【Objective】 To investigate the clinical features, treatment methods and prognosis of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients in Xinjiang, especially the Han population. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 233 patients with advanced RCC treated in The First Affiliated Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, including 133 Han patients.The median age of patients was 52 years (range: 23 to 87), and the maximum tumor diameter was (7.73±4.04) cm.Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method.Multivariate and univariate Cox regression analysis were conducted for all patients, and further analysis was performed for the Han patients. 【Results】 Among the 233 patients, 131 died during the average follow-up of 27.6 months (range: 1 to 120), and the median survival time was 12 months.In this cohort, 110 patients had lymph node metastasis, and 200 had distant metastasis, among them, 21 (10.5%) patients had brain metastasis and 45 (22.5%) patients had adrenal metastasis.The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate were 48.9%, 18.3% and 6.1%, respectively.Univariate analysis revealed that International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score, pathological type, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, number of metastatic foci and treatment methods impacted the prognosis in Xinjian (P<0.05).Multivariate analysis indicated that IMDC score, pathological type and distant metastasis were significant factors influencing the prognosis, which were also the prognostic factors of the Han patients (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 In Xinjiang, patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma have a 6.1% 5-year survival rate and a median survival time of 12 months.Brain and adrenal metastases are common.Prognostic factors include IMDC score, pathological type, and distant metastasis for all patients, including the Han patients.

Conventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement is normally recommended with transthoracic echocardiography, and contrast agent mediated fluoroscopy under anesthesia to guide a better implantation of the transcatheter valve. However, iodine-containing contrast agent possibly damages the patient’s kidney, and even induces the acute kidney injury. We reported a 75-year-old patient diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis, moderate regurgitation, and chronic renal failure. We performed the aortic valve replacement under the guidance of fluoroscopy and transesophageal ultrasound without contrast agent. Seven days after surgery, the patient recovered well and discharged with alleviated aortic stenosis and fixed transcatheter aortic valve.

Objective:To analyze the echocardiographic features of operation-related aorto-cardiac fistula(ACF) after surgery or transcatheter procedure, to explore the value of echocardiography on diagnosis of operation-related ACF, and summarize the key points of its diagnosis.Methods:Eight patients with operation-related ACF who were admitted to Fuwai Hospital were collected from July 2002 to December 2020. Echocardiographic features of the 8 patients with operation-related ACF were reviewed and analyzed. The diagnosis methodology was summarized.Results:Of the 8 patients with operation-related ACF, 3 had aortic right atrial fistula and 5 had aortic right ventricular fistula. The fistula was single, which can be located but not limited to the aortic sinus. The median size of the fistula was 4 mm (range: 3-5 mm). There was no aneurysmal dilation of the aortic sinus where the fistula was located. The fractured end of the fistula did not thin, and the fistula had a regular shape. Six of the 8 patients undertook cardiac catheterization and occlusion. One patient received surgical repairment. One patient was treated conservatively.Conclusions:Echocardiography can help diagnose operation-related ACF and provide valuable information for further clinical diagnosis and treatment. Sonographers should avoid missed diagnosis and pay attention to distinguishing from other causes of aortic-cardiac shunt disease.

Objective To understand the prevalence,treatment and influence factors of hypertension in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients in Anhui Province.Methods A total of 2724 adult patients on MHD from January 1st 2014 to March 31st 2014 in 26 hospitals of southern,northern and central Anhui Province were investigated.Their demographic characteristics,primary disease,complications,medications,dialysis and laboratory examination were explored.The prevalence treatment rate and control rate of hypertension were analyzed.Associated factors for controlling hypertension [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ＜ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ＜ 90 mmHg] were assessed by logistic regression analysis.Results (1) The prevalence of hypertension in the hemodialysis patients was 87.0％.Their treatment rate and control rate were 93.2％ and 23.9％ respectively.The average of SBP was (145.90±21.18) mmHg,and the DBP on average was (83.60± 12.21) mmHg.The most commonly used anti-hypertensive drug is calcium channel blocker (88.2％).Over one third (45.7％) of patients were treated with two kinds of anti-hypertensive drug,26.2％ with 1 kind,21.7％ with 3 kinds,and 6.4％ with 4 kinds or more.(2) Compared with non-hypertension patients,patients with hypertension have older age,higher body mass index (BMI),phosphorus,SBP and DBP,as well as lower hemoglobin and Kt/V (all P ＜ 0.05).(3) The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Ca ＞ 2.50 mmol/L (OR=2.084,95％CI 1.008-4.307,P=0.047) positively correlated with controlling hypertension,while smoke (OR=0.594,95％CI 0.356-0.911,P=0.046) and BMI 18.5 ～ 23.9 kg/m2 (OR=0.516,95％CI 0.293-0.907,P=0.022) negatively correlated with it.Conclusions High prevalence yet low control rate of hypertension in MHD patients in Anhui Province were observed.Hypocalcemia may be a protective factor for hypertension control,while smoke and BMI may be risk factors for it.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of cutaneous adverse reactions to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.Methods Thirty patients with cutaneous adverse reactions to tyrosine kinase inhibitors were enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between January 2015 and December 2016,and their laboratory test results,histopathological findings and treatment response data were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Results Of the 30 patients,15 presented with acneiform eruptions,10 with eczematoid eruptions,2 with morbilliform rashes,1 with telangiectasia,1 with hand-foot skin reaction,9 with xerosis,7 with nail changes and 4 with hair changes.A patient with grade 4 acneiform eruptions showed a markedly elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) level (315 U/L).Mild ALT abnormalities (48.5-88.1 U/L) were found in 3 patients with grade 3 acneiform eruptions,1 with grade 2 acneiform eruptions,1 with grade 1 acneiform eruptions and 1 with eczematoid eruptions complicated by fever.Two patients with eczematoid eruptions and 1 with morbilliform rashes showed elevated proportions of peripheral blood eosinophils (0.057-0.303).Pathological changes of the acneiform eruptions included hyperkeratosis and dilation of hair follicles and neutrophilic infiltration.Pathological manifestations of eczematoid eruptions included different degrees of spongiosis,thickened spinous layer,irregular elongation of rete ridges and liquefaction degeneration of basal cells in the epidermis,and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the superficial dermis.Patients with grade 1-3 acneiform eruptions received oral minocycline for 6 weeks,skin lesions gradually regressed,but relapse occurred after the withdrawal.After withdrawal of targeted antineoplastic agents and 2-week treatment with systemic glucocorticoids,skin lesions gradually regressed in patients with grade 4 acneiform eruptions,those with eczematoid eruptions complicated by fever,and those with morbilliform rashes.Skin rashes also resolved in patients with mild morbilliform rashes and those with mild eczematoid eruptions after 2 weeks of treatment with antianaphylactic agents and topical glucocorticoids.Oral antibiotics were effective for the treatment of periungual erythematous swelling or granulomas.Conclusion Tyrosine kinase inhibitor-related cutaneous adverse reactions include a constellation of disorders,and hepatic function can be impaired.

Objective: To explore the application value and safety of low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiogram (LDDSE) in patients of low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis combining left ventricular dysfunction with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: A total of 5 eligible consecutive patients with contradiction of routine surgical valve replacement and going to receive TAVR in our hospital from 2013-10 to 2016-07 were enrolled. The mean aortic valvegradient, maximum flow velocity, each stroke volume and ejection fraction were recorded before and during LDDSE examination. The patients having confirmed diagnosis of true severe aortic stenosis with left ventricular contractile reserve received TAVR, for those without left ventricular contractile reserve received drug therapy or TAVR conditionally. The changes of cardiac function and NT-proBNP level were observed after TAVR. Results: All 5 patients showed positive finding in LDDSE; the mean aortic valve gradient ≥40mmHg and stroke volume≥20% implied that the patients had true severe aortic stenosis with left ventricular contractile reserve. No adverse reaction occurred during and after LDDSE. TAVR was performed in 4 patients and 1 was waiting for TAVR or balloon dilatation since temporary lacking of valve. The post-operative cardiac function was improved in all patients and NT-proBNP level was declined continuously. Conclusion: LDDSE examination could be considered in patients of aortic stenosis combining left ventricular dysfunction, low-flow and low-gradient to clarify ventricular contractile reserve and the severity of aortic stenosis. If the patients with ventricular contractile reserve, TAVR was recommended which was the effective treatment for relevant patients.

Objective To explore the value of echocardiography in patients with aortic stenosis who underwent transapical aortic valve implantation (TAAVI).Methods Fifteen high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis were chosen in the present study,all of which received TAAVI in Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from June 2014 to March 2015.The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD),left atrial diameter (LAD),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),effective orifice area (EOA),mean aortic pressure gradient (MPG),as well as artificial valve function of patients were measured at different time points (before operation,discharge,1 month and 3-6 months after operation) by echocardiography.The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA analysis with SPSS software,and multiple comparisons were done using LSD student t test.Results The data from preoperative echocardiography indicated severe aortic stenosis in the 15 patients,with the average level of EOA as (0.55± 0.28) cm2 and MPG as (58.93± 14.96) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa).Moderate paravalvular aortic regurgitation was observed in one patients,who was then received a second implantation.There was no significant difference between LVEDD,LAD,and LVEF when the patients were at discharge,1 month and 3-6 months after operation.The prosthetic valves were stable and conformed by echocardiography,while paravalvular leak regurgitation (1-2 mm) was observed in 7 patients.One patient died of other reasons.Compared with preoperative data,the EOA increased while MPG decreased when the patients were at discharge,1 month and 3-6 month after operation (t=6.619,7.357,6.401,all P ＜ 0.001;t=9.523,9.687,5.932,all P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion With careful patient screening and selection,TAAVI can be an effective treatment for high-risk severe aortic stenosis patients,in which echocardiography plays an important role during the surgery and follow up.

Objective: To explore the cardiac function and outcomes in patients of aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) within 6 months in order to provide the guidance for clinical treatment. Methods: A total of 49 consecutive severe AS patients with surgical contradiction or STS high risk score and received successful TAVR in our hospital from 2013-12 to 2015-12 were studied. Echocardiography and blood levels of NT-proBNP were examined at pre- and 1 month, 6 months after TAVR. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), aortic valve mean gradient (MG), peak gradient (PG) and peak velocity (PV) were recorded. Based on pre-operative LVEF, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Cardiac dysfunction group, LVEF<50%,n=15 (30.6%) and Normal cardiac function group, LVEF≥50%, n=34 (69.4%). Post-operative cardiac function and blood levels of NT-proBNP were compared between 2 groups. Results: In all 49 patients, the following parameters were significantly improved within 7 days after TAVR: LVEF (56.0±14.6) % vs (52.5±13.8)%, MG (11±5) mmHg vs (58±18) mmHg, PG (21.7±9.5) mmHg vs (93.0±28.6) mmHg, PV (2.3±0.5) m/s vs (4.8±0.7) m/s, blood NT-proBNP level [1831 (1098-3363)] pg/ml vs [3842 (1763-8664)] pg/ml and aortic valve area (1.57±0.43) cm2 vs (0.58±0.23) cm2 allP<0.05. Within 6 months after TAVR, LVEF was continuously increasing especially in Cardiac dysfunction group; MG, PV and NT-proBNP level were continuously decreasing, NYHA grade was continuously improving, allP<0.05. Conclusion: TAVR was an effective treatment in AS patients with surgical contradiction or STS high risk score; it may continuously improve cardiac function, especially in patients with left heart dysfunction.

Objective: To establish the aortic regurgitation model in Chinese miniature pigs under echocardiography guidance. Methods: The animal models were established by following steps: general anesthesia, measuring body weight and then receiving echocardiography examination to exclude aortic valve lesions; carotid artery was exposured by surgery, catheter was sent to aortic sinus with stiff guide wire penetrates and the position of catheter was adjusted to obtain aortic valve damage. The aortic valve injury and regurgitation were evaluated by ultrasound; then the pigs were killed and the heart was taken to observe aortic valve damage. Results: A total of 7 pigs were used including 4 male and 3 female with the mean body weight of (24.7 ± 3.6) kg. Aortic regurgitation model was successfully established in 5 pigs including 1 mild, 1 mild-moderate, 2 moderate, 1 severe aortic valve regurgitation, and 4 were with valve lealfets perforation and 1 with lealfets tearing. Conclusion:①Echocardiography can smoothly guide wire go through aortic valve and make valve damage at different degrees, it is reliable to establish aortic valve regurgitation model in experimental pigs.②Echocardiography may clearly identify the position and degree for aortic valve injury.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the ascending aortic diameter (AAD) changes in patients after mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR).
Methods: The medical records and echocardiography reports in patients who received AVR or bivalve valve replacement (BVR) in our hospital from 2000-01 to 2001-12 were retrieved, the retrieval conditions were as aortic valve structure must be mechanical and the follow-up echocardiography examination should be more than 9 years. The clinical information, pre- and post-operative 2-dimentional transthoracic echocardiography reports were collected, the follow-up echocardiography periods were ≤3-year, 3-year<-≤6-year, 6-year<-≤9-year and >9-year. AAD changes at different periods were compared. According to baseline AAD, the patients were divided into AAD<35 mm group and AAD≥35 mm group in order to observe the ascending aortic events.
Results: A total of 141 patients were enrolled form 595 echocardiography reports which included 75 male, the patients were at the mean age of (45.5 ± 11.2) years with mean follow-up time of (7.59 ± 3.38) years. Compared with baseline level, the follow-up AAD was similar between ≤3-year and 3-year<-≤6-year patients,P>0.05; while the follow-up AAD was different between 6-year<-≤9-year and >9-year patients,P<0.05. The patients with second operation in AAD≥35 mm group were much higher than those in AAD<35 mm group (24.0% vs 12.9%). There were 5 (20%) patients suffered from ascending aortic events in AAD≥35 mm group.
Conclusion: AAD dilatation were gradually occurring after mechanical AVR, the patients with AAD≥35 mm had the higher risk for ascending aortic events, therefore special attention should be taken in patients with aortic valve disease combining AAD dilatation during surgical treatment.