Fetal echocardiography enables early detection of paracardial cyst. Pericardial cysts disappeared spontaneously during the course of gestation without signs of fetal cardiac compromise, suggesting a benign prognosis. Imaging by magnetic resonance and computerized tomography were particularly useful to clarify the etiology, structure and extent of those cysts that had not resolved by the time of birth. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective: Patients with asymptomatic haemorrhoids are known to be less tolerant of radiation doses lower than known tolerance doses. In the present study, the authors sought to identify the risk factors of acute haemorrhoid aggravation after whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT). Methods: The records of 33 patients with cervical, rectal or prostate cancer with asymptomatic haemorrhoids, which were confirmed by colonoscopy before the start of radiotherapy (RT), were reviewed. Acute anal symptoms, such as anal pain and bleeding, were observed up to 1 month after RT completion. Dosimetric and patient factors were analysed, and subgroup analyses were performed.Results: The median induction dose for acute anal symptoms was 34.1 Gy (range, 28.8-50.4 Gy). Postoperative treatment intent showed more acute anal toxicity of patient factors (p 5 0.04). In subgroup analysis, post-operative treatment intent and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were found to be related to acute anal symptoms (p , 0.01). Of the dosimetric factors, V 10

The sexuality and the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with alfuzosin (SAMBA) trial evaluated the effect of alfuzosin on sexual function in men treated for BPH using two sexual function scales: male sexual health questionnaire (MSHQ) and international index of erectile function (IIEF-15). A total of 148 patients with BPH were treated with alfuzosin for 24 weeks. The patients were followed at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after medication with alfuzosin. MSHQ was collected at every visit, whereas Q(max), IPSS and IIEF-15 were checked at baseline and end point. At the end point, Q(max) (+4.7 ml s(-1), P<0.01) and IPSS (-5.3, P<0.01) had improved significantly. Alfuzosin also significantly improved the total MSHQ (19.2%, 79.1-94.3, P<0.01) and the MSHQ ejaculatory scores (26.0%, 22.3-28.1, P=<0.01) versus baseline. Alfuzosin for the treatment of patients with BPH is effective in improving sexual function, as well as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and quality of life, and is well tolerated.