End-expiration respiratory gating for a high-resolution stationary cardiac SPECT system.

Respiratory and cardiac motions can degrade myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) image quality and reduce defect detection and quantitative accuracy. In this study, we developed a dual respiratory and cardiac gating system for a high-resolution fully stationary cardiac SPECT scanner in order to improve the image quality and defect detection. Respiratory motion was monitored using a compressive sensor pillow connected to a dual respiratory-cardiac gating box, which sends cardiac triggers only during end-expiration phases to the single cardiac trigger input on the SPECT scanners.

Matrix biology of abdominal aortic aneurysms in diabetes: mechanisms underlying the negative association.

Several case-control studies have shown a significant negative association between diabetes and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This interaction has the potential to further our understanding of these two diseases but has attracted little research. The changes seen in the walls of aneurysmal aortas include inflammation and the activation of proteolytic pathways resulting in loss of elastin and other structural proteins.

Homocysteine and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

There is evidence to suggest that increased levels of homocysteine play a significant role in vascular disease. It has been suggested that lowering homocysteine levels by dietary folate supplementation may reduce the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. It is plausible that homocysteine may also play a role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and that patients with this disease may benefit from folate supplementation.

Population based randomised controlled trial on impact of screening on mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Objective: To assess whether screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men reduces mortality.

Design: Population based randomised controlled trial of ultrasound screening, with intention to treat analysis of age standardised mortality.

Setting: Community based screening programme in Western Australia.

Infrarenal aortic diameter predicts all-cause mortality.

Objective: To assess the relationship between infrarenal aortic diameter and subsequent all-cause mortality in men aged 65 years or older.

Methods And Results: Aortic diameter was measured using ultrasound in 12 203 men aged 65 to 83 years as part of a trial of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms. A range of cardiovascular risk factors was also documented.