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PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of migraines in NCAA division I male and female basketball players. National Collegiate Athletic Association.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the overall prevalence of migraines within National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's and women's basketball players. In addition, the prevalence of migraines was determined across gender and ethnic groups for the same sample. BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have assessed the prevalence of migraines within the general population, college students, professional groups, industrial/work place settings, and overseas populations, little has been done with athletes. To the best of our knowledge, no study of the incidence of migraines in athletes has been previously conducted. It has also been reported that migraines cause depression, insomnia, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, all of which might hinder athletic performance. Sports medicine clinicians and researchers also agree that migraines in athletes are probably underreported and often misdiagnosed. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-one Division I men and women basketball players representing 51 colleges and universities were mailed a previously validated survey asking questions about headaches. All surveys were analyzed with a validated diagnostic algorithm consistent with the International Headaches Society's (IHS) criteria for headache diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence rate for gender and ethnic groups, as well as the entire sample. Chi-square tests were performed (P = 0.05) to determine if there were any differences in the prevalence of migraines among gender and ethnic groups. RESULTS: Results showed that 2.9% (n = 23 of 791) of the total sample was classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. In addition, 0.9% (n = 3 of 332) of men and 4.4% (n = 20 of 459) of women were classified as having migraines meeting IHS guidelines. Additionally, results showed that women reported migraines (chi2 = 8.140, P = 0.004) more often than men. When comparing the prevalence rates of migraines between ethnic groups, results showed that Caucasians had a rate of 3.3% (n = 14 of 429), whereas African Americans had a rate of 3.1% (n = 9 of 287). There was no significant difference found between ethnic groups in migraine prevalence (chi2 = 2.491, P = 0.2888). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it was found that the prevalence of migraines in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's and women's basketball players was generally less than in the general population, that women showed an increased prevalence of migraines when compared with men, and that Caucasians and African Americans did not differ in prevalence of migraines.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2001

Is appendiceal CT scan overused for evaluating patients with right lower quadrant pain?

Reports citing excellent sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of focused appendiceal computed tomography (CT) and showing an overall reduction in resource use and nontherapeutic laparotomies have led to increasing use of that imaging modality. Diagnostic algorithms have begun to incorporate appendiceal CT for patients presenting to the emergency department with right lower quadrant pain. We present a series of 4 cases in which use of appendiceal CT ultimately led to increased cost, resource use, and complexity in patient care. The results of these cases support an argument against unbridled use of appendiceal CT scanning and reinforce the need for clinical evaluation by the operating surgeon before routine performance of appendiceal CT scan.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2002

Irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and frequently lifelong gastrointestinal disorder, but whether advancing age impacts on IBS is largely unknown and how the disorder manifests in the elderly remains unclear. Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of IBS declines with age (possibly related to pain perception changes), but IBS remains a common gastrointestinal illness in the aged. Unfortunately, there has been very little research examining risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of IBS in the elderly. Since gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, diagnostic algorithms differ in the elderly. There is reason to believe that this very prevalent disorder may also behave differently in the elderly and that the approach to management needs to take age-related issues into account. These issues will be the focus of the present review.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

The use of a D-dimer assay in patients undergoing CT pulmonary angiography for suspected pulmonary embolus.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of a semi-quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer test Accuclot with bedside measurements of arterial oxygen saturation, respiratory and cardiac rates to exclude pulmonary embolism (PE) on computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients referred to our CT unit for investigation of suspected acute pulmonary embolism were enrolled. Pulse oximetery, respiratory rate, heart rate and blood sampling for D-dimer testing were carried out just before CT. A high resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest was followed by a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). The images were independently interpreted at a workstation with cine-paging and 2D reformation facilities by three consultant radiologists blinded to the clinical and laboratory data. If positive, the level of the most proximal embolus was recorded. Discordant imaging results were re-read collectively and consensus achieved. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled. The CTPA was positive for PE in 28/101 (28%). The D-dimer was positive in 65/101 (65%). Twenty-six patients had a positive CT and positive D-dimer, two a positive CT but negative D-dimer, 39 a negative CT and positive D-dimer, and 34 a negative CT and negative D-dimer. The negative predictive value of the Accuclot D-dimer test for excluding a pulmonary embolus on spiral CT was 0.94. Combining the D-dimer result with pulse oximetry (normal SaO2 > or = 90%) improved the negative predictive value to 0.97. CONCLUSION: A negative Accuclot D-dimer assay proved highly predictive for a negative CT pulmonary angiogram in suspected acute pulmonary embolus. If this D-dimer assay were included in the diagnostic algorithm of these patients a negative D-dimer would have unnecessary CTPA rendered in 36% of patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

The role of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in benign and malignant bone disease.

Radiological (plain radiographs, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and nuclear medicine methods (bone scan, leukocyte scan) both provide unique information about the status of the skeleton. Both have typical strengths and weaknesses, which often lead to the sequential use of different procedures in daily routine. This use causes the unnecessary loss of time and sometimes money, if redundant information is obtained without establishing a final diagnosis. Recently, new devices for hybrid imaging (single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography [SPECT/CT], positron emission tomography/computed tomography [PET/CT]) were introduced, which allow for direct fusion of morphological (CT) and functional (SPECT, PET) data sets. With regard to skeletal abnormalities, this approach appears to be extremely useful because it combines the advantages of both techniques (high-resolution imaging of bone morphology and high sensitivity imaging of bone metabolism). By the accurate correlation of both, a new quality of bone imaging has now become accessible. Although researchers undertaking the initial studies exclusively used low-dose CT equipment, a new generation of SPECT/CT devices has emerged recently. By integrating high-resolution spiral CT, quality of bone imaging may improve once more. Ongoing prospective studies will have to show whether completely new diagnostic algorithms will come up for classification of bone disease as a consequence of this development. Besides, the role of ultrasonography and MRI for bone and soft-tissue imaging also will have to be re-evaluated. Looking at the final aim of all imaging techniques--to achieve correct diagnosis in a fast, noninvasive, comprehensive, and inexpensive way--we are now on the edge of a new era of multimodality imaging that will probably change the paths and structure of medicine in many ways. Presently, hybrid imaging using SPECT/CT has been proven to increase sensitivity and specificity of bone scintigraphy. This was mainly achieved by identifying benign bone conditions with increased bone turnover. Therefore, SPECT/CT should be applied whenever equivocal findings of planar bone imaging occur. It also helps to improve accuracy of leukocyte scanning to detect/exclude osteomyelitis and to define sites of inflammation. We therefore regard SPECT/CT as a valuable tool to optimize bone imaging, which might become even more important if new radiopharmaceuticals become available to image specific cell functions.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

Evaluating mesenteric ischemia with multidetector-row CT angiography.

Multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography is an established non-invasive imaging modality to evaluate the mesenteric vasculature. It has an important role in diagnostic algorithms for assessment of suspected acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. Clinical success for synchronizing a MDCT volumetric acquisition with a bolus of contrast medium and also for depicting vascular pathology with high accuracy relies on implementing several key principles. This can be more challenging with advanced generation MDCT scanners. This article reviews the technical principles fundamental to evaluating the mesenteric vasculature with MDCT angiography. An overview of clinical application is also presented.

Angiography↗
PubMed1999

Echocardiographic features of primary pulmonary hypertension.

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and usually is made late because of the nonspecific nature of the early signs and symptoms. Echocardiography is a key screening test in the diagnostic algorithm of patients with suspected PPH. The purpose of this study was to define the echocardiographic Doppler features in patients with PPH at the time of diagnosis. From 1992 to 1997, 51 patients were diagnosed with PPH at our institution. All underwent a standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including a contrast study and transthoracic echocardiographic examination if indicated. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was calculated from the tricuspid regurgitation jet. The majority of patients had pulmonary artery systolic pressure greater than 60 mm Hg (96%) associated with systolic flattening of the interventricular septum (90%), enlarged right atrium (92%) and ventricle (98%), and reduced right ventricular systolic function (76%). There was an increase in the interventricular septal thickness (>1.2 cm) in 21 (43%) of 49 patients, accompanied by a septal/posterior wall ratio greater than 1.3 in 11 (22%) of 49. Although a reduction in both left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes was noted, global left ventricular systolic function was preserved in all patients. Mitral E/A ratio was less than 0.7 in 7 (22%) patients studied. Color Doppler revealed moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonic insufficiency in 41 (80%) of 51 and 16 (31%) of 51 of cases, respectively. Pericardial effusion (7 small and 1 moderate) and patent foramen ovale (n = 12) were also frequently detected. At the time of initial diagnosis, PPH is associated with secondary cardiac abnormalities in the majority of patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Detection of pulmonary embolism by D-dimer assay, spiral computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains difficult to diagnose. Ventilation perfusion lung scan, the standard diagnostic test for PE, has poor overall sensitivity. The gold standard examination, pulmonary angiography, is invasive and has some risk, making clinicians reluctant to refer patients. In recent years, new diagnostic modalities have been investigated, including D-Dimer assays, spiral computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The authors reviewed the literature and noted that the D-Dimer assays by ELISA or rapid ELISA design are approximately 90% to 95% sensitive, but are not specific for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Spiral CT has been studied with conflicting results; however, in the largest studies the reported sensitivities are greater than approximately 85%. Electron beam CT is an alternative technique, which has not been as extensively studied. MRI is also useful for imaging the pulmonary arterial vasculature, but remains experimental. Although a more accurate assessment of the sensitivity of these new modalities will need to wait until a large angiographically controlled study, such as the planned PIOPED II, can be done, D-Dimer assay and spiral CT are often useful in the detection of pulmonary embolism. The authors make recommendations for their use in a diagnostic algorithm, as alternatives to the standard ventilation perfusion lung scan.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

Improving diagnostic procedure and treatment in patients with non-epileptic seizures (NES).

The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of patients with NES vs. NES and concomitant epilepsy in an epilepsy centre and to present a diagnostic algorithm. We collected and reviewed the data of 322 patients consecutively referred to the adult ward of our epilepsy centre in 1 year. The results of our study reveal that 44 (14%) of all patients referred had NES. Of these, nine proved to have concomitant epilepsy. Of 44 patients with NES, 20 were treated with AED on admission. In 14 cases this unnecessary antiepileptic drug treatment was stopped. In six remaining patients with NES and concomitant epilepsy, the total number of AEDs could be reduced until discharge. The maximum duration of AED treatment among patients with NES only, had been longer than 360 months (median 72 months). Much has been written about whether the diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic events is overused. According to our experience however, the fact that many patients with so-called 'pharmacoresistant epilepsy', suspected NES or other diagnoses are referred to a centre of excellence much too late, proves to be the key problem in diagnosis and treatment of NES. We conclude that early admission of so-called 'pharmacoresistant epilepsy' to an epilepsy centre, establishing a standard work-up and clarifying the medical terminology will improve diagnosis and lead to adequate therapy of NES as well as prevent unnecessary drug treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Radiologic screening for lung cancer: present status and future perspectives].

Radiologic screening for lung cancer: present status and future perspectives. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from malignancy. This is predominantly due to the poor prognosis of the mostly advanced tumor stages at the time of presentation. Prognosis of early, usually asymptomatic stages is more favourable, particularly in non-small-cell histologic types. Therefore, early detection using diagnostic tests promises reduction of mortality from lung cancer. Due to its high sensitivity for small pulmonary nodules - the most common manifestation of early lung cancer - computed tomography appears suitable as a screening test particularly as the high radiation exposure associated with standard examination protocols can be significantly reduced for this purpose. Due to the high prevalence of benign small pulmonary nodules diagnostic algorithms are required for non-invasive classification of detected nodules. Preliminary studies of low-dose CT using algorithms based on size and density of detected nodules revealed a high proportion of asymptomatic lung cancers and early resectable tumor stages with a small number of invasive procedures for benign nodules. Prior to a wide application of this technique in clinical routine more data is required as to appropriate inclusion criteria, screening intervals and most importantly the effect of screening on reduction of mortality from lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pulmonary embolism: imaging modalities--V/Q scan, spiral (helical) CT, and MRI.

Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) imaging has been used as the screening test for pulmonary embolism (PE) for many years with diagnostic algorithms developed as a result of the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis study. The primary conclusions were that high probability V/Q scans were reliable indicators for PE and normal or near-normal scans were reliable in the exclusion of PE. With the increasing availability of spiral (helical) computed tomography (CT) and many studies showing a high degree of accuracy for PE, there is much support for the replacement of V/Q by spiral CT. This article reviews the literature concerning V/Q scanning, spiral (helical) CT, and the future potential for magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of PE.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Pulmonary embolism diagnosis in hospitalized and intensive care unit patients.

The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains difficult, and diagnostic strategies must consider the unique challenges of hospitalized and critically ill patients. Diagnostic algorithms that are effective and safe for outpatients may not be effective and safe for inpatients or patients in intensive care units. For example, serial compression ultrasonography (US) of the lower extremities may allow physicians to avoid pulmonary angiography for stable inpatients or outpatients, but this strategy is not validated for patients who require intensive care for serious underlying cardiopulmonary disease. Helical computed tomography (CT) is particularly suited for the evaluation of suspected PE for inpatients with serious cardiopulmonary disease. However, the safety of withholding treatment when a helical CT pulmonary angiogram is negative remains to be demonstrated. Lung perfusion and ventilation scans combined with an assessment of pretest probability remain important objective tests for the evaluation of many hospitalized patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.

Pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (PLCH) remains an important diagnostic consideration in the differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative lung disease, particular among smokers. This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this unusual lung disorder. Evolving studies strongly link the basic pathogenesis of PLCH as an uncommon reaction to tobacco smoke. Recent progress in the clinical approach to these patients has emphasized important roles for high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scanning and immune reactive tissue markers including cluster differentiation (CD) 1a antigen in the diagnosis of this disorder. A rationale diagnostic algorithm and current management strategies are summarized.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

[Ultrasound diagnosis of rare retrorectal tumors].

The diagnosis of perirectal masses can be accomplished by computer tomography and magnet resonance imaging if the rectum is contrasted. The accuracy of these methods is > 90 %. But often the assessment of the exact borders with respect to the rectum wall and to the genitalia is difficult. Therefore transrectal 3D-ultrasound is of major importance in the preoperative staging and postoperative follow-up of rectum cancer and allows the diagnosis of pararectal findings using the ultrasound-guided, transrectal aspiration. By ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy we detected five cases of pararectal and especially presacral diseases including one case of endometriosis. The diagnostic algorithm is described.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Small-bowel endoscopy.

The role of small-bowel endoscopy in the management of small-bowel diseases is still evolving. During the last year, capsule endoscopy has developed from being an emerging method in gastroenterology to become a clinical reality, and it must now be considered critically. A number of peer-reviewed studies have been published that compare the method with push enteroscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. In other studies, capsule endoscopy has been compared with traditional radiographic methods of examining the small bowel. The potential of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small-bowel diseases has also been evaluated, particularly in patients with suspected Crohn's disease. Although this innovative diagnostic method has now entered clinical practice, it must be stressed that both push enteroscopy and intraoperative enteroscopy still have a precise and valid role in the management of patients with small-bowel diseases, as may be seen from several of the studies that are reviewed here. Capsule endoscopy will probably become a first-line tool for detecting abnormalities of the small bowel, and very probably this will entail redefining some diagnostic algorithms for diseases involving the small bowel. Nevertheless, further studies are required before today's clinical practice can be definitively modified, and these should make particular reference to the outcome in patients who undergo capsule endoscopy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Scintigraphic techniques for the diagnosis of infectious disease of the musculoskeletal system.

In imaging infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the metabolic information provided by nuclear medicine studies complements the structural information of radiologic modalities. Often the diagnosis can be confirmed by combining the methods in a diagnostic algorithm. The decision about whether a single study is best depends on the clinical setting and the questions that require an answer. Whereas radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) usually focus on a single area, nuclear medicine imaging offers the advantage of whole body imaging. However, despite significant improvements it cannot approach the detailed anatomical visualization provided by MRI or CT. In most cases scintigraphy is a very sensitive (e.g., bone scan, positron emission tomography) and often quite specific tool (e.g., white blood cell scintigraphy). The metabolic information of the single scintigraphic procedure depends on the accumulation mechanism. For the work-up of infectious disorders different radiopharmaceuticals can be used, and the decision for the best modality should be tailored to the clinical question and the special pathophysiologic condition of the infection. This article describes the most common nuclear medicine studies and their clinical relevance in some infectious diseases.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Compatibility between ICD-9 and DSM-III classification of endogenous depression (melancholia).

The classification of depressive disorders (subtypes of Major Depressive Episode--MDE) according to DSM-III is different in many respects from the classification according to ICD-9; the relevance of both diagnostic systems necessitates the assessment of their compatibility. In a sample of 173 depressed inpatients, both diagnostic systems are applied independently and the relationship between affective psychosis (endogenous depression) (ICD-9) and subtypes of MDE (DSM-III) is investigated. The resulting low rate of agreement between endogenous depression (ICD-9) and MDE with melancholia (DSM-III) can be improved considerably by a modification of the diagnostic algorithms applied in DSM-III. Furthermore, by combining the subtype or criteria of melancholia (DSM-III) and characteristics of course (recurrence, bipolarity) the ICD-9 diagnosis of endogenous depression can be simulated.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IPI)--formerly multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)--from the psychiatric perspective].

The term "idiopathic environmental intolerances" (IEI)/"multiple chemical sensitivities" (MCS) is used to describe a complex of heterogeneous somatic symptoms without a diagnosable organic disease. Symptoms are believed to be triggered by exposure to low levels of environmental chemicals that are usually well tolerated by the general population. There is no widely accepted definition for the phenomenon. A number of contradictory etiologic hypotheses and therapeutic concepts are discussed. One of the crucial questions is whether IEI/MCS should be understood as an own entity of disease. It has been demonstrated that a majority of patients with IEI/MCS meet diagnostic criteria for psychiatric diseases. Most frequently, somatoform, affective and anxiety disorders can be diagnosed. Therefore, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic therapy seems appropriate. The present paper provides a review of the different case definitions, etiologic and therapeutic concepts and of studies examining the frequency of psychiatric morbidity in patients with IEI/MCS. Additionally, a diagnostic algorithm and a concept of behavioral therapy for IEI/MCS patients with somatoform disorders are described.

Humans↗