Comparison of outcomes following endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms based on size threshold.

Introduction: Size threshold for operative repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has been determined based on risks and outcomes of open repair vs surveillance. The influence of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on this threshold is less established. The purpose of this study is to determine whether long-term outcomes following EVAR are affected by maximum diameter at the time of treatment.

Improvement in the health-related quality-of-life symptoms of hyperparathyroidism is durable on long-term follow-up.

Background: Subjective symptoms such as decreased energy, chronic fatigue, and depression are associated with hyperparathyroidism. Studies have shown that these symptoms are improved during short-term follow-up after parathyroidectomy. This study evaluates the durability of this subjective improvement in quality-of-life symptoms in a large population of patients with follow-up greater than 1 year after operation.

Clinicopathological significance of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain a and B expression in thyroid cancer.

Context: Major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains A and B (MICA/B) are two stress-inducible ligands for the immunoreceptor NKG2D that is expressed on cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. It is not known whether MICA/B expression is up-regulated in thyroid cancer as a result of oncogene activation.

Objective: The objective of the investigation was to study MICA/B expression and regulation in thyroid cancer and its role in mediating the cytotoxicity of NK cells.

Thyroidectomy remains an effective treatment option for Graves' disease.

Background: Recent experience with thyroidectomy for Graves' disease is limited. We report our current experience with thyroidectomy for Graves' disease at a tertiary hospital.

Methods: A prospective database showed 48 patients who underwent surgery for Graves' disease from April 1993 to June 2005.