Role of asymmetric dimethylarginine in the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in renal transplant patients.

Backgrounds/aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are among the major causes of mortality in renal transplant (RT) patients. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) along with oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and antioxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL) on the extent and progression of atherosclerosis measured by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) in RT patients.

Neither oxidized nor anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein level is associated with atherosclerosis or mortality in hemodialysis patients.

It is anticipated that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and anti-oxLDL are associated with atherosclerosis and mortality. However, data on this issue are controversial and limited. We aimed to investigate the effect of these two markers on the extent and progression of atherosclerosis and mortality in a group of hemodialysis patients.

Carbamylated LDL.

Nonenzymatic modification of protein by cyanate, that is, carbamylation, has received new attention due to its apparent relevance in atherosclerosis. For example, carbamylation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an important mechanism that potentially impacts high-risk atherosclerotic individuals with increased urea (renal insufficiency) or thiocyanate (tobacco smoking). Carbamylated LDL (cLDL) is increased in patients with end-stage kidney disease, especially those with atherosclerosis.

Laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" versus laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis.

Background: The ideal management of common bile duct stones in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial. With rapid advances in technology and more experience in laparoscopic skills, many surgeons are now routinely performing single-stage procedures and questioning the wisdom of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreotography, with or without sphincterotomy. The purpose of this study was to compare the success rate, duration of operating time, clinical results, and duration of hospital stay of a laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" technique versus antegrade sphincterotomy in patients with cholecystitis-choledocholithiasis.

Role of contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance portography in evaluating portal venous system compared with color Doppler ultrasonography.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) MR portography in detecting abnormal findings associated with the portal venous system compared with the results of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS).

Materials And Methods: MR portography findings were retrospectively compared with the results of CDUS examinations in 161 patients, who were suspected of having portal venous system abnormalities. Portal venous vessels were divided into main 5 groups including the main portal vein, its left and right intrahepatic branches, splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein.

[The role of the interventional radiologist in central venous catheter dysfunction (pictorial essay)].

Failure to aspirate blood from the lumen of venous catheters, inadequate blood flow and/or high resistance pressures during hemodialysis were accepted as catheter dysfunction. Other correctable problems such as residual lumen thrombus, external fibrin catheter sheath or malpositioned catheter tip were identified by contrast injection. Catheter malpositions were corrected by snare-mediated catheter repositioning or by exchange of the catheter over a guidewire.