Automatic Plaque Removal Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography: Diagnostic Accuracy and Utility in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utility and accuracy of dual-energy automatic plaque removal (DE-APR) in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with PAD who underwent DE computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) and DSA of the lower extremities. DE-CTA was used to generate APR subtracted images.

Effect of education on functional network edge efficiency in Alzheimer's disease.

We investigated the effect of education on the edge efficiency in resting state functional networks (RSFNs) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD). We collected the data of 57 early aMCI, 141 late aMCI, 173 mild ADD, and 39 moderate-to-severe ADD patients. We used years of education as a proxy for cognitive reserve.

Percutaneous removal of common bile duct stones using a modified balloon technique.

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones using a modified balloon technique (balloon catheter sphincteroplasty and expulsion of the stones using half-captured balloons within the sheath) in patients difficult to treat with endoscopy.Fifty patients underwent a modified balloon technique (balloon group), and 53 patients underwent CBD stone removal by the basket method (stone basket group) between 2016 and 2019. We compared the balloon and stone basket groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified balloon technique.

Reduced forced vital capacity is associated with cerebral small vessel disease burden in cognitively normal individuals.

Background: Pulmonary dysfunction is associated with elevated risk of cognitive decline. However, the mechanism underlying this relationship has not been fully investigated. In this study, we investigate the relationships between pulmonary function, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers, cortical thickness, and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores in cognitively normal individuals.

Combined treatment (image-guided thrombectomy and endovascular therapy with open femoral access) for acute lower limb ischemia: Clinical efficacy and outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment (image guided thrombectomy and endovascular therapy with open femoral access) for acute lower limb ischemia.

Methods: From 2009 to 2017, 52 patients (44 men, eight women, mean 67.2 years) underwent combined treatment for acute thrombotic occlusion of lower extremity arteries.