Quantification of epi- and pericardial adipose tissue deposits between males and females during cardiac CT may potentially help categorize coronary artery disease risk with thoracic circumference.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the association between epi- and pericardial adipose tissue deposits around the heart against patient body habitus when using cardiac computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent coronary CT angiography with quantitative cardiac and adipose tissue volume measurements. Body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), thoracic circumference, anteroposterior diameter, cardiac and adipose tissue volumes were compared between genders by employing Pearson's correlation and results were considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.

Outcomes-Based Pharmaceutical Contracts: An Answer to High U.S. Drug Spending?

Issue: Brand-name prescription drug prices are increasing in the United States, putting pressure on payers and patients. Some manufacturers have responded by offering outcomes-based contracts, in which rebate levels are tied to a specified outcome in the target population.

Goal: To assess the expected benefits and limitations of outcomes-based pharmaceutical contracts in the U.