Mihaita Patrasescu,
Petrut Nuta,
Raluca S. Costache,
Sandica Bucurica,
Bogdan Macadon,
Vasile Balaban,
Andrada Popescu,
Roxana Calin,
Ioana Raduta,
Daniel Pantile,
Florentina Ioniţă Radu,
Mariana Jinga View full articleColorectal cancer prevalence is increasing worldwide. Modifiable risk factors are responsible for almost 50 % of cases and this could imply a huge potential of preventability. Among these factors the level of physical activity is of paramount importance. Physical activity has a positive impact on health status in general and it decreases the prevalence of various cancers including colorectal cancer. Physical activity decreases the prevalence of benign colorectal adenomas and it prolongs the disease free interval after surgery in colorectal cancer, thus increasing survival. The mechanisms involved are multiple: decreasing bowel transit time, regulating energy balance, decreasing peripheral insulin resistance, decreasing hyperinsulinism, antiinflamatory effects, increasing vitamin D production.
Background and objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, used to assess atherosclerotic carotid plaques, improves visualization of vessel wall irregularities and depicts intraplaque neovascularization. This article illustrates the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the risk assessment of carotid atherosclerotic lesions, especially in challenging plaques evaluation. Materials and methods: For 23 patients with difficult duplex ultrasound examination due to carotid tortuosity or calcifications we assessed plaque morphology (contour, echogenicity and stenosis degree) using contrast substance (Sonovue, Braco) with dedicated vascular low mechanical index CPC software. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a new, noninvasive, and safe procedure for imaging carotid atherosclerotic lesions. It is a valuable tool for evaluating the vulnerable plaque at risk for rupture and for the diagnostic of the development and severity of systemic atherosclerotic disease
