The effect of mountaineering on the association between blood pressure and physical activity: A new multi-sensor ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring device. The Mount Fuji Study.

It has not been fully investigated whether the response of blood pressure (BP) to activity at high altitudes differs from that at low altitudes or how temperature is involved in these differences. The author compared BP response to accelerometer measurements during mountaineering and daily living. In 15 healthy people (mean age 33 ± 6 years), a new multi-sensor ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) device equipped with barometer, thermometer, and accelerometer was used to measure BP responses to activity during a trip to Mt.

Prevalence and characteristics of portopulmonary hypertension in cirrhotic patients who underwent both hepatic vein and pulmonary artery catheterization.

Unlabelled: Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a well-known complication of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to clarify the pulmonary hemodynamics and the prevalence and characteristics of PoPH in patients with portal hypertension.

Methods: The subjects were 335 patients with portal hypertension diagnosed by hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG).

Magnetic resonance imaging of the human placental cotyledon: Proposal of a novel cotyledon appearance score.

Objective: To determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detectable morphology of the placental cotyledon, we proposed the first cotyledon appearance scores on MRI. Cotyledon appearance scores consist of two subscores: orthogonal and parallel cotyledon appearance scores. These represent cotyledon appearance orthogonal or parallel to the placental thickness, respectively.

Colonic distention and patient acceptance of CT colonography: supine/prone left/right lateral scanning.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate and complete the colonic distention and patient acceptance of CT colonography (CTC) in the supine/prone and left/right lateral positions.

Methods: A total of 220 consecutive patients were alternately allocated to the supine/prone positioning or left/right lateral positioning group. Two readers scored the degree of colonic distention by segment using a 4-point Likert scale (4 = optimal, 3 = adequate, 2 = inadequate, 1 = collapsed).

[Comparison of Time-intensity Curve with Gadobenatedimeglumine and Gadobutrol on Multiphase Contrast-enhanced Breast MRI].

The purpose of this study was to compare the time-intensity curve (TIC) on multiphase contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between Gadobenatedimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and Gadobutrol. We assessed the images of 53 cases obtained from MRI that had malignant findings by pathology from October 2015 to October 2016 in our institute. Gd-DTPA and Gadobutrol were administrated in 16 and 37 cases, respectively.

Adverse events during CT colonography for screening, diagnosis and preoperative staging of colorectal cancer: a Japanese national survey.

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the frequencies and magnitudes of adverse events associated with computed tomographic colonography (CTC) for screening, diagnosis and preoperative staging of colorectal cancer.

Methods: A Japanese national survey on CTC was administered by use of an online survey tool in the form of a questionnaire. The questions covered mortality, colorectal perforation, vasovagal reaction, total number of examinations, and examination procedures.

Radiologists need to be aware of secondary central venous stenosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome.

Objectives: We aimed to define central venous stenosis (CVS) caused by sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis as a feature of synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome on routine contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. The relationship between SAPHO syndrome and CVS without venous thrombosis caused by anterior chest wall compression has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study evaluated CVS in patients with SAPHO syndrome at our hospital.

Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis: An Insufficiently Recognized Clinical Entity.

A 79-year-old male chronic hemodialysis patient with no history of central venous catheterization was referred to our hospital with progressive swelling of the left upper limb ipsilateral to a forearm arteriovenous fistula. Radiological assessments revealed marked hyperostosis in the ribs, sternum, and clavicles with well-developed ossification of the sternocostoclavicular ligaments. Such characteristic structural abnormalities and our failure to identify the left subclavian vein with contrast material despite the abundant dilated collaterals in the left shoulder area encouraged us to diagnose our patient with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) complicated by central vein obstruction.

Combined assessment using optical colonoscopy and computed tomographic colonography improves the determination of tumor location and invasion depth.

Introduction: An accurate assessment of the depth of tumor invasion in patients with colon cancer is an important part of the preoperative evaluation. Whether computed tomographic colonography (CTC) or optical colonoscopy (OC) is better to accurately determine tumor location and invasion depth has not been definitively determined. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of tumor localization and tumor invasion depth of colon cancer by preoperative OC alone or combined with CTC.

Diagnostic Performance and Patient Acceptance of Reduced-Laxative CT Colonography for the Detection of Polypoid and Non-Polypoid Neoplasms: A Multicenter Prospective Trial.

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and patient acceptance of reduced-laxative computed tomographic (CT) colonography without computer-aided detection (CAD) for the detection of colorectal polypoid and non-polypoid neoplasms in a population with a positive recent fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. This multicenter prospective trial enrolled patients who had positive FIT results.

CT prediction of the degree of ovarian torsion.

Purpose: Torsion angle determines the incidence of necrosis among patients with ovarian torsion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between torsion angle and findings on CT scan.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed CT scan findings obtained less than 36 h before surgery for 31 patients with ovarian torsion.

Effect of listening to music and essential oil inhalation on patients undergoing screening CT colonography: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of listening to music and inhaling aroma oil on patients undergoing screening computed tomography colonography.

Materials And Methods: Two hundred and twenty four participants were randomly allocated to one of the four groups including: (1) combined music and aroma, (2) music alone, (3) aroma alone, and (4)control. The visual analog scale for pain and a questionnaire were used for subjective outcomes.

Evaluation of dose reduction and image quality in CT colonography: comparison of low-dose CT with iterative reconstruction and routine-dose CT with filtered back projection.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the radiation dose and image quality comparing low-dose CT colonography (CTC) reconstructed using different levels of iterative reconstruction techniques with routine-dose CTC reconstructed with filtered back projection.

Methods: Following institutional ethics clearance and informed consent procedures, 210 patients underwent screening CTC using automatic tube current modulation for dual positions. Examinations were performed in the supine position with a routine-dose protocol and in the prone position, randomly applying four different low-dose protocols.

Routine use of dual time ¹⁸F-FDG PET for staging of preoperative lung cancer: does it affect clinical management?

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of dual-time-point 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to single-time-point (18)F-FDG PET for staging of preoperative lung cancer.

Methods: Between November 2008 and December 2009, 107 patients who were diagnosed as having lung cancer or strongly suspected of having lung cancer were enrolled. They underwent dual-time-point (18)F-FDG PET following conventional imaging.

A comparative study of degree of colorectal distention with manual air insufflation or automated CO(2) insufflation at CT colonography as a preoperative examination.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of colorectal distention between manual insufflation using room air and automatic insufflation using carbon dioxide for computed tomography colonography performed as a preoperative examination for patients with colon cancer.

Materials And Methods: Participants comprised 200 patients who underwent computed tomography colonography immediately after colonoscopy from October 2011-2012. The first 100 patients were examined using manual insufflation, and the remaining 100 patients were examined using automated insufflation.

Effects of fasudil on the portal and systemic hemodynamics of patients with cirrhosis.

Background And Aim: Fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, has been shown to reduce portal venous pressure in cirrhotic rats. However, its effects on portal and systemic hemodynamics have not been investigated in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of fasudil on the portal and systemic hemodynamics of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Predictive factors for improvement of ascites after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with refractory ascites.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors for the response of ascites to a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the impact of improvement of ascites on the overall prognosis of patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites.

Methods: Forty-seven consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS for refractory ascites were studied retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 615 ± 566 days.

Serial Tc-99m MAG3 renography evaluating the recovery of acute kidney injury associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-recognized complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). Previous reports support the concept that AKI associated with MCNS is reversible; however, information regarding the hemodynamic basis of AKI in MCNS is insufficient. We herein describe a case of AKI in a man with MCNS.

Lead-in treatment with interferon-β/ribavirin may modify the early hepatitis C virus dynamics in pegylated interferon alpha-2b/ribavirin combination for chronic hepatitis C patients with the IL28B minor genotype.

Background And Aim: The most important factor influencing the effect of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin therapy (PEG) for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b with high viral load is the interleukin 28B (IL28B) genotype. We investigated the usefulness of lead-in twice-daily interferon (IFN)-β/ribavirin therapy (IFN-β), and the early hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA) dynamics was compared between PEG and IFN-β groups according to the IL28B genotype.

Methods: Forty-six patients were randomly allocated to PEG and IFN-β groups, and HCV-RNA dynamics in an early phase of treatment were analyzed.

Nutritional management contributes to improvement in minimal hepatic encephalopathy and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis: A preliminary, prospective, open-label study.

Aim: Problems in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) include episodes such as falls and deficient driving skills, without any recognition of neurophysiological dysfunction. Patients with MHE are also more likely to develop overt hepatic encephalopathy. However, there is not yet any interventional strategy for MHE involving nutritional management.

Combination of fluvastatin with pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy reduces viral relapse in chronic hepatitis C infected with HCV genotype 1b.

Background And Aim: Although the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) effect of statins in vitro and clinical efficacy of fluvastatin combined with Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have been reported, the details of clinical presentation are largely unknown. We focused on viral relapse that influences treatment outcome, and performed a post-hoc analysis by using data from a randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Thirty-four patients in the fluvastatin group and 33 patients in the non-fluvastatin group who achieved virological response (complete early virological response [cEVR] or late virological response [LVR]) with PEG-IFN/ribavirin therapy were subjected to this analysis.

Effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on changes in the small bowel mucosa of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Background: The introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) has facilitated the detection of mucosal changes in the small bowel, and such mucosal changes have been noted in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension; these changes are described as portal hypertensive enteropathy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on the small bowel mucosal changes detected by CE in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Methods: TIPS was performed in fifteen cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Small intestinal edema had the strongest correlation with portal venous pressure amongst capsule endoscopy findings.

Background/aim: Previous studies have reported small intestinal lesions in patients with portal hypertensive disease. However, the etiology of these lesions is not clear, as portal venous pressure was not measured in any of these studies. The aim of this study is to clarify the association between small intestinal lesions and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which correlates well with portal venous pressure.

The efficacy and safety of terlipressin and albumin in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: a multicenter, open-label, explorative study.

Background: Treatment with terlipressin and albumin has been reported recently to be effective in improving renal function in the treatment of cirrhotic patients with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The aim of this prospective, multicenter study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment with terlipressin and albumin in Japanese cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS.

Methods: Eight cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS were included in the study.