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BACKGROUND: Increased cholesterol absorption and reduced synthesis are processes that have been associated with cardiovascular disease risk in a controversial way. However, most of the studies involving markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption include conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, which can be confounding factors. The present study aimed at investigating the relationships of plasma cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, cIMT (carotid intima-media thickness), and the presence of carotid plaques in asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 270 asymptomatic individuals and anthropometrical parameters, fasting plasma lipids, glucometabolic profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), markers of cholesterol synthesis (desmosterol and lathosterol), absorption (campesterol and sitosterol), cIMT, and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the selected subjects aged between 19 and 75 years, 51% were females. Age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, triglycerides, glucose, and lathosterol/sitosterol ratios correlated positively with cIMT (p ≤ 0.05). Atherosclerotic plaques were present in 19% of the subjects. A direct association of carotid plaques with campesterol, OR = 1.71 (95% CI = 1.04-2.82, p ≤ 0.05) and inverse associations with both ratios lathosterol/campesterol, OR = 0.29 (CI = 0.11-0.80, p ≤ 0.05) and lathosterol/sitosterol, OR = 0.45 (CI = 0.22-0.95, p ≤ 0.05) were observed in univariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that campesterol may be associated with atherosclerotic plaques and the lathosterol/campesterol or sitosterol ratios suggested an inverse association. Furthermore, synthesis and absorption of cholesterol are inverse processes, and the absorption marker, campesterol, may reflect changes in body cholesterol homeostasis with atherogenic potential.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare duplex ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) angiography in terms of their performance in detecting endoleaks, as well as in determining the diameter of the aneurysm sac, in the postoperative follow-up of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 30 patients who had undergone endovascular repair of infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysms. Duplex ultrasound and CT angiography were performed simultaneously by independent radiologists. Measurements of the aneurysm sac diameter were assessed, and the presence or absence of endoleaks was determined. RESULTS: The average diameter of the aneurysm sac, as determined by duplex ultrasound and CT angiography was 6.09 ± 1.95 and 6.27 ± 2.16 cm, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient showing a statistically significant correlation (R = 0.88; p < 0.01). Comparing the duplex ultrasound and CT angiography results regarding the detection of endoleaks, we found that the former had a negative predictive value of 92.59% and a specificity of 96.15%. CONCLUSION: Our results show that there is little variation between the two methods evaluated, and that the choice between the two would have no significant effect on clinical management. Duplex ultrasound could replace CT angiography in the postoperative follow-up of endovascular aneurysm repair of the infrarenal aorta, because it is a low-cost procedure without the potential clinical complications related to the use of iodinated contrast and exposure to radiation.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a ultrassonografia duplex e a angiotomografia computadorizada no diagnóstico dos endoleaks e na medida do diâmetro do saco aneurismático no acompanhamento pós-operatório da correção endovascular do aneurisma de aorta abdominal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, prospectivamente, 30 doentes submetidos a correção endovascular de aneurismas de aorta infrarrenal e ilíacas. No seguimento pós-operatório foram realizadas ultrassonografia duplex e angiotomografia no mesmo intervalo de tempo, por radiologistas independentes. Foram avaliadas as medidas do saco aneurismático e a presença ou ausência de endoleaks. RESULTADOS: O diâmetro médio do saco aneurismático encontrado foi 6,09 ± 1,95 cm para a ultrassonografia duplex e 6,27 ± 2,16 cm para a angiotomografia, existindo correlação estatisticamente significante, com R = 0,88 e p < 0,01 (Pearson). Considerando a detecção de endoleaks, o valor preditivo negativo da ultrassonografia duplex (comparada à angiotomografia) foi 92,59% e a especificidade foi 96,15%. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstram pequena variação entre os métodos empregados, não comprometendo o manejo clínico. A ultrassonografia duplex poderia substituir a angiotomografia no acompanhamento pós-operatório da correção endovascular do aneurisma de aorta infrarrenal, com baixo custo, evitando potenciais complicações clínicas relacionadas ao uso de contraste iodado e exposição à radiação ionizante.

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Abstract Objective: To compare duplex ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) angiography in terms of their performance in detecting endoleaks, as well as in determining the diameter of the aneurysm sac, in the postoperative follow-up of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study involving 30 patients who had undergone endovascular repair of infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysms. Duplex ultrasound and CT angiography were performed simultaneously by independent radiologists. Measurements of the aneurysm sac diameter were assessed, and the presence or absence of endoleaks was determined. Results: The average diameter of the aneurysm sac, as determined by duplex ultrasound and CT angiography was 6.09 ± 1.95 and 6.27 ± 2.16 cm, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient showing a statistically significant correlation (R = 0.88; p < 0.01). Comparing the duplex ultrasound and CT angiography results regarding the detection of endoleaks, we found that the former had a negative predictive value of 92.59% and a specificity of 96.15%. Conclusion: Our results show that there is little variation between the two methods evaluated, and that the choice between the two would have no significant effect on clinical management. Duplex ultrasound could replace CT angiography in the postoperative follow-up of endovascular aneurysm repair of the infrarenal aorta, because it is a low-cost procedure without the potential clinical complications related to the use of iodinated contrast and exposure to radiation.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar a ultrassonografia duplex e a angiotomografia computadorizada no diagnóstico dos endoleaks e na medida do diâmetro do saco aneurismático no acompanhamento pós-operatório da correção endovascular do aneurisma de aorta abdominal. Materiais e Métodos: Foram estudados, prospectivamente, 30 doentes submetidos a correção endovascular de aneurismas de aorta infrarrenal e ilíacas. No seguimento pós-operatório foram realizadas ultrassonografia duplex e angiotomografia no mesmo intervalo de tempo, por radiologistas independentes. Foram avaliadas as medidas do saco aneurismático e a presença ou ausência de endoleaks . Resultados: O diâmetro médio do saco aneurismático encontrado foi 6,09 ± 1,95 cm para a ultrassonografia duplex e 6,27 ± 2,16 cm para a angiotomografia, existindo correlação estatisticamente significante, com R = 0,88 e p < 0,01 (Pearson). Considerando a detecção de endoleaks , o valor preditivo negativo da ultrassonografia duplex (comparada à angiotomografia) foi 92,59% e a especificidade foi 96,15%. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram pequena variação entre os métodos empregados, não comprometendo o manejo clínico. A ultrassonografia duplex poderia substituir a angiotomografia no acompanhamento pós-operatório da correção endovascular do aneurisma de aorta infrarrenal, com baixo custo, evitando potenciais complicações clínicas relacionadas ao uso de contraste iodado e exposição à radiação ionizante.

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BACKGROUND: The occurrence of gallstones following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been extensively reported. As RYGB promotes improvement in insulin resistance (IR), which is one of the factors enrolled in the pathophysiology of gallstones, this study aims to determine the influence of IR and its post-RYGB course on the development of gallstones. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that enrolled 108 morbidly obese subjects free of gallstones which underwent RYGB and were followed up for 24 months, through clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound examinations. IR was assessed through the surrogate marker homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). RESULTS: Of the individuals evaluated, 29 (26.8%) developed gallstones following RYGB. In the univariate analysis, postsurgical gallstones were associated with preoperative HOMA (p < 0.0001), preoperative fasting glucose (p = 0.0019), preoperative fasting insulin (p = 0.0001), and preoperative triglycerides (p = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative HOMA was the only factor independently associated with gallstones (p < 0.0001). The incidence of gallstones among individuals with IR was 46.8%; in the non-IR subjects, the incidence was 7.4% (p < 0.0001). Preoperative IR led to a relative risk of 6.02 (95% CI = 2.1-17.3; p = 0.0009) of gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: As gallstones often occur following RYGB, there is controversy regarding their management. Some authors propose systematic cholecystectomy along with RYGB, while others suggest that the aggregate risk of the concomitant approach is significantly higher. As IR was a significant risk factor in this study, an individualized approach for this population may be proposed. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

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Evidences suggest that paraoxonase 1 (PON1) confers important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

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BACKGROUND: Evidences suggest that paraoxonase 1 (PON1) confers important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between p.Q192R SNP of PON1, biochemical parameters and carotid atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic, normolipidemic Brazilian population sample. METHODS: We studied 584 volunteers (females n = 326, males n = 258; 19-75 years of age). Total genomic DNA was extracted and SNP was detected in the TaqMan® SNP OpenArray® genotyping platform (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were determined and PON1 activity was measured using paraoxon as a substrate. High-resolution ß-mode ultrasonography was used to measure cIMT and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in a subgroup of individuals (n = 317). RESULTS: The presence of p.192Q was associated with a significant increase in PON1 activity (RR = 12.30 (11.38); RQ = 46.96 (22.35); QQ = 85.35 (24.83) µmol/min; p < 0.0001), HDL-C (RR= 45 (37); RQ = 62 (39); QQ = 69 (29) mg/dL; p < 0.001) and apo A-I (RR = 140.76 ± 36.39; RQ = 147.62 ± 36.92; QQ = 147.49 ± 36.65 mg/dL; p = 0.019). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that heterozygous and p.192Q carriers influenced by 58% PON1 activity towards paraoxon. The univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that p.Q192R SNP was not associated with mean cIMT; as a result, in the multiple regression analysis, no variables were selected with 5% significance. In logistic regression analysis, the studied parameters were not associated with the presence of carotid plaques. CONCLUSION: In low-risk individuals, the presence of the p.192Q variant of PON1 is associated with a beneficial plasma lipid profile but not with carotid atherosclerosis.

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INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence remains a major concern for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Its prevalence can reach 20% in the late postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical study investigated the differences of a dynamic evaluation of the urethra and pelvic floor contraction using perineal ultrasound in men without prostate surgery and in men submitted to radical prostatectomy with and without stress urinary incontinence. Ninety two male patients were included, which 70% of them underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for more than one year. Thirty one men with clinically post prostatectomy incontinence were compared by two-dimensional (2D) perineal ultrasound to 34 patients without post prostatectomy incontinence and to 27 men without surgery in two centers in Brazil. RESULTS: Our results showed that the continent group presented the urethral angle at rest significantly lower than the prostate group (p = 0.0002). We also observed that the incontinent group showed the displacement of the anterior bladder neck during contraction significantly lower than the continent group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the continent group presented the urethral angle at rest significantly lower than the prostate group. The incontinent group also showed the anterior bladder neck displacement during contraction significantly lower than the continent group. It was more evident when the severe incontinent group and the continent group were compared.

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Introduction Urinary incontinence remains a major concern for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Its prevalence can reach 20% in the late postoperative period. Materials and Methods This clinical study investigated the differences of a dynamic evaluation of the urethra and pelvic floor contraction using perineal ultrasound in men without prostate surgery and in men submitted to radical prostatectomy with and without stress urinary incontinence. Ninety two male patients were included, which 70% of them underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for more than one year. Thirty one men with clinically post prostatectomy incontinence were compared by two-dimensional (2D) perineal ultrasound to 34 patients without post prostatectomy incontinence and to 27 men without surgery in two centers in Brazil. Results Our results showed that the continent group presented the urethral angle at rest significantly lower than the prostate group (p = 0.0002). We also observed that the incontinent group showed the displacement of the anterior bladder neck during contraction significantly lower than the continent group (p = 0.008). Conclusions We found that the continent group presented the urethral angle at rest significantly lower than the prostate group. The incontinent group also showed the anterior bladder neck displacement during contraction significantly lower than the continent group. It was more evident when the severe incontinent group and the continent group were compared. .

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Cervical uptake detected by 131I whole body scintigraphy (131I-WBS) may be due to thyroid remnants or loco-regional metastases. We describe a patient with follicular carcinoma submitted to total thyroidectomy. 131I-WBS showed left cervical linear uptake and focal areas of uptake in the abdomen and pelvis. SPECT/CT images demonstrated a potential thrombus in the left jugular vein (confirmed by doppler neck ultrasound and MRI) as well as bone metastases. The patient was submitted to thrombectomy and histopathology confirmed metastasis of follicular carcinoma.

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Objectives. To standardize digital rectal examination (DRE) and set how it correlates with the comprehensive evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods. After scaled standardization of DRE based on fingertips graphical schema: 10 cubic centimeters-cc for each fingertip prostate surface area on DRE, four randomly selected senior medical students examined 48 male patients presenting with LUTS in an outpatient clinical setting, totaling 12 DRE each. Standardized DRE, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), serum PSA, transabdominal ultrasound (US), urodynamic evaluation, and postvoid residue were compared. Results. The mean and median PVs were US-45 and 34.7 cc (5.5 to 155) and DRE-39 and 37.5 cc (15 to 80). Comparing DRE and US by simple linear regression: US PV = 11.93 + 0.85 × (DRE PV); P = 0.0009. Among patients classified as nonobstructed, inconclusive, and obstructed, the US PVs were 29.8, 43.2, and 53.6 cc (P = 0.033), and DRE PVs were 20, 35, and 60 cc (P = 0.026), respectively. Conclusion. This is the first attempt to DRE standardization focusing on teaching-learning process, establishing a linear correlation of DRE and US PVs with only 12 examinations by inexperienced hands, satisfactorily validated in an outpatient clinical setting.