sleeve stenoses after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and the clinical presentation and treatment options for these patients.

Abstract TP203: The Effect of Concurrent Presence of Atherosclerotic Disease in Other Arterial Distributions in Patients With Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

Objective: To determine the effect of concurrent presence of atherosclerotic disease in other arterial distributions (ADOAD) on risk of 30 day stroke or death and ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic intracranial artery beyond 30 days after enrollment in patients with severe (70-99%) intracranial stenosis recruited in the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) Trial. Methods: Patients with known history of myocardial infarction, angina, carotid endarterectomy, coronary artery bypass surgery, previous angioplasty and stenting, or peripheral arterial disease at baseline evaluation were classified as those with concurrent presence of ADOAD. Hazards ratio (HR) for primary event during follow up was estimated using Cox proportional hazards analysis after adjusting for age, gender, location of stenosis, and treatment allocated (stent placement versus best medical treatment). Results: A total of 126 of 451 patients included had concurrent presence of ADOAD. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of primary endpoint was not significantly different in patients with concurrent presence of ADOAD (HR 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7 - 1.9). The treatment effect of stent placement (compared with best medical treatment) was not different in patients with concurrent presence of ADOAD (HR of 0.9 and 1.1, respectively) after adjusting for potential cofounders. The risk of any ischemic stroke (HR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8 - 2.3) and death (HR 1.4, 95% CI 0.3 - 7.1) during follow up was not different with concurrent presence of ADOAD. Conclusions: There was no effect on cardiovascular endpoints in patients with high grade symptomatic intracranial stenosis and concurrent presence of ADOAD from both natural history and treatment perspective.

Prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography findings in asymptomatic individuals: a 6-year follow-up from the prospective multicentre international CONFIRM study.

The long-term prognostic benefit of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) findings of coronary artery disease (CAD) in asymptomatic populations is unknown. From the prospective multicentre international CONFIRM long-term study, we evaluated asymptomatic subjects without known CAD who underwent both coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and CCTA (n = 1226). Coronary computed tomographic angiography findings included the severity of coronary artery stenosis, plaque composition, and coronary segment location. Using the C-statistic and likelihood ratio tests, we evaluated the incremental prognostic utility of CCTA findings over a base model that included a panel of traditional risk factors (RFs) as well as CACS to predict long-term all-cause mortality. During a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 1.2 years, 78 deaths occurred. Compared with the traditional RF alone (C-statistic 0.64), CCTA findings including coronary stenosis severity, plaque composition, and coronary segment location demonstrated improved incremental prognostic utility beyond traditional RF alone (C-statistics range 0.71-0.73, all P < 0.05; incremental χ2 range 20.7-25.5, all P < 0.001). However, no added prognostic benefit was offered by CCTA findings when added to a base model containing both traditional RF and CACS (C-statistics P > 0.05, for all). Coronary computed tomographic angiography improved prognostication of 6-year all-cause mortality beyond a set of conventional RF alone, although, no further incremental value was offered by CCTA when CCTA findings were added to a model incorporating RF and CACS.

Cephalic Arch Stenosis: Location of Stenosis in Indian Hemodialysis Patients.

The cephalic vein is formed over the “anatomical snuff box” and joins the axillary vein just below the clavicular level. The definition of cephalic arch is varied. In the radiology literature, it is defined as the central perpendicular portion of the cephalic vein as it traverses the deltopectoral groove and joins the axillary vein. The possible etiologies of cephalic arch stenosis are numerous. This study aimed to identify patients with cephalic arch stenosis and to discern the domain site of stenosis. This is a retrospective case series of patients who had an arteriovenous fistula with dysfunction of access and ipsilateral upper-limb edema. The clinical features of the access dysfunction were strong pulse due to increased pressure, weak thrill due to poor proximal flow, high static pressure, or decreased dialysis efficiency. All these 25 patients underwent computed tomography (CT) angiogram. The CT angiographic findings revealed cephalic arch stenosis and stenosis in 13 patients (52%). domain IV was slightly more affected than other domains of cephalic arch.

Management of benign laryngotracheal stenosis – A 5-year experience of Indian tertiary care setup

Introduction: Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) implies a partial or complete cicatricial narrowing of the larynx and/or trachea. Surgical management is technically challenging owing to complex anatomy and delicate nature of airway structures. The present study aims to study clinical profile, management, and surgical outcome of LTS in a tertiary care setup of India. Materials and Methods: All patients with LTS treated between 2011 and 2016 were included in this study. They underwent endoscopic assessment followed by definitive management which included endoscopic and external surgical techniques. The success of treatment was defined by decannulation, acceptable voice quality, and glottic competence. Results: A total of 106 patients with benign LTS were treated. Prolonged intubation was the single largest cause (70.7%). Tracheal stenosis formed the largest group (43.4%) followed by subglottic stenosis (26.4%). About 37.7% of patients underwent endoscopic management. Among external approaches, 32.07% of patients underwent resection-anastomosis surgeries including partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) and tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis. Nearly 12.3% ofpatients underwent various forms of laryngotracheoplasties. About 7.5% of patients underwent both in the form of extended- PCTR or reconstruction surgery followed by resection-anastomosis. Nearly 7.5% of patients required Montgomery T-tube insertion while three underwent hyo-epiglottopexy for laryngomalacia. A total of 100 patients (94.3%) have been successfully decannulated. Conclusions: The use of appropriate size, low pressure cuffed tubes, and early tracheostomy will go a long way in preventing LTS. The precise assessment of laryngotracheal complex is the cornerstone of management. Choice of treatment depends on location, severity, and length of stenosis, as well as on patient comorbidities, history of previous interventions, and expertise of the surgical team. Goal of any treatment modality should be to achieve a patent airway, glottic competence and acceptable voice quality.

Multislice Computed Tomography Assessment of Tracheobronchial Patterns in Partial Anomalous Left Pulmonary Artery.

The aim of this study was to present relationship between partial anomalous left pulmonary artery (PALPA) and the tracheobronchial tree and patterns of the tracheobronchial tree assessed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Nine patients were assessed by MSCT. The relationships between the tracheobronchial tree and PALPA and different tracheobronchial patterns, location of tracheobronchial stenosis, severity of stenosis, and associated cardiac defects were evaluated. The results of MSCT for these patients were compared with the operative findings. The anatomy of PALPA was clearly identified by MSCT in all 9 patients. Three relationships between PALPA and the tracheobronchial tree were noted. In addition, 3 patterns of tracheobronchial tree anatomy were also demonstrated. The PALPA arose from the right pulmonary artery, forming a pulmonary sling (n = 2). The PALPA, which arose from the proximal right pulmonary artery, went below the tracheal bifurcation and passed anterior (n = 1) or inferior-anterior (n = 6) to the proximal left main bronchus. Three patterns of the tracheobronchial tree were presented with normal (n = 5), normal pattern with right tracheal bronchus (n = 3), and bridging bronchus (n = 1). The rate of tracheobronchial stenosis was 56% (5/9).Five patients underwent operation, and at that time, the relationship between PALPA and the tracheobronchial tree defined on MSCT was confirmed. The PALPA can be associated with tracheobronchial anomalies and airway compression depending on its orientation to the airway. Noninvasive imaging modalities such as MSCT will be helpful for making further management decisions.

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer: treatment with Nanoknife percutaneously under guidance of ultrasound and effectiveness evaluated by contrast enhanced ultrasonography

Objective To explore the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC) by Nanoknife, and the demonstrations on contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) after the procedures. Methods Four patients were enrolled. Each of them was percutaneously inserted 3-5 Nanoknife electrodes to ablate the lesions with 2-3 sessions under the guidance of ultrasound. After the procedures, CEUS, contrast enhanced CT, contrast enhanced MRI or computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed to assess the efficacy. Results All patients uneventfully were able to tolerate the high-voltage Nanoknife procedures.However, the endurable pain or discomfort in abdomen was complained. For one patient with obstructive jaundice and mild liver dysfunction, pancreatic amylase in serum increased slightly at the first day after treatment. Furthermore, C response protein in serum elevated, and biliary tract infection happened at the third day. Moreover, thromboses in portal and splenic vein were found at the seventh day. The survival time for all cases were 3-8 months. According to the findings of CEUS, a well-defined no contrast enhancement was detected at ablative zone for all the patients within one week. Yet, contrast enhancement was sporadically detected at the periphery in 3 patients 1-2 months late. Meanwhile, on contrast enhanced CT or MRI, an area of absent enhancement was also depicted at the ablation zone with heterogeneously decreased enhancement at periphery of the lesion. Base on CTA findings, local stenosis of splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein with varices of collateral vascularity were found in one patient at the fiftieth day, and superior mesenteric vein obstruction accompanied by varices of collateral vascularity was also found in another patient at the seventieth day. Conclusions For patients with LAPC, Nanoknife treatment is a safe and convenient procedure that can be percutaneously completed under the guidance of ultrasound. Along with enhanced CT, MRI or CTA, CEUS is a promising way to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure. Key words: Ultrasonography, interventional; Contrast enhanced ultrasonography; Pancreatic neoplasms; Nanoknife; Electroporation

Investigating the effects of laryngotracheal stenosis on upper airway aerodynamics.

Very little is known about the impact of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) on inspiratory airflow and resistance, especially in air hunger states. This study investigates the effect of LTS on airway resistance and volumetric flow across three different inspiratory pressures. Head-and-neck computed tomography scans of 11 subjects from 2010 to 2016 were collected. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the upper airway from the nostrils to carina, including the oral cavity, were created for one subject with a normal airway and for 10 patients with LTS. Airflow simulations were conducted using computational fluid dynamics modeling at three different inspiratory pressures (10, 25, 40 pascals [Pa]) for all subjects under two scenarios: 1) inspiration through nostrils only (MC), and 2) through both nostrils and mouth (MO). Volumetric flows in the normal subject at the three inspiratory pressures were considerably higher (MC: 11.8-26.1 L/min; MO: 17.2-36.9 L/min) compared to those in LTS (MC: 2.86-6.75 L/min; MO: 4.11-9.00 L/min). Airway resistances in the normal subject were 0.051 to 0.092 pascal seconds per milliliter (Pa.s)/mL (MC) and 0.035-0.065 Pa.s/mL (MO), which were approximately tenfold lower than those of subjects with LTS: 0.39 to 0.89 Pa.s/mL (MC) and 0.45 to 0.84 Pa.s/mL (MO). Furthermore, subjects with glottic stenosis had the greatest resistance, whereas subjects with subglottic stenosis had the greatest variability in resistance. Subjects with tracheal stenosis had the lowest resistance. This pilot study demonstrates that LTS increases resistance and decreases airflow. Mouth breathing significantly improved airflow and resistance but cannot completely compensate for the effects of stenosis. Furthermore, location of stenosis appears to modulate the effect of the stenosis on resistance differentially. NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E141-E149, 2018.

Development of a quantitative intracranial vascular features extraction tool on 3D MRA using semiautomated open-curve active contour vessel tracing.

To develop a quantitative intracranial artery measurement technique to extract comprehensive artery features from time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA). By semiautomatically tracing arteries based on an open-curve active contour model in a graphical user interface, 12 basic morphometric features and 16 basic intensity features for each artery were identified. Arteries were then classified as one of 24 types using prediction from a probability model. Based on the anatomical structures, features were integrated within 34 vascular groups for regional features of vascular trees. Eight 3D MRA acquisitions with intracranial atherosclerosis were assessed to validate this technique. Arterial tracings were validated by an experienced neuroradiologist who checked agreement at bifurcation and stenosis locations. This technique achieved 94% sensitivity and 85% positive predictive values (PPV) for bifurcations, and 85% sensitivity and PPV for stenosis. Up to 1,456 features, such as length, volume, and averaged signal intensity for each artery, as well as vascular group in each of the MRA images, could be extracted to comprehensively reflect characteristics, distribution, and connectivity of arteries. Length for the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery extracted by this technique was compared with reviewer-measured results, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97. A semiautomated quantitative method to trace, label, and measure intracranial arteries from 3D-MRA was developed and validated. This technique can be used to facilitate quantitative intracranial vascular research, such as studying cerebrovascular adaptation to aging and disease conditions. Magn Reson Med 79:3229-3238, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

A model of blood supply to the brain via the carotid arteries: Effects of obstructive vs. sclerotic changes

The carotid artery is one of the major supply routes of blood to the brain and a common site of vascular disease. Obstructive and sclerotic disorders within the carotid artery impact local blood flow patterns as well as overall impedance and blood supply to the brain. A lumped parameter model and an experimental in-vitro flow loop were used to study the effects of local stenosis and stiffness in the carotid artery based on a family of phantoms with different degrees of stenosis and compliance. The model also allows independent examination of the effects of downstream resistance and compliance. Mild to moderate stenosis was found to lead to minimal (∼1%) reduction in blood supply to the brain. Reduction in mean internal carotid artery (ICA) flow was statistically significant (p< 0.01) only above 70% stenosis. On the other hand, a three-fold increase in stiffness of the carotid artery, as might occur in aging, was found to lead to a modest yet statistically significant reduction (p< 0.01) in mean ICA flow. Effects of changing downstream resistance and compliance were examined. For a given pressure waveform, reduction in downstream compliance led to altered waveform shape and reduction in peak systolic flow rates where the mean flow rates were not altered. Increased downstream resistance resulted in drastic reduction in mean flow rates.

Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound for Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Helps Predict Sialendoscopic Findings and Outcomes.

Objective To determine the accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound (SP-US) features for predicting intraoperative sialendoscopic findings and to correlate ultrasound features with short-term symptomatic outcomes following sialendoscopy-assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS). Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting The practices of 2 academic sialendoscopy surgeons. Subjects and Methods Between February 2014 and September 2015, 82 patients with 105 symptomatic glands underwent SASDS, of whom 56 patients (75 glands) met inclusion criteria. SP-US and sialendoscopic findings were reviewed for patients with chronic obstructive sialadenitis who underwent SASDS and who had been prospectively evaluated with the University of California-San Francisco Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) questionnaire (scored 0-100) administered preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Results The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SP-US for identifying sialoliths intraoperatively were 94% (33/35) and 91% (39/43), respectively. Of glands with sialoliths on SP-US, 97% (34/35) had complete symptom resolution (COSS ≤10) after SASDS. The PPV and NPV of salivary duct dilation on SP-US for finding a corresponding stenosis on sialendoscopy were 93% (14/15) and 50% (14/28), respectively. Nonsialolith SP-US features with the highest PPV for complete or partial symptom resolution (COSS ≤25) following SASDS included distal duct dilation of all glands (86%; 6/7) and dilation of both distal and proximal parotid ducts (75%; 6/8). Conclusion SP-US has high accuracy for ruling in and ruling out sialoliths, as well as for ruling in but not for necessarily ruling out stenosis presence and location. Ultrasound is helpful in estimating degree of short-term symptom response following SASDS.

Radiologic observation of the blood supply changes around the knee with osteoarthritis

To compare blood supply changes around the knee joint between normal and osteoarthritis knee. From June 2014 to June 2015, 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 30 healthy adults were recruited. In osteoarthritis group, there were 9 males and 21 females, with a mean age of (65.967±7.132) years old(ranged, 53 to 82 years old), and the mean arterial pressure was(93.462±7.633) mmHg. In control group, there were 9 males and 21 females, with a mean age of (62.867±6.356) years old(ranged, 50 to 75 years old), and the mean arterial pressure was (92.122±9.675) mmHg. Inspection methods included color ultrasonic and computed tomography angiography of lower limbs. The patients were observed with: (1)collateral circulation; (2)artery circuity; (3)artery malformation; (4)artery stenosis; (5)arterial wall plaque formation. Stenosis was divided into 5 levels: level 1 as no narrow, level 2 as mild stenosis (1% to 49%), level 3 as moderate stenosis (50% to 70%), level 4 as severe stenosis (70% to 99%), level 5 as total obstruction. Diameter and blood flow dynamics of popliteal artery, pretibial artery, and posterior tibia artery in two groups were measured and compared. The study was accomplished with complete data collection, none of the patients was eliminated, and there were no loss of follow up. There were 3 cases in OA group and 4 cases in control group with the formation of collateral circulation, and the difference had no statistically significance. There was none in OA group and 2 in control group with the formation of artery circuity, and the difference had no statistically significance. There were no cases in both groups with artery malformation. In OA group, there was mild in 14 cases, moderate in 7 cases, severe in 9 cases. In control group, there was no arterial stenosis in 9 cases, mild in 10 cases, moderate in 6 cases, severe in 4 cases, total obstruction in 1 case. The difference between two groups was statistically significant; artery stenosis in OA group was more severe than that of the control group. Artery plaque formed in 30 cases in OA group and in 20 cases in control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant; the rate of artery plaque formation in OA group was obviously higher than that of control group. In OA group, plaque calcification rate was 100% while 63% in control group. Difference of pretibial artery diameter was statistically significant, pretibial artery diameter is larger in OA group. Difference of popliteal artery flow velocity was statistically significant; velocity was faster in OA group. Difference of the posterior tibial artery flow velocity was statistically significant; velocity was faster in OA group. The differences of the three arteries had no statistical significances in related to arterial flow. Local artery system changes with the onset of knee joint osteoarthritis. Main pathological changesof local blood vessels were stenosis and plaque formation, but the amount of local artery blood flow was roughly the same as the control group. Possible mechanism is that the local artery stenosis speed up the artery blood flow velocity, resulting local perfusion. The local tissue ischemia and hypoxia caused a series of pathological changes. It is better to improve local vascular lesions than to accelerate the blood flow velocity in clinical treatment. Further more, interventional therapy for vascular pathology will be a new trend of osteoarthritis treatment.

Outcomes of Self-Expanding Metal Stents in Malignant Colonic Obstruction are Independent of Location or Length of the Stenosis: Results of a Retrospective, Single-Center Series

Aim: To evaluate the length and location of stenosis in the colon as predictors of technical and clinical outcomes of stent placement in patients presenting with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods: A prospective single-center cohort study of patients treated with a colonic stent for malignant obstruction, regardless of stenosis length or location. Stenosis length was assessed globally on the appropriate CT slice as well as by 3D CT reconstruction. We analyzed whether outcomes were different in patients with a right sided-tumor and/or a stenosis >4 cm long. Results: One hundred forty-one patients were evaluated, 63 with a stenosis >4 cm, 48 with a stenosis proximal to the splenic flexure. Technical failure (n = 9) was mainly caused because of looping or due to the difficulty in engaging the stenosis precluding analysis of the relation between the stenosis length and technical success. Both measurement methods showed good agreement. Clinical outcomes were not associated with stenosis length or location. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes of stenting did not differ between groups regardless of stenosis length or location. Measuring stenosis length more precisely using 3D CT reconstructions is not of help.

Clues to Discordance and Dissimilarity Between Coronary Stenosis and Lesion-Specific Ischemia

Traditional diagnostic accuracy statistics have defined discordance between a stenosis and preserved coronary blood flow as a false-positive finding. With expanded use of invasive and noninvasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), as well as positron emission tomography measures of coronary flow reserve, our knowledge base has grown substantially, providing greater insight into the underlying rationale for discordant findings. We now understand that the presence of an obstructive stenosis is but one parameter which may elicit reductions in blood flow and prompt ischemic symptoms. Vessel size, collateral flow, and the length of the diseased segment are a few of the factors influencing coronary blood flow.1 Thus, for any given patient with an obstructive stenosis, reductions in coronary blood flow may or may not be present. Throughout the prior reported series,2,3 limited evidence is available with regards to coronary stenosis severity and location, as well as clinical patient subgroups, where the disconnect between stenosis severity and lesion-specific ischemia with FFR may …

Changes in Tracheostomy- and Intubation-Related Tracheal Stenosis: Implications for Surgery

This study sought to identify the changing characteristic patterns and locations of stenosis after tracheostomy or intubation and to assess the risk factors associated with perioperative complication and restenosis after primary resection and reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed (January /2012 to March 2015) on patients treated at the University of Arizona Medical Center (Tucson, Arizona) who had symptomatic tracheal stenosis secondary toprolonged intubation or tracheostomy. Data on demographics, surgical approach, and outcome were obtained. Analysis was performed using the χ2 test, Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival, Cox proportional hazards survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Forty-eight patients were referred for surgical resection, and 36 patients underwent primary resection and reconstruction; 72% of patients had previous endobronchial treatments for stenosis. Fourteen patients hadpostintubation tracheal stenosis, and 22 had tracheostomy-related stenosis (16 percutaneous, 6open tracheostomy). Among all patients, 52.8% had stenosis proximal to or involving the cricoid; 72.7% of patients with tracheostomy-related stenosis had stenosis at or proximal to the cricoid, whereas only 21.4% of the patients with intubation-related stenosis had a similar location. Nineteen patients underwent laryngotracheal resection, and 17 patients had tracheal resection. The mean length of resection was 3.6 cm. A body mass index greater than 35 was associated with increased perioperative complications (p= 0.012). In multivariate analysis, patients younger than 30 years of age at operation had an increased relative risk of recurrence. Recent advances in percutaneous tracheostomy have increased the numbers of patients presenting with proximal tracheal stenosis, thus necessitating more complex subglottic resection and reconstruction. The anastomotic and overall complication rate remains low despite these more complex operations.

Serum cystatin C is associated with large cerebral artery stenosis in acute ischemic stroke.

Large cerebral artery stenosis is a major cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, the correlation between serum cystatin C (CysC) and the stenosis of large cerebral arteries in patients with AIS has not been established. We performed a retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke patients, who were examined by cerebral digital subtraction angiography(DSA). Participants (252 cases) included 131 patients without stenosis and 121 patients with large cerebral artery stenosis. Serum CysC levels in patients with large cerebral artery stenosis were much higher than that of control subjects (p<0.001). However, serum CysC levels were not related to the location of stenosis. Further, logistic regression analyses showed that increased serum CysC was an independent risk factor of large cerebral artery stenosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Total participants were subdivided into quintiles based on serum CysC levels. Compared with the first quintile, the odds ratios of risk for large cerebral artery stenosis in the fourth and the fifth quintile were 1.26 (p<0.05) and 4.71(p<0.05) respectively, after the adjustment for age, sex, and smoking, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM), dyslipidemia, creatinine(Cr), urea, uric acid, and C reactive protein(CRP). Therefore, a significant positive correlation was observed between elevated serum CysC levels and large cerebral artery stenosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In summary, our findings provide new insights into the correlation between increased serum CysC and large cerebral artery stenosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Ureteral Stenosis After Renal Transplantation—A Single-Center 10-Year Experience

BackgroundKidney transplantation (KT) is the definitive treatment for ESRD. Ureteral stenosis (US) is one of the most common urologic complications and has been reported in 2.6%–15% of KTs. MethodsWe reviewed data for 973 consecutive KT procedures performed at our center from January 2004 to September 2014, with evaluation of US management and recurrence rate. ResultsThe 973 KTs were performed with the use of the direct ureterovesical (UV) implantation Paquin technique, and the mean follow-up time was 44.3 ± 30.2 [range, 3–111] months. During this period, 33 cases of US (3.39%) were reported. The interval from KT to US diagnosis was 10.6 ± 23.0 (range, 0.5–98.0) months. The majority of the US cases were located in the distal ureter and UV junction (83.9%), with only 2 cases of middle ureter stenosis and 2 cases of ureteropelvic junction. Mean US length was 2.5 ± 1.9 (range, 1.0–10.0) cm. Surgical management and global and treatment-specific recurrence rates were reviewed. Primary surgical treatment recurrence rate was higher for the endoscopic approach, with a mean global time from treatment to US recurrence of 6.9 ± 16.3 (range, 0–65) months and a median of 2.0 months. Open surgical approach was the main recurrence treatment option (74%). There were 2 cases of graft loss. Success rate evaluation of overall and treatment-specific primary surgical management did not reveal significant differences (P > .05) according to stenosis length (<1.5, 1.5–3.0, or >3.0 cm), time between transplant and stenosis (≤3, 3–12, or >12 mo), or stenosis location (distal, middle, or upper ureter). However, there was clearly a trend to higher success rate in smaller stenosis (<1.5 cm) and early management (≤3 mo), particularly with the use of balloon dilation. ConclusionsUS management should be decided on a case-by-case basis according to clinical characteristics, treatment-specific recurrence rate, and previous surgical options.

Covered Balloon-Expanding Stents in Airway Stenosis.

The balloon-expanding stents are widely available but rarely described for use within the tracheobronchial tree. This report describes our experience with these stents in airway stenosis particularly as a lobar salvage therapy. This was a retrospective review of all records in which the balloon-expanding stents were used at a tertiary medical center. Ages, sex, location of stenosis, etiology of stenosis, stent size, duration of stent placement and associated interventions for airway stenosis were recorded. Patient's self-reported respiratory symptoms, dyspnea scale, and radiographic imaging at baseline and after stent placement were also reported. Twenty-one Atrium iCAST stents were inserted in 18 patients with malignant and benign airway disease. The median age was 69.5 years (interquartile range, 53.5 to 74). Most stents (n=20, 95%) were deployed in the lobar airways. There was a significant improvement in the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale from median of 3 to 2 (P<0.05). Self-reported respiratory symptoms improved in 14 patients (78%, P<0.05). Radiographic improvement post Atrium iCAST stent placement was achieved in 15 patients (83%). No deaths were related to airway stenting complications. Adverse events related to stents included migration (n=2, 9.5%), granulation tissue formation (n=2, 9.5%) and mucus plugging (n=1, 4.8%). Lobar stenting with balloon-expanding metallic stents appears feasible, safe and improves symptoms as well as radiographic atelectasis in patients with lobar airway stenosis in this small case series. Larger studies are needed to confirm this observation and to address long-term safety.

Fractional Flow Reserve-Guided Complete Revascularization Improves the Prognosis in Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Severe Nonculprit Disease: A DANAMI 3-PRIMULTI Substudy (Primary PCI in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Treatment of Culprit Lesion Only or Complete Revascularization).

The impact of disease severity on the outcome after complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease is uncertain. The objective of this post hoc study was to evaluate the impact of number of diseased vessel, lesion location, and severity of the noninfarct-related stenosis on the effect of fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization. In the DANAMI-3-PRIMULTI study (Primary PCI in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: Treatment of Culprit Lesion Only or Complete Revascularization), we randomized 627 ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients to fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization or infarct-related percutaneous coronary intervention only. In patients with 3-vessel disease, fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization reduced the primary end point (all-cause mortality, reinfarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization; hazard ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.64; P=0.001), with no significant effect in patients with 2-vessel disease (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.47-1.26; P=0.29; P for interaction =0.046). A similar effect was observed in patients with diameter stenosis ≥90% of noninfarct-related arteries (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.62; P=0.001), but not in patients with less severe lesions (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.44-1.19; P=0.21; P for interaction =0.06). The effect was most pronounced in patients with 3-vessel disease and noninfarct-related stenoses ≥90%, and in this subgroup, there was a nonsignificant reduction in the end point of mortality and reinfarction (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08-1.32; P=0.09). Proximal versus distal location did not influence the benefit from complete revascularization. The benefit from fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease was dependent on the presence of 3-vessel disease and noninfarct diameter stenosis ≥90% and was particularly pronounced in patients with both of these angiographic characteristics. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01960933.

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: Current trends and concerns.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) is essential for a better prognosis. Some recent studies have demonstrated that a slight dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and small cystic lesions were detected initially in most cases diagnosed at an early stage. Detecting these abnormal findings in cases with high risk factors through an effective screening system including image diagnosis, some biological markers, or familial cancer registrations should contribute to early diagnosis of PC. It has been reported that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is essential for detecting tumors <10 mm with a favorable prognosis. Additionally, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is useful for confirming final histological diagnosis. For the diagnosis of stage 0 PC, local irregular stenosis of MPD should be an important initial abnormal sign detected by EUS or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Cytodiagnosis multiple times using pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage should be essential for the final diagnosis. Recently, activities of regional networks between specialist doctors in medical centers and general practitioners for early diagnosis of PC have been reported in Japan. In the future, these activities may play an important role in the early diagnosis of PC.