Objective To investigate the clinical, radiological features and therapy of spinal actinomycotic infection complicated with spinal cord compression.Methods The data of three patients confirmed by histopathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results All three patients presented with infection of cervical thoracal vertebral bodies and soft tissue, and with syndrome of spinal cord compression. MRI examination revealed destruction of vertebral bodies, extradural soft tissue mass and spinal cord compression. Histopathological examination confirmed the infection of actinomycete in all three patients. Granulomatous inflammation could be seen in two cases, while extradural abscess was found in the other one case. Three patients all received the operation of abscess draining and vertebral canal decompression. Large-dose of Penicillin G following operation was administrated intravenously for 4～8 weeks, and then changed to oral application for another 4～6 months. Follow-up showed significant clinical effect in these three patients.Conclusions Radiologic and clinical findings of spinal actinomycotic infection complicated with spinal cord compression are nonspecific, and the diagnosis of this disease depends on pathological and microbiologic exams. Treatments with abscess draining, vertebral canal decompression and large-dose of antibiotic may achieve good clinical outcome.

Objective To assess the clinical value of batroxobin plus aspirin therapy in reducing the incidence of arterial re-stenosis or re-occlusion in diabetic patients with lower-limb ischemia after receiving angioplasty. Methods A total of 110 diabetic patients with symptomatic arterial obstructions were randomly divided into study group (n=50) and control group (n=60). Aspirin 100 mg/d plus batroxobin 5 IU every other day for six times was used in patients of the study group, while only aspirin 100 mg/d was used in patients of the control group. The follow-up finishing point was the end of 12 months. The arterial re-stenosis or re-occlusion was evaluated with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and/or vascular sonography. Amputation above the ankle, death, and the cumulative rate of amputation or death were determined, and the limb salvage and survival rates were assessed by using Kaplan-Meier analysis method. Results Twelve months after the treatment, the occurrence of restenosis in the study group and the control groups was 42.8%and 28.9% respectively (P = 0.002). MR angiography and color- duplex sonography revealed that the restenosis occurrence was much higher in infrapopliteal artery (P = 0.003) and in longer (length > 10 cm) diseased artery (P = 0.001). Twelve months after angioplasty Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the limb salvage-survival rates of the study group and the control group were 78.2%and 93.5%respectively (log-rank test, P = 0.032 4). Conclusion Combination use of batroxobin and aspirin can effectively reduce the occurrence of restenosis after arterial angioplasty, and the clinical effect is particularly better for the artery distal to the knee and the artery with longer lesion (length > 10 cm), besides this treatment can also improve limb salvage rate.

Objective Complicated aneurysms located in the cisternal segment of the internal carotid artery(ICA-CSA)present unique therapeutic difficulties.This study is to discuss the feasibility of the Willis stent-graft in treating complicated ICA-CSA by comparing its effect with that of coiling therapy.Methods Willis covered stents were employed in 19 complicated ICA-CSAs(group A),while coils were used in 17 complicated ICA-CSAs(group B).Follow-up angiography was performed to investigate aneurysm recurrence,endoleak and parent artery(PA)stenosis.Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare the recurrencefree and PA stenosis-free rate in both groups.Results Total exclusion was immediately achieved in 13 ICACSAs and minor endoleaks presented in 5 cases in group A.Total or near-total occlusion was achieved in 7 ICA-CSAs.subtotal occlusion in 8 and partial occlusion in 2 cases in group B after coiling.Acute thrombosis occurred in 1 patient in either group and re-hemorrhage happened in 1 patient after coiling.Follow-up angiography in group A revealed that 16 ICA-CSAs were completely isolated,with two parent arteries showing mild in-stent stenosis.Eighteen months after the procedure,Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the recurrence-free rate was 93.3%and 50%,while the stenosis-free rate of parent artery was 87.5%and 100% in group A and in Group B,respectively.In group A and group B the clinical neurological symptoms were fully recovered in 9 and 9,obviously improved in 3 and 5,unchanged in 2 and 2,and aggravated in one and 0 patients,respectively.Conclusion The implantation of Willis stent-graft is a feasible endovascular therapy for complicated ICA-CSAs.When the parent artery is very tortuous or when the risk that a main collateral branch may be wrongly covered and occluded is present,the implantation of Willis covered stent can not be taken as the treatment of first choice.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and mid-term follow-up results of endovascular treatment with Willis covered stent for traumatic pseudoaneurysms located in the internal carotid artery (ICA).Methods ICA angiogmphy was performed in 38 patients with traumatic brain and neck injury.Of the 38 patients.13 delayed traumatic pseudoaneurysms were found.All the pseudoaneurysms were treated with Willis covered stents.Follow-up angiography was performed at 1,3,6 and 12 months after the procedure,and the results were categorized as complete or incomplete occlusion.Clinical manifestations were graded as full recovery,improvement,unchanged and aggravation.Results Willis covered stent placement was technically successful in all traumatic pseudoaneurysms.No procedure-related complications occurred.The initial angiographic results showed a complete occlusion in 9 patients,and an incomplete occlusion in 4.The angiographic follow-up within 3-12 months exhibited a complete occlusion in 12 patients and the parent arteries remained patency in all patients.The clinical follow-up observation demonstrated that full recovery wag obtained in 11 patients,clinical improvement in one,and unchanged condition in one.No morbidity or mortality occurred.Conclusion Willis covered stent implantation iS a feasible and practical treatment for traumatic pseudoaneurysms located in the ICA.This technique can well preserve the parent artery with excellent therapeutic results.

Objective To explore the value of readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE) in the differentiation of prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods Seventy two consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer were evaluated by 3.0 T MR examination (RESOLVE sequence included,b values=0 and 800 s/mm2) were included in our retrospective study.All the patients had ultrasound guided systemic biopsy with histopathological diagnosis.The patients were divided into group A (23 prostate cancer cases with total 43 malignant lesions) and group B (49 BPH cases with total 64 benign lesions).Two radiologists who were blinded to the clinical data quantitatively analyzed the ADC values of suspicious lesions independently.Inter-reader agreement for ADC values was assessed with Bland and Altman test,and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).Difference of ADC values in two groups was assessed by student's t test.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the best predictor and cutoff value.Results A total of 107 lesions (43 malignant and 64 benign) were identified in 72 patients.ICC was 0.976,P＜0.01.The mean ADC value of prostate cancer is lower than BPH (t=19.223,P＜0.01),(0.74±0.12) × 10 3 and (1.21±0.12) × 10-3mm2/s respectively.Diagnostic cut-off point was 0.946× 10-3mm2/s,diagnostic sensitivity 95.3 ％ (41/43),specificity 98.4％ (63/64),accuracy 97.2％ (104/107).Conclusion RESOLVE ADC value is valuable in the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer and BPH.

Objective To detect the expression of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEI) and explore its correlation with the expression of mutant p53 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression of APE1 and mutant p53 was detected by SP immunohistochemical method in 10 specimens of normal liver tissue, 40 specimens of liver cirrhosis tissue and 103 specimens of HCC tissue which were collected at the Department of Pathology of Daping Hospital from 1991 to 2004. All data were analyzed by chi-square test, correla-tion analysis and K Independent-Samples Tests. Results The expression rate of APE1 in HCC was 100.0%, which was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissue (40.0%) and liver cirrhosis tissue (82.5%) (χ~2= 47.852, P < 0.01). The expression of APE1 was only detected in the nucleus in normal liver tissue. Ectopic expression of APE1 in cytoplasm was detected in liver cirrhosis tissue and HCC tissue, with the rate of 20.0% and 53.4%, respectively (χ~2=20.757, P <0.01). There was statistical difference in clinical staging and pathological grading of HCC with different combinations of APE1 expression (intranuclear or ectopic expression) and mutant p53 expression (positive or negative expression) (χ~2=12.910, 14.481, P < 0.01), and HCC with ectopic expression of APE1 and positive expression of p53 had high malignant degree. Conclusion Overexpression and ectopic expression of APE1 in cytoplasm may play important roles in the genesis and progression of HCC, and the ectopic expression of APE1 and p53 mutation may have synergistic effect.

Objective To present our single-center experience in treating traumatic direct carotidcavemous fistulas (TDCCFs)by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent via arterial route.Methods During the last five years,transarterial endovascular treatment by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent was performed in fifty-one consecutive patients of traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas.with a total of 54 TDCCFs.The detachable balloon was the material of first choice,while Willis covered stents and coils were regarded as the back-up materials.A clinical and angiographic follow-up for 348 months (mean 20.8 months) was conducted to evaluate the arterial patency and the stability of embolization.The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Results By using the detachable balloon alone via transarterial route.85%TDCCFs were successfully treated with good preservation of ICA.A total of 98% TDCCFs in this study were successfully treated by using detachable balloon,coil and/or Willis coveted stent,the fistulas became occluded,and ICAs were preserved except one patient.Forty TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons alone,two TDCCFs with the Willis covered stent alone,and one DCCF with coils alone.Eight TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons together with Willis covered stent.Of these eight TDCCFs,two were treated with a single session,three were treated with detachable halloons in combination with coils,and one had to receive Willis covered stent.Second and third times of endovascular treatment were needed in 12 TDCCFs.The TDCCF-rel(at)ed symptoms were gradually relived or improved within 1 day to 6 months after treatment,except for five patients who suffered from ipsilateral moderate visual loss or cranial nerve deficit.No perioperative complications.such as vessel rupture,distal embolization or new neurologic deficits,occurred.During the follow-up period lasting for six months,neither delayed neurologic or vascular complications nor recurrence of the lesions developed.Conclusion Via the transarterial route,using detachable balloon to occlude the fistula and at the same time to preserve ICA remains the optimal treatment for TDCCFs.When the standard treatment fails.various coils and the Willis covered stents can be used as an effective alternative or remedial tool in the treatment of TDCCFs,which can preserve ICA.Willis covered stent deployment seems to be an effective,safe,feasible and economical endovasculal treatment for TDCCF,but more clinical studies are needed before we can further clarify its specifications and indications.

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of Willis covered stent implantation and coil embolization in the treatment of cranial internal carotid artery (CICA) aneurysm. Methods Eighty-nine patients with CICA aneurysms were selected for treatment with Willis covered stents (n = 43, group A) or coil embolization (n =46, group B) according to the patients'will. Data on the technical success, initial procedure time and in-hospital interval, initial and final angiographic results, mortality, morbidity, and final clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed for the two groups at 6 months post-procedure. Results Endovascular covered stent placement and coil embolization were technically successful in all patients,except for one patient in group A. The initial angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 34 patients of group A (81%, 95% CI: 69%, 93% ) and 24 patients of group B (52%, 95% CI: 37%, 67% ) ( P ＜0. 05). The final angiographic results indicated complete occlusion in 39 patients of group A (39/41,95%,95% CI: 88%, 102% ) and 22 patients of group B (22/45,49%, 95% CI: 34%, 64% ,P ＜0. 01 ). The average procedure time was(103 ± 13)min in group A and (143 + 39) min in group B (P＜0. 01). No significant differences were seen between the two groups in technique success, mortality, morbidity, or final clinical outcomes. Conclusion In this nonrandomized, prospective trial, CICA aneurysm treatment with covered stents yielded midterm angiographic results that were superior to those of coil embolization.

Objective To report our experiences in the treatment of recurrent intracranial aneurysms with re-coiling or covered stents.Methods A total of 291 patients with 305 intracranial aneurysms were treated with detachable coils.and 41(28.9%)of 142 patients with aneurysms in the intemal carotid artery had a recurrent aneurysm during the follow-up period.For this study,31 recurrent aneurysms in 31 patients who had angiograms within 6 months following retreatment with detachable coils(group A,n=20)or covered stents(group B.n=11)were analysed.Aneurysms were categorised as complete or incomplete occlusion via angiographic assessment and graded as full recovery,improvement,no change or deterioration via clinical assessment.Data regarding technical success,initial and final angiographic results,final clinical outcome were collected and analysed postoperatively.Results Coil embolisation and covered stent placement.were technically successful in all recurrent aneurysms.The initial angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 11 patients(55%)in group A and in eight(72.7%)in group B(P=0.452),and the final angiographic results exhibited complete occlusion in 10 patients(50%)in group A and in 11(100%)in group B(P=0.005).There were no significant differences in technique success or final clinical outcome between the two groups.Conclusions Recurrent aneurysms after coiling can be successfully treated and occluded with re-coiling or covered stent placement.However,covered stents seem to be more effective than re-coiling with regard to complete occlusion of recurrent aneurysms.

Objective To compare the efficiencies of handheld ultrasound ,automated breast volume scanner ( ABVS) and breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI) in the diagnosis of breast cancer . Methods A retrospective review was performed in 200 women ( 210 breast lesions) underwent handheld ultrasound , ABVS and BSGI before surgery . The results were verified with histological examination . Results There was no obvious difference among the three methods in the sensitivity for the diagnosis of breast cancer( P >0 .05) . There was no difference of specificity between handheld ultrasound and ABVS ,BSGI( P = 0 .393 , 0 .139) . Compared with BSGI ,ABVS was an imaging modality with highest specificity for the diagnosis of breast cancer( P = 0 .021) ,and there was no difference between handheld ultrasound and ABVS ,BSGI ( P =0 .07 ,0 .29) . The areas under the ROC curve of handheld ultrasound ,ABVS and BSGI were 0 .855 ,0 .894 and 0 .818 ,respectively . The difference was obvious between ABVS and BSGI ( P = 0 .02) . Conclusions The diagnostic efficacy of ABVS in diagnosis of breast malignant lesions is similar to that of handheld ultrasound . BSGI has certain clinical value in the diagnosis of breast cancer ,and it is an effective supplement for breast cancer ultrasound examination .