A right atrial myxoma presenting with misleading features of acalculous cholecystitis.

Diffuse thickening, a layered appearance of the gallbladder wall and the accumulation of surrounding fluid are considered as sensitive and relatively specific imaging findings of gallbladder inflammation. In the absence of gallstones, the diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis can be further supported by the presence of fever, epigastric pain, right upper abdominal quadrant (RUQ) tenderness on inspiration and elevated markers of inflammation. In this report, we describe a 35-year-old schoolteacher who presented with all of the above clinical, laboratory and imaging findings that were eventually attributed to gallbladder oedema and liver congestion (abdominal imaging and RUQ tenderness) caused by an atrial myxoma interfering, with the atrioventricular circulation of the right heart and causing constitutional manifestations (fever and elevated markers of inflammation).

Inverse Relationship between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Serum Cystatin C Levels.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine serum cystatin C levels in association with the Mediterranean diet in a healthy Greek population.

Methods: Cystatin C together with basic clinical chemistry tests was measured in a total of 490 adults (46±16 years, 40% of males), who underwent an annual health check. Demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were recorded, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated through the MedDietScore (0-55).

Association of butyrylcholinesterase with cardiometabolic risk factors among apparently healthy adults.

Background: Although butyrylcholinesterase is widely distributed in different tissues of the human body, its physiological role has not yet been defined. This study aimed to explore the relationship between butyrylcholinesterase and lipids levels, among apparently healthy adults.

Methods: During 2009, 490 volunteers (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) who visited the outpatients' office of our hospital for routine examinations were consecutively enrolled in the study (participation rate 85%).

Influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals and plant origin on inflammatory biomarkers among apparently-healthy adults in Greece.

Intake of different types of protein may be associated with differences in biomarkers among various populations. This work investigated the influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals as well as protein from plants on haematological and biochemical parameters in inflammation among apparently-healthy adults living in Greece, a Mediterranean country. Four hundred and ninety apparently-healthy subjects (46 +/- 16 years, 40% men), who consecutively visited Polykliniki General Hospital for routine examinations, voluntarily agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 85%).

Vitamin D status and health correlates among apparently healthy participants in an urban, sunny region.

Aim: To assess vitamin D status and health correlates in a sample of apparently healthy Caucasian participants residing in an urban area, Athens, with latitude 370 58' 0" N and longitude 230 43' 0" E, after taking into consideration a broad range of purported biological, behavioural and environmental factors.

Method: Men and women 35+ years from a selected population (n = 490) were studied. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire regarding socio-demographic, lifestyle, clinical and dietary characteristics.