Predictors of poor outcome following liver biopsy for the investigation of new hepatic space occupying lesion/s.

Background: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy (UPLB) is currently performed mainly to determine if new hepatic space occupying lesions (SOL) represent benign, primary malignant, or metastatic disease. This study sought to investigate the outcome of UPLB in this setting.

Methods: In a retrospective study, patients with a new hepatic SOL who underwent UPLB during 1/2006-12/2016 were included and followed to 12/2018.

COVID-19 classification of X-ray images using deep neural networks.

Objectives: In the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, chest X-ray (CXR) imaging is playing an important role in diagnosis and monitoring of patients with COVID-19. We propose a deep learning model for detection of COVID-19 from CXRs, as well as a tool for retrieving similar patients according to the model's results on their CXRs. For training and evaluating our model, we collected CXRs from inpatients hospitalized in four different hospitals.

Cystic Duct Embolization with Chemical Gallbladder Ablation for the Treatment of Acute Calculous Cholecystitis in High-Risk Patients: A Prospective Single-Center Study.

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of cystic duct embolization and chemical gallbladder ablation as an alternative to cholecystectomy in high-risk patients with calculous cholecystitis who were not candidates for surgery.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study included 10 patients with acute cholecystitis (7 males and 3 females) aged 70-91 years (average age, 81.6 years) between 2013 and 2019.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate before Urgent Surgery in Patients Treated with Rivaroxaban and Apixaban.

Introduction: Patients treated with direct Xa inhibitors may require urgent surgery. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in this setting is common; however, it is based on limited experience in healthy volunteers.

Objective: To characterize the population receiving PCC for apixaban/rivaroxaban reversal prior to an urgent surgery and evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Modified Doppler-guided laser procedure for the treatment of second- and third-degree hemorrhoids.

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition with a major medical and socioeconomic impact. Owing to the high incidence of symptomatic hemorrhoids in the adult population together with the risk of complications of traditional surgery, researchers are seeking less invasive methods of hemorrhoidal treatment.The aim of this study was to present our experience with the mini-invasive Doppler guided hemorrhoidal laser procedure (HeLP) in symptomatic 2nd and 3rd degree hemorrhoids with absent or minimal mucosal prolapse.

How Prevalent is Hydronephrosis Secondary to Acute Appendicitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Right hydronephrosis secondary to acute appendicitis is an under-reported phenomenon with only several case reports published.

Objectives: To assess the incidence of this phenomenon in our database of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis.

Methods: Data were collected on 1092 patients who underwent surgery due to acute appendicitis between 2003 and 2007 in our tertiary medical center.

Yield of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the investigation of bile duct dilatation in asymptomatic patients.

Background: Biliary dilatation in the asymptomatic patient is a frequent incidental finding in the work-up for which there are no current guidelines.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the yield of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in asymptomatic patients with an incidental finding of biliary duct dilatation.

Methods: The study included 68 consecutive patients for evaluation of biliary duct dilatation found incidentally on computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US).

Radiological Evaluation of Artificial Stone Silicosis Outbreak: Emphasizing Findings in Lung Transplant Recipients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings and correlate pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of silicosis patients with emphasis on the findings in lung transplantation (LTX) recipients.

Methods: We studied the chest CT scans from 82 marble workers exposed to artificial stone dust and who had a diagnosis of silicosis, of whom 13 patients underwent LTX. Silicosis-associated findings were graded and correlated to concomitant PFT.

Amplatzer Vascular Plugs Versus Coils for Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.

Purpose: Coil embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) has a high re-canalization/re-perfusion rate. Embolization with Amplatzer plugs has been previously described, but the long-term efficacy is not established. This study reports the experience of a referral medical center with the use of coils and Amplatzer plugs for treating PAVMs in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Long-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Repair of Bilateral Inguinal Hernias with a Large Single Mesh.

Background: A totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach is currently the technique of choice for the laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinal hernias in our institution. Most other surgeons use two meshes for the TEP repair, one for each side. We prefer a large single mesh when possible since it allows for easier correct placement of the mesh in one stage.

Stercoral colitis: a lethal disease-computed tomographic findings and clinical characteristic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the radiographic findings in stercoral colitis.

Methods: The computed tomographic scans and abdominal radiographs of 13 patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed stercoral colitis from 4 affiliated hospitals were reviewed by a board-certified abdominal radiologist blinded to the official imaging, surgical, and pathologic findings.

Results: The median age was 66 years.

Increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness as a predictor for hypertension: a cross-sectional observational study.

The aim of the study was to determine whether epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT), a new cardiometabolic risk factor, is associated with essential hypertension. The sample included 127 asymptomatic patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors consecutively referred for cardiac computed tomography angiography. Data were collected retrospectively and compared between hypertensive (n=39) and normotensive (n=88) patients.

Evaluation of framingham and systematic coronary risk evaluation scores by coronary computed tomographic angiography in asymptomatic adults.

Recently, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was introduced as a tool for the early detection of coronary atherosclerosis. However, a disagreement exists regarding the accuracy of CCTA for the prediction of future cardiovascular risk compared to conventional clinical risks scores (e.g.

Epicardial adipose tissue as a predictor of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic subjects.

This study sought to elucidate the relation between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness measured by multidetector computed tomography and presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Recent studies have suggested that fat disposition in visceral organs and epicardial tissue could serve as a predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). The sample included 190 asymptomatic subjects with ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factor who were referred for cardiac computed tomographic angiography.

Step-and-Shoot: a new low radiation coronary computed tomography angiography technology: our initial experience with 125 consecutive asymptomatic patients.

Background: Coronary CTangiography is an accurate imaging modality; however, its main drawback is the radiation dose. A new technology, the "step and shoot," which reduces the radiation up to one-eighth, is now available.

Objectives: To assess our initial experience using the "step-and-shoot" technology for various vascular pathologies.

Computed tomography study of the effect of orlistat on visceral adipose tissue volume in obese subjects.

Background: Obesity has become a major public health problem worldwide.

Objectives: To examine the effect of orlistat in promoting weight loss and its specific effect on visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue as evaluated by computed tomography.

Methods: A prospective case series study of 10 obese subjects was conducted.

Retrospective comparison of mechanical percutaneous thrombectomy of hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts with the Arrow-Trerotola device and the lyse and wait technique.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine whether pharmacologic thrombolysis with urokinase in the lyse and wait (L&W) technique compared with mechanical declotting using the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombectomy device is more efficient, safer, or less expensive in treating thrombosed hemodialysis grafts.

Materials And Methods: The files of 157 patients who underwent arteriovenous graft declotting from 2000 to 2007 at one tertiary care center were reviewed. The study group included 83 women and 74 men with a mean age of 68 +/- 12 years (range, 27-95 years).

A comparison of transjugular and plugged-percutaneous liver biopsy in patients with contraindications to ordinary percutaneous liver biopsy and an "in-house" protocol for selecting the procedure of choice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) and plugged-percutaneous liver biopsy (PB) in consecutive patients with severe liver disease associated with impaired coagulation, ascites, or both and to verify the in-house protocol used to select the appropriate procedure. In 2000-2006, 329 patients (208 male [62.8%] and 121 female [37.

Celiac trunk embolization, as a means of elongating short distal descending thoracic aortic aneurysm necks, prior to endovascular aortic repair.

The purpose of this study was to report our experience in elongating short distal necks of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAAs) by coil embolization of the celiac trunk prior to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). During 6 years seven patients (five men and two women; mean age, 74) who had DTAAs with short distal necks unsuitable for conventional EVAR, and well patent superior and inferior mesenteric arteries based on CT, were treated in one session with EVAR after the celiac trunk was coil embolized to elongate the neck. All patients were followed by CT every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter.

Endovascular diagnosis and intervention in patients with isolated hyperammonemia, with or without ascites, after liver transplantation.

Hyperammonemia with or without ascites with normal synthetic liver functions after liver transplantation might indicate the presence of anastomotic stenosis of the portal or hepatic vein or the existence of a patent portosystemic shunt. The authors describe six patients, three children after split-liver transplantation and three adults after cadaver liver transplantation, who presented with hyperammonemia. Three patients had ascites.

Endovascular interventions of juxtaanastomotic stenoses and thromboses of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas.

Purpose: To assess the primary and secondary patency rates for juxtaanastomotic stenoses, with or without superimposed thromboses, of arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulas treated with angioplasty and to compare it with National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative treatment guidelines for stenosed and occluded arteriovenous fistulas (50% primary patency rate at 12 months).

Materials And Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis, covering a period of 5(1/2) years. Forty-three hemodialysis patients were referred due to secondary fistula dysfunction, and angiography was diagnostic of a juxtaanastomotic lesion.

Angiographic findings and clinical outcomes in asymptomatic patients with severe obstructive atherosclerosis on computed tomography angiography.

Background: Cardiac computed tomography angiography is a relatively new imaging modality to detect coronary atherosclerosis.

Objectives: To explore the diagnostic value of CTA in assessing coronary artery disease among asymptomatic patients.

Methods: In this retrospective single-centered analysis, 622 consecutive patients underwent CTA of coronary arteries between November 2004 and May 2006 at the Mor Institute for Cardiovascular Imaging in Bnei Brak, Israel.