Fibromyalgia (FM) affects 1% to 5% of the population, and approximately 90% of the affected individuals are women. FM patients experience impaired quality of life and the disorder places a considerable economic burden on the medical care system. With the recognition of FM as a major health problem, many recent studies have evaluated the pathophysiology of FM. Although the etiology of FM remains unknown, it is thought to involve some combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure that triggers further alterations in gene expression. Because FM shows marked familial aggregation, most previous research has focused on genetic predisposition to FM and has revealed associations between genetic factors and the development of FM, including specific gene polymorphisms involved in the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic pathways. The aim of this review was to discuss the current evidence regarding genetic factors that may play a role in the development and symptom severity of FM.

BackgroundTo compare the effects of low dose and high dose of statin treatment on endothelial function and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with variant angina (VAP).MethodsA total of 70 patients with VAP were divided into two groups; atorvastatin 10 mg treatment group (group I: n = 35, 54.2 ± 12.5 years) versus atorvastatin 40 mg treatment group (group II: n = 35, 52.6 ± 9.8 years). Flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and IMT of the carotid artery were compared between the groups after 6 months of statin treatment.ResultsThe baseline FMD and carotid IMT were not different between the groups. After 6 months of statin therapy, FMD was significantly improved in both groups (7.7 ± 2.5% to 8.9 ± 2.2% in group I, p = 0.001, 7.9 ± 2.7% to 9.5 ± 2.8% in group II, p < 0.001), but the degree of FMD change and FMD at 6 month were not different between the groups. Carotid IMT were not changed in both groups after 6 months of statin therapy.ConclusionThe use of statin for 6 months significantly improved endothelial function in patients with VAP, but carotid IMT was not changed. The use of high dose statin did not show significant additional benefit as compared with the use of low dose statin. The present study suggested that statin therapy would be beneficial in the treatment of VAP.

BackgroundAortic stiffness and intima-media thickness (IMT) are known to be associated with ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences of aortic stiffness and IMT between cerebral infarction (CI) and transient ischemic attack (TIA).MethodsA total of 500 patients with acute stroke were divided into 2 groups: the TIA group (n = 230, 62.4 ± 12 years, 144 males) versus CI group (n = 270, 63.4 ± 11 years, 181 males). Aortic stiffness index and IMT, as well as conventional cardiovascular risk factors, were compared.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were significantly higher, and left atrial volume and E/E' were significantly elevated in the CI group than in the TIA group. Carotid IMT was significantly thicker in the CI group than in the TIA group. Aortic stiffness index β was significantly higher (7.99 ± 2.70 vs. 7.02 ± 4.30, p = 0.043) and aortic IMT was significantly thicker (1.53 ± 0.41 vs. 1.45 ± 0.39 mm, p = 0.040) in the CI group than in the TIA group. Aortic stiffness index β was significantly correlated with the IMT of the aorta (r = 0.279, p = 0.014), right (r = 412, p < 0.001) and left carotid artery (r = 441, p < 0.001).ConclusionAortic stiffness index β and IMT were significantly higher in patients with CI than TIA. The result of the present study suggested that CI is associated with more advanced degree of atherosclerotic and arteriosclerotic process than TIA.

An aneurysm of the subclavian artery is rare. Recently, we experienced a case of a ruptured subclavian artery aneurysm presenting as hemoptysis. The patient had experienced atypical chest discomfort, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a small aneurysm of the left subclavian artery (SCA). Hemoptysis occurred 2 weeks later. Follow-up CT showed a ruptured aneurysm at the proximal left SCA. Endovascular treatment with a graft stent was performed by bilateral arterial access with a 12-Fr introducer sheath placed via cutdown of the left axillary artery and an 8-Fr sheath in the right femoral artery. A self-expandable Viabahn covered stent measuring 13×5 mm was introduced retrogradely via the left axillary sheath and was positioned under contrast guidance with an 8-Fr JR4 guide through the femoral sheath. After the procedure, hemoptysis was not found, and the 3-month follow-up CT showed luminal patency of the left proximal SCA and considerable reduction of the hematoma.

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