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Four of five patients with asymptomatic small or moderate-size pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) presented with a paradoxical embolus and stroke. In these patients chest radiographic findings were subtle and arterial hypoxemia provided the real clue to diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) and cerebral arteriography confirmed embolic occlusion in four of five patients. Careful family screening including posteroanterior (PA) and lateral chest radiographs and arterial oxygen determinations in sitting or standing positions are recommended for early detection of asymptomatic patients with PAVM. Early therapeutic intervention (with balloon embolotherapy) is recommended to avoid paradoxical embolization.

Background: This study's goal was a retrospective chart audit of 100 outpatients with discogenic low back pain (LBP) lasting more than 12 weeks treated with a 2-month course of motorized spinal decompression via the DRX9000 (Axiom Worldwide, Tampa, FL, U.S.A.). Methods: Patients at a convenience sample of four clinics received 30-minute DRX9000 sessions daily for the first 2 weeks tapering to 1 session/week. Treatment protocol included lumbar stretching, myofascial release, or heat prior to treatment, with ice and/or muscle stimulation afterwards. Primary outcome was verbal numerical pain intensity rating (NRS) 0 to 10 before and after the 8-week treatment. Results: Of the 100 initial subjects, three withdrew their protected health information, and three were excluded

Analysis of 193 femoropopliteal angioplasties demonstrated patency rates in the stenotic group of 75.5% at 6 months and 54.4% at 54 months. The patency rates for the occlusive group were 93.7% at 6 months and 72.9% at 54 months; these rates were significantly better than those in patients with stenoses. A group of 14 patients with long-segment (greater than 7 cm) stenosis had the highest risk of early failure, with a 6-month patency of 23.1%. After removal of the long-segment stenosis group from the results, there were no significant differences between the long-term patencies for stenotic and occlusive lesions. If angioplasty of long stenoses is attempted, a high initial success rate but early failure should be anticipated.