Benefits of adding coronary calcium score scan to stress myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography imaging.

There have been little and conflicting data regarding the relationship between coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and myocardial ischemia on positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI). The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between myocardial ischemia on PET MPI and CACS, the frequency and severity of CACS in patients with normal PET MPI, and to determine the optimal CACS cutoff point for abnormal PET. This retrospective study included 363 patients who underwent same-setting stress PET perfusion imaging and CACS scan because of clinically suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

High prevalence of coronary artery calcification in Saudi patients with normal myocardial perfusion.

Background: Normal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has a high negative predictive value for ischemic heart disease. Thus, the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis detected by coronary artery calcification (CAC) score in patients who have under-gone SPECT MPI is unknown.

Objectives: Determine the prevalence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients with normal SPECT MPI and examine the association of CAC with conventional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors.

Thyroid computed tomography imaging: pictorial review of variable pathologies.

Unlabelled: Focal and diffuse thyroid abnormalities are commonly encountered during the interpretation of computed tomography (CT) exams performed for various clinical purposes. These findings can often lead to a diagnostic dilemma, as the CT reflects the nonspecific appearances. Ultrasound (US) examination has a superior spatial resolution and is considered the modality of choice for thyroid evaluation.

-Nitrosylation in Organs of Mice Exposed to Low or High Doses of γ-Rays: The Modulating Effect of Iodine Contrast Agent at a Low Radiation Dose.

The covalent addition of nitric oxide (NO) onto cysteine thiols, or -nitrosylation, modulates the activity of key signaling proteins. The dysregulation of normal -nitrosylation contributes to degenerative conditions and to cancer. To gain insight into the biochemical changes induced by low-dose ionizing radiation, we determined global -nitrosylation by the "biotin switch" assay coupled with mass spectrometry analyses in organs of C57BL/6J mice exposed to acute 0.