Integrated PET/CT fusion imaging and endoscopic ultrasound in the pre-operative staging and evaluation of esophageal cancer.

Purpose: Accurate staging of esophageal cancer (ECA) is critical in determining appropriate therapy. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning can be used, but limited data exists regarding the use of combined PET/CT fusion imaging and EUS in ECA staging. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of integrated PET/CT imaging and EUS in the staging of ECA.

Effect of antimetabolite immunosuppressants on Flaviviridae, including hepatitis C virus.

Background: Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation is almost universal and decreases both graft and patient survival. Medications that alter nucleic acid metabolism, including some common immunosuppressants used in HCV-infected patients, may affect viral replication.

Methods: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is in the Flaviviridae family and is closely related to HCV.