Reduced Dose Computed Tomography: The Effects of Voltage Reduction on Density Measurements of Urolithiasis.

CT is a widely used imaging modality in the diagnosis of urolithiasis but subjects patients to ionizing radiation. Reduced dose protocols have recently gained wide acceptance. Stone density measurements have been used to predict composition and help guide treatment in standard dose CT (sCT) but not in reduced dose CT (RdCT).

Predictors of radiation exposure to providers during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Background: Limited studies have reported on radiation risks of increased ionizing radiation exposure to medical personnel in the urologic community. Fluoroscopy is readily used in many urologic surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to determine radiation exposure to all operating room personnel during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), commonly performed for large renal or complex stones.

The Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Critical Review.

Despite strong association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), there is a paucity of clear clinical guidelines detailing when and how to evaluate for ED in patients with known CVD, or vice versa. This systematic review discuss the role of cardiologists and urologists in the characterization of risk and management of CVD in the setting of ED, as well as contrasting the current evaluation of CVD and ED from the standpoint of published consensus statements. A comprehensive literature review utilizing MEDLINE®, the Cochrane Library® Central Search, and the Web of Science was performed to identify all published peer-reviewed articles in the English language describing ED and CVD across various disciplines.

Treatment of a giant congenital melanocytic nevus in the adult: review of the current management of giant congenital melanocytic nevus.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMNs) create cosmetic disfigurements and pose risk for malignant transformation. Adult GCMN cases are uncommon because most families opt for surgical treatment during childhood. We review the current literature on GCMN and present an interesting case of an adult with a GCMN encompassing the entire back with painful nodules exhibiting gross involvement of his back musculature, without pathologic evidence of malignancy.

The effect of testosterone on cardiovascular disease: a critical review of the literature.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and plays an important role in men's health and well-being. Historically, testosterone was believed to adversely affect cardiovascular function.