Anxiety in medically III patients

Anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in the general population and more so in the medically ill. They have a number of negative consequences for these patients and may worsen the outcome of the medical illness and increase health care utilization. In the evaluation of these patients, it is of paramount importance to identify the etiology of the anxiety and, in particular, to differentiate primary from secondary anxiety. Management includes medications (especially benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and psychotherapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy).     

Classifying choledochal cysts using hepatobiliary scintigraphy

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was designed to classify choledochal cysts on the basis of the findings of hepatobiliary scintigraphy. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with choledochal cysts (15 female, 6 male; mean age, 20 years) proved on the findings of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgery and histopathologic analysis were included in the study. Two nuclear medicine physicians, blinded with regard to cholangiographic and operative details, were asked to review and to classify the type of choledochal cyst seen on the hepatobiliary scan. Later, scintigraphic results were compared with ERCP and surgical findings for a reference standard. RESULTS: The findings of hepatobiliary scintigraphy correlated with ERCP and surgical findings in 18 of 21 cases (86%). Scintiscans correctly identified all type 1 cysts (12/12). The sensitivity of scintigraphy in diagnosing type 4 cysts was 66% (6 of 9 cases). It underestimated the intrahepatic extent of disease in type 4a biliary cysts (37%). CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the utility of hepatobiliary scintigraphy in diagnosing type 1 and 4 choledochal cysts.