Comparative Analysis of CT Fluoroscopy Modes and Gastropexy Techniques in CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomy.

Background/objectives: This study was conducted to compare two modes of computed tomography fluoroscopy (CTF) and two gastropexy techniques used in CT-guided percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (CT-PRG) aiming to identify the optimal techniques for image guidance and gastropexy and, thus, to overcome the current lack of consensus on the preferred modalities.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 186 successful CT-PRG procedures conducted evenly across two university hospitals from January 2019 to December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups (intermittent multislice CT biopsy mode-guided technique (MS-CT BM) and retention anchor suture (T-fastener) versus real-time (RT-)CTF and gastropexy device) for descriptive analysis of demographics, indication for PRG, radiation exposure (DLP), procedural time, number of CT scans, gastropexy time, and complications.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography (CT) Fluoroscopy-Guided Biopsy of the Spleen Using Fibrin Glue as a Sealant.

Some authors consider the risk of bleeding an absolute contraindication to percutaneous image-guided splenic puncture. While splenic punctures are mainly performed at specialized centers, no technique for the closure of the puncture tract has been broadly established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a percutaneous image-guided biopsy of the spleen using fibrin glue to plug the tract.

The dual pro-inflammatory and bone-protective role of calcitonin gene-related peptide alpha in age-related osteoarthritis.

Background: The vasoactive neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide alpha (αCGRP) enhances nociception in primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) and has been shown to disrupt cartilage and joint integrity in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Little is known about how αCGRP may alter articular structures in primary OA. We investigated whether αCGRP modulates local inflammation and concomitant cartilage and bone changes in a murine model of age-dependent OA.

Percutaneous drainage and combined praziquantel-albendazole therapy: a novel approach for the treatment of simple echinococcal liver cysts.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide helminthic zoonosis causing serious disease in humans. The WHO Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis recommends a stage-specific treatment approach of hepatic CE that facilitates the decision on what therapy option is most appropriate. Percutaneous aspiration, instillation of a scolicide, e.

Medical historical notes on myoma treatment by uterine artery embolization on the occasion of its introduction 30 years ago.

Background:  Since its development, uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids has become an established minimally invasive alternative to surgical myoma treatment. Currently, more than 25,000 myoma patients worldwide are likely to be treated with UAE annually.

Method:  Thirty years ago, Jacques-Henri Ravina (b.

The Emerging Role of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Cervical Cancer Therapy.

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common cancers among women globally. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) constitute anticancer drugs that, by increasing the histone acetylation level in various cell types, induce differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The aim of the current review is to study the role of HDACIs in the treatment of cervical cancer.

The Impact of Histone Modifications in Endometriosis Highlights New Therapeutic Opportunities.

Endometriosis is a chronic disorder of the female reproductive system which afflicts a great number of women worldwide. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) prevent the relaxation of chromatin, thereby positively or negatively modulating gene transcription. The current review aims at studying the impact of histone modifications and their therapeutic targeting in endometriosis.

The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. Often presenting as preexisting or new-onset hypertension complicated by proteinuria and/or end-organ dysfunction, preeclampsia significantly correlates with maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression.

Routine laboratory parameters predict intensive care unit admission and hospitalization in patients suffering stab injuries.

Background: Knife crime has increased considerably in recent years in Northern Europe. Affected patients often require immediate surgical care due to traumatic organ injury. Yet, little is known about clinically relevant routine laboratory parameters in stab injury patients and how these are associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospitalization and number of surgeries.

Individual immune cell and cytokine profiles determine platelet-rich plasma composition.

Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly popular to treat musculoskeletal diseases, including tendinopathies and osteoarthritis (OA). To date, it remains unclear to which extent PRP compositions are determined by the immune cell and cytokine profile of individuals or by the preparation method. To investigate this, we compared leukocyte and cytokine distributions of different PRP products to donor blood samples and assessed the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on chondrocytes.

Short- and long-term evaluation of disease-specific symptoms and quality of life following uterine artery embolization of fibroids.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas regarding changes in quality of life after treatment in a large patient collective. This study retrospectively analyzed prospectively acquired standardized questionnaires of patients treated with UAE. Clinical success was evaluated before and after embolization.

CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous gastrostomy (CT-PG) - A single center experience in 233 patients.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and complications of computed tomography-guided percutaneous gastroscopy (CT-PG) using two procedural techniques (trocar technique and Seldinger technique) in all patients and in a subgroup of patients with ascites as a relative contraindication.

Material And Methods: In this single-center study a total of 233 patients who underwent CT-PG (55 in trocar group and 178 in Seldinger group) between 2012 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Success and complications were determined for both techniques and compared in the total study population and in the subgroup of patients with ascites.

A prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of music on patients' anxiety in venous catheter placement procedures.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of music on anxiety levels compared to standard patient care in patients undergoing venous catheter placement procedures. This prospective randomized controlled trial included patients undergoing placement procedures for peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC), ports and central venous catheters (CVC). Patients were randomly assigned to a music intervention group (MIG) and a control group (CTRL).

Splenic artery steal syndrome in patients with orthotopic liver transplant: Where to embolize the splenic artery?

Purpose: This study compared proximal and distal embolization of the splenic artery (SA) in patients with splenic artery steal syndrome (SAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) regarding post interventional changes of liver function to identify an ideal location of embolization.

Methods And Materials: 85 patients with SAS after OLT treated with embolization of the SA between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Periinterventional DSA was used to assess treatment success and to stratify patients according to the site of embolization.

Changes of radiological examination volumes over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive analysis of the different waves of infection.

Objectives: Data from radiological departments provide important information on overall quantities of medical care provided. With this study we used a comprehensive analysis of radiological examinations as a surrogate marker to quantify the effect of the different COVID-19 waves on medical care provided.

Methods: Radiological examination volumes during the different waves of infection were compared among each other as well as to time-matched control periods from pre-pandemic years using a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing as well as negative binominal regression models.

Combining Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) and CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT): A Retrospective Analysis of Advanced Primary and Secondary Liver Tumor Treatment.

Purpose: Treatment of patients with primary and secondary liver tumors remains challenging. This study analyzes the efficacy and safety of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) combined with CT-guided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) for the treatment of primary and secondary liver tumors.

Patients And Methods: A total of 77 patients (30 female) with various liver malignancies were treated.

Intramuscular and intratendinous placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal-like cell treatment of a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture.

Background: Quadriceps tendon ruptures (QTRs) are rare but debilitating injuries, often associated with chronic metabolic conditions or long-term steroid treatment. While the surgical treatment for acute QTRs is described thoroughly, no common strategy exists for the often frustrating treatment of chronic, reoccurring QTRs. The pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of placenta-derived adherent mesenchymal stromal-like (PLX-PAD) cells have been described to protect musculoskeletal tissues from inflammation and catabolic cytokine migration, yet little is known about the regenerative potential of PLX-PAD cells in repetitively damaged tendon tissue.

CT-Based Risk Stratification for Intensive Care Need and Survival in COVID-19 Patients-A Simple Solution.

We evaluated a simple semi-quantitative (SSQ) method for determining pulmonary involvement in computed tomography (CT) scans of COVID-19 patients. The extent of lung involvement in the first available CT was assessed with the SSQ method and subjectively. We identified risk factors for the need of invasive ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and for time to death after infection.

Decreased Medical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Comprehensive Analysis of Radiological Examinations.

Objectives: As a cross-section discipline within the hospital infrastructure, radiological departments might be able to provide important information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare. The goal of this study was to quantify changes in medical care during the first wave of the pandemic using radiological examinations as a comprehensive surrogate marker and to determine potential future workload.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all radiological examinations during the first wave of the pandemic was performed.

Impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on orthopedic trauma numbers and patterns in an academic Level I Trauma Center in Berlin, Germany.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of drastic shutdown measures worldwide. While quarantine, self-isolation and shutdown laws helped to effectively contain and control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the impact of COVID-19 shutdowns on trauma care in emergency departments (EDs) remains elusive.

Methods: All ED patient records from the 35-day COVID-19 shutdown (SHUTDOWN) period were retrospectively compared to a calendar-matched control period in 2019 (CTRL) as well as to a pre (PRE)- and post (POST)-shutdown period in an academic Level I Trauma Center in Berlin, Germany.

Neuroimaging Findings in Conjunction with Severe COVID-19.

Purpose: COVID-19 has a variable, but well-described course. However, some patients additionally present with neurological symptoms. Recent studies also show a broad range of neuroimaging features.

Diagnostic Value of Initial Chest CT Findings for the Need of ICU Treatment/Intubation in Patients with COVID-19.

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple, semi-quantitative method that can be used for identifying patients in need of subsequent intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and intubation. We retrospectively analyzed the initial CT scans of 28 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at our Level-I center.

Submillisievert chest CT in patients with COVID-19 - experiences of a German Level-I center.

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) is used for initial diagnosis and therapy monitoring of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As patients of all ages are affected, radiation dose is a concern. While follow-up CT examinations lead to high cumulative radiation doses, the ALARA principle states that the applied dose should be as low as possible while maintaining adequate image quality.