Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objectives:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator(S-ICD)after transvenous lead extraction(TLE)in ICD patients without pacing indications. Methods:All patients who underwent TLE at Peking University People's Hospital from June 2018 to October 2023 were consecutively included.TLE indication,S-ICD implantation indication,defibrillation threshold(DFT)test,complications and postoperative follow-up were collected and analyzed. Results:A total of 11 patients with TV-ICD underwent S-ICD implantation after TLE,eight patients were males and median age were 56(44,65)years.The indications for TLE were infection and lead dysfunction.Nine patients were implanted with S-ICD for secondary prevention,and the most common cause of implantation was ion channelopathies(5 cases).The operative time for S-ICD was 51(48,58)minutes and no perioperative complications were noted.Eight patients underwent DFT testing,and 100%were successful.During a median follow up of 30(9,39)months,a total of six appropriate treatments occurred in two patients,and no complications occurred,including inappropriate treatment,ineffective treatment,infection,lead malfunction and death. Conclusions:Our study provides evidence for S-ICD implantation as a replacement after TV-ICD removal.The S-ICD implantation after TLE is safe and effective.

Objectives:To assess the clinical characteristics and lead extraction in patients with venous occlusion related to infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Methods:Clinical data of 405 patients(147 men,mean age[62.4±13.2]years)who underwent lead extraction from January 2020 to January 2024 in Peking University People's Hospital were reviewed.Contrast venography of the access vein was retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into venous occlusion group(n=119)and non-venous occlusion group(n=286)according to the presence or absence of venous occlusion.The clinical characteristics and lead extraction of patients in two groups were analyzed. Results:Occlusion of the access vein occurred in 119 patients(29.4%).The subclavian vein was occluded in 48 cases(40.3%),brachiocephalic vein was occluded in 37 cases(31.1%),axillary vein was occluded in 30 cases(25.2%),superior vena cava was occluded in 4 cases(3.4%).There were no significant differences between venous occlusion group and non-venous occlusion group in terms of age,sex,device type,number of leads,or anticoagulation therapy(all P>0.05).Time from implant of the initial leads was significantly longer in the venous occlusion group than in the non-venous occlusion group([10.4±3.8]years vs.[5.9±4.1]years,P=0.042).Clinical extraction success rate and complications were similar between the venous occlusion group and the non-venous occlusion group(both P>0.05).Procedural duration and fluoroscopy exposure time were significantly lower in non-venous occlusion group than in the venous occlusion group(both P<0.05).Patients in the venous occlusion group required more advanced tools(such as laser sheaths,evolution sheaths,and needle's eye snares)for lead extraction compared to patients in the non-venous occlusion group(84.0%vs.67.1%,P=0.001). Conclusions:The incidence of venous occlusion related to infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices is 29.4%.Time from implant of the initial leads is significantly longer and lead extraction is more difficult in patients with venous occlusion,and requires more advanced tools and more time to achieve the successful lead extraction.

A 49-year-old female examinee, employed at a paper company in Guigang, Guangxi (engaged in the production of napkins), visited the Qintang District People′s Hospital in Guigang on June 11, 2023, to apply for a health certificate. Salmonella was isolated during a physical examination screening for enteric pathogens ( Salmonella, Shigella), and repeated use of empirical antibacterial drugs failed to eradicate the pathogen. A reference laboratory identified the two isolates as S. Kentucky ST198 by performing serotyping, drug resistance phenotyping, and whole genome sequencing. Based on the regional serotype database of Salmonella in China, a phylogenetic tree of S. Kentucky ST198 resistance genotypes was constructed, defining both isolated strains as high-level drug-resistant ST198.2-1 subclade clones. Following a multidisciplinary consultation and based on antimicrobial susceptibility test results, the treatment was adjusted to amoxicillin/clavulanate and azithromycin. On August 19, three consecutive negative test results confirmed the eradication of Salmonella Kentucky.

A 72-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department of Qintang District People′s Hospital of Guigang City in August 2023 due to chills and fever, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, cough and shortness of breath for 1 day. She had a history of chronic obstructive and pulmonary heart disease, stage Ⅲ hypertension, and ceftazidime allergy. Clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial infection of chronic obstructive pneumonia was made and levofloxacin combined with piperacillin/tazobactam were given as symptomatic treatment. The blood culture reported Campylobacter fetus after four days, and the patient was cured and discharged after seven days with negative blood culture. The morphology and mass spectrometry identification of the strain were consistent with the definition of Campylobacter fetus. Whole genome sequencing predicted the multi-site sequence type as Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus( Cff) ST20, carrying the tetracycline resistance gene tet (O/M/O), 18 flagella genes (including rpoN gene from Campylobacter jejuni. these genes were not found in the other two Campylobacter fetus subspecies), and six virulence genes (including like-typhoidal toxin and typhoid toxin genes). The pathogen has the ecological characteristics of parasitic farmed animal colonization and the biological characteristics of high mobility and virulence. These attributes facilitated its entry into the bloodstream via the fecal-oral route, leading to invasive infections.

Objective To explore the relationship between non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)level and leptomeningeal collateral circulation in patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion.Methods A total of 85 patients with first-onset acute cerebral infarction with middle cerebral artery M1 segment occlusion were enrolled.According to the results of DSA,LMC circulation was assessed by American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology Collateral Circulation Assess-ment System.All patients were assigned to better LMC circulation group(score 2～4,n = 30)and worse LMC circulation group(score 0～1,n = 55),and the levels of non-HDL-C were compared between the two groups.Results The levels of LDL-C and non-HDL-C in worse LMC circulation group were significantly higher than those of the better LMC circulation group(P = 0.026,P = 0.010).non-HDL-C was an independent risk factor for the worse LMC circulation(OR = 3.019,95%CI:1.053～8.658,P = 0.04).LMC circulatory score of patients was negatively correlated with the levels of non-HDL-C level(r =-0.228,P = 0.036).The AUC of non-HDL-C predicted for the worse LMC circulation was 0.638(95%CI:0.521～0.755,P = 0.036).Conclusions non-HDL-C in patients with acute cerebral infarction was significantly related to worse LMC circulation,and was a risk factor for worse LMC circulation.It is suggested that the higher expression of non-HDL-C could be used to predict worse LMC circulation as a serological indicator.