Publications by authors named "William Harmsen"

Background: Multiple management guidelines for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have been published to improve risk stratification and resource utilization. This study aims to evaluate trends in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) use and agreement between cross-sectional imaging and EUS for specific pancreas cystic lesion (PCL) features.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing EUS for suspected IPMN detected with cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRCP) between 2013 and 2015 (Cohort 1) and 2018-2020 (Cohort 2).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Unlike spontaneous cervical artery dissection (CeAD), the incidence of CeAD after a major trauma is not well characterized. This population-based observational study investigates the epidemiology and natural history of traumatic cervical artery dissection (CeADs) using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) in Olmsted County, USA.

Methods: The REP system database has a high likelihood of complete case ascertainment and comparable demographics (age, sex) to the US population.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aims: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing colorectal dysplasia and colorectal cancer compared to the general population. Although the use of surveillance protocols has improved the ability to detect dysplasia, some lesions are still missed at colonoscopy. This study aims to determine the rate of dysplastic lesions that are undetected at colonoscopies in IBD patients undergoing colectomy and to identify factors associated with missed dysplasia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To compare target artery (TA) outcomes after fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) versus open surgical repair (OSR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).

Background: Few studies have compared TA outcomes after endovascular incorporation and open reconstruction.

Methods: Among consecutive patients who underwent elective OSR or FB-EVAR of TAAAs (2008-2020), we reviewed those who had postoperative imaging studies evaluating TA.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Ultrasound microvessel imaging (UMI) shows promise as a noninvasive method to assess microvessel structures in Crohn's disease (CD) by using a quantifiable metric called vessel-length ratio (VLR).
  • In a study involving 55 CD patients undergoing surgery, UMI's VLR had a strong correlation (R = 0.80) with pathological inflammation, significantly outperforming color flow imaging (CFI), which had a correlation of R = 0.59.
  • UMI not only distinguished between mild and non-mild inflammation more effectively than CFI, but also demonstrated superior performance in a subset of patients with strictures, indicating its potential utility in IBD imaging assessments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * Researchers measured central motor conduction time (CMCT) in different groups, including MS patients with and without the McArdle sign, other myelopathy patients, and healthy controls.
  • * Results showed that MS patients with a prominent McArdle sign displayed significantly prolonged CMCT during neck flexion, suggesting that the sign may be linked to nerve conduction slowing due to demyelination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Lifestyle interventions (LIs) are the cornerstone for obesity management. The Mayo Clinic Diet (MCD) offers two approaches for LIs: the In-Person LI (IPLI) and the Digital Enhanced LI (DELI). The IPLI includes a 2-day in-person program with monthly follow-ups, whereas the DELI provides on-demand digital tools.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving palliative radiotherapy (RT) and assessed factors associated with local control, with a focus on dose/fractionation and cytogenetics.

Materials And Methods: We included patients who received palliative RT for MM at our institution. Cytogenetics were collected via fluorescence in situ hybridization.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aim: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe issues related to internet connections during a virtual randomized clinical trial (v-RCT) that included family caregiver participants living in rural areas.

Background: Success of v-RCTs depends on reliable, high-quality internet access, which can be problematic in rural areas.

Methods: Interventionists documented connectivity issues and corrections made to address connectivity in a narrative note after each virtual visit with family caregivers enrolled in a v-RCT.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aims: Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is an underrecognized disease characterized by chronic segmental inflammation surrounding colonic diverticula. SCAD is recognized as an autonomous entity, although shares similar pathogenic and therapeutic aspects to inflammatory bowel disease and may be considered a complication of diverticulitis. We aimed to characterize the clinical, endoscopic, and radiographic findings of SCAD and its potential overlap with diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Context: Patients receiving inpatient palliative care often face physical and psychological uncertainties during transitions out of the hospital. Family caregivers often take on responsibilities to ensure patient safety, quality of care, and extend palliative care principles, but often without support or training, potentially compromising their health and well-being.

Objectives: This study tested an eight-week intervention using video visits between palliative care nurse interventionists and caregivers to assess changes in caregiver outcomes and patient quality of life.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton radiation therapy (RT) in trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer.

Methods And Materials: This prospective pilot study was planned to accrue 30 patients with locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma medically suitable for chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by esophagectomy. PBS proton RT consisted of 25 fractions, 50 Gy to tumor + 1 cm and 45 Gy to a 3.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine/chemokine profile of central nervous system (CNS) neurosarcoidosis (NS), and its utility in differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication.

Methods: In this case-control study, we validated 17 cytokines/chemokines (interleukin [IL]-1-beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, BAFF, IL-8/CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL13, GM-CSF, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) in a multiplexed automated immunoassay system (ELLA; Bio-Techne, Minneapolis, MN, USA), and assessed them in CSF and serum of symptomatic patients with probable or definite CNS NS (01/2011-02/2023) with gadolinium enhancement and/or CSF pleocytosis. Patients with multiple sclerosis, primary CNS lymphoma, aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G positivity, non-inflammatory disorders, and healthy individuals were used as controls.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) has been used as a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical repair to treat patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate aortic-related mortality (ARM) and aortic aneurysm rupture after FB-EVAR of TAAAs.

Methods: Patients enrolled in 8 prospective, nonrandomized, physician-sponsored investigational device exemption studies between 2005 and 2020 who underwent elective FB-EVAR of asymptomatic intact TAAAs were analyzed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Challenges to recruitment of family caregivers exist and are amplified when consent must occur in the context of chaotic healthcare circumstances, such as the transition from hospital to home. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during our randomized controlled trial provided an opportunity for a natural experiment exploring and examining different consent processes for caregiver recruitment. The purpose of this publication is to describe different recruitment processes (in-person versus virtual) and compare diversity in recruitment rates in the context of a care recipient's hospitalization.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most prevalent muscle disease in adults for which no current treatment exists. The pathogenesis of IBM remains poorly defined. Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are the most common histopathological findings.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Satiation is the physiologic process that regulates meal size and termination, and it is quantified by the calories consumed to reach satiation. Given its role in energy intake, changes in satiation contribute to obesity's pathogenesis. Our study employed a protocolized approach to study the components of food intake regulation including a standardized breakfast, a gastric emptying study, appetite sensation testing, and a satiation measurement by an test.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid expansion of telemedicine. The implications of telemedicine have not been rigorously studied in radiation oncology, a procedural specialty. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of in-person patients (IPPs) and virtual patients (VPs) who presented to a large cancer center before and during the pandemic and to understand variables affecting likelihood of receiving radiotherapy (yield) at our institution.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) combining endoscopic resection (ER) with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) followed by ablation is the standard of care for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). We have previously shown comparable rates of complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) with both approaches. However, data comparing recurrence after CRIM are lacking.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: This study aimed to determine whether proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) decreased the dose to normal tissue and resulted in less toxicity than photon CSI for adult patients.

Methods: This single-institution retrospective analyzed differences in radiation doses, acute toxicity, and cost between proton and CSI for adult medulloblastoma patients.

Results: Of 39 total patients, 20 were treated with photon CSI prior to 2015, and 19 were treated with proton CSI thereafter.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The aim of this case-control study was to determine if exposure to tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFIs) or immunomodulators (thiopurines or methotrexate) was associated with development of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Methods: Patients with PGIL and controls evaluated at a tertiary care center over 20 years were matched 1:3 using a medical record informatics search engine based on their chronic inflammatory condition (Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC], rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis) and duration of follow-up. Patients who started on TNFI within 3 months of PGIL diagnosis were excluded.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF