Objectives: In this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of clearly discernible noncalcified coronary plaques in a patient population with suspected significant coronary artery disease...Objectives: In this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of clearly discernible noncalcified coronary plaques in a patient population with suspected significant coronary artery disease(CAD) by using 64-slice computed tomography(CT). Background: The assessment of noncalcified coronary plaques by noninvasive strategies may be important to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Methods: To rule out significant stenosis, high-resolution 64-slice coronary CT(0.6-mm collimation, 330-ms gantry rotation time) was performed in 161 consecutive patients with an intermediate risk for having CAD. Computed tomography data sets were evaluated for presence of coronary calcifications, noncalcified plaques, and/or lumen narrowing. Results: Noncalcified coronary plaques were detected in 48(29.8%) of 161 enrolled patients. Although noncalcified plaques together with coronary calcifications were present in 38 of 161(23.6%) patients, the prevalence of noncalcified plaques as the only manifestation of CAD was 6.2%(10 of 161 patients). Patients with noncalcified plaques were characterized by significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein levels as well as a trend for more diabetes mellitus. The majority of noncalcified plaques resulted in lumen narrowing of< 50%. Of the remaining 113 patients, CAD and coronary calcifications were ruled out in 53 of 161(32.9%) patients, whereas 60 of 161(37.3%) patients presented with calcifications in the absence of noncalcified plaque. Conclusions: With the use of 64-slice CT, clearly discernible noncalcified atherosclerotic coronary plaques can be detected in a large group of patients with an intermediate risk for having CAD. The assessment of these plaques by CT angiography may allow for improved cardiovascular risk stratification.展开更多
Mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) account for approximately 20% of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). In this study, sequence analysis of exons 1 5 of SOD1 in a...Mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) account for approximately 20% of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). In this study, sequence analysis of exons 1 5 of SOD1 in a large German cohort with FALS was performed. Among 75 affected patients, who were not obviously related probands with a positive family history, nine had missense mutations in SOD1. Four of the nine probands carry the sameR115G mutation in exon 4 of the SOD1 gene. Genotyping with markers from the SOD1 locus revealed a common haplotype and shared allelic characteristics in these patients. These findings suggest that the R115G mutation in the German population originates from a common founder.展开更多
Cutaneous acanthomas encompass many clinically distinct types. We describe a patient with multiple nodules on the skin of the upper limbs which were histologically diagnosed as large-cell acanthomas. Further analysis ...Cutaneous acanthomas encompass many clinically distinct types. We describe a patient with multiple nodules on the skin of the upper limbs which were histologically diagnosed as large-cell acanthomas. Further analysis revealed, surprisingly, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV)type 6 within these lesions. HPV type 6 should therefore be considered an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of largecell acanthomas.展开更多
文摘Objectives: In this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of clearly discernible noncalcified coronary plaques in a patient population with suspected significant coronary artery disease(CAD) by using 64-slice computed tomography(CT). Background: The assessment of noncalcified coronary plaques by noninvasive strategies may be important to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Methods: To rule out significant stenosis, high-resolution 64-slice coronary CT(0.6-mm collimation, 330-ms gantry rotation time) was performed in 161 consecutive patients with an intermediate risk for having CAD. Computed tomography data sets were evaluated for presence of coronary calcifications, noncalcified plaques, and/or lumen narrowing. Results: Noncalcified coronary plaques were detected in 48(29.8%) of 161 enrolled patients. Although noncalcified plaques together with coronary calcifications were present in 38 of 161(23.6%) patients, the prevalence of noncalcified plaques as the only manifestation of CAD was 6.2%(10 of 161 patients). Patients with noncalcified plaques were characterized by significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein levels as well as a trend for more diabetes mellitus. The majority of noncalcified plaques resulted in lumen narrowing of< 50%. Of the remaining 113 patients, CAD and coronary calcifications were ruled out in 53 of 161(32.9%) patients, whereas 60 of 161(37.3%) patients presented with calcifications in the absence of noncalcified plaque. Conclusions: With the use of 64-slice CT, clearly discernible noncalcified atherosclerotic coronary plaques can be detected in a large group of patients with an intermediate risk for having CAD. The assessment of these plaques by CT angiography may allow for improved cardiovascular risk stratification.
文摘Mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) account for approximately 20% of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). In this study, sequence analysis of exons 1 5 of SOD1 in a large German cohort with FALS was performed. Among 75 affected patients, who were not obviously related probands with a positive family history, nine had missense mutations in SOD1. Four of the nine probands carry the sameR115G mutation in exon 4 of the SOD1 gene. Genotyping with markers from the SOD1 locus revealed a common haplotype and shared allelic characteristics in these patients. These findings suggest that the R115G mutation in the German population originates from a common founder.
文摘Cutaneous acanthomas encompass many clinically distinct types. We describe a patient with multiple nodules on the skin of the upper limbs which were histologically diagnosed as large-cell acanthomas. Further analysis revealed, surprisingly, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV)type 6 within these lesions. HPV type 6 should therefore be considered an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of largecell acanthomas.
