Coronary CT angiography versus intravascular ultrasound for estimation of coronary stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque burden: a meta-analysis.

Background: Numerous studies have compared coronary CT angiography (CTA) with quantitative coronary angiography. However, the ability of coronary CTA to identify atherosclerosis and to accurately measure plaque and coronary area and volume measurements as compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has not been fully defined.

Objective: We sought to assess the ability of coronary CTA to quantify coronary and plaque measurements commonly performed with IVUS.

Coronary atherosclerosis imaging by coronary CT angiography: current status, correlation with intravascular interrogation and meta-analysis.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) allows coronary artery visualization and the detection of coronary stenoses. In addition; it has been suggested as a novel, noninvasive modality for coronary atherosclerotic plaque detection, characterization, and quantification. Emerging data show that coronary CTA-based semiquantitative plaque characterization and quantification are sufficiently reproducible for clinical purposes, and fully quantitative approaches may be appropriate for use in clinical trials.

Poor outcomes associated with neutropenia after kidney transplantation: analysis of United States Renal Data System.

Background: Posttransplant neutropenia (PTN) is relatively common after kidney transplantation, and may result in a reduction of immunosuppression, which may precipitate acute rejection. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF) have been used to treat PTN, although outcomes associated with use of this medication in this population are unknown.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort of 41,705 adult Medicare primary patients transplanted from January 2001 to June 2006, we assessed Medicare claims for neutropenia, leukopenia, and GCSF use, respectively.