Multicenter evaluation of the safety and efficacy of selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90 resin microspheres in Taiwan: data from the RESIN registry.

Background And Aim: The REgistry of Selective Internal radiation therapy in AsiaNs (RESIN) was a multicenter, single-arm, prospective, observational study of Y resin microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from Taiwan. RESIN is the first real-life clinical study of this therapy in an Asian cohort. Study objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Y resin microspheres.

Multiple Synchronous Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Lymphomas Involving in the Stomach, Duodenum, Ileum, and Sigmoid.

Gastric MALToma is an extra-nodal marginal-type B-cell lymphoma. MALToma may occur secondary to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. The most common gastrointestinal (GI) site of MALToma is the stomach, with approximately 50% of lesions occurring there.

Earthquake Response for Students with Different Severe Degrees of Disabilities: An Investigation of the Special Education Classes in Primary Schools in Taipei.

Taipei has been ranked as the most vulnerable city to a wider combination of risks. Although the Special Education Law addresses the consideration of disaster preparedness for students with disabilities enrolling in Special Education Schools, more attention needs to be given to the far larger number of students with disabilities enrolling in normal schools. These schools need to consider the care for students with different types and severe degrees of disabilities.

MRI-based measurements of whole-brain global cerebral blood flow: Comparison and validation at 1.5T and 3T.

Background: Whole-brain global cerebral blood flow (CBF) determined by MRI techniques, calculated using total CBF (TCBF) from phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI), and brain parenchyma volume (BPV) from T -weighted image, have become increasingly popular in many applications.

Purpose/hypothesis: To determine if MRI-based measurements of whole-brain global CBF data obtained across different field strengths could be merged, TCBF and BPV data acquired at 1.5T and 3T were compared.

The value of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging in characterizing cirrhotic nodules with atypical enhancement on Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR images.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing atypically enhanced cirrhotic nodules detected on conventional Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR images.

Materials And Methods: We enrolled 61 consecutive patients with 88 atypical nodules seen on conventional Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR images who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI within a 3-month period. Using a reference standard, we determined that 58 of the nodules were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 30 were dysplastic nodules (DNs).

Computed tomographic imaging in determining the need of embolization for high-grade blunt renal injury.

Background: It is well documented that transarterial embolization (TAE) can successfully stop bleeding in renal trauma patients and reduce the failure rate of conservation treatment. However, there is no consensus on the indications for TAE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the criteria for computed tomography (CT) to predict the need for TAE for patients with high-grade blunt renal trauma.

Celiac artery compression syndrome: an experience in a single institution in taiwan.

Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) or median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome is a rare vascular disease. The clinical manifestations of CACS include the triad of postprandial pain, vomiting, and weight loss. The pathogenesis of CACS is the external compression of celiac artery by the MAL or celiac ganglion.

Tomographic findings are not always predictive of failed nonoperative management in blunt hepatic injury.

Background: Nonoperative management (NOM) has become the standard treatment of blunt hepatic injury (BHI) for stable patients. Contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT) scan had been reported as a sign that is associated with NOM failure. The goal of this study was to further investigate the risk factors of NOM failure in patients with CE on CT scan.

Photophysical mechanisms of collagen modification by 80 MHz femtosecond laser.

Photophysical mechanisms of collagen photomodification (CFP) by the use of a 80 MHz, 780 nm femtosecond titanium-sapphire laser were investigated. Our observation that the decrease in collagen second harmonic generation and increase in two-photon autofluorescence intensity occurred primarily at sites where photoproducts were present suggested that the photoproducts may act to facilitate the CFP process. Laser power study of CFP indicated that the efficiency of the process depended on the sixth power of the laser intensity.

Role of arterial embolization on blunt hepatic trauma patients with type I contrast extravasation.

Background: Our aim was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the management of hemodynamically stable blunt hepatic trauma (BHT) patients with contrast material extravasation into the peritoneal cavity, known as type I contrast material extravasation, on computed tomography (CT) scan.

Methods: Adult patients who sustained BHT and who were hemodynamically stable after initial resuscitation underwent abdominal CT scan. If the abdominal CT scan revealed type I contrast material extravasation, patients who remained hemodynamically stable were sent for angiography.

Higher incidence of major complications after splenic embolization for blunt splenic injuries in elderly patients.

Background: Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injuries has been widely accepted, and the application of splenic artery embolization (SAE) has become an effective adjunct to NOM. However, complications do occur after SAE. In this study, we assess the factors leading to the major complications associated with SAE.

Evaluation of need for operative intervention in blunt splenic injury: intraperitoneal contrast extravasation has an increased probability of requiring operative intervention.

Background: Angioembolization is an effective adjunct to the management of blunt splenic injuries (BSI) that are not surgically treated. However, in some cases patients are unable to undergo angioembolization due to changes in their hemodynamic condition. In this study we attempt to define the characteristics of patients who need angioembolization in high-grade BSI.

Evaluation of need for angioembolization in blunt renal injury: discontinuity of Gerota's fascia has an increased probability of requiring angioembolization.

Background: Angioembolization is an effective adjunct in the management of high-grade renal injuries not surgically treated. However, in some cases, the bleeding may stop spontaneously, without the need for embolization. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of patients who need angioembolization for high-grade blunt renal injuries (BRIs).

Transarterial embolization for control of bleeding in patients with head and neck cancer.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of transarterial embolization for the treatment of tumor bleeding in neck tumors following radiation or chemotherapy.

Study Design: We performed a case series with chart review of 25 patients with clinically suspected tumor bleeding that occurred in the period between August 2003 and April 2007.

Setting: All patients were admitted to and accepted treatment at China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, R.

Transcatheter arterial embolization in the treatment of maxillofacial trauma induced life-threatening hemorrhages.

Background: Life-threatening hemorrhages with hemodynamic instability are uncommon in patients with sustained maxillofacial trauma, but when they occur, require immediate surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails. This study assessed the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of maxillofacial trauma-induced life-threatening hemorrhages.

Methods: From January 2004 to January 2007, eight ambulatory patients admitted for maxillofacial injuries with life-threatening hemorrhaging and hemodynamic instability (systolic blood pressure < or = 90 mm Hg) caused primarily by intractable oronasal bleeding who subsequently underwent TAE were included in this study.

Reappraisal of the management and outcome of emphysematous pyelonephritis.

This study compared the management, prognostic factors and outcomes of patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). Twenty-one patients with EPN were studied between September 1996 and August 2005, and were assigned to two groups. Patients in Group 1 received conservative treatment with/without percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) while patients in Group 2 underwent nephrectomy following medical treatment and PCD.