Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis Who Are Taking Glucocorticoids.

Objective: Large vessel uptake on positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) supports the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Its value, however, in patients without arteritis on temporal artery biopsy and in those receiving glucocorticoids remains unknown. We compared PET/CT results in GCA patients with positive (TAB+) and negative temporal artery biopsies (TAB-), and controls.

Application of the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification to the Nova Scotia population of patients with germ cell tumours.

Background: The International Germ Cell Consensus Classification (IGCCC) is the internationally accepted, clinically based prognostic classification used to assist in the management and research of metastatic germ cell tumours (GCTs). The goal of this study was to determine whether the IGCCC is applicable to a population-based cohort.

Methods: We completed a retrospective chart review of patients who received diagnoses of GCT in Nova Scotia between 1984 and 2004 and who received treatment with platin-based chemotherapy for metastatic disease.