Medicine
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This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at low keV energy for early detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatic arterial phase compared with low-tube voltage (80 kVp) CT generated from dual-energy CT (DE-CT). A total of 107 patients with 114 hypervascular HCCs (≤2 cm) underwent DE-CT, 140 kVp, blended 120 kVp, and 80 kVp images were generated, as well as 40 and 50 keV. CT numbers of HCCs and the standard deviation as image noise on psoas muscle were measured. ⋯ Image quality of 40 keV was the lowest, but still it was considered acceptable for diagnostic purposes. The mean sensitivity for detecting lesion hypervascularity with 40 keV (92%) and 50 keV (84%) was higher than those with 80 kVp (56%). Low keV energy images were superior to 80 kVp in detecting hypervascularization of early HCC.
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Lumbar spondylolysis is one of the most common causes of low back pain and primarily affects children and adolescents. Traditional posterior lumbar fixation and interbody fusion surgery has always been the most effective method to treat spondylolysis. However, traditional surgical management has limitations of large trauma, complex operation, high cost, postoperative biomechanical deterioration, and resulting complications. ⋯ A novel minimally invasive therapeutic approach is presented herein of an SEC injection guided by C-arm fluoroscopy to treat lumbar spondylolysis. We describe a novel technique applied in a patient with lumbar spondylolysis, who showed significantly improved low back pain symptoms and a computed tomography scan, including osseous fusion of the bilateral isthmus at L4 after SEC therapy. This is the first reported case description of using an SEC injection to treat lumbar spondylolysis with a successful clinical outcome.
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A variety of medications are available to manage painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), but the proper treatment remains challenging. Accordingly, various neuromodulation modalities have been used. However, no prospective clinical trials have evaluated the use of scrambler therapy (ST) in painful DPN. This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of ST in managing painful DPN. ⋯ ST may have short-term effects and limited long-term effects on painful DPN.
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To explore the risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)-related complications in children. This retrospective study analyzed data collected from electronic medical records. A total of 584 patients with indwelling PICC treated between January 2019 and August 2021 were included in this study. ⋯ Venipuncture, oozing of blood from the puncture point, indwelling time, intravenous nutrient solution, and catheter type are risk factors for PICC-related complications in children. Significant attention should be paid to whether the puncture point is bleeding, the presence or absence of an intravenous nutrient solution, duration of catheterization, type of catheterization, and venipuncture. Additionally, preventive nursing measures should be implemented as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications related to peripheral PICC.
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Kaposi sarcoma is a malignant angioproliferative disease, and human herpesvirus-8 plays a major role in its etiology. Iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma (IKS) can occur in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The treatment strategy for patients with IKS is immunosuppressive therapy modification. ⋯ Grade III/IV leucopenia and neutropenia were observed in 5 and 4 patients, respectively; however, no patient experienced febrile neutropenia. No chemotherapy-related death occurred. Systemic chemotherapy is an effective treatment and can be considered for disease control in patients with an aggressive disease course, who do not experience regression with immunosuppressive therapy modification.