Xanthelasmas of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Background Gastric xanthelasma is a benign and uncommon lesion with a variably reported frequency, while esophageal and duodenal xanthelasmas are quite rare.Methods Seventeen patients who had the diagnosis of xanthelasma in the upper gastrointestinal tract were analyzed retrospectively with respect to their demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features. All lesions suspected as xanthelasma were totally removed by either hot biopsy forceps or a snare with the technique of endoscopic mucosal resection.Results The incidence of upper gastrointestinal xanthelasmas in 7320 patients who had upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy was 0.23%. There were 9 (53%) men and 8 (47%) women, with a median age of 50 years (range, 24–80 years). The most common location of xanthelasmas was the stomach (76%), followed by the esophagus (12%) and duodenum (12%). All lesions were observed as yellow-white colored plaques at endoscopy. Multiple xanthelasmas were detected in 4 patients (24%); in the duodenum in 2, esophagus in 1, and stomach in 1. One patient had xanthelasma within a gastric hyperplastic polyp. The size of the lesion was less than 5mm in diameter in 14 (82%) patients and between 5 and 10mm in diameter in 3 (18%). Thirteen (76%) patients had moderate to severe atrophic gastritis, while the remainder had normal gastric mucosa.Conclusions Xanthelasmas of the upper gastrointestinal tract were mostly located in the stomach in the present series, which includes the second and third reported cases of duodenal xanthelasma, the second case of xanthelasma developed within a hyperplastic gastric polyp, and the fourth and the fifth cases of esophageal xanthelasma.     

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma 102 months after successful eradication and removal of membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava

We report a 54-year-old Japanese woman who developed liver tumors 102 months after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (MOVC), which is one form of Budd-Chiari syndrome. In the present admission workup showed no evidence of co-infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhanced lesion, 1.5cm in diameter, in segment 3 of the liver, and no obstruction of the inferior vena cava after PTA. CT during both arterial portography and hepatic arteriography revealed another lesion, showing different hemodynamics, in segment 2. The patient therefore underwent hepatic resection, and the tumors were diagnosed histologically as HCC. The two tumors differed in their morphological features, one containing abundant fibrous stroma, whereas the other did not. The nontumorous liver tissue showed central zonal fibrosis, i.e., reversed lobulation, and partial expansion of nodule-like formations, indicating lack of progression since the situation seen at the initial hepatectomy. The presence of nontumorous liver tissue showing the above features suggests that, even after successful treatment for relief of congestion, patients who have had MOVC should be followed closely for as long as possible because of the risk of HCC recurrence. This is the first reported case of HCC recurrence after successful treatment of MOVC.     

Angiotensin II-receptor antagonist in the treatment of hypertension

Effective treatment of high blood pressure levels represents a crucial point in reducing global cardiovascular risk, and several studies have clearly demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality with a more intensive blood pressure-lowering treatment. Other factors beyond blood pressure control may be important in reducing the risk related to hypertension. Pharmacologic agents blocking the renin-angiotensin system, in particular the angiotensin II-receptor blocker (ARB), a novel class of antihypertensive agents, represent an important addition to the therapeutic options for hypertension management, and recent large, international, randomized, trials have demonstrated that ARBs have clinical benefits across the spectrum of disease severity. In this article, we provide some evidence derived from these trials, supporting a role for ARBs in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and renal disease, beyond blood pressure control.     

Gastrointestinal issues in children with rheumatologic disease

Distinctive arthritic patterns, some of which may parallel or even precede intestinal disease activity, are seen in inflammatory bowel disease. Some spondyloarthropathies are associated with transient ileocolic inflammation. Vasculitis frequently affects the gastrointestinal tract, predominantly manifesting with abdominal pain. In severe cases, intestinal ischemia and perforation may occur. Various arthritides are thought to be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease and hepatitis. The association between intestinal disease and arthritis is still being investigated. Interactions between the inflammatory intestinal cells and inflamed synovial cells have been demonstrated. Certain intestinal bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae are suspected to play a role as triggers for the development of arthropathies. Genetic factors, especially human leukocyte antigen associations, are also being increasingly investigated for better characterization of the types of arthritis and possible prognostic implications. Various therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used to treat rheumatologic diseases have the potential to cause gastrointestinal complications.     

Therapie des diabetischen Makulaödems

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common cause of diabetes-related visual impairment that also affects patients of working age. Laser treatment has been the gold standard of DME treatment for decades. The introduction of intravitreal injection therapies, e.?g. anti-VEGF therapy, has widened the range of treatment options. This allows more individualized DME therapy and improves the prognosis for vision.

Objectives

This article aims to provide a short overview of current therapy options and their relevance in DME treatment based on recent studies and treatment recommendations.

Results

VEGF-Inhibitors represent a first-line treatment and are superior to laser treatment when DME affects the fovea. In addition to ranibizumab and aflibercept, bevacizumab is used off-label. High treatment frequencies with an average of seven to nine injections in the 1st year and monthly controls, if possible using optical coherence tomography, are crucial. The number of injections required decreases thereafter. The gain in visual acuity of on average two to three lines demonstrated in studies is usually not achieved in real life due to under-treatment. Intravitreal steroids provide longer treatment effects, but are second choice due to local side effects, mainly cataract and glaucoma. Laser therapy remains an option (1st choice in extrafoveal DME). In special cases, vitrectomy may be indicated.

Conclusions

Modern DME treatment permits individualized therapies based on multimodal diagnostics while taking the patient’s individual situation and wishes into account. However, in order to make effective use of these opportunities , early diagnosis (screening), adequate patient motivation, and appropriate risk factor adjustment are required.

     

Emergency Department influenza vaccination campaign allows increasing influenza vaccination coverage without disrupting time interval quality indicators

To evaluate the impact of an influenza vaccination (IV) coverage (IVC) in a vaccination campaign of an Emergency Department (EDVC) and its impact on ED time interval quality indicators. We conducted a 4 year observational study, with an intervention during the 4th year. IVC was calculated during pre-and early-epidemic periods. During the final period, a 12 weeks EDVC was implemented. Physicians and nurses were trained and sensitized in the importance of vaccination, and their role in the prevention of severe forms of influenza was reinforced. The vaccine was proposed by physicians and nurses, and delivered by them. Repeated measures ANOVA is a validated method for related not independent groups (https://statistics.laerd.com/statistical-guides/repeated-measures-anova-statistical-guide.php). Overall, IVC was 987/3191 (30.9%) with an increasing trend from 28.8 to 33.2%. In the fourth period, out of 868 patients identified with IV indication, 288 had already been vaccinated (IVC?33.2%). After excluding patients presenting criteria of exclusion, IV was proposed to 475 patients: 317 (66.7%) accepted. The vaccination rate after patient’s acceptance was 89.6% (288/317). At the end of the EDVC, influenza vaccination coverage was 572 (284?+?288)/868 (65.9%). The delay between arrival at the ED and seeing the triage nurse and physician as well as the overall ED length of stay were not modified during the study period and before and during EDVC. EDVC effectively doubled the influenza vaccination coverage, without modifying ED time interval quality indicators.     

Recent Developments in the Role of Coenzyme Q10 for Coronary Heart Disease: a Systematic Review

Purpose of Review

This review examines recent randomized clinical trials evaluating the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the management of coronary heart disease.

Recent Findings

CoQ10 is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements in the USA. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, CoQ10 has been studied extensively for possible use in managing coronary heart disease. One of the most common applications of CoQ10 is to mitigate statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) based on the theory that SAMS are caused by statin depletion of CoQ10 in the muscle. Although previous studies of CoQ10 for SAMS have produced mixed results, CoQ10 appears to be safe. Because CoQ10 is a cofactor in the generation of adenosine triphosphate, supplementation has also recently been studied in patients with heart failure, which is inherently an energy deprived state. The Q-SYMBIO trial found that CoQ10 supplementation in patients with heart failure not only improved functional capacity, but also significantly reduced cardiovascular events and mortality. Despite these positive findings, a larger prospective trial is warranted to support routine use of CoQ10. Less impressive are the effects of CoQ10 on specific cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and glycemic control.

Summary

Current evidence does not support routine use of CoQ10 in patients with coronary heart disease. Additional studies are warranted to fully determine the benefit of CoQ10 in patients with heart failure before including it in guideline-directed medical therapy.

     

<Superscript>18</Superscript>F-FDG-PET/CT Imaging to Diagnose Septic Emboli and Mycotic Aneurysms in Patients with Endocarditis and Cardiac Device Infections

Purpose of review

This review analyzes recent studies evaluating the diagnostic value of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of peripheral emboli and secondary infectious foci in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections.

Recent findings

Detection of extracardiac septic localizations in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections is crucial, as it may impact the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management. Recent literature substantiated the clinical usefulness of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT in this setting.

Summary

¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT has proven its high diagnostic value for the detection of peripheral emboli in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections, substantially affecting patients’ outcome and treatment. A multimodal approach, combining the high sensitivity of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT with morphological imaging seems promising.

     

The Various Applications of 3D Printing in Cardiovascular Diseases

Purpose of Review

To highlight the various applications of 3D printing in cardiovascular disease and discuss its limitations and future direction.

Recent Findings

Use of handheld 3D printed models of cardiovascular structures has emerged as a facile modality in procedural and surgical planning as well as education and communication.

Summary

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel imaging modality which involves creating patient-specific models of cardiovascular structures. As percutaneous and surgical therapies evolve, spatial recognition of complex cardiovascular anatomic relationships by cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons is imperative. Handheld 3D printed models of cardiovascular structures provide a facile and intuitive road map for procedural and surgical planning, complementing conventional imaging modalities. Moreover, 3D printed models are efficacious educational and communication tools. This review highlights the various applications of 3D printing in cardiovascular diseases and discusses its limitations and future directions.