Uncommon Risk Factors Research Articles

Large-Scale Data Harmonization Across Prospective Studies.

The Preconception Period Analysis of Risks and Exposures Influencing Health and Development (PrePARED) Consortium creates a novel resource for addressing preconception health by merging data from numerous cohort studies. In this paper, we describe our data harmonization methods and results. Individual-level data from 12 prospective studies were pooled. The crosswalk-cataloging-harmonization procedure was used. The index pregnancy was defined as the first postbaseline pregnancy lasting more than 20 weeks. We assessed heterogeneity across studies by comparing preconception characteristics in different types of studies. The pooled data set included 114,762 women, and 25,531 (22%) reported at least 1 pregnancy of more than 20 weeks' gestation during the study period. Babies from the index pregnancies were delivered between 1976 and 2021 (median,2008), at a mean maternal age of 29.7(standard deviation, 4.6) years. Before the index pregnancy, 60% of women were nulligravid, 58% had a college degree or more, and 37% were overweight or obese. Other harmonized variables included race/ethnicity, household income, substance use, chronic conditions, and perinatal outcomes. Participants from pregnancy-planning studies had more education and were healthier. The prevalence of preexisting medical conditions did not vary substantially based on whether studies relied on self-reported data. Use of harmonized data presents opportunities to study uncommon preconception risk factors and pregnancy-related events. This harmonization effort laid the groundwork for future analyses and additional data harmonization.

Non-traditional risk factors of progression of chronic kidney disease in adult population: a scoping review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a public health concern over the last several years. Nowadays developed countries spend around 3% of their annual health-care budget on patients with CKD. According to the scientific community the most remarkable risk factors for CKD are diabetes and hypertension. Unknown CKD etiology has been reported as a global phenomenon including uncommon risk factors such as: dehydration, leptospirosis, heat stress, water quality, and others. This study aims to report non-traditional risk factors for ESRD based on a scoping review methodology. The scoping review methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley was used by performing an extensive review of the information. A total of 46 manuscripts were reviewed. The non-traditional ESRD risk factors are depicted based on six categories. Gender and ethnicity have been considered as risk factors for ESRD. Erythematous systemic lupus (ESL) is reported as an important risk factor for ESRD. Pesticide use has been an significant risk factor due to its effects on human and environmental health. Some compounds commonly used in homes against insects and plants are related to ESRD. Congenital and hereditary diseases in the urinary tract have been studied as a cause of ESRD in children and young adults. End-stage renal disease is a major concern for public health on a global level. As it can be seen, non-traditional risk factors are several and have different etiologies. It is necessary to put the issue on the table and add it to the public agenda in order to find multidisciplinary solutions.

Abstract TP165: Missed Diagnosis In Cervical Artery Dissection: A Single Center Cohort Study

Background: Misdiagnosis in Cervical Artery Dissection (CAD) is thought to be uncommon but presenting symptoms and risk factors for misdiagnosis are not well defined. Methods: A nested cohort of patients with acute nontraumatic CAD were identified from a single center (2015-2021). Patients with CAD originally misdiagnosed (visiting a medical provider within 30 days for symptoms related to CAD without diagnosis of CAD) were compared against those diagnosed at presentation using descriptive statistics and unadjusted logistic regression. Results: Of the 52 included patients, 25 (48%) had a stroke at diagnosis, and 14 (27%) were misdiagnosed as non-CAD. Patients misdiagnosed had less severe pre-existing disability (median modified Rankin Scale and interquartile range [IQR], 0 [0-1] vs. 1 [0-1]) and were non-significantly younger (median 45 [35-68] vs. 53 [40-65], p=0.35). There was no difference in the distribution of vascular risk factors between groups. The most common presenting symptoms in misdiagnosed patients, such as focal deficits (43% vs. 42%, p=0.96) and headache (36% vs. 21%, p=0.78) were not associated with misdiagnosis. Less frequent symptoms like Horner’s syndrome (21% vs. 5%, p=0.11), neck pain (21% vs. 8%, p=0.33), and dizziness (14% vs. 5%, p=0.29) were non-significantly more common among patients with misdiagnoses. Conclusions: One-quarter of patients with nontraumatic CAD were misdiagnosed at first presentation. Misdiagnoses may be more common in younger persons with less pre-existing disability, and those with nonspecific symptoms such as dizziness and neck pain. Larger studies are needed to provide more precision in estimates of association.

Risk Factors for Actinic Keratoses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective:To integrate evidence and assess the risk factors associated with actinic keratosis (AK).Methods:Unrestricted searches were conducted on five electronic databases, with an end-date parameter of September 2021. We summarized the study characteristics and pooled the results from individual studies by using a random-effects model. The risk of bias was estimated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the quality of evidence was estimated according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.Results:Sixteen studies were included in final analysis, and we assessed the AK risk among a variety of risk factors. Overall, the male sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.94–3.25; P < 0.01), age >45 years (OR = 7.65, 95% CI: 2.95–19.86; P < 0.01), light Fitzpatrick skin phototype (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.74–3.10; P < 0.01), light hair color (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.40–3.36; P < 0.01), light eye color (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.03–2.70; P = 0.04), freckles on face/arms (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.37–2.58; P < 0.01), suffered positive history of other types of non-melanoma skin cancer (OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 2.71–7.33; P < 0.01), sunburns in childhood (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.47–3.70; P < 0.01) and adulthood (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-2.00; P < 0.01), severe sunburn (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.62–2.31; P < 0.01), and chronic occupational and/or recreational sun exposure (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 2.16–4.81; P < 0.01) increased the risk of AK. Moreover, sunscreen use (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34–0.77; P < 0.01) and history of atopy reduced the risk of AK. Sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results. The included studies showed a high risk of bias.Conclusion:We confirm several well-known AK risk factors and their quantitative data, and summarized the uncommon risk factors and protective factors. Our results may inform on the design and implementation of AK screening and educational programs.

1168. Higher Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1c) Levels are Associated with Increased Mortality from Cryptococcus Infection

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a well-established risk factor for the development of bacterial infections. However, the role of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor in the occurrence of Cryptococcosis is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine whether diabetes and A1c levels were independent risk factors for infection and mortality in Cryptococcus infection.MethodsA retrospective hospital-based case-control study matched by age and gender (96 cases and 125 controls) was performed in patients tested for Cryptococcus infection at University of Colorado Hospital from 2001-2019 (n=221). Data was extracted through RedCap. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of infection and mortality.ResultsDiabetes mellitus was present in 24 cases (25.0%) and 24 controls (19.2%). In cases, the mean age was 54 years, 79% were men, and diabetes was the only known risk factor in 6 cases (6.3%) and accompanied additional risk factor in 18 cases (18.8%). Other common risk factors included: HIV (39.9%), steroid use (24.7%), malignancy (23.2%), solid organ transplant recipients (18.1%), and cirrhosis (5.2%). Cryptococcal meningitis (49.0%) followed by pulmonary infection (36.5%) were the most common sites of infection. The mean A1c value for cases vs. controls was 6.5 ± 1.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L, p=0.43. Overall mortality was 27.3% vs. 26.9% among cases and controls, respectively. Among cases, the risk of death was higher for patients with diabetes, although not significantly (39.1% vs 23.1%, p= 0.137). Adjusted for gender, age and case/control; for every 1-point increase in A1c levels, the odds of mortality increased by 40% (OR = 1.4, CI: 1.0-1.9, p= 0.045).ConclusionDiabetes mellitus alone is an uncommon risk factor for acquiring Cryptococcus infection. However, uncontrolled diabetes in Cryptococcosis may worsen outcomes from infection, including increased mortality. Glucose control interventions may improve clinical outcomes in patients with cryptococcal infection.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Functional Pancreatic Sphincter Dysfunction in Children: Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management.

Functional pancreatic sphincter dysfunction (FPSD), previously characterized as pancreatic sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, is a rarely described cause of pancreatitis. Most studies are reported in adults with alcohol or smoking as confounders, which are uncommon risk factors in children. There are no tests to reliably diagnose FPSD in pediatrics and it is unclear to what degree this disorder contributes to childhood pancreatitis. We conducted a literature review of the diagnostic and treatment approaches for FPSD, including unique challenges applicable to pediatrics. We identified best practices in the management of children with suspected FPSD and formed a consensus expert opinion. In children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP), we recommend that other risk factors, specifically obstructive factors, be ruled out before considering FPSD as the underlying etiology. In children with ARP/CP, FPSD may be the etiology behind a persistently dilated pancreatic duct in the absence of an alternative obstructive process. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy should be considered in a select group of children with ARP/CP when FPSD is highly suspected and other etiologies have been effectively ruled out. The family and patient should be thoroughly counseled regarding the risks and advantages of endoscopic intervention. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for suspected FPSD should be considered with caution in children with ARP/CP when pancreatic ductal dilatation is absent. Our consensus expert guidelines provide a uniform approach to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric FPSD. Further research is necessary to determine the full contribution of FPSD to pediatric pancreatitis.

Studying the Evolving Knowledge of Adverse Drug Reactions in Order to Facilitate the Rational Use of Medicines in Paediatric Patients

Pharmacovigilance, which is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible drug-related problems, generates knowledge to facilitate the rational use of medicines. When a medicine is first marketed, there is limited information on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially in paediatrics, where medicines are less likely to have been extensively studied. Knowledge in drug safety is built up over time when more (in number, and more heterogeneous) patients are treated than were studied in the randomised controlled trials preceding the marketing of a medicine. Previously not recognised ADRs are often initially described in case reports and case series. Prospective cohort studies are useful in determining the incidence and risk factors of common ADRs. Case series and pharmacovigilance reporting systems have been useful in identifying previously unknown uncommon ADRs and risk factors for specific ADRs. This brief review provides examples that illustrate how various study designs and data sources contribute to the evolving knowledge of ADRs that is essential to help develop guidelines and improve the rational use of medicines.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Healthy Woman after Initiating a High-Intensity Interval Training Workout Program

Although several risk factors are associated with spontaneous coronary artery dissection, strenuous activity is an uncommon risk factor for women. We report a case of a patient who developed spontaneous coronary artery dissection shortly after starting F45, a highly strenuous fitness program. As high-intensity exercise regimens become more mainstream, clinicians should more readily consider spontaneous coronary artery dissection in young patients with history of recent strenuous activity when presenting with symptoms concerning for acute coronary syndrome.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in an Ambulatory Hemiparetic Stroke Patient Probably due to Exercise-Related Repetitive Impact: A casereport

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity is a multifactorial and potentially fatal complication following stroke. However, repetitive impact on the lower extremity is a relatively uncommon risk factor for DVT. We report an ambulatory hemiparetic stroke patient who, without classic DVT risk factors, developed a lower extremity DVT probably due to repetitive impact on the popliteal fossa after the inappropriate use of a seated leg flexion machine. This case can remind physiatrists and therapists of the importance of preventing patients from using non-ergonomic postures during training sessions.

Abstract 18462: Hickam's Dictum Revisited: A Multifactorial Etiology of Stroke in a Patient With Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis and Atrial Septal Aneurysm

A 64-year-old gentleman with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), coronary artery disease, and active tobacco abuse was admitted with a left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA). He presented with confusion, headaches, and alexia with stable vital signs. He denied rest or exertional dyspnea. Physical exam revealed right homonymous hemianopia, mild right upper extremity dysmetria, decreased right facial sensation, and mild prosopagnosia. Initial neuroimaging confirmed an evolving left hemispheric infarct. Laboratory testing showed unremarkable inflammatory markers. Computed tomographic (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head and neck confirmed left PCA territory acute or subacute infarction with occlusion of the left P2 segment. 12-lead electrocardiogram demonstrated normal sinus rhythm. Occult atrial fibrillation was not seen. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed no evidence of right-to-left interatrial shunt. Moderate left atrial (LA) dilation, posterior mitral leaflet tip calcification, and a resting mean mitral gradient of 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) suggested severe mitral stenosis. Given the discrepancy between the patient’s symptoms and the TTE findings, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed (Figure). The patient’s left PCA territory infarct was ascribed to multifactorial cardioembolic etiologies: 1) Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) 2) Rheumatic MS and 3) Aortic arch atheroma. Anticoagulation was recommended and initiated 14 days after his CVA to minimize risk of hemorrhagic transformation. High-dose atorvastatin and aspirin were instituted. He progressed well through rehabilitation, demonstrating steady neurological improvement. The case underscores the importance of pursuing further investigation when discrepancies exist between clinical and objective data. ASA is an uncommon but under-recognized risk factor for cardioembolic stroke.

Esophageal infections: an update.

Infectious esophagitis generally occurs in patients with impaired immunity. Although methods to suppress the immune system evolve, the potential infectious consequences are poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to review the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious esophagitis. Minimal pediatric data, including a few case reports and series, involve infectious esophagitis. Esophageal infections are usually caused by the following microbes, in order starting with the most common: Candida albicans, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. Uncommon risk factors in these and other reports include epidural triamcinolone and oral budesonide in addition to more common risk factors such as HIV infection, chemotherapeutic agents, and transplant immunosuppressive medications. Rare reports involve immunocompetent patients and treatment of these patients is controversial. Understanding of infectious esophagitis is growing, and risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments are evolving.

Infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe bacterial infection of the endocardial surface of the heart; it usually involves damaged or synthetic heart valves. Improvement in surgical and medical therapeutics have been encouraging, however, if managed poorly it can still have a poor prognosis. In the developed world, rheumatic heart disease is an uncommon risk factor whereas intravenous drug use, degenerative valvular disease in the elderly population and use of prosthetic heart valves are becoming more common. In terms of the microbiological cause of IE, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in the Western world. It is therefore important for GPs to be aware of and be able to identify these risk factors. This article aims to examine the pathophysiology, risk factors, changing trends in epidemiology and recent guidelines on the management of IE.

Bacterial Meningitis in Adults After Splenectomy and Hyposplenic States

ObjectiveTo examine the occurrence, disease course, prognosis, and vaccination status of patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis with a history of splenectomy or functional hyposplenia. Patients and MethodsPatients with bacterial meningitis proven by cerebrospinal fluid culture were prospectively included in a nationwide cohort study between March 1, 2006, and September 1, 2011. Splenectomy or diseases associated with functional hyposplenia were scored for all patients. Vaccination status, clinical features, and outcome of patients with a history of splenectomy or functional hyposplenia were analyzed and compared with patients with normal spleen function. ResultsTwenty-four of 965 patients (2.5%) had an abnormal splenic function: 16 had a history of splenectomy and 8 had functional hyposplenia. All patients had pneumococcal meningitis. Pre-illness vaccination status could be retrieved for 19 of 21 patients (90%), and only 6 patients (32%) were adequately vaccinated against pneumococci. Pneumococcal serotype was known in 21 patients; 52% of pneumococcal isolates had a serotype included in the 23-valent vaccine. Vaccine failure occurred in 3 patients. Splenectomized patients more often presented with signs of septic shock compared with patients with a normal spleen (63% vs 24%; P=.02). Outcome was unfavorable in 14 patients (58%), and 6 patients died (25%). ConclusionSplenectomy or functional hyposplenia is an uncommon risk factor for bacterial meningitis but results in a high rate of mortality and unfavorable outcome. Most patients were not adequately vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Epidemiology of Intracranial Stenosis

Intracranial stenosis is a common etiology for ischemic stroke. Due to limitations of imaging studies, there are limited data on the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial stenosis. Intracranial stenosis is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic, and African-American populations. The reported proportion of patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis among those hospitalized for ischemic cerebral events varies from 1% in non-Hispanic whites to as high as 50% in Asian populations. In population-based studies, the estimated prevalence of symptomatic intracranial disease varies from 1 in 100,000 for whites to 15 in 100,000 in African Americans. A Chinese population-based study reported intracranial stenosis in 7% of the population aged more than 40 years. Autopsy studies have noted intracranial atherosclerotic disease in about 23% of population in the 6th decade and 80% of population in the 9th decade of life. Angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphisms, plasma endostatin/vascular endothelial growth factor ratio, glutathione S-transferase omega-1 gene polymorphism, and plasma homocysteine levels are non-modifiable risk factors noted to be associated with intracranial stenosis. Hypertension and serum lipid profile are major modifiable risk factors, whereas sickle cell disease is an uncommon risk factor that can be managed to reduce risk. Associations of intracranial atherosclerosis with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, aortic plaques, radiotherapy, and meningitis are less well documented.

Protein Z g-42 a variant and the risk of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism in a cohort of Italian patients

0049-3848/$ – see front matter © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. A doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2008.12.045 Pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism is one of the leading single cause of maternal death in many European Countries, and is an important cause of long-termmaternal morbidity. A range of inherited and acquired thrombophilias, including natural anticoagulants deficiency, FV Leiden, FII A20210 mutations and antiphospholipid antibodies are known to increase in a woman's risk of thrombosis during pregnancy and the postnatal period [1]. Operative delivery, particularly caesarean section during labour, is an important risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the post partum period [2]. Most studies have found the risk of VTE to be higher in the postnatal period; some have found roughly equal numbers of antenatal and postnatal events [3], whereas others have found a greater number of postnatal events [4]. Pregnancy-associated VTE is a multifactorial disease, involving acquired and genetic factors [2]. Abnormalities within the gene loci encoding for natural anticoagulants (antithrombin, protein C, and protein S) and for fibrinogen have been shown to be rather uncommon risk factors for vein thrombosis [5]. More recently, another natural anticoagulant, protein Z, (PZ) [6,7] has been reported as an additional risk factor [8,9]. We previously showed that patients with a documented vein thrombosis and with PZ levels below the 5.0 (0.52 μg/ml) or the 2.5 percentile of controls (0.47 μg/ml) carry variants naturally occurring

Maximizing resources to study an uncommon cancer: E2C2—Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium

Endometrial cancer affects more than 40,000 women a year in the U.S. While the association of this disease with high body mass index and sex steroid hormones is well known, there are many questions about etiology that have not been resolved. Little is known about the genetic basis for risk associated with hormones or obesity, other common genetic factors associated with risk, or gene-environment interactions. E2C2, the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium, was formed in 2006 to provide a collaborative environment for addressing these questions by pooling data from existing studies. This allows for investigations of uncommon risk factors, risk for rare histologic subtypes, and associations within strata that cannot be achieved in individual studies. This report describes the establishment of the consortium, ongoing projects that demonstrate the advantages of collaborative efforts, and challenges faced. Overall, the consortium promises to provide an important means of furthering our knowledge about this cancer.

Polytomous Disease Mapping to Detect Uncommon Risk Factors for Related Diseases

A statistical model for jointly analysing the spatial variation of incidences of three (or more) diseases, with common and uncommon risk factors, is introduced. Deaths for different diseases are described by a logit model for multinomial responses (multinomial logit or polytomous logit model). For each area and confounding strata population (i.e. age-class, sex, race) the probabilities of death for each cause (the response probabilities) are estimated. A specic disease, the one having a common risk factor only, acts as the baseline category. The log odds are decomposed additively into shared (common to diseases different by the reference disease) and specic structured spatial variability terms, unstructured unshared spatial terms and confounders terms (such as age, race and sex) to adjust the crude observed data for their effects. Disease specic spatially structured effects are estimated; these are considered as latent variables denoting disease-specic risk factors. The model is presented with reference to a specic application. We considered the mortality data (from 1990 to 1994) relative to oral cavity, larynx and lung cancers in 13 age groups of males, in the 287 municipalities of Region of Tuscany (Italy). All these pathologies share smoking as a common risk factor; furthermore, two of them (oral cavity and larynx cancer) share alcohol consumption as a risk factor. All studies suggest that smoking and alcohol consumption are the major known risk factors for oral cavity and larynx cancers; nevertheless, in this paper, we investigate the possibility of other different risk factors for these diseases, or even the presence of an interaction effect (between smoking and alcohol risk factors) but with different spatial patterns for oral and larynx cancer. For each municipality and age-class the probabilities of death for each cause (the response probabilities) are estimated. Lung cancer acts as the baseline category. The log odds are decomposed additively into shared (common to oral cavity and larynx diseases) and specic structured spatial variability terms, unstructured unshared spatial terms and an age-group term. It turns out that oral cavity and larynx cancer have different spatial patterns for residual risk factors which are not the typical ones such as smoking habits and alcohol consumption. But, possibly, these patterns are due to different spatial interactions between smoking habits and alcohol consumption for the first and the second disease.

What causes ADHD?: understanding what goes wrong and why

Part I: Conceptual Context. ADHD's Controversies. Defining Disorder. Part II: How Does ADHD Work? Neural Systems. Attention and Arousal. Executive Functioning or Cognitive Control. Motivation. Motor Control and Timing. Part III: Where Does ADHD Come From? Multiple Pathways. Genetic Effects. Uncommon Experiential Risk Factors. Common Experiential Risk Factors. Part IV: Integration. Multiple Pathways Reconsidered. Conclusion.

Update on stroke

This review highlights the progress achieved in stroke during the last year, and emphasizes recent controversies concerning its pathophysiology, therapy and secondary complications. Studies published in 2004 provided new insights into the therapeutic window and ischemic penumbra, thrombolysis therapy, uncommon risk factors for stroke, and neuropsychological post-stroke complications. Despite the diffusion-perfusion mismatch remaining the most widely used technique to identify thresholds for ischemic penumbra and irreversible brain tissue damage, new imaging such as arterial spin-labeling perfusion and computed tomographic perfusion may define this impaired tissue more accurately. New studies assessed the relation of the interval from stroke onset to start intravenous thrombolysis treatment (tissue plasminogen activator) on favorable 3-month outcome, and on the occurrence of clinically relevant parenchymal hemorrhage: the benefit of tissue plasminogen activator could extend beyond 3 h, but with a few risks. Systemic inflammations and infections have been found to be associated with a substantial increase in the risk of developing vascular events, supporting the concept that systemic inflammation itself alters the probability of stroke occurrence. Recent literature concerning neuropsychological post-stroke complications focused mainly on the concept of mixed dementia and confirmed that mood disorders are common after stroke, and interfere with its long-term outcome. Significant advances have been made during the last year in determining more accurately the therapeutic window, using new strategies and clinical markers. Moreover, new light has been thrown on less common stroke risk factors, and neuropsychological post-stroke complications.

Carcinosarcoma of the Esophagus Arising in an Epiphrenic Diverticulum

Carcinosarcoma of the esophagus is a rare malignant neoplasm with a distinctive polypoid gross morphology and biphasic histologic features. Despite its aggressive histologic appearance, prognosis is superior to that of typical esophageal cancer, owing to an earlier onset of symptoms with corresponding detection and therapy at an earlier stage. Co-existent epiphrenic diverticulum, as observed in this case, is an uncommon but established risk factor for esophageal cancer. (The J Histotechnol 28:39, 2005)Submitted: September 15, 2004; Accepted: October 29, 2004