The waveform index of the ophthalmic artery predicts impaired coronary flow reserve.

Background: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) can decrease with impairment in coronary microcirculation, even in the absence of epicardial conduit obstruction. Recently, the ophthalmic artery (OA), which is the first major branch of the internal carotid artery and is representative of microarterioles, has been identified using color Doppler sonography. However, the features of ultrasound waveform indices suggestive of impaired OA microcirculation and the relationships between these indices and CFR have not been elucidated.

Coronary plaque component in patients with vasospastic angina: a virtual histology intravascular ultrasound study.

Background: Coronary spasm plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. However, tissue components of coronary plaque in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) have been unknown. This study used virtual histology (VH)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to elucidate the tissue component of spastic coronary arteries and its gender differences in patients with VSA.

Long-term use of oral nicorandil stabilizes coronary plaque in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Objective: The Impact of Nicorandil in Angina (IONA) trial demonstrated that the use of nicorandil, an anti-anginal drug, reduced future cardiovascular events in patients with stable angina. We hypothesized that nicorandil has beneficial effects on coronary arterial plaque characteristics and atherosclerogenesis.

Methods And Results: Preintervention intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology was performed prospectively in 65 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris.

Waveform of ophthalmic artery Doppler flow predicts the severity of systemic atherosclerosis.

Background: Doppler imaging of ophthalmic artery (OA), the first major branch of the internal carotid artery, provides anatomical advantages due to the vertical angle to the body surface and absence of ultrasonic obstacles. It was hypothesized that the Doppler waveform indices of OA correlate with severity of systemic atherosclerosis.

Methods And Results: The study subjects were 180 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization and OA Doppler imaging (90 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 90 control patients).

Increased density of the liver and amiodarone-associated phospholipidosis.

This is a case report in which a 60-year-old man who suffered from ventricular tachycardia with dilated cardiomyopathy was prescribed amiodarone. After taking amiodarone, liver enzymes were increased and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the abdomen showed a significant increase in the density of the liver without contrast medium. He was suspected as hemochromatosis and liver biopsy was performed.

Hypercholesterolemia and hypoadiponectinemia are associated with necrotic core-rich coronary plaque.

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease and closely linked to unstable plaque. Hypoadiponectinemia is frequently observed in patients with metabolic syndrome complicated with macroangiopathy and predicts poor clinical outcome. Spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasonography radiofrequency (IVUS-Virtual Histology [VH]) allows quantitative analysis of plaque composition.

[Clinical effects of Hange-shashin-to on combination therapy of S-1/irinotecan against the for patients with metastatic gastric and colorectal cancer].

From July, 2007 to June, 2008, we prospectively investigated the influence of Hange-shashin-to on the therapeutic and adverse effects of chemotherapy and the changes in quality of life(QOL)scores of the patients with metastatic gastric and colorectal cancer. Twenty patients receiving S-1/Irinotecan (CPT-11) therapy were randomly allocated into group A (with Hange-shashin-to) and B (without Hange-shashin-to). While the anti-tumor effects did not differ significantly between these two groups, severe side effects of more than grade 3 occurred less frequently in group A.

Smoking cessation is associated with increased plasma adiponectin levels in men.

Objectives: Low levels of adiponectin, an adipocytokine with anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties, are associated with increased risk of future myocardial infarction in men. Previous studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoking is involved in the development of insulin resistance, and current smokers have been shown to have reduced plasma adiponectin levels. However, the influence of smoking cessation on adiponectin levels remains unknown.

[A case of interstitial pneumonia induced by S-1/irinotecan combination therapy].

A 67-year-old man with multiple liver metastases of colonic cancer was treated with combination therapy of S-1 and irinotecan (CPT-11): S-1 (120 mg/day) administered orally for 14 consecutive days followed by 14 days rest. CPT-11 (100 mg/m(2)) was given as a 2-hour infusion on day 1 and 15. The patient complained of high fever and subsequent exertional dyspnea in the middle of the second course of S-1/CPT-11 therapy.

[A phase I study of modified FOLFOX 6 therapy for advanced colorectal cancer].

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) has been established as a key drug for advanced colorectal cancer, and combination therapy with 5-FU/Leucovorin (LV)(FOLFOX regimen) is commonly used in Europe and the US. A phase I study of modified (m) FOLFOX 6 therapy was conducted to determine the recommended dose (RD) of 5-FU infused for 46 hours. Inclusion criteria were unresectable advanced colorectal cancer,measurable lesions, performance status (PS; ECOG) 0-2, age 20-75 years, and adequate organ functions.