Greater curvature antral flattening: A radiologic sign of NSAID-related gastropathy

We have occasionally encountered patients on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in whom double contrast barium studies revealed persistent flattening and stiffening of the distal greater curvature of the stomach. We therefore performed a study to determine the frequency of this finding in patients with NSAID-related gastropathy. Twenty-one cases of erosive gastritis, gastric ulcers, and/or gastric scarring associated with a known history of NSAID use were reviewed by two radiologists who made a joint decision regarding the presence or absence of greater curvature antral flattening. This finding was seen radiographically in five of the 21 patients (24%). Four of the five patients with antral flattening had associated erosions or ulcers in the gastric antrum. The remaining patient had antral flattening as an isolated finding. Our experience suggests that flattening of the greater curvature of the distal antrum, particularly if associated with erosive gastritis or gastric ulcers, is a useful radiologic sign of NSAID-related gastropathy.     

Gastric liposarcoma: CT appearance

Two cases of liposarcoma of the stomach are described. At computed tomography (CT) the neoplasms showed features of an aggressive malignant tumor, with no fatty values within. We discuss the differential diagnosis of such lesions and conclude that, although rare, liposarcoma should be considered as a possible diagnosis when a large exophytic gastric mass is detected at CT.     

Gastric metastases from retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma

Computed tomographic (CT) appearance of two cases of gastric metastases from retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma are reported. In both cases tumors infiltrated the gastric wall with endoluminal growth. The use of water-filling technique in opacifying the lumen and distending the gastric wall is also emphasized.     

Small bowel enema and diagnosis of chronic nonischemic disturbance of superior mesenteric venous blood flow

Chronic nonischemic disturbance of mesenteric venous blood flow is reported in 11 patients with a mean age of 19 years. This entity, rarely discussed n the literature, is different from acute thrombosis and chronic thrombotic forms with portal hypertension or hypercoagulopathy. In eight patients this syndrome was secondary to organic lesions of different origin: mesenteric vein squeezed by fibrous bands or an abnormal jejunal artery (four cases), lymphoma involving the distal superior mesenteric veins (three cases), hemangioma causing microthrombi (one case). In three patients no etiology or predisposing factor was found. All patients presented with rectal hemorrhage. Small bowel enema showed a constant pattern in 11 patients: small nodules, modified by compression or peristalsis, involving the mesenteric border of the jejunoileal segment, and associated with thick, straight but regular folds. Mesenteric varices were suspected and led to angiographic studies which were normal in three cases, confirmed varices in eight cases, and thrombosis in four cases. Laparotomy was normal in three cases and established the etiological diagnosis in eight cases. Varices were shown in six cases. Arteriography and laparotomy were unable to reach a complete diagnosis.     

Abdominal MR imaging following antegrade air introduction into the intestinal loops

Air was used to distend the gastrointestinal tract and act as a contrast medium to effectively delineate the other abdominal organs/masses and to outline intraluminal or mural lesions. We used a nasogastric tube to introduce air into the stomach. Metoclopramide was administered to propel air throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Bowel peristalsis was then controlled by scopolamine butylbromide. Most of the alimentary tract could be distended by air. The normal bowel walls were barely visible between intraluminal signal-void air and extraluminal high-signal fat. Intraluminal tumor, wall thickening, and adjacent structures could be clearly delineated.     

胃蛋白酶原亚群测定与萎缩性胃炎相关性研究及效价比分析

目的：研究血清中胃蛋白酶原（pepsinogen）亚群（PGⅠ、PGⅡ）含量在健康体检者及胃部疾病患者中的水平,探讨血清中PG亚群测定对萎缩性胃炎及胃癌早期诊断的意义。方法：利用放射免疫法（RIA）测定35例健康体检者、18例胃溃疡患者、30例萎缩性胃炎患者、30例胃癌患者中PGⅠ、PGⅡ及PGⅠ／PGⅡ值的变化,在正常组（健康体检者）与各疾病组之间进行统计学比较,并比较胃蛋白酶原检测与胃镜和（或）病理检查费用的效价比。结果：（1）与正常组相比,消化性溃疡患者PGⅠ、PGⅡ升高,且PGⅡ增高明显,PGⅠ／PGⅡ比值降低;萎缩性胃炎组和胃癌组PGⅠ水平均呈下降趋势,但PGⅡ水平变化不明显,PGⅠ／PGⅡ比值下降。（2）与溃疡组相比,萎缩性胃炎和胃癌患者PGI、PGⅡ及PGⅠ／PGⅡ比值均明显降低。（3）与萎缩性胃炎组相比,胃癌患者PGⅠ、PGⅡ及PGⅠ／PGⅡ比值虽略低于萎缩性胃炎,但差异无统计学意义。（4）PGⅠ≤80ng／mL且PGⅠ／PGⅡ≤5时,检出萎缩性胃炎的特异度和灵敏度分别为94．3％和53．3％。结论：（1）血清PGⅠ和PGⅠ／PGⅡ比值的降低,是萎缩性胃炎及胃癌人群筛查和辅助诊断的一项血清学指标。（2）血清PGⅠ≤80ng／mL且PGⅠ／PGⅡ≤6检测萎缩性胃炎具有较好的特异度和灵敏度。（3）测定血清中PG亚群的方法简单易行,适用于初筛及胃镜检查禁忌者,且与直接行胃镜并取病理检查相比较为经济。     

Contrast enhancement of the gastrointestinal tract on MR images using intravenous gadolinium-DTPA

Gadopentetate dimeglumine was administered intravenously to 16 patients undergoing abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. T1-weighted and fat-suppressed T1-weighted images were acquired before and after intravenous administration of 0.1 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine. The stomach, small bowel, and colon were analyzed regarding the presence and relative intensity of contrast enhancement. Diffuse enhancement of the gastrointestinal tract wall was observed in all patients following contrast material administration. Such enhancement was most conspicuous on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images. Quantitative measurements indicated that the wall of the gastrointestinal tract enhanced approximately 100% with gadopentetate dimeglumine. This study demonstrates that enhancement of the normal gastrointestinal tract occurs routinely when intravenous gadopentetate dimeglumine is administered, and such enhancement should not be considered indicative of gastrointestinal pathology. Furthermore, it suggests the potential utility for using intravenous rather than orally administered contrast agents to provide enhancement of the gastrointestinal tract on MR images.     

Carcinoma of the gallbladder: CT findings in 50 cases

Fifty patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the gallbladder were examined by computed tomography (CT). The gallbladder masses were categorized into two broad groups: group 1 (74%) included patients in whom the gallbladder was identified along with a mass lesion; and group 2 (26%), where a large mass was present in the gallbladder fossa with no identifiable gallbladder. Group 1 was further divided into three types according to the nature of the tumor: Type 1, mass almost filling the entire gallbladder lumen; Type 2, a polypoidal mass projecting into the lumen; type 3, an infiltrating tumor seen as focal or diffuse wall thickening. Liver involvement, in the form of localized invasion in the vicinity of the primary gallbladder malignancy, was the most common associated finding (80%). Other ancillary features included presence of calculi, lymphadenopathy, and biliary obstruction. CT was found useful for characterizing and defining the extent of carcinoma of the gallbladder. However, it may not consistently demonstrate involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, omentum, and abdominal wall. CT can also be used for aspiration/biopsy guidance of the gallbladder mass in selected cases.     

CT after enucleation of renal cell carcinoma

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 28 patients 2 weeks to 120 months after enucleation of renal cell carcinoma. The postoperative defect could be exactly localized in all patients. A wedge-shaped (N = 11) or concave (N = 9) morphology was typical. No dependence between morphology of the defect and localization or size of the tumor or the operative technique was observed. The defects were smaller (1.9 cm) than the original prominent tumors (3.6 cm). Defect size was dependent on the operative technique: closure by suture of the renal capsule in smaller defects or by fat flap in larger ones. Postoperative hematomas or delayed perfusion in the adjacent parenchyma were seen in five patients. Tumor recurrence was correctly diagnosed in one patient.     

Roundworm obstruction: Sonographic diagnosis

We describe the sonographic findings in five pediatric patients with roundworm obstruction. All patients were referred with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. On ultrasonography (US), an individual worm, when viewed along its longitudinal axis, appeared as a hypoechoic tubular structure with well-defined, echogenic walls. Frequently, the individual body segments could be distinctly visualized. The alimentary canal of the worm was seen either as a single central echogenic line (when in a collapsed state) or as two parallel hyperechoic bands with a hypoechoic center (when distended). When examined transaxially, the individual worm resembled a target with its circular, echogenic body wall and its central dot-like alimentary canal. On prolonged scanning, the worms always showed curling movements. In two patients, a bolus of worms mixed with fecal matter and air produced an unusual appearance of a complex, echogenic mass (helminthoma). Although, an individual worm occasionally resembled an inflammed appendix, visualization of the alimentary canal and individual body segments along with its curling movements helped establish the correct diagnosis. All patients promptly responded to a hypertonic saline enema and no patient was subjected to surgery. Sonographic findings in roundworm obstruction are fairly characteristics to advocate the routine use of sonography for diagnosing this entity.     

果胶铋联合三联疗法对消化性溃疡患者血清炎症介质及生命质量的影响

目的探讨果胶铋联合三联疗法对消化性溃疡患者血清炎症介质及生命质量的影响。方法选取2019年8月至2020年2月于大石桥市第三人民医院治疗的90例消化性溃疡患者作为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为对照组与观察组,每组45例。对照组患者予以呋喃唑酮片+奥美拉唑肠溶胶囊+阿莫西林治疗,观察组患者在对照组治疗基础上采用胶体果胶铋胶囊治疗。比较两组患者治疗后幽门螺杆菌(Hp)根除率,以及治疗前后血清一氧化氮(NO)、一氧化氮合酶(NOS)、炎症介质、消化病生命质量指数(GLQI)评分。结果治疗后,观察组Hp根除率为97.78%,明显高于对照组的77.78%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组患者血清NO、NOS、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)水平及GLQI评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,两组患者血清NO、NOS、IL-6、IL-8水平及GLQI评分较治疗前有所改善,且观察组明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论果胶铋联合三联疗法可通过降低胃溃疡患者血清IL-6、IL-8水平,提高NO、NOS水平,发挥改善胃黏膜微循环、提高黏膜血容量、减轻炎症反应、抑制胃酸形成、保护胃黏膜、提高患者生命质量的作用。     

Analysis of chronic emergency department use

This retrospective emergency department (ED) chart review study examined the relationship between acuity level and the type of insurance in a patient population who used the ED on a chronic basis (seven or more times in the calendar year 1996). Of 1,185 patients seen in the ED in 1996, 122 had between 7 and 29 visits. In the study population: 62.5% of their visits were classified as nonurgent; 42.6% of the nonurgent visits were made by those with insurance; the highest frequency of visits took place between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm when most alternative nonemergency facilities are open. Some of the factors seen as influencing overuse of the ED include: the fact that some chronic use appeared to be associated with psychiatric conditions including substance abuse and patients with recurrent chest pain; and patient's perceptions that access to lab and X-ray facilities are readily available within the ED.     

Impact of irrigation water quality on human health: A case study in India

Untreated or partially treated wastewater, which is a negative externality of urban water use, is widely used for irrigation in water scarce regions in several countries including India. While the nutrients contained in the wastewater is considered as beneficial to agriculture, the contaminants present in it pose environmental and health risks. This paper examines the morbidity status, its determinants as well as the cost of illness for households living in the areas irrigated with wastewater in comparison with those using normal quality water. Primary data collected from six villages irrigated with wastewater along Musi River which is fed with wastewater and one control village where normal quality water is used for irrigation has been used for the analysis.It is seen that higher rates of morbidity exist in the wastewater irrigated villages when compared to the control village. Specifically, adult and female morbidity rates are significantly higher than child and male morbidity rates. From the logit analysis it is seen that exposure to wastewater and engagement in activities based on it places the households in higher risk groups to report morbidity. Small and marginal farmers incur higher economic cost of illness. However, it has been difficult to ascertain the cause and effect relationship as most of the households have reported more common illnesses like fever, head ache, skin itching, stomach ailments, etc. The study points out the need for a comprehensive risk assessment and adoption of risk management measures including setting standards for treatment and discharge of wastewater and regulations on the type of uses etc. to prevent unplanned use of untreated or partially treated wastewater while taking into account local conditions.     

European and North American Sports Differences(?)

Past comparative work argues that the differences between European and North American sports dramatically outweigh any similarities. This paper explores the arguments that fans, sports organizations, and team objectives are different in the two regions and offers a set of questions that must be answered if, indeed, the opposite is not true. In addition, insights gained from the overriding similarities are offered concerning competitive balance, life after the Bosman decision, broadcasting, and league structure in Europe. European sports are far from any tragic end, but directors of sports organizations have seen the handwriting on the wall, economically speaking. They are about to live in lively times.     

Retrospective analysis of patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer in Colombia

Abstract

Aims: To assess patient and disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and associated costs in patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (A/MGC) in Colombia, in both the public and private hospitals.

Materials and methods: A total of 145 patients who had received first-line chemotherapy treatment (platinum analog and/or a fluoropyrimidine) and were followed for at least 3 months after the last administration of a first-line cytotoxic agent were eligible for inclusion. Case-report forms were elaborated based on the patients’ medical records from three Colombian hospitals. Estimates of treatment costs were calculated using unit costs from the participating hospitals.

Results: Of the 145 patients, more than half (64.83%) were male, 79.56% were diagnosed with metastatic stage IV disease (mean age = 58.14?years). Prior to MGC diagnosis, 31.71% of the patients being operated on received a total gastrectomy; 66.9% of the patients received a doublet therapy, of which 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with cisplatin was the standard treatment (14%), followed by combination with leucovorin (12%). Only around 10% of the patients responded to first-line treatment. Out of 41.38% of the patients who received a second-line treatment, 71.67% were still administered a platinum analog and/or fluoropyrimidine. During the follow-up period, 52% of the patients progressed and 20% achieved stable disease. Best supportive care mostly consisted of outpatient visits after last line-therapy (72.41%), palliative radiotherapy (18.6%), and surgery (37.2%).

Limitations and conclusions: Gastric cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related death in Colombia, as most of the patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when prognosis is poor. Treatment patterns are highly heterogeneous. Second-line treatments were mostly initiated with paclitaxel, capecitabine, irinotecan, or cisplatin.     

自拟中药方剂养胃汤加减治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎患者的疗效

目的探讨自拟中药方剂养胃汤加减治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎患者的疗效。方法选取2018年11月至2019年11月营口市中医院收治的100例慢性萎缩性胃炎患者作为研究对象,随机分为胃复春片组与联合用药组,各50例。胃复春片组给予胃复春片,联合用药组在对照组治疗基础上采用自拟中药方剂养胃汤加减治疗,比较两组中医证候积分,炎症介质及胃泌素-17(G-17)、胃蛋白酶原Ⅰ(PGⅠ)、胃蛋白酶原Ⅱ(PGⅡ)水平,一氧化氮(NO)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)水平及不良反应。结果治疗后联合用药组胃刺痛、胃脘胀满、食少纳呆、消瘦及乏力积分低于胃复春片组(P<0.05);治疗后,联合用药组CRP、TNF-α及IL-6水平低于胃复春片组(P<0.05),G-17、PGⅠ、PGⅡ高于胃复春片组(P<0.05);治疗后,联合用药组NO、SOD水平高于胃复春片组(P<0.05),MDA水平低于胃复春片组(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论自拟中药方剂养胃汤加减治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎能有效缓解患者症状,减轻机体炎症反应,未增加不良反应发生率。     

健脾调肝法治疗2型糖尿病胃肠功能紊乱患者的临床价值

目的探讨常规西药联合健脾调肝法治疗2型糖尿病胃肠功能紊乱患者的临床价值。方法选取2019年3月至2021年1月盘锦市人民医院收治的102例2型糖尿病胃肠功能紊乱患者作为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为对照组与观察组,各51例。对照组患者单纯接受常规西药治疗,观察组患者在对照组基础上接受健脾调肝法(应用以葛根、党参、茯苓、炒白术、当归、鸡内金等中药组成的健脾理气疏肝方)治疗,比较两组治疗有效率、空腹血糖(FBG)、餐后2h血糖(2h PBG)以及糖化血红蛋白(Hb A1c)、胃排空率、肠鸣音。结果观察组治疗有效率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,观察组患者FBG、2h PBG、Hb A1c水平低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,观察组胃排空率、肠鸣音高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论健脾调肝法治疗2型糖尿病胃肠功能紊乱疗效显著,应用价值较高。     

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding vs standard medical management in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a budget impact analysis in the UK

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the financial consequences of using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in place of standard medical management (SMM) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes from a UK healthcare payer perspective.     

Patients rank toxicity against progression free survival in second-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background:

The aims of this study were to quantify and contrast patient preferences between second-line advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) medication profiles and their associated benefits and toxicities, and to help frame the doctor–patient discussion about selecting appropriate RCC therapies.

Research design and methods:

Adult residents of the US with a diagnosis of RCC completed a Web-enabled choice-format conjoint survey consisting of a series of 10 treatment-choice questions, each of which included a pair of hypothetical RCC medication profiles. Each profile was described by various medication attributes (features or outcomes) with varying levels. The attributes included efficacy (progression-free survival [PFS]), tolerability (fatigue, stomach problems, mucositis or stomatitis, hand–foot syndrome [HFS]), serious but rare adverse events (pneumonitis, hepatic impairment), and mode of administration. Treatment-choice questions were based on an experimental design with known statistical properties. Random-parameters logit regression was used to estimate relative preference weights for each attribute level. Benefit equivalent measures (additional months of PFS in exchange for toxicities) were also calculated.

Results:

Of the 272 patients who completed the survey, the majority were female (53%), white (92%), and had at least a college degree (66%). The mean age was 57 years (standard deviation: 10 years). Over the range of attributes and attribute levels included in the survey, PFS was the most important attribute, followed by fatigue, stomach problems, hepatic impairment, mucositis or stomatitis, HFS, pneumonitis, and mode of administration. To reduce severe fatigue to mild-to-moderate fatigue, patients on average would be willing to forego 4.4 months of PFS. To reduce hepatic impairment risk from 0.5% to 0.0%, patients on average would be willing to forego 1.0 month of PFS. The main study limitation was that patients answered hypothetical treatment-choice questions.

Conclusions:

This study provides information to physicians about patient priorities when reviewing and selecting RCC therapies with patients.     

Radiological findings of human fascioliasis

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode of herbivorous mammals. Humans are accidentally infected by the ingestion of water or raw aquatic vegetables contaminated with the metacercaria. Radiological findings of six patients with fascioliasis (five hepatic fascioliasis, one biliary fascioliasis) were analyzed. The diagnosis was based on serologic testing and/or histopathologic findings of eosinophilic abscess in five patients and identification of the adult worm in one patient. The characteristic radiological features of hepatic fascioliasis were (1) cluster of microabscesses arranged in tract-like fashion (burrow tract), (2) subcapsular location of the hepatic lesions, and (3) very slow evolution of the lesion on follow-up examinations. In biliary fascioliasis, there were multiple conglomerated filling defects in the common bile duct. The authors believe that the demonstration of these features, together with peripheral eosinophilia or eosinophilic aspirate from the hepatic lesion, is very helpful in making the correct diagnosis.