In endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, paclitaxel-coated device (PCD) have been widely used to reduce vascular restenosis, yet their safety remains controversial. Some scholars have suggested that PCD might increase long-term mortality, sparking widespread concern and debate. In recent years, a number of studies have provided support for the safety of PCD, believing that PCD have advantages in terms of re-intervention, patency rate, and reduction of amputation risk, and do not increase the risk of death. There is no direct relationship between the paclitaxel dose and mortality. Overall, the safety controversy primarily stems from methodological limitations in early studies. The latest research has provided safety evidence for their clinical application. However, further investigations are required to define the boundary conditions for their long-term safety, elucidate variations in responses across different patient populations, and clarify paclitaxel′s mechanisms of action in vivo. Such efforts will facilitate optimal balancing of therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical applications.

Objective:To investigate the current status of occupational internal exposure of nuclear medicine staff performing 131I treatment, and explore the related influence factors, so as to provide a basis for protection against internal exposures. Methods:A survey was conducted using cluster random sampling method to ascertain all the nuclear medicine staff involved in 131I treatment in nuclear medicine hospitals in Hubei province for the years 2021 to 2023. The in vitro monitoring mesurement was made of the 131I activity in thyroid by using portable gamma spectrometer, and the committed effective dose was estimated. Results:The positive detection rate of 131I in treatment staff was between 18.75% and 21.12%, with an average of 20.08%. The highest value found in cleaning and nursing staff in iodine therapy workplaces. The detection rate found in two hospitals were up to 75.61% and 64.71%, respectively. The detection rate was positive for the three consecutive years. There was no statistically significant difference in the committed effective dose between different treatment positions, and the level of internal exposure was lower than the external exposure arising from nuclear medicine practice. Factors affecting detection rate of 131I in thyroid included the amount of 131I used for treatment, and disorder type for treatment, 131I dose, use or otherwise of automated radiopharmaceutical dispenser, and ventilation in treatment rooms. Conclusions:Continuous attention should be paid to the internal exposure of nuclear medicine staff for use of 131I for treatment. Ventilation should be provided regularly, as required, to the 131I treatment rooms and active rooms and the staff should wear masks during the relevant working processes.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between collateral circulation and viable myocardium (VM) in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO).Methods:A total of 88 patients (76 males, 12 females, age (61.0±9.8) years) with coronary CTO were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent both 99Tc m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging and 18F-FDG PET myocardial metabolism imaging for evaluation of VM at the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou between September 2012 and June 2023, and they were scheduled to receive coronary revascularization. The perfusion/metabolism mismatch myocardium was regarded as VM. The VM index within the CTO region was calculated, reflected the quantities of VM: VM index=(summed rest score within the CTO region-summed 18F-FDG uptake score within the CTO region)/reduced perfusion myocardial segments×4×100%. Rentrop grading of collateral circulation was performed based on coronary angiography. The differences of VM index within the CTO region between poor-developed (PD, Rentrop grade 0-1) and well-developed (WD, Rentrop grade 2-3) collateral circulation, and among different Rentrop grades were analyzed by the independent-sample t test or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between Rentrop grading and VM index within the CTO region. The ROC curve was constructed to analyze the predictive value of Rentrop grading for VM within the CTO region. Results:The VM index within the CTO region was significantly higher in WD patients ( n=54) compared to those in PD patients ( n=34): (45.8±16.3)% vs (21.3±16.7)% ( t=-6.79, P<0.001). Moreover, the VM index within the CTO region increased with increased Rentrop grade, and there was a significant difference among 4 groups ( H=30.22, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only the Rentrop grading was an independent influencing factor for the VM index within the CTO region ( β=9.29, 95% CI: 5.91-12.67, P<0.001). ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of Rentrop grading score≥2 for predicting the presence or absence of VM within the CTO region were 65.8%(52/79) and 7/9, with the AUC of 0.724(95% CI: 0.619-0.814). Conclusions:In CTO patients who are scheduled for revascularization and evaluation of VM, as the Rentrop grading increases, the VM index within the CTO region also increases. The presence of VM within the CTO region can be predicted with Rentrop grading score ≥2.

Objective:To analyze the pathological features of recurrent cardiac myxoma to provide a reference basis for clinical treatment and postoperative follow-up.Methods:The pathological data of cardiac myxoma patients who underwent cardiac myxoma surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing, China from 2002 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the grouping criteria, the cases were divided into the recurrence group ( n=6) and control group ( n=73). Results:In the recurrence group, there were 3 females and 3 males with a median age of 47 years. In the control group, there were 49 females and 24 males, with a median age of 53 years. Cardiac myxoma usually occurred in the left atrium. In the recurrence group, 5 cases occurred in the left atrium and 1 case in the right atrium. In the control group, 68 cases occurred in the left atrium, 4 cases in the right atrium, and 1 case in bilateral atria. Among the 6 cases in the recurrence group, the recurrence time was 1-7 years, with average 4.8 years. In the univariate analysis of recurrent cardiac myxoma pathology, disruption of elastic fiber layer and tumor cells of the tumor stalk invading into the myocardium through the elastic fiber layer were statistically associated with recurrence of cardiac myxoma ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that the invasion of tumor cells through the elastic fiber layer of the heart wall into the myocardium was an independent risk factor for recurrence ( Odds Ratio=0.999, P<0.05). Conclusion:During the pathologic diagnosis, assessing the relationship between tumor cells in the stalk of cardiac myxoma and elastic fiber layer can help estimate the recurrence risk of cardiac myxoma, and thus guide clinical treatment and postoperative follow-up.

Objective:To investigate the endocardial myocardial biopsy and ultrastructural features of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, to determine their histopathologic phenotype, and to explore the diagnostic utility of endomyocardial biopsy in such patients.Methods:A total of 35 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction diagnosed at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and underwent endomyocardial biopsy were collected between January 2022 and December 2023. The clinical features, histopathological, and ultrastructural characteristics were analyzed and compared with 11 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Results:The age ranged from 35-58 years, with median age of 51 years; there were 26 males and 9 females. Myocardial fibrosis and myocardial fiber disorders were the most common histopathologic changes [97.1% (34/35) and 74.3% (26/35), respectively]. Myocardial fibrosis was not statistically different between the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction group and the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction group [13.3% (5.7%-21.4%) vs. 13.2% (9.3%-34.2%), P=0.279]. Significant ultrastructural changes were dense mitochondrial proliferation, vacuolar degeneration, and disorganized arrangement of myocardial fibers with localized lysis and fracture. After endomyocardial biopsy, the etiology was identified in 11 patients (31.4%,11/35), with a prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis of 17.1% (6/35). Conclusions:Endomyocardial biopsy is useful for early diagnosis and precise treatment in patients presenting with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses can uncover potential treatments, and predict and improve prognosis by providing relevant information for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical evolution.

Objective:To investigate the current status of occupational internal exposure of nuclear medicine staff performing 131I treatment, and explore the related influence factors, so as to provide a basis for protection against internal exposures. Methods:A survey was conducted using cluster random sampling method to ascertain all the nuclear medicine staff involved in 131I treatment in nuclear medicine hospitals in Hubei province for the years 2021 to 2023. The in vitro monitoring mesurement was made of the 131I activity in thyroid by using portable gamma spectrometer, and the committed effective dose was estimated. Results:The positive detection rate of 131I in treatment staff was between 18.75% and 21.12%, with an average of 20.08%. The highest value found in cleaning and nursing staff in iodine therapy workplaces. The detection rate found in two hospitals were up to 75.61% and 64.71%, respectively. The detection rate was positive for the three consecutive years. There was no statistically significant difference in the committed effective dose between different treatment positions, and the level of internal exposure was lower than the external exposure arising from nuclear medicine practice. Factors affecting detection rate of 131I in thyroid included the amount of 131I used for treatment, and disorder type for treatment, 131I dose, use or otherwise of automated radiopharmaceutical dispenser, and ventilation in treatment rooms. Conclusions:Continuous attention should be paid to the internal exposure of nuclear medicine staff for use of 131I for treatment. Ventilation should be provided regularly, as required, to the 131I treatment rooms and active rooms and the staff should wear masks during the relevant working processes.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between collateral circulation and viable myocardium (VM) in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO).Methods:A total of 88 patients (76 males, 12 females, age (61.0±9.8) years) with coronary CTO were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent both 99Tc m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging and 18F-FDG PET myocardial metabolism imaging for evaluation of VM at the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou between September 2012 and June 2023, and they were scheduled to receive coronary revascularization. The perfusion/metabolism mismatch myocardium was regarded as VM. The VM index within the CTO region was calculated, reflected the quantities of VM: VM index=(summed rest score within the CTO region-summed 18F-FDG uptake score within the CTO region)/reduced perfusion myocardial segments×4×100%. Rentrop grading of collateral circulation was performed based on coronary angiography. The differences of VM index within the CTO region between poor-developed (PD, Rentrop grade 0-1) and well-developed (WD, Rentrop grade 2-3) collateral circulation, and among different Rentrop grades were analyzed by the independent-sample t test or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between Rentrop grading and VM index within the CTO region. The ROC curve was constructed to analyze the predictive value of Rentrop grading for VM within the CTO region. Results:The VM index within the CTO region was significantly higher in WD patients ( n=54) compared to those in PD patients ( n=34): (45.8±16.3)% vs (21.3±16.7)% ( t=-6.79, P<0.001). Moreover, the VM index within the CTO region increased with increased Rentrop grade, and there was a significant difference among 4 groups ( H=30.22, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only the Rentrop grading was an independent influencing factor for the VM index within the CTO region ( β=9.29, 95% CI: 5.91-12.67, P<0.001). ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of Rentrop grading score≥2 for predicting the presence or absence of VM within the CTO region were 65.8%(52/79) and 7/9, with the AUC of 0.724(95% CI: 0.619-0.814). Conclusions:In CTO patients who are scheduled for revascularization and evaluation of VM, as the Rentrop grading increases, the VM index within the CTO region also increases. The presence of VM within the CTO region can be predicted with Rentrop grading score ≥2.

Objective:To analyze the pathological features of recurrent cardiac myxoma to provide a reference basis for clinical treatment and postoperative follow-up.Methods:The pathological data of cardiac myxoma patients who underwent cardiac myxoma surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing, China from 2002 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the grouping criteria, the cases were divided into the recurrence group ( n=6) and control group ( n=73). Results:In the recurrence group, there were 3 females and 3 males with a median age of 47 years. In the control group, there were 49 females and 24 males, with a median age of 53 years. Cardiac myxoma usually occurred in the left atrium. In the recurrence group, 5 cases occurred in the left atrium and 1 case in the right atrium. In the control group, 68 cases occurred in the left atrium, 4 cases in the right atrium, and 1 case in bilateral atria. Among the 6 cases in the recurrence group, the recurrence time was 1-7 years, with average 4.8 years. In the univariate analysis of recurrent cardiac myxoma pathology, disruption of elastic fiber layer and tumor cells of the tumor stalk invading into the myocardium through the elastic fiber layer were statistically associated with recurrence of cardiac myxoma ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that the invasion of tumor cells through the elastic fiber layer of the heart wall into the myocardium was an independent risk factor for recurrence ( Odds Ratio=0.999, P<0.05). Conclusion:During the pathologic diagnosis, assessing the relationship between tumor cells in the stalk of cardiac myxoma and elastic fiber layer can help estimate the recurrence risk of cardiac myxoma, and thus guide clinical treatment and postoperative follow-up.

Objective:To investigate the endocardial myocardial biopsy and ultrastructural features of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, to determine their histopathologic phenotype, and to explore the diagnostic utility of endomyocardial biopsy in such patients.Methods:A total of 35 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction diagnosed at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and underwent endomyocardial biopsy were collected between January 2022 and December 2023. The clinical features, histopathological, and ultrastructural characteristics were analyzed and compared with 11 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Results:The age ranged from 35-58 years, with median age of 51 years; there were 26 males and 9 females. Myocardial fibrosis and myocardial fiber disorders were the most common histopathologic changes [97.1% (34/35) and 74.3% (26/35), respectively]. Myocardial fibrosis was not statistically different between the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction group and the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction group [13.3% (5.7%-21.4%) vs. 13.2% (9.3%-34.2%), P=0.279]. Significant ultrastructural changes were dense mitochondrial proliferation, vacuolar degeneration, and disorganized arrangement of myocardial fibers with localized lysis and fracture. After endomyocardial biopsy, the etiology was identified in 11 patients (31.4%,11/35), with a prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis of 17.1% (6/35). Conclusions:Endomyocardial biopsy is useful for early diagnosis and precise treatment in patients presenting with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses can uncover potential treatments, and predict and improve prognosis by providing relevant information for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical evolution.

In endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, paclitaxel-coated device (PCD) have been widely used to reduce vascular restenosis, yet their safety remains controversial. Some scholars have suggested that PCD might increase long-term mortality, sparking widespread concern and debate. In recent years, a number of studies have provided support for the safety of PCD, believing that PCD have advantages in terms of re-intervention, patency rate, and reduction of amputation risk, and do not increase the risk of death. There is no direct relationship between the paclitaxel dose and mortality. Overall, the safety controversy primarily stems from methodological limitations in early studies. The latest research has provided safety evidence for their clinical application. However, further investigations are required to define the boundary conditions for their long-term safety, elucidate variations in responses across different patient populations, and clarify paclitaxel′s mechanisms of action in vivo. Such efforts will facilitate optimal balancing of therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical applications.