BackgroundTo compare efficacy of simvastatin with GnRHa (Decapeptyl 3.75 mg) on endometriosis-related pains following surgery for endometriosis.Material/MethodsSixty women with pelvic endometriosis, after laparoscopic diagnosis and conservative laparoscopic surgery, were treated with either simvastatin (n=30) for 16 weeks or Decapeptyl (n=30) every 4 weeks for 4 doses.ResultsUsing VAS, the score of dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, and pelvic pain 6 months after laparoscopic surgery declined significantly in both groups (p=0.001), but the difference between results of the 2 groups was not significant (p>0.05).ConclusionsBoth treatment modalities showed comparable effectiveness in the treatment of pains related to endometriosis.

SummaryBackgroundMeasuring coronary artery calcium score (CACS) using a dual-source CT scanner is recognized as a major indicator for assessing coronary artery disease. The present study aimed to validate the clinical significance of CACS in predicting coronary artery stenosis and its severity.Material/MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 202 consecutive patients who underwent both conventional coronary angiography and dual-source (256-slice) computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) for any reason in our cardiac imaging center from March to September 2013. CACS was measured by Agatston algorithm on non-enhanced CT. The severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by Gensini score on conventional angiography.ResultsThere was a significant relationship between the number of diseased coronary vessels and mean calcium score, i.e. the mean calcium score was 202.25±450.06 in normal coronary status, 427.50±607.24 in single-vessel disease, 590.03±511.34 in two-vessel disease, and 953.35±1023.45 in three-vessel disease (p<0.001). There was a positive association between calcium score and Gensini score (r=0.636, p<0.001). In a linear regression model, calcium score was a strong determinant of the severity of coronary artery disease. Calcium scoring had an acceptable value for discriminating coronary disease from normal condition with optimal cutoff point of 350, yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 70%, respectively.ConclusionsOur study confirmed the strong relationship between the coronary artery calcium score and the presence and severity of stenosis in coronary arteries assessed by both the number of diseased coronary vessels and also by the Gnesini score.

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Results of therapy with rituximab on regression/improvement of systemic sclerosis-related calcinosis are limited and non-conclusive.