Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Algorithms (CEUS-LIRADS/ESCULAP) for the Noninvasive Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma - A Prospective Multicenter DEGUM Study.

Background:  This prospective multicenter study funded by the DEGUM assesses the diagnostic accuracy of standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients.

Methods:  Patients at high risk for HCC with a histologically proven focal liver lesion on B-mode ultrasound were recruited prospectively in a multicenter approach. Clinical and imaging data were entered via online entry forms.

Diagnostic Investigations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Who and When to Refer and for What Test?

Background: Due to the high prevalence and incidence of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the diagnostic workup of patients with symptoms of GERD needs to be balanced between empiric antisecretory therapy and further functional assessment including endoscopy and reflux monitoring.

Methods: This article is based on a literature review (PubMed, Medline) using the terms 'gastroesophageal reflux disease' or 'GERD' and 'diagnosis', 'therapy', or 'PPI' with special and critical analysis of the current 'Porto' consensus report.

Results And Conclusions: Further diagnostics are mandatory in case of alarm symptoms as well as atypical or persistent symptoms under adequate therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

Safety of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy Regarding Renal Function in Post-Liver Transplant Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus and a 100% 12-Week Sustained Virologic Response-A Single-Center Study.

Background: Patients after liver transplantation (LT) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often suffer from renal or hepatic impairment. Treating patients after LT with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) might result in decreasing renal function due to interaction of DAA and immunosuppressive therapy. In this single-center study we analyzed clinical parameters of 18 HCV-infected patients treated with DAA therapy after LT.

Neuropeptide Y restores non-receptor-mediated vasoconstrictive action in superior mesenteric arteries in portal hypertension.

Background & Aims: Vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors contributes to splanchnic arterial vasodilatation and hemodynamic dysregulation in portal hypertension. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a sympathetic cotransmitter, has been shown to improve adrenergic vascular contractility in portal hypertensive rats and markedly attenuate hyperdynamic circulation. To further characterize the NPY-effects in portal hypertension, we investigated its role for non-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) of portal vein ligated (PVL) and sham-operated rats.