Multi Detector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) had excellent reproducibility of coronary calcium measurements

OBJECTIVE: To assess reproducibility of coronary calcium measurements with Multi Detector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) imaging and to evaluate whether different measurement protocols, slice thickness, and cardiovascular risk factors affect inter and intra-observer reproducibility. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: In a cross-sectional design, the study population comprised 199 healthy postmenopausal women. Coronary calcium was assessed using a 16-MDCT (Philips Mx 8000 IDT 16). Images were made using 1.5 and 3.0mm slice thicknesses. To assess inter and intra-observer reproducibility, the images were read by two observers. One observer read the images of 52 subjects twice. The Agatston score, a volume, and a mass measurement were used to quantify coronary calcium. Reproducibility was determined by estimation of mean, absolute, and relative differences between scores of the observers and by estimation of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: 60.3% participants (n=120) had a positive calcium score. Median Agatston score for the first observer was 2.20 with a range of 0-2,019.The reproducibility of coronary calcium measurements between and within observers was excellent with ICC of >0.95, and small mean, absolute, and relative differences. Reproducibility findings were similar for 1.5mm slices as for 3.0mm slices, and equal for Agatston, volume, and mass measurements. CONCLUSION: Reproducibilility of coronary calcium measurement using MDCT is excellent, irrespective of slice thickness and type of calcium parameter.     

The effect of behavioral intervention and nutrition education program on serum lipid profile,body weight and blood pressure in Iranian individuals with spinal cord injury: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: The efficacy of nutrition education on body weight and serum lipids has not yet been described in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). In the present study, we examined the effect of a 7-month nutrition education program on lipid profile and body weight in individuals with SCI.

Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Setting: A tertiary rehabilitation center.

Participants: Patients with SCI who were referred to Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center.

Intervention: The nutrition education program consisted of 5 education sessions during a period of 7 months.

Outcome measures: Body weight and serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measure at the beginning of the trial and after 7 months. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used.

Results: Total of 57 patients (27 in control group and 30 in education group) participated. Nutrition education program showed no significant effect on the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C (P: 0.224, 0.172, 0.107 and 0.081, respectively). No significant changes in weight and waist circumflex have been observed as well (P: 0.970 and 0.361, respectively).

Conclusion: Our findings do not support a significant influence of nutrition education program on weight and lipid profile. It seems that the nutrition education program alone is not adequately effective to have beneficial influence on weight and lipid profile.

Clinical trial registration No.: IRCT201406215968N3     

Ultrasound versus dual-energy computed tomography in patients with different stages of acute gouty arthritis: methodological issues on diagnostic value

Clinical Rheumatology -