Does vitamin E protect salivary glands from I-131 radiation damage in patients with thyroid cancer?

Objectives: Salivary gland impairment after high-dose radioiodine (¹³¹I) treatment is well recognized. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of vitamin E on radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction in patients undergoing ¹³¹I treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were enrolled in this study.

Withholding or continuing beta-blocker treatment before dipyridamole myocardial perfusion imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease? A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Although it has been shown that acute beta-blocker administration may reduce the presence or severity of myocardial perfusion defects with dipyridamole stress, little information is available about the potential effect of chronic beta-blocker treatment on the sensitivity of dipyridamole myocardial perfusion imaging (DMPI).

Methods: As a randomized clinical trial, one hundred twenty patients (103 male and 17 female) with angiographically confirmed CAD who were on long-term beta blocker therapy (≥3 months) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group A (n=60) in whom the beta-blocker agent was discontinued for 72h before DMPI and Group B (n=60) without discontinuation of beta-blockers prior to DMPI.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a complication of iodine-131 therapy in patients with thyroid cancer.

Purpose: There are few studies evaluating the effect of radioioine therapy on the lacrimal drainage system. This study reports on symptomatic and asymptomatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) as complications of high-dose radioiodine therapy in these patients.

Methods: Eighty-one cases were randomly selected from a population of radioiodine-treated differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients and were enrolled in a historical cohort study.

Quantification and reduction of the collimator-detector response effect in SPECT by applying a system model during iterative image reconstruction: a simulation study.

Background: Detector blurring and non-ideal collimation decrease the spatial resolution of the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. Iterative reconstruction algorithms such as ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM) can incorporate degrading factors during reconstruction. We investigated the quantitative errors associated with poor SPECT resolution and evaluated the importance of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) resolution recovery by modelling system response during iterative image reconstruction.

Low versus high radioiodine dose in postoperative ablation of residual thyroid tissue in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a large randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: Radioiodine ablation of thyroid tissue remains the cornerstone of treatment for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma after thyroidectomy. Selecting an optimal dose of radioiodine for successful ablation is a continuous challenge in these patients.

Methods: We compared the treatment response of 341 patients with thyroidectomy randomly allocated to the high-dose group, 3700 MBq (170 patients), versus the low-dose group, 1110 MBq (171 patients), for radioiodine ablation therapy in a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

In vivo tracking of 111In-oxine labeled mesenchymal stem cells following infusion in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Background: Several animal and few human studies suggest the beneficial role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in liver cirrhosis. However, little is known about the fate of MSCs after infusion in cirrhotic patients. We evaluated stem cell biodistribution after peripheral infusion of MSCs in four cirrhotic patients.

Successful application of technetium-99m-labeled octreotide acetate scintigraphy in the detection of ectopic adrenocorticotropin-producing bronchial carcinoid lung tumor: a case report.

Introduction: The diagnostic efficacy of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy labeling with 111 indium in the localization of tumors has been assessed in a limited number of patients with contradictory outcomes. Here, we describe the case of a patient with an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing bronchial carcinoid tumor diagnosed preoperatively using technetium-99m-labeled octreotide acetate scintigraphy.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old Asian man presented to our hospital with the typical clinical features of Cushing's syndrome, which he had had for a duration of 18 months.

Diagnostic role of whole body bone scintigraphy in atypical skeletal tuberculosis resembling multiple metastases: a case report.

Introduction: Osseous tuberculosis can be present with unifocal or multifocal bony involvement. Although multifocal involvement of the skeletal system in areas where tuberculosis is endemic is not a rare presentation, its exact prevalence is not well known. A case of atypical skeletal tuberculosis mimicking multiple secondary metastases on radiologic and scintigraphic imaging is presented to emphasize the contribution of bone scintigraphy in the assessment of osseous tuberculosis in typical and atypical presentations.

99mTc-MIBI whole body scintigraphy and P-glycoprotein for the prediction of multiple drug resistance in multiple myeloma patients.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). There is low sensitivity of technetium-99m methoxy isobutyl isonitrile ((99m)Tc-MIBI) whole body scan (WBS) in the detection of active MM lesions, because (99m)Tc-MIBI is washed out from malignant cells in the presence of P-glycoprotein (PGP). The objective of the present cohort study was to evaluate of (99m)Tc-MIBI WBS in the prediction of MDR in MM patients during a course of one year follow up.

The role of myocardial perfusion imaging in the evaluation of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Introduction: We studied the value of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for the evaluation of improvement in myocardial perfusion in patients with successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

Methods: Sixty patients (10 women, 50 men) aged 54.18 +/- 11.

High accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with left bundle branch block: comparison of four interpretation approaches.

Although myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with pharmacologic stress is the standard method for screening coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB), controversies remain about its correct interpretation. We sought the best interpretation approach in these patients to achieve higher accuracy. Forty-two patients with LBBB underwent MPI with dipyridamole stress and the criteria for positive results with four patterns of interpretation were as follows: Pattern A: any reversible or irreversible perfusion abnormality in the myocardium irrespective of the location or extension was considered positive.

Detection of splenomegaly on Meckel's diverticulum scan.

A 16-year-old boy was seen with the complaint of intermittent lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was referred for a radionuclide Meckelogram. Although Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy failed to reveal heterotopic gastric mucosa, focal accumulation of radiotracer in a large area involving the left side of the abdomen and liver were seen. Both areas of activity cleared gradually, but the first one remained longer and based on its configuration, raised the possibility of splenomegaly.

Radioiodine treatment complications to the mother and child in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Radioiodine ((131)I) has been widely used in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Since radiation can carry a known risk of mutagenic abnormalities, we decided to study the outcome of pregnancy in females with DTC and evaluate the genetic risks and health status of their offspring. We retrospectively studied the medical records of these patients in our Institute from 1999 to 2004.

Radio-iodine therapy and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most important cause of gastritis and related morbidities. Following consumption, radioactive iodine accumulates considerably in the stomach. On the basis of this observation, we decided to determine whether the high radiation induced by radio-iodine in the stomach is effective in the eradication of this infection.

The long term effect of levothyroxine on bone mineral density in patients with well differentiated thyroid carcinoma after treatment.

To date a few studies have focused on the possible effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on bone metabolism, showing conflicting results. This study was designed to evaluate this possibility. Sixty-six patients, 22 pre-menopausal women, 33 post-menopausal women and 11 men, who had received iodine-131 ((131)I) ablation postoperatively for well differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) and were treated for a long term with levothyroxine (T(4)), entered the study and were compared with sixty-six healthy controls individually matched to the patients for age, gender and menopausal status.

Assessment of the accuracy of lacrimal scintigraphy based on a prospective analysis of patients' symptomatology.

Background: Dacryoscintigraphy is a noninvasive method frequently used for assessment of the lacrimal drainage system. Sometimes conflicting results with patients' complaints are obtained, which have no clear explanation. In our hypothesis, follow-up of patients evaluated with dacryoscintigraphy could be helpful in determining possible explanations for these conflicting results.

Comparison of methods for determination of glomerular filtration rate: low and high-dose Tc-99m-DTPA renography, predicted creatinine clearance method, and plasma sample method.

The gamma camera uptake method with Tc-99m-DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is a simple method for determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and is less time-consuming than other methods, but its diagnostic accuracy is debated. Gate's method (low-dose; LD), the high-dose method (HD), the predicted-clearance method, and the plasma-clearance method with Tc-99m-DTPA are compared in this study. We also performed GFR measurement and diuretic renography simultaneously.

Single Tc99m Sestamibi injection, double acquisition gated SPECT after stress and during low-dose dobutamine infusion: a new suggested protocol for evaluation of myocardial perfusion.

Background: The ability of low dose dobutamine (LDD) has been established in exploiting the reserved contractility of ischemic myocardium. This study was designed to assess the value of a new protocol, with an additional stress imaging during LDD infusion instead of the rest images, for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and perfusion reversibility.

Methods: A total of 51 patients (42 men, 9 women; 57.

The relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and cardiac syndrome X: a preliminary study.

Cardiac syndrome X is defined by an angina pectoris with normal or near normal coronary angiogram.We evaluated the association of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). We studied 30 patients with CSX, 30 cases with stable angina and also 30 healthy controls.

Quantitative assessment of dacryoscintigraphic images in the evaluation of epiphora.

Background: At the present time, only visual analysis is implemented on dacryoscintigraphic images and quantitative assessments are not routinely obtained. The authors have designed a novel, simple, quantitative method for the diagnosis of sac and post-sac obstructions based on the dacryoscintigraphic images.

Method: Fifty-nine patients with severe unilateral epiphora were included and the contralateral asymptomatic eyes were used as controls.

Whole body bone scintigraphy in osseous hydatosis: a case report.

Hydatid disease is common in many parts of the world, and causes considerable health and economic loss. This disease may develop in almost any part of the body.Bone involvement is often asymptomatic, and its diagnosis is primarily based on radiographic findings.

The effect of high-dose radioiodine treatment on lacrimal gland function in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose: There are a limited number of case reports confirming the radioiodine (I-131) presence in tears and only a few case reports of lacrimal gland dysfunction after I-131 therapy. This study was designed to clarify whether lacrimal gland function can be affected by I-131 therapy.

Materials And Methods: We studied 100 eyes of 50 patients who had received high doses of I-131 for treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and 100 eyes of 50 age- and sex-matched control individuals without a history of interfering conditions.

On-levothyroxine measurement of thyroglobulin is not a reliable test for the follow-up of patients at high risk for remnant/recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Introduction: At present the most widely accepted tool for follow-up management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients is serum thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement. It is not uncommon for the serum Tg level to be measured while the patient is taking thyroid hormones (on-treatment Tg measurement). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of on-treatment measurement of serum Tg in detecting remnant/recurrent or metastatic disease in high-risk DTC patients.

Brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography findings in patients with posttraumatic anosmia and comparison with radiological imaging.

Background: Different techniques in neuroimaging have been proposed for assessment of olfactory dysfunction but they are not without limitations. Recently, some studies showed the usefulness of single photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) in evaluation of patients with posttraumatic anosmia. This study was designed to assess the possible diagnostic value of SPECT findings in patients with posttraumatic anosmia in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/CT imaging.

A correlative study comparing current different methods of calculating left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is a major determinant of survival in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Comparative accuracy of numerous modalities in calculating EF is not well investigated.

Method: We compared EF as calculated by rest and post-stress Cedars automated quantitative gated SPECT (AQGS), rest and post-stress semi-automatically processed gated SPECT (MQGS), echocardiography and contrast ventriculography (LVG) to those determined by rest and post-stress cavity-to-myocardium ratio (CMR) in 109 patients.