Vertical lines in distal esophageal mucosa (VLEM): a true endoscopic manifestation of esophagitis in children?
Histology usually demonstrated moderate to severe inflammation when VLEM were present. VLEM may be a highly specific endoscopic feature of esophagitis in children.
In this small retrospective study, there was a correlation between total cholesterol levels and survival of patients with advanced heart failure on mechanical support. A cholesterol level below 100 mg/dl was accompanied by a high perioperative mortality. In contrast, a cholesterol level above 120 mg/dl was accompanied by a 87% chance of survival. The results suggest a predictive value of cholesterol which is independent of the hemodynamic status.