A role for subtraction scintigraphy in the evaluation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the athlete.

While lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage (LGIH) in the athlete tends to be self-limiting in the majority of athletes, recurrent symptoms occur in some athletes. It is important to identify the smaller percentage of athletes in whom risks and recurrence are greater because both their general health and athletic performance might benefit from more rigorous clinical evaluation. Technetium-99m red blood cell ((99m)Tc RBC) scintigraphy is a technique for detection and localisation of LGIH and offers a number of significant advantages over other imaging modalities in the evaluation of LGIH.

Improved detection and localization of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage using subtraction scintigraphy: clinical evaluation.

Unlabelled: Does subtraction scintigraphy improve the diagnostic utility of scintigraphic evaluation in acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage?

Methods: This research was a retrospective clinical study using a repeat-measures design of randomized control and experimental groups. A single patient dataset provided both the control group (conventional scintigraphy) and the experimental group (conventional and subtraction techniques). Forty-nine raw (99m)Tc-red blood cell studies were randomized and interpreted by 4 independent physicians as conventional scintigraphy data only (round 1).

Improved detection and localization of lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage by subtraction scintigraphy: phantom analysis.

Unlabelled: Acute lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (LGIH) has significant morbidity and mortality outcomes. Although several causes of LGIH can be life threatening, most can be effectively treated; therefore, early detection and accurate localization of bleeding sites are critical for successful patient management.

Methods: This study was a phantom experimental study with a repeated-measures design.

Steroidogenic alterations and adrenal androgen excess in PCOS.

Background: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to improve our understanding of the steroidogenic alterations leading to adrenal hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Two-hundred and thirty-four women with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of PCOS underwent metabolic and hormonal evaluation. We used the androstenedione/DHEAS ratio as a surrogate for the level of ovarian 3betaHSD activity.

Irregular cycles and steroid hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the factors that relate to menstrual status (oligo-amenorrhoea versus eumenorrhoea) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A total of 234 women with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of PCOS underwent metabolic and hormonal evaluation. A forward stepwise logistic regression model was created based on the results to determine variables related to ovulatory status.

PCOS: an ovarian disorder that leads to dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?

This review focuses on the role of the ovaries in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. In particular, the failure of follicular development, hypothalamo-pituitary dysregulation, alterations in adrenal steroid output and derangement of intermediary metabolism are discussed in the context of the ovaries. It is concluded that the central and adrenal alterations associated with PCOS are unlikely to be primary but rather are secondary to the events within the ovary.