1.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
2.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
3.Analysis of visual field manifestations of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Yue LI ; Ying WANG ; Wenxin JIAO ; Jilu LIN ; Jianing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):671-675
AIM: To observe the manifestations and distribution patterns of visual field in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION).METHODS: Retrospective observational study. The investigation encompassed 183 patients(246 eyes)diagnosed with NAION who were evaluated at the Neuro-Ophthalmology/Acupuncture Department within the Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2018 to December 2023. Recorded clinical data covered demographic details, incidence, disease duration, presence of systemic diseases, and histories of tobacco and alcohol use, along with best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), visual field index(VFI), type of visual field defect, and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL).RESULTS: A total of 183 patients(246 eyes)were enrolled. The cohort consisted of 101 males and 82 females; 120 exhibited unilateral symptoms, while 63 showed bilateral symptoms, with a mean age of 56.20±9.78 years(range 29-81 years). The types of visual field defects observed were varied: 90 eyes(36.6%)had diffuse loss, 63 eyes(25.6%)experienced inferior hemifield loss, 32 eyes(13.0%)displayed ring scotomas, 22 eyes(8.9%)had arcuate scotomas, 11 eyes(4.5%)presented with quadrant defects, 15 eyes(6.1%)had sectorial or wedge defects, and 13 eyes(5.3%)showed superior hemifield loss. The BCVA(LogMAR)and VFI of patients with diffuse visual field loss were poorer than patients with other types of visual defects(all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in visual field defects among patients of different genders and ages(all P<0.05). However, history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea and other systemic diseases, history of smoking and alcohol, and course of disease did not show specificity in the NAION visual field(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:NAION manifests with a broad spectrum of visual field impairments across different genders, age, and levels of visual functionality. Extensive future research is necessary to identify additional reasons influencing the types of visual field damage in NAION.
4.The Icarian flight of antibody-drug conjugates: target selection amidst complexity and tackling adverse impacts.
Han LIU ; Hongye ZENG ; Xiaojing QIN ; Wenjing NING ; Lin XU ; Shiting YANG ; Xue LIU ; Wenxin LUO ; Ningshao XIA
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):532-556
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising class of targeted cancer therapeutics that combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic payloads. Despite their therapeutic potential, the use of ADCs faces significant challenges, including off/on-target toxicity and resistance development. This review examines the current landscape of ADC development, focusing on the critical aspects of target selection and antibody engineering. We discuss strategies to increase ADC efficacy and safety, including multitarget approaches, pH-dependent antibodies, and masked peptide technologies. The importance of comprehensive antigen expression profiling in both tumor and normal tissues is emphasized, highlighting the role of advanced technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence, in optimizing target selection. Furthermore, we explore combination therapies and innovations in linker‒payload chemistry, which may provide approaches for expanding the therapeutic window of ADCs. These advances pave the way for the development of more precise and effective cancer treatments, potentially extending ADC applications beyond oncology.
Humans
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Immunoconjugates/adverse effects*
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Neoplasms/immunology*
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Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use*
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
5.Impact of 99Tcm-FAPI SPECT/CT on Diagnostic Efficacy and Immunotherapy Decision-Making in Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Yu ZHANG ; Zhiyi LIN ; Hong CHEN ; Mingdian YU ; Chenshen HUANG ; Wenxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(7):768-774
Purpose To explore the diagnostic efficacy of 99Tcm labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor(FAPI)SPECT/CT for metastatic lesions in advanced colorectal cancer and its impact on decisions regarding immunotherapy,and to compare it with 18F-FDG PET/CT.Materials and Methods A total of 34 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who underwent both 99Tcm-FAPI SPECT/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging from August 2022 to November 2023 in Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital were prospectively included.The gold standard was based on biopsy or clinical and imaging follow-up results.Chi-square tests and rank sum tests were used to compare differences between the groups.Results Among the 34 patients,17 patients subsequently received immunotherapy.The uptake of 99Tcm-FAPI was significantly higher than that of 18F-FDG for the primary tumor site(Z=-2.389,P=0.017),peritoneal metastasis(Z=-2.497,P=0.013)and liver metastasis(Z=-0.106,P=0.015).The diagnostic efficacy of 99Tcm-FAPI SPECT/CT for patients with peritoneal metastasis was superior to that of 18F-FDG PET/CT(χ2=4.65,P=0.033).Metastatic lesions that did not uptake 99Tcm-FAPI had a better clinical prognosis after immunotherapy(χ2=11.839,P=0.006),and maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax)-FDG/SUVmax-FAPI ratio was a promising predictive factor for a better prognosis after immunotherapy,with an optimal cut-off value of 5.04.Conclusion 99Tcm-FAPI SPECT/CT has superior diagnostic efficacy for peritoneal metastasis in advanced colorectal cancer compared with 18F-FDG PET/CT.SUVmax-FDG/SUVmax-FAPI ratio is a promising radiomic parameter for predicting patient prognosis after immunotherapy,which can help guide clinical decision-making further.
6.Imaging findings of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas compared with contrast-enhanced computed tomography
Zebang YANG ; Wenxin WU ; Xiaoer ZHANG ; Tongyi HUANG ; Lin JIANG ; Jiaqian YAO ; Xiaoyan XIE ; Ming XU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):216-224
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas(SPTP),summarize the CEUS characteristics of SPTP,and to compare its CEUS enhancement with contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT).Methods:In this retrospective study,baseline characteristics,basic ultrasound and CEUS images,CECT images of 70 patients diagnosed as SPTP from January 2009 to August 2023 were collected. Images were analyzed for extraction of key features and diagnostic accuracies of both CEUS and CECT were calculated. The relationships between ultrasound features and lesion size of SPTP were analyzed by Point-Biserial correlation analysis and Student t test. The diagnostic accuracy was compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results:Iso-enhancement(55.7%,39/70)was commonly appeared in the early phase of CEUS for SPTP,while hypo-enhancement(74.3%,52/70)was the most common in the late phase. And the most common enhancement pattern was iso-hypo enhancement(41.4%,29/70). Lesion membrane enhancement(47.1%,33/70),intralesional compartmentalization(28.6%,20/70),and intralesional vessels(25.7%,18/70)were the 3 typical signs found in CEUS for SPTP,which were correlated with lesion size( P<0.001). Differences were found between the enhancement pattern of SPTP in CEUS and CECT,in which the most common enhancement patterns were hypo-hypo enhancement(41.4%,24/58)and iso-iso enhancement(29.3%,17/58)along with progressive enhancement. The diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and CECT were 71.4% and 74.1% respectively without statistically significant difference( P=0.733). Conclusions:CEUS shows high application value in the diagnosis of SPTP,and the accuracy of CEUS is comparable to that of CECT.
7.Analysis of gender-related differences in clinical characteristics of patients with non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Yue LI ; Ying WANG ; Wenxin JIAO ; Jilu LIN ; Jianing WANG
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(6):451-457
Objective:To observe the clinical characteristics of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients of different genders.Methods:A retrospective clinical analysis. A total of 183 cases (246 eyes) of NAION with complete diagnosis and treatment confirmed by Departments of Neuro-ophthalmology/Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2018 to December 2023 were included. Among them, 101 cases (138 eyes) were male and 82 cases (108 eyes) were female. Their age was (59.2±9.8) years. The number of right and left eyes were 120 and 126, respectively. The patient's gender, age, disease course, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, history of hyperlipidemia, history of smoking and drinking, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, and peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (pRNFL) thickness were recorded in detail. Visual field defects were classified into diffuse defects, ring scotoma, fan-shaped or wedge-shaped defects, upper and lower half defects, arcuate scotoma, and quadrantanopia. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine whether gender was an independent factor affecting the degree of visual field impairment in NAION.Results:Compared with female patients, male patients showed earlier onset age, a shorter interval between binocular onsets, a higher morbidity rate of hyperlipidemia, and a higher proportion with history of smoking and drinking, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in disease duration, intraocular pressure, pRNFL thickness, and intraocular perfusion pressure between patients of different genders ( P>0.05). Female patients exhibited better BCVA than male patients, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The degree of visual field impairment in female patients was significantly better than that in males. Males' visual field defects were mostly in the lower half, while females' defects were mostly of arcuate scotoma, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the gender of male was an independent risk factor for severe visual field impairment in NAION patients (odds ratio=2.936, 95% confidence interval 1.275-6.763, P=0.011). Conclusions:Male NAION patients have an earlier onset age and a shorter interval between the initial and contralateral eye onset. Male patients exhibit a more severe degree of visual field impairment, which is mostly manifested as lower half visual field defect. While female patients tend to develop arcuate scotoma. After adjusting for other influencing factors, the gender of male remains an independent risk factor for severe visual impairment in NAION patients.
8.Microstructural mapping of time-dependent diffusion MRI for the discrimination of clinically significant prostate cancer
Yanling CHEN ; Wenxin CAO ; Jinhua LIN ; Jian LING ; Zhihua WEN ; Long QIAN ; Yan GUO ; Huanjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):777-783
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of time-dependent diffusion MRI (t d-dMRI)-derived microstructural parameters for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and their associations with the pathological grade of prostate cancer(PCa) based on the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades. Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 196 patients suspected of PCa from March 2023 to March 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI and t d-dMRI to obtain microstructural parameters, including cell diameter (d), intracellular volume fraction (f in), extracellular diffusion coefficient (D ex), cellularity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value at oscillation frequencies of 33 Hz, 17 Hz, 0 Hz (ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0). Pathologically, 95 cases were classified as csPCa (ISUP 2-5), and the rest 101 cases were classified as non-csPCa (benign or ISUP 1). Comparison of these microstructural metrics was made between csPCa and non-csPCa groups by independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A combined diagnostic model was then constructed based on the independent predictors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Finally, in PCa, the correlation between microstructural parameters and ISUP grades was investigated by Spearman correlation. Results:The t d-dMRI measurements, including d, f in, cellularity, ADC 33,ADC 17 and ADC 0, were significantly different between csPCa and non-csPCa groups (All P<0.05). But D ex was not significantly different between the two groups ( Z=-1.27, P=0.204). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing csPCa were 0.701 (95% CI 0.628-0.775) for d, 0.869 (95% CI 0.819-0.920) for f in, 0.884 (95% CI 0.835-0.932) for cellularity, 0.777 (95% CI 0.712-0.842) for ADC 33, 0.852 (95% CI 0.799-0.905) for ADC 17, and 0.840 (95% CI 0.786-0.894) for ADC 0. Cellularity ( OR=6.142, 95% CI 2.920-12.929, P<0.001) and ADC 17 ( OR=0.108, 95% CI 0.027-0.429, P=0.002) were identified as the independent predictors, and their combined model achieved an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI 0.852-0.941). In PCa f in and cellularity were positively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=0.490 and 0.397, P<0.001), while ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0 were negatively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=-0.198, -0.345, -0.360; P=0.041,<0.001,<0.001). d and D ex were not correlated with ISUP grades ( P>0.05). Conclusion:t d-dMRI based microstructural mapping correlates with ISUP grades of PCa and may be useful for the differential diagnosis of csPCa.
9.Evidence-based practice for oral nutrition management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Liuyan LIN ; Xiaohong JIANG ; Li WANG ; Qili XIAO ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Wenxin WU ; Huibing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(18):2419-2427
Objective:To summarize the best evidence for oral nutrition management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to evaluate its effectiveness.Methods:From May 2023 to March 2024, IBD patients, the medical and nursing staff in the Department of Proctology, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, were selected as study subjects using convenience sampling method. Evidence-based nursing was used to summarize the best evidence for oral nutrition management of IBD patients, formulate review indicators, develop best evidence-based practice programs for clinical application through status review and barrier factor analysis. Effectiveness was evaluated at the system level, medical and nursing staff level, and patient level.Results:After evidence-based practice, a multidisciplinary management team and management system for oral nutrition was established at the system level. At the medical and nursing staff level, the oral nutrition knowledge score increased from [50.00 (40.00, 60.00) ] to [100.00 (85.00, 100.00) ], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01), and the implementation rate of the three review indicators improved from 0 to 100.00%. At the patient level, oral nutrition knowledge and attitude scores improved from [10.00 (8.00, 12.00) ] and [35.00 (31.00, 40.00) ] to [16.00 (16.00, 16.00) ] and [48.00 (45.00, 48.00) ], respectively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.01), and the implementation rate of each of the review indicators rose above 80.00% except for indicator 6. The patients' nutrition indicators, including body mass index, waist circumference, left upper arm midpoint circumference and left hand grip strength were improved, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The implementation of evidence-based practice programs can improve the standardization of clinical work of healthcare professionals, enhance patients' nutrition knowledge and attitude, and promote their rational dietary behaviors, thus improving their nutrition status and quality of life.
10.Imaging findings of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas compared with contrast-enhanced computed tomography
Zebang YANG ; Wenxin WU ; Xiaoer ZHANG ; Tongyi HUANG ; Lin JIANG ; Jiaqian YAO ; Xiaoyan XIE ; Ming XU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):216-224
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas(SPTP),summarize the CEUS characteristics of SPTP,and to compare its CEUS enhancement with contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT).Methods:In this retrospective study,baseline characteristics,basic ultrasound and CEUS images,CECT images of 70 patients diagnosed as SPTP from January 2009 to August 2023 were collected. Images were analyzed for extraction of key features and diagnostic accuracies of both CEUS and CECT were calculated. The relationships between ultrasound features and lesion size of SPTP were analyzed by Point-Biserial correlation analysis and Student t test. The diagnostic accuracy was compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results:Iso-enhancement(55.7%,39/70)was commonly appeared in the early phase of CEUS for SPTP,while hypo-enhancement(74.3%,52/70)was the most common in the late phase. And the most common enhancement pattern was iso-hypo enhancement(41.4%,29/70). Lesion membrane enhancement(47.1%,33/70),intralesional compartmentalization(28.6%,20/70),and intralesional vessels(25.7%,18/70)were the 3 typical signs found in CEUS for SPTP,which were correlated with lesion size( P<0.001). Differences were found between the enhancement pattern of SPTP in CEUS and CECT,in which the most common enhancement patterns were hypo-hypo enhancement(41.4%,24/58)and iso-iso enhancement(29.3%,17/58)along with progressive enhancement. The diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and CECT were 71.4% and 74.1% respectively without statistically significant difference( P=0.733). Conclusions:CEUS shows high application value in the diagnosis of SPTP,and the accuracy of CEUS is comparable to that of CECT.

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