Differentiating diaphragmatic paralysis and eventration.

Rationale And Objectives: Although elevation of the diaphragm can be appreciated on conventional PA and lateral chest radiography, the modality is commonly viewed as inadequate to differentiate diaphragmatic paralysis from eventration. Our objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively measure the utility of chest radiography in determining the presence or absence of diaphragmatic paralysis in patients with an elevated diaphragm.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of chest radiographs in 32 patients, whom underwent fluoroscopic sniff test for elevated diaphragm, was performed.

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal varices: results of a multicenter, prospective, validation study.

Background And Aims: Noninvasive assessment of esophageal varices (EV) may improve the management of patients with cirrhosis and decrease both the medical and financial burden related to screening. In this multicenter, international study, our aim was to prospectively validate the use of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for the noninvasive diagnosis of EV.

Methods: A total of 218 cirrhotic patients underwent screening endoscopy for EV.

Successful endovascular treatment of aortoenteric fistula secondary to eroding duodenal stent.

Aortoenteric fistulas are characterized as either primary or secondary on the basis of their cause. Most aortoenteric fistulas occur between the aorta and duodenum and are a rare but well-known cause of catastrophic gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Conventional treatment of aortoenteric fistulas uses bypass grafting and aortic ligation, but endovascular treatments have become more common.