Objective To explore pathological characterization of the enlarged contrast enhanced area of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) on contrast enhanced ultrasonography ( CEUS). Methods Thirty-five HCC patients underwent conventional ultrasonography and CEUS before hepatectomy. The tumor sizes were measured on conventional ultrasonography,CEUS and postoperative resected specimen at the largest section. The infiltration depth of the HCC was observed under microscope in the peripheral area of the tumors. HCC with the size of contrast enhancement area on CEUS 0. 3 cm larger than that on conventional ultrasonography was defined as group A, and the others as group B. The pathological character of the tumor and tissues surrounding the tumor were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results Among 35 HCC, 40% (14/35) HCC increased in size on CEUS compared with ultrasonography. Of them,9 tumors with increased area on CEUS were confirmed to be invasive HCC on pathology. Using the enlarged contrast enhanced area on CEUS as the diagnostic criteria of invasive HCC, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 90%, 80%, 82.9%, 64.3%, 95. 2%, respectively. Conclusions The contrast enhanced area on CEUS can reflect the infiltrative tumor size more accurately compared with conventional ultrasonography.

Thyroglossal duct papillary carcinoma is extremely rare in clinical practice.This article reports a case of a thyroglossal duct cyst complicated by thyroid papillary carcinoma,while also reviewing the relevant literature.It summarizes the clinical manifestations,imaging characteristics,and pathological features of thyro-glossal duct papillary carcinoma and discusses the relationship between thyroglossal duct cysts,malignant trans-formation of thyroglossal duct cysts,and thyroid papillary carcinoma.

BACKGROUNDLittle is known about asthma control and perception of asthma among asthmatic patients in China. This study marked the first survey conducted on a national scale that aimed at obtaining baseline information on asthma control and patients' perception of asthma and providing a point of reference for future studies.

METHODSThis face-to-face, questionnaire-based survey was conducted from April 2007 to March 2008 with 3 069 asthmatic patients from the respiratory outpatient clinics of 36 general hospitals located in 10 geographically dispersed cities.

RESULTSConsistent with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, 28.7% and 45.0% of our patients achieved control and partial control, respectively. Of the patients in the study, only 21.8% had used a peak flow meter (PFM), and 6.6% of these patients used it daily. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) and ICS were the two most common medication regimens and were used in 45.6% and 30.4% of patients, respectively. Asthma had a significant effect on the patients' life and work. A considerable number of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and sick days were observed.

CONCLUSIONDespite improvements in asthma control and ICS and PFM compliance compared with past literature, the current level of asthma control countrywide continues to fall short of the goals set in the GINA.

Adolescent ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; therapeutic use ; Adrenergic beta-Agonists ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Asthmatic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Data Collection ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult