Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery calcification.

Background: Both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are closely related to many metabolic disorders. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a reliable noninvasive method in demonstrating coronary plaque. However, the association between coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and NAFLD remains controversial.

Clinical significance of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in chronic hepatitis C without hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background/aims: Alpha-fetoprotein is often measured in subjects with chronic hepatitis C for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its prevalence and clinical significance remain inconclusive in subjects without hepatocellular carcinoma. The study was to assess the clinical, virologic, and histopathological significance of elevated AFP in chronic hepatitis C without the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Reappraisal of endosonography of ampullary tumors: correlation with transabdominal sonography, CT, and MRI.

Purpose: To reappraise the accuracy of transabdominal sonography (US), CT, MRI, and endosonography (EUS) in the diagnosis and staging of ampullary tumors.

Method: We reviewed the medical records and the images of 41 consecutive patients with ampullary tumors. Tumor detection rate and accuracy of TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) staging of malignant tumors were determined.

The treatment of isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis.

Background/aims: It has been over 20 years since percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy (PTCSL) or left lateral segmentectomy with postoperative cholangioscopy (POC) was applied in treating isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis (ILH). However, their efficacy in treating ILH is not elucidated clearly in the literature.

Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted in 59 patients with ILH undergoing either PTCSL or left lateral segmentectomy with POC during the past 22 years.

The accuracy of sonography in predicting steatosis and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.

The accuracy and clinical significance of sonography (US) in demonstrating fatty liver and hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are rarely reported. US had sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 72.

Prevalence and etiology of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase level in an adult population in Taiwan.

Background: The prevalence and etiologies of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have geographic variations and they are rarely reported in Taiwan. Through a population-based screening study, the prevalence and etiologies of elevated ALT in an adult population of Taiwan were assessed.

Methods: A cross-sectional community study in a rural village of Taiwan was conducted in 3260 Chinese adults (age >or=18 years) undergoing ultrasonography (US), blood tests, and interviews with a structured questionnaire.

Prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease in an adult population of Taiwan: an epidemiological survey.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease (GSD) in an adult population of Taiwan through a population-based screening study.

Methods: A cross-sectional community study in a rural village of Taiwan was conducted in 3333 Chinese adults (aged > or = 18 years) undergoing ultrasonography. A questionnaire on personal history was completed to ascertain whether the removed gallbladder contained stones in all cholecystectomized subjects, the dietary habits (vegetarian/non-vegetarian diet), the history of GSD in the participant's first-degree relatives, the history of gastrointestinal surgery (vagotomy, gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease, or ileal resection), parity, and use of oral contraceptives.

Prevalence and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in an adult population of taiwan: metabolic significance of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese adults.

Background: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rarely reported in Taiwan.

Goals: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in an adult population of Taiwan.

Study: The cross-sectional community study examined 3245 adults in a rural village of Taiwan.