BACKGROUND Vessel dilator and kaliuretic peptide have anticancer effects in human prostate adenocarcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide and cyclic GMP's effects on ERK 1/2 kinase were examined in human prostate adenocarcinoma cells. RESULTS Vessel dilator and kaliuretic peptide decreased the activation of ERK 1/2 over a concentration range of 0.01 microM to 1 mi...

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term treatment of esophageal strictures in children with corrosive esophagitis and to determine the effect of self-bougienage on recurrent strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records of nine children that were treated for corrosive esophageal strictures from May 2000 to May 2008. Six males and three females were incl...

We read with interest Luzardo et al’s technical note in the December issue of the AJNR. Although we are pleased that the new Envoy 6F guide catheter (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Fla) facilitated a dualmicrocatheter procedure with a single arterial access, it should be noted that this is by no means a new technique. The 6F Envoy guide catheter with an inner diameter of 0.070 inches and outer diameter o...

BACKGROUND Pneumatic balloon dilation is a popular method of treating patients with achalasia cardia. It may be useful to know the factors that predict response to this treatment. AIM To determine predictors of outcome following pneumatic balloon dilation in patients with achalasia cardia. METHODS Records of 62 patients who had undergone pneumatic dilation using Rigiflex balloon dilators (B...

We present the case of a 72-year-old man with cardiac adenocarcinoma treated with a metal stent and radiation therapy for pulmonarymetastases. After 6 months of this treatment he developed a malignant esophageal stricture. Endoscopy was carried out under moderate sedation and constant monitoring. Dilation with an over-the-scope balloon dilator (CRE single-use, wire-guided esophageal dilation ba...

OBJECTIVES: Congenital choanal atresia is a complete obliteration of the posterior nasal aperture leading to life-threatening airway emergencies. Several surgical options including sublabial, transpalatal, transseptal or external approaches have been developed for the repair of choanal atresia. So far, no gold standard has been established, but transnasal endoscopic approaches have been favored...

BACKGROUND Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is performed on a routine basis for the rapid and efficient removal of large caliceal stones. After percutaneous puncture, rigid dilators or an inflatable balloon are used to dilate the nephrostomy tract to allow access to the collecting system for stone removal. Little is known of the acute impact of tract dilation procedures on renal function. ...

The increased use of laparoscopy for treatment of reflux esophagitis has been associated with a 1-8% complication rate. Perforation of the esophagus from bougie placement, wrap breakdown or too tight a wrap are some of the complications seen from this surgery. An esophageal dilator system was developed to overcome these problems. Thirty patients had an esophageal dilator system used whereby a 4...