Cerebral Air Embolism Triggered by Infection of a Pulmonary Cyst in the Context of Air Travel: A Case Report.

Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare and potentially fatal event. While most cases result from iatrogenic causes, such as central venous catheterization, pulmonary sources, especially infected cysts, are scarcely reported. We describe a case of a previously healthy 61‑year‑old man who lost consciousness immediately after a flight.

Inguinal hernia repair after ilio-iliac artery bypass.

Inguinal hernia after lower limb artery bypass surgery using the external iliac artery is particularly rare with no standard operation method. An 81-year-old man with a history of ilio-iliac artery bypass was diagnosed with right inguinal hernia. Given that no dissection was necessary in the preperitoneal space around the external iliac artery, which was anastomosed with an artificial vessel graft, and that the procedures could be performed above the transverse abdominis, the Lichtenstein method was selected for the case.

Usefulness of non-contrast-enhanced ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance angiography for assessing cerebral aneurysms after woven endobridge device treatment.

Background And Objectives: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard follow-up modality for assessing aneurysm occlusion state after Woven EndoBridge (WEB; MicroVention/Terumo, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) treatment. However, because of the invasiveness of DSA, time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is also used, although it has limited diagnostic accuracy: signal loss in MRA due to the WEB device hinders clear assessment of aneurysm remnants post-treatment. This study aimed to determine whether the non-contrast-enhanced (non-CE) ultrashort echo time (UTE)-MRA sequence, with its ability to reduce metal-induced susceptibility artifacts in MRA, is a reliable follow-up modality to assess aneurysm occlusion status after WEB device treatment.

Association between vertebral fractures and comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. We investigated the risk factors for vertebral fractures and severe vertebral fractures in patients with RA, including comorbidities and urinary pentosidine levels.

Materials And Methods: This study included 637 patients with available clinical data on urinary pentosidine levels, vertebral fractures, and comorbidities.

Imaging assessment of malignancy screening using computed tomography and diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To investigate differences in information obtained from plain computed tomography (CT) and diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) during malignancy screening in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: We enrolled 524 patients with RA who underwent plain CT from the chest to the pelvis and DWIBS. CT and DWIBS were performed within 3 months of each other.

Cognitive Functional Impairment Associated With Physical Function and Frailty in Older Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction: Cognitive function is crucial for comprehending, adhering to, and terminating treatment regimens, and for maintaining quality of life in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with cognitive functional impairment in Japanese patients with RA.

Methods: A total of 452 patients with RA, aged 65 years and older, were enrolled in this study.

Treatment Goals for Prevention of Vertebral Fractures in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with vertebral fractures and treatment goals to prevent new vertebral fractures in patients with RA.

Methods: The database used in this study included outpatient data of RA patients at the authors' hospital of RA patients taken from 2018 to 2022.

Imaging using diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background signal suppression for methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder: A case report.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving immunosuppressive therapy including methotrexate (MTX) are at risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old man who has been treated with MTX and sulfasalazine for seropositive RA since the age of 52 years. He underwent diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background signal suppression (DWIBS), which revealed high-intensity lesions in the affected lymph nodes of the cervical, clavicular, and axillary regions.

Prospective hospital-based cohort studies of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections in infants under one year during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Japan.

Objectives: In Japan, population-based epidemiological data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are limited. To elucidate the epidemiology of RSV before the introduction of new prophylactic drugs, we conducted a population-based study during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods: This study was performed in four hospitals in Chiba City and three hospitals in Ichihara City.

Placing two inferior vena cava filters for the bail-out management of opening failure of an inferior vena cava filter.

A 93-year-old man with a femoral fracture was admitted to the emergency department. The patient presented with severe hypoxemia and shock. Enhanced computed tomography confirmed deep venous thrombosis in the left leg and pulmonary embolism.

Clinical practice guidelines for multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease 2023 in Japan.

Background: The previous Japanese clinical practice guidelines for multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) were published in 2017. Recently, for the first time in 6 years, the MS and NMOSD guideline development committee revised the Japanese guidelines for MS, NMOSD, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

Methods: The committee utilized the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on the "Minds Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2020 Ver.

Clinical efficacy of TEVAR utilizing fenestrated stent-grafts for zone 0 in an elderly frail patient with giant aortic arch aneurysm.

Introduction And Importance: Elderly and frail patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) near to origins of cervical arteries present facing challenges with aortic arch replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass, and traditional tube-type stent-grafts are also inadequate for transcatheter endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Thus, necessitating precise treatment with fenestrated stent-grafts from zone 0. This approach is crucial for achieving favorable postoperative outcomes without compromising activities of daily living (ADL).

Effects of Locomotion Training on Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of locomotion training on bone mineral density (BMD) and the factors associated with increased BMD in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We enrolled 85 patients with RA who underwent locomotion training for 6 months after receiving instructions from a physical therapist. We evaluated the BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck 1 year before baseline (the start of locomotion training) and 1 year after baseline.

Two-Year Outcomes of Daily and Twice-Weekly Teriparatide Treatment in Postmenopausal Women with Severe Osteoporosis: A Randomized Non-Blinded Prospective Study.

Background: The long-term effects of daily teriparatide (D-TPTD) and twice-weekly TPTD (W-TPTD) injections are compared among postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis.

Methods: A total of 102 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups for the administration of either D-TPTD or W-TPTD. Treatment efficacy was measured as the percentage change in bone mineral density (ΔBMD) from baseline in the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck.

Correlation between the electrocardiogram amplitude detected by an implantable cardiac monitor and the implantation depth.

Introduction: Implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) primarily use R-R intervals in subcutaneous electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect arrhythmias. Therefore, reliable detection of R-wave amplitude by an ICM is vital. Since ICMs detect subcutaneous ECGs, the impact of the implantation depth should be assessed.

Effectiveness of locomotion training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective clinical trial.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of locomotion training on physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify factors associated with its effectiveness. [Participants and Methods] Data were obtained from 103 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent locomotion training for 6 months using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, pain visual analog scale, 10-meter walking speed, timed up-and-go test, single-leg standing time, grip strength, 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, Short Form-8, fat-free mass index, and fat mass index. [Results] A significant improvement in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, pain visual analog scale score, maximum 10-meter walking speed, timed up-and-go test, single-leg standing time, grip strength, and physical component summary in Short Form-8 was observed at six months.

Inflow Angle and Height-Width Ratio are Predictors of Incomplete Occlusion at One and Two Years After Flow Diverter Treatment for Small- and Medium-Sized Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms.

Objective: We investigated the association between the inflow angle of aneurysms and their occlusion status at 1 and 2 years after flow diverter (FD) treatment.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 42 consecutive patients from a single center with 43 untreated, unruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) proximal to communicating segment, saccular aneurysms sized <12 mm.

Results: At 1 year posttreatment, the complete occlusion (CO) rate was 58.

Torsade de pointes during an oral surgery caused by a combination of herbal medicine-induced pseudoaldosteronism and trigeminocardiac reflex.

Licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism and QT prolongation as its side effect. Trigeminal nerve stimulation, including surgical intervention involving the face, can cause transient bradycardia, known as the trigeminocardiac reflex. Although rare, a combination of these two etiologies can cause ventricular tachycardia.

Acute Distal Migration and Shortening of the Flow-Redirection Endoluminal Device: A Case Report.

Objective: The flow diverter (FD) is a promising device. Apart from two main complications, hemorrhagic and ischemic ones, stent migration is reportedly an unusual complication. In particular, distal migration of the FD has rarely been reported.

Successful endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal lipoma with an overlying adenoma.

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman whose colonoscopy revealed a soft submucosal tumor approximately 7 cm in diameter in the ascending colon with an overlying flat lesion. The tumor was diagnosed as a lipoma with an overlying adenoma. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed.

Intensive treatment for the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low disease activity or remission.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of intensive treatment on joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showing progression of joint damage and low disease activity or remission.

Methods: Eighty-nine patients who had change in the van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (TSS) of >0.5 points at baseline when compared with the score 1 year ago were enrolled and categorized into two groups to receive intensive (intensive group) or current (current group) treatment.

Changes in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers 6 months after the booster dose of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers.

Purpose: In Japan, the data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody titers after the booster dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine are insufficient. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers before, 1, 3, and 6 months after the booster dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers.

Materials And Methods: A total of 268 participants who received the booster dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine were analyzed.

Combination treatment with Janus kinase inhibitor and nintedanib for rheumatoid arthritis with progressive interstitial lung disease: A case report.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nintedanib has been approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, we described the case of an 87-year-old woman treated with Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi).