Background and Aims. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a novel marker of fat distribution and function which incorporates both anthropometric and laboratory measures. Recently, several studies have suggested VAI as a screening tool for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we aimed to consolidate the results of these studies by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods and Results. We searched PubMed and EMBASE online databases for eligible studies that investigated the association of VAI and MetS. After reviewing 294 records, we included 33 eligible papers with a sum of 20516 MetS and 53242 healthy participants. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed, and the relevant data was extracted. All included studies reported a significant association between VAI and MetS screening, but were highly heterogeneous in their reported effects. We pooled the diagnostic test accuracy metrics of VAI for MetS screening and showed that it has a moderate-to-high accuracy with an area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.847, a pooled sensitivity of 78, and a pooled specificity of 79. Besides, we pooled the difference in means of VAI between patients with MetS and healthy controls, revealing that VAI was 2.15 units higher in MetS patients. Conclusions. VAI is an accurate, low-cost, and widely available screening marker for MetS. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its applicability in clinical practice, determine an optimal cut-off, and identify populations that would benefit the most from it.
25 November 2023 in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
Recurrent prostate cancer after primary treatment with radiation therapy is a common problem. Patients with localized recurrence may benefit from salvage therapy, but careful patient selection is crucial because not all patients will benefit from local salvage therapy, and salvage therapy has increased morbidity compared to primary treatments for prostate cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the evaluation of patients with recurrent disease after radiation therapy and how it is continuing to evolve with increasing data on outcomes, as well as improving technologies and techniques. Our enhanced understanding of treatment outcomes and risk stratification has influenced the identification of patients who may benefit from local salvage treatment. Advances in imaging and biopsy techniques have enhanced the accuracy of locating the recurrence, which affects treatment decisions. Additionally, the growing interest in image-targeted ablative therapies that have less morbidity and complications than whole-gland therapies for suitable patients influences the evaluation process for those considering focal salvage therapy. Although significant changes have been made in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with recurrent disease after radiation therapy, it remains unclear whether these changes will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Background: Mucinous cystadenoma (MC) of the kidney is exceedingly rare. We found 22 similar cases in the literature. These masses are underdiagnosed due to radiologic similarities with simple renal cysts. Case presentation: A 66-year-old man with a previous history of hypertension and anxiety was referred to our tertiary clinic with left flank pain. Ultrasound revealed a 60 mm-sized, complex cystic mass with irregular septa in the lower pole of the left kidney (different from last year's sonographic findings of a simple benign cyst with delicate septa). CT scan showed the same results plus calcification. Due to suspected renal cell carcinoma, a radical nephrectomy was performed. Postoperative histopathologic examination revealed a cyst lined by a single layer of columnar mucin-producing cells with small foci of pseudo-stratification, consistent with the MC’s diagnosis. The first follow-up visit showed normal blood pressure without medication and no flank pain and anxiety after a month. Conclusion: It is quite challenging to distinguish the primary MC of the kidney from a simple renal cyst based on clinical and imaging findings. The radiologic features of these entities overlap significantly. Thus, complex renal cyst and renal cysts with mural nodules should be followed closely to detect malignancy earlier.