血管内超声与定量冠脉造影应用于冠脉临界病变诊治的比较

目的 研究血管内超声（intravascular ultrasound,IVUS）在优化民航飞行员冠脉临界病变诊断和治疗中的应用。 方法 通过定量冠脉造影（quantitative coronary angiography,QCA）和IVUS对120例飞行员患者165处冠脉临界病的最小管腔直径（minimal lumen diameter,MLD）、直径狭窄率（diamter stenosis,DS）与最小管腔面积（minimal lumen area,MLA）、面积狭窄率（area stenosis,AS）等参数进行对比分析;对IVUS提示管腔MLA<4 mm2飞行员患者的冠脉临界病变行支架植入术。 结果 ①同一临界病变处QCA显示的MLD,DS及MLA,AS值均小于IVUS相应的测量值,且差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）,表明IVUS对冠脉病变狭窄定量测量方面准确性更高;②IVUS提高血栓病变（15.0% vs. 2.5%,P<0.05）和心肌桥（42.5% vs. 2.5%,P<0.01）的诊断率;③与QCA相比,IVUS直接显示介入治疗中支架的贴壁情况,指导支架扩张完全。 结论 IVUS较QCA能更准确地检测冠脉临界病变范围,更灵敏地诊断血栓和心肌桥,利于全面优化临界病变的诊疗。     

血管内超声成像在冠脉左主干复杂病变介入治疗中的作用

目的:研究血管内超声成像(IVUS)在冠脉左主干复杂病变介入治疗中的作用。方法:我院的102例需行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)的冠脉左主干复杂病变患者被随机均分为常规造影组(PCI术中行常规冠脉造影)与IVUS组(PCI术中行IVUS)。观察比较两组PCI治疗指标、冠脉左主干最小管腔面积(MLA)、最小管腔直径(MLD)、面积狭窄率(AS)、置入支架参数及随访12个月主要不良心血管事件(MACE)发生率。结果:与常规造影组比较,IVUS组冠脉左主干MLD[(1.63±0.75)mm比(2.18±0.61)mm], MLA[(2.50±0.96)mm~2比(4.95±1.21)mm~2],置入支架直径[(3.35±0.29)mm比(3.55±0.28)mm]、长度[(12.10±4.21)mm比(14.43±5.03)mm],治疗后扩张球囊直径[(3.78±0.39)mm比(3.98±0.51)mm]、压力[(14.45±2.48)atm比(17.05±2.81)atm]均显著升高,AS[(77.34±7.41)%比(63.25±8.16)%]显著降低,P0.05或0.01。随访12个月,IVUS组MACE发生率显著低于常规造影组(13.73%比37.25%,P=0.006)。结论:IVUS能显著提高冠脉左主干复杂病变介入治疗的精准性及疗效。     

基于血流储备分数标准评估冠状动脉CT、血管内超声、冠状动脉造影定量分析在中重度病变的诊断价值

目的基于血流储备分数(FFR)评估冠状动脉CT(CTA)、血管内超声(IVUS)、冠状动脉造影定量分析(QCA)在冠状动脉粥样硬化中、重度病变中诊断的准确性。方法经门诊行冠脉CTA筛查40例患者(共52处病变,狭窄为50%～99%)纳入到本项研究,入院后均行冠状动脉造影术,并完成FFR、IVUS、QCA的检测,记录50个病变的最小管腔直径(MLD),直径狭窄百分比(%DS),最小管腔面积(MLA)和面积狭窄百分比(%AS)及压力衰减情况。利用线性分析,ROC曲线和Kappa检验进行分析,以FFR为标准评估CTA、IVUS、QCA在中重度病变中诊断的准确性。结果在MLD和%DS方面,CTA跟FFR的相关性最强;但对于MLA和%AS,IVUS与FFR的相关性最强,特别在%AS中表现明显。ROC曲线和Kappa检验得出:在MLD和%DS方面,QCA和IVUS、CTA相比准确性最高[ROC AUC:MLD(0.778、0.753、0.728),%DS(0.791、0.725、0.672)],CTA与IVUS、QCA所测得MLD准确度相似;在MLA、%AS中IVUS得准确性最高(ROC AUC:0.74、0.865),其次为CTA(ROC AUC:0.664、0.763)。IVUS在%AS测得的最佳切点46%,CTA测得的最佳切点68%,对比组之间的差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在中度至重度病变中,QCA、CTA和IVUS检测与FFR相关,其中CTA的相关性高。IVUS在MLA和%AS中的相关性和诊断精准度最高。CTA在MLD和%DS中有和QCA及IVUS相似的诊断准确性。     

血管内超声在冠状动脉临界病变中的应用研究

目的:研究传统冠状动脉定量分析方法(QCA)与血管内超声(IVUS)在冠状动脉临界病变中的应用。方法:共入选经过冠状动脉造影(至少4体位造影)证实病变狭窄处于临界病变的患者150例。将入选者分为:常规冠状动脉造影组90例(QCA),血管内超声组60例(IVUS)。通过QCA和血管内超声定量分析方法分析2组最小管腔直径、参考血管直径、直径狭窄率及最小管腔面积等参数指标;将相关数据建立直线回归分析方程,分析二者之间是否具有线性关系;采用Cox回归模型分析2组免于心血管事件方面差异,观察2组术后住院期间、30d、3个月、6个月、9个月和12个月主要心血管事件。结果:血管内超声组分别采用QCA和IVUS分析,参考血管直径2者具有正相关性分别为(3.28±0.19)mmvs.(3.17±0.21)mm,R=0.627。最小管腔直径分别为(2.04±0.18)mmvs.(2.0±0.17)mm,R=0.782。比较2组之间的参数:QCA组通过计算得出直径狭窄率,与IVUS管腔面积狭窄率之间无相关性(R20.05,P=0.222),IVUS最小管腔面积(4.7±0.67)mm2。通过COX回归模型显示2组在免于心血管事件方面的差异,可见QCA组发生心血管事件率具有较高的趋势。结论:对于临界病变的患者,采用IVUS的方法能够检测出更严重狭窄的发生率,传统冠状动脉造影判定结果往往低估真正的病变情况。对于临界病变的患者,采用IVUS进行测量分析,具有减低心血管事件风险的趋势。     

冠心病支架内再狭窄患者血浆脂联素水平的观察

目的 观察冠心病患者支架置入术后再狭窄与血浆脂联素水平之间的关系.方法 对65例支架置入术后9～12个月无支架内再狭窄(A组)和54例存在支架内再狭窄≥50%(B组)的冠心病患者进行研究,复查冠状动脉造影当天取空腹12 h以上的股动脉血,采用ELISA法测定血浆脂联素水平;同时对支架置入前、置入术后即刻及9～12个月后的冠状动脉造影结果进行QCA评价.结果 A、B两组的靶血管病变部位及病变的复杂程度均相似,使用金属裸支架分别为8例(12.31%)和6例(11.11%);使用紫杉醇药物洗脱支架分别为11例(16.92%)和10例(18.52%);使用雷帕霉素药物洗脱支架分别为46例(70.77%)和38例(70.37%),术后用药两组之间无明显差异.A组脂联素水平明显高于B组[(15.16±5.02)mg/L比(10.01±4.93)ms/L,P<0.05];两组的病变长度相似[(15.82±6.67)mm比(13.40±4.20)mm,P>0.05];术前及术后即刻的最小管腔直径(MLD)、狭窄程度两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但9～12个月时的QCA显示:A组的MLD为(2.55±0.53)mm,平均狭窄程度为(24.21±11.23)%,B组的MLD为(0.57±0.60)mm,平均狭窄程度为(81.00±19.11)%,P<0.01;即刻获得的管腔直径两组间比较无统计学意义[(1.48±0.65)mm 比(1.19±0.37)mm,P>0.05];A组的晚期丢失明显小于B组[(0.50±0.34)mm比(1.60±0.54)mm,P<0.01].结论 血浆脂联素水平降低可能是支架术后再狭窄的原因之一.     

血管内超声在冠状动脉临界病变诊断和介入治疗中的应用

目的:探讨血管内超声(IVUS)在冠状动脉(冠脉)造影显示的临界病变诊断和介入治疗中的应用价值.方法:对经选择性冠脉造影提示临界病变的96例患者的110处病变进行IVUS检查,根据IVUS测定的最小管腔面积≤4.0 mm2作为冠脉介入治疗的标准,分为干预组和未干预组,分析病变的狭窄程度及粥样硬化斑块性质.结果:110处临界病变的平均最小管腔面积为(4.83±2.24)mm2,46处最小管腔面积≤4.0 mm2 的病变成功置入冠脉支架;IVUS显示干预组的最小管腔面积小于未干预组(3.47±0.44)mm2 比(5.69±1.57)mm2,(P<0.05);同时干预组的斑块负荷大于未干预组,但差异无统计学意义(68.50±5.98)%比(62.89±7.69)%,(P>0.05).两组的定性结果差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论:对冠脉造影显示的临界病变行IVUS检查可进一步明确临界病变的狭窄程度和病变的性质,指导下一步治疗.     

血管内超声对复杂冠状动脉左主干病变患者介入治疗的指导价值

目的研究血管内超声(IVUS)对复杂冠状动脉左主干病变患者PCI的指导价值。方法收集2014年1月～2017年1月我科收治的复杂冠状动脉左主干病变并且行PCI的患者110例,分为对照组55例和观察组55例(PCI术中采用IVUS技术进行指导)。比较2组患者基本资料、最小管腔直径(MLD)、最小管腔面积(MLA)、面积狭窄率(AS)、支架直径及长度、支架释放压力、后扩张球囊压力及直径等指标;随访1年,观察2组靶病变血运重建和主要不良心脏事件(MACE)情况。结果观察组MLD[(2.17±0.36)mmvs (1.62±0.59)mm,P=0.000]、MLA[(4.94±1.61)mm~2 vs (2.51±1.77)mm~2,P=0.000]、支架直径[(3.54±0.24)mmvs (3.34±0.31)mm,P=0.002]、支架长度[(14.41±5.25)mmvs (12.11±4.21)mm,P=0.038]、后扩张球囊直径[(3.98±0.51)mmvs (3.77±0.38)mm,P=0.040]、后扩张球囊压力明显大于对照组(P=0.000),AS明显低于对照组[(63.23±8.17)%vs (77.31±7.42)%,P=0.000)];随访期观察组总MACE发生率虽低于对照组,但无统计学差异(9.09%vs 12.73%,P=0.540)。结论 IVUS能有效指导左主干病变PCI支架定位,辅助判断支架扩张和贴壁情况。     

血管内超声对于无保护左主干病变应用药物洗脱支架介入治疗的指导作用

目的评价血管内超声(IVUS)对无保护左主干(ULMCA)病变药物支架介入治疗的指导作用及对于预后的影响。方法 2003年4月—2008年6月150例无保护LMCA病变患者接受介入治疗,年龄(62.5±10.82)岁(38～83岁),其中44例(29.33%)患者术中应用血管内超声指导。结果 IVUS对斑块性质的分析显示非分叉病变组软斑块多见,而分叉病变组混合斑块(纤维钙化)多见;单纯冠脉造影组与IVUS组测得数据比较,前者的最小管腔直径(1.72±0.62)mm比(2.27±0.38)mm,最小管腔面积(2.62±1.87)mm2比(4.93±1.63)mm2,均明显低于IVUS组,面积狭窄率(78.08±7.31%)比(64.53±9.18)%,明显高于IVUS组,且单纯冠脉造影组置入的支架比IVUS指导组偏小(3.46±0.36)mm比(3.75±0.26)mm;IVUS指导组的再发心绞痛(15.91%比35.8%)、TLR(0%比16.05%),和总MACE事件(2.27%比19.75%)均明显低于无IVUS指导组。结论无保护左主干病变介入治疗术中应用IVUS指导可显著改善预后,减少MACE事件的发生。     

血管内超声对急性冠状动脉综合征临界病变治疗决策的影响

目的 在血管内超声指导下评价急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)患者易损斑块介入治疗和单纯药物治疗的疗效和安全性.方法 入选ACS经冠状动脉造影显示狭窄程度在50%-70%的临界狭窄病变患者100例,采用完全随机方法分为介入治疗组和药物治疗组,每组各50例.其中男78例,女22例,年龄在43～74(60.4±14.1)岁.每组再根据血管内超声(IVUS)测定的罪犯病变最小血管腔面积(MLA)分为2个亚组,即MLA≥4 mm2组和MLA＜4 mm2组.对比分析在IVUS指导下临界病变易损斑块介入治疗和单纯药物治疗两组患者住院期间和随访10～12个月的疗效.结果 介入治疗组50例中40例在术后10～12个月进行了冠状动脉造影和IVUS复查,IVUS味发现局部支架内血栓征象,支架内增生内膜负荷量与术后即刻比较差异无统计学意义.随访时最小支架内管腔面积与术后即刻相比差异亦无统计学意义[(8.98±2.12)mm2比(10.12±1.15)mm2,P＞0.05].药物治疗组50例中有9例在随访期间行经皮冠状动脉介入治疗,35例在术后10～12个月进行了冠状动脉造影和IVUS复查,IVUS结果与治疗前比较,狭窄处的MLA较大[(7.32±1. 42)mm2比(4.98±0.89)mm2,P＜0.01],斑块面积较小[(7.70±2.09)mm2比(10.01±2.55)mm2,P＜0.05],斑块负荷较低[(55.94±8.36)%比(67.97±9.36)%,P＜0.01],斑块内低回声区面积较小[(2.27±0.79)mm2比(4.08±0.80)mm2,P＜0.01].介入治疗组MLA≥4 mm2亚组中1例术后第2天前降支支架急性血栓形成.药物治疗组MLA＜4 mm2亚组中9例[37.5%(9/24)]患者在临床随访期间仍反复发作心绞痛,行介入治疗后未再发心绞痛.结论 IVUS测定MLA≥4.0 mm2的ACS 临界病变患者经严格药物治疗可延缓易损斑块进展,使斑块趋于稳定.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety between the interventional and conservative treatment options for borderline vulnerable plaque lesion in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)patients by intravascular ultrasound(IVUS). Methods A total of 100 ACS patients [78 male, age 43 -74 (60. 4 ± 14. 1 ) years] undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) with borderline lesion ( coronary artery stenosis between 50% - 70% ) were enrolled in May 2007 to February 2009, who were randomly divided into PCI group (50 patients) and conservative therapy group (50 patients). According to minimal lumen area (MLA) detected by IVUS, patients were further divided into MLA ≥4. 0 mm2 sub-group and MLA ＜4.0 mm2 sub-groups. Outcomes during hospitalization and after 10- 12 month follow-up were compared. Results IVUS was performed in 40 patients at 10 - 12 months post PCI, there was no in-stent thrombosis and the extent of stent neointimal hyperplasia was comparable as at the time of immediately post PCI. IVUS was performed in 35 patients at 10 - 12 months post conservative therapy, IVUS results showed that MLA increased signilicantly [(7.32 ± 1.42 ) mm2 vs. (4. 98 ± 0. 89 ) mm2, P ＜ 0. 01], while plaque area [(7.70 ±2.09)mm2 vs. (10.01 ±2.55)mm2,P＜0.05], plaque burden [(55.94 ±8.36)% vs. (67.97 ±9. 36) %] and low echo area [(4. 08 ± 0. 80) mm2 vs. (2. 27 ± 0. 79) mm2] were significantly decreased at follow up compared to those as baseline ( all P ＜0. 01 ). There was one patient in PCI group with MLA ≥4. 0 mm2 developed acute in-stent thrombosis in left anterior descending artery two days after the procedure and 9 patients in conservative therapy and MLA ＜ 4. 0 mm2 group received PCI due to recurrent angina pectoris during follow-up. Conclusions For the borderline lesion with MLA≥4.0 mm2 detected by IVUS, adequate medication could effectively attenuate and or reverse the plaque progression and stabilize plaque.     

应用血管内超声指导冠状动脉临界病变介入治疗

目的 探讨应用血管内超声(IVUS)检查与定量冠状动脉造影(QCA)方法在冠状动脉临界病变介入治疗中的应用价值。方法 选择经冠状动脉造影(CAG)检查显示冠状动脉狭窄程度在40％～70％的临界病变患者60例,根据检查方法不同将患者分为QCA组和IVUS组,分别应用QCA和IVUS测量两组病变血管的参考管腔直径、最小管腔直径、直径狭窄率、管腔面积狭窄率及最小管腔面积并进行比较。比较观察两组患者住院期间、随访1月、6月和12月的主要不良心血管事件(再发心绞痛、心肌梗死、靶病变再次冠状动脉成形术、死亡)的发生情况。结果 IVUS组冠状动脉的管腔直径狭窄率[(57.80％±8.18％)比(51.73％±7.91％)]及面积狭窄率[(67.01％±10.41％)比(57.07％±10.71％)]均高于QCA组(P＜0.05),而最小管腔面积[(3.90±0.79) mm²比(4.14±0.60) mm²]则低于QCA组(P＜0.05)。住院期间两组患者均无主要不良心血管事件发生,但自随访第1月开始至12月随访结束,IVUS组的主要不良心血管事件发生率显著低于QCA组(7.7％比26.7％,P＜0.05)。结论 IVUS检查与QCA相比对冠状动脉临界病变检测出的狭窄率更显著,并能更有效地发现“不稳定性”病变并指导冠状动脉临界病变支架的植入,减低心血管事件发生,改善预后。     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.