RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Hypophysitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland. It can manifest variously, with endocrinological and neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and signs, due to the compression of sellar and parasellar structures. CASE REPRESENTATION: Although hypophysitis is rare, this pituitary disease can occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. In this report, we describe the case of a woman with partial hypopituitarism secondary to autoimmune hypophysitis who, five years after the diagnosis and the immunosuppressive treatment, had an uneventful pregnancy and successfully delivered a healthy infant at term. CONCLUSION: We reported the clinical history of the patient and the evolution of the disease and also reviewed the management and treatment of autoimmune hypophysitis during pregnancy.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland. Symptoms and signs of hypophysitis can be various, and its recognition may be challenging. Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) due to exposure to a variety of drugs and toxic substances is rare, but some cases have been reported. Only 2 cases of AVP-D following toxic exposure to toluene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, our case represents the first description of an infundibulo neurohypophysitis (INH), manifested with AVP-D, secondary to inhalation of toluene. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history was referred to our department for headache, polyuria, and polydipsia after the inhalation of spray film containing toluene. The blood tests revealed a hyperosmolar plasma hypernatremia with normal kidney function. A desmopressin test was performed, with an improvement in water balances, blood electrolytes, and diuresis contraction. A pituitary MRI detected the absence of a normal hyperintense signal of the neuro-pituitary in the T1-weighted images. In consideration of the clinical signs and radiological imaging suggestive of INH, a therapy with desmopressin and corticosteroids was instituted, with gradual improvement of polyuria and resolution of the radiological features of INH. CONCLUSION: The exceptional finding of INH, manifested with AVP-D, following toluene inhalation could represent a new secondary cause of hypophysitis. The possibility that drugs or toxic substances never reported before could induce INH should not be excluded since the study on hypophysitis is relatively recent but emerging, predictably destined to increase exponentially in the coming years.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is associated with skeletal fragility and increased prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF). Two isoforms of GH receptor (GHR) have been described, which differ in the presence or absence of a transcript of exon 3 of the GHR gene. Both isoforms produce a functional receptor, but the exon 3-deleted isoforms (d3-GHR) have greater sensitivity to endogenous and recombinant GH than the full-length isoform (fl-GHR). OBJECTIVE: We conducted a longitudinal, retrospective, observational, single-center study to investigate the role of GHR polymorphism as a prognostic factor of incidental VF (I-VF) in firstgeneration somatostatin analogs (fg-SSAs)-resistant acromegalic patients and treated with Pegvisomant or Pasireotide LAR. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with active acromegaly were included: 28 patients carried the d3-GHR isoform, and 44 patients carried the fl-GHR isoform. Forty-six patients were treated with Pegvisomant in combination with fg-SSAs, and 26 were treated with Pasireotide LAR. At the last follow-up, 58 patients achieved biochemical control of acromegaly. Eighteen patients carried prevalent VF (P-VFs), while 14 patients experienced the occurrence of I-VFs. RESULTS: From the group treated with Pegvisomant in combination with fg-SSAs, 32 patients carried the fl-GHR isoform, and 14 carried the d3-GHR isoform. From the group treated with Pasireotide LAR, 12 patients had the fl-GHR isoform, and 14 patients carried the d3-GHR isoform. I-VF occurred more frequently in patients with the fl-GHR isoform compared to d3-GHR (p =0.04); otherwise, I-VF occurred more frequently in patients with the d3-GHR isoform than fl-GHR (p =0.01). CONCLUSION: The GHR polymorphisms could improve the therapeutic approach in acromegaly, tailored to the individual patient, in the context of personalized medicine.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to show how to improve diagnostic accuracy using CDUS and twinkling artifact in patients experiencing discomfort due to the presence of small FBs in the soft tissues not clearly visible at US grayscale examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 7 adult patients presenting with small (2-4 mm) superficial FBs located in the subcutaneous and muscle tissues, barely or not detectable on US grayscale. All patients underwent US grayscale and CDUS examinations. RESULTS: We identified superficial FB with twinkling artifact in all 7 patients. All of these were confirmed to represent foreign bodies after surgical excision. CONCLUSION: TA is useful in the evaluation of subcutaneous and muscular FBs and provides information on their location, depth and shape, which is useful if surgical excision is required.
RESUMO
CONTEXT: The prompt control of acromegaly is a primary treatment aim for reducing related disease morbidity and mortality. First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) are the cornerstone of medical therapies. A non-negligible number of patients do not respond to this treatment. Several predictors of fg-SRL response were identified, but a comprehensive prognostic model is lacking. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to design a prognostic model based on clinical and biochemical parameters, and pathological features, including data on immune tumor microenvironment. METHODS: A retrospective, monocenter, cohort study was performed on 67 medically naïve patients with acromegaly. Fifteen clinical, pathological, and radiological features were collected and analyzed as independent risk factors of fg-SRLs response, using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A stepwise selection method was applied to identify the final regression model. A nomogram was then obtained. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were fg-SRLs responders. An increased risk to poor response to fg-SRLs were observed in somatotropinomas with absent/cytoplasmatic SSTR2 expression (OR 5.493 95% CI 1.19-25.16, P = .028), with low CD68+/CD8+ ratio (OR 1.162, 95% CI 1.01-1.33, P = .032). Radical surgical resection was associated with a low risk of poor fg-SRLs response (OR 0.106, 95% CI 0.025-0.447 P = .002). The nomogram obtained from the stepwise regression model was based on the CD68+/CD8+ ratio, SSTR2 score, and the persistence of postsurgery residual tumor and was able to predict the response to fg-SRLs with good accuracy (area under the curve 0.85). CONCLUSION: Although our predictive model should be validated in prospective studies, our data suggest that this nomogram may represent an easy to use tool for predicting the fg-SRL outcome early.
RESUMO
Hypophysitis, a rare inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland, has seen an uptick in reported cases in recent years. Our objective is to summarize the most recent research on the etiopathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and genetics of both primary and secondary hypophysitis. Primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH): During the acute phase of the disease, the pituitary gland in enlarged due to the infiltration of T and B lymphocytes. The chronic phase is characterized by progressive and irreversible pituitary atrophy. APA may play a role in the management, diagnosis, and prognosis of PAH. Specific autoantibodies such as anti-GH, anti-PIT-1, and anti-T-PIT have been found in patients with hypophysitis and hypopituitarism. A recent study suggested that a mechanism of escaping clonal deletion and mounting an immune response against self antigens can explain the unusual nature of the immune response observed in PAH patients. A cytokine array shows the presence of gamma-interferon and interleukin-17. Patients carrying mutations in the PIT1 or PROP1 genes may present PAH. Individuals carrying the HLA DQ8 haplotype are four times more likely to develop PAH. Immune checkpoint inhibitors induce hypophysitis (IIHs): IIHs is an increasingly frequent toxicity of in patients on treatment with inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). ICIs inhibit the CTLA-4 pathway, leading to overactivation of T lymphocytes. The binding of PD-1/PD-L1 suppresses the activity of T cells, promotes the conversion of T-helpers into T-regulatory cells, and activates pro-survival signaling pathways in cancer cells. Cytokines play a crucial role in IIHs. B-cell infiltration has been observed in IIHs, suggesting that antibody-mediated pituitary injury may contribute. Genetic polymorphisms of CTLA-4 and PD-1 genes can increase the risk of IIHs. HLA alleles may also be involved in the onset of IIHs; this HLA association presents a possible alternative mechanistic hypothesis. IIHs may also be linked to a paraneoplastic syndrome triggered by ectopic expression of pituitary specific antigens. SARS-CoV-2-related hypophysitis: Recently, the literature has reported occurrences of hypophysitis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus; long COVID-19 may also present as infundibulo-neuro-hypophysitis. The virus enters the central nervous system because of its distinct interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors via spike proteins binding the capillary endothelium, and it directly damages the pituitary cells. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 can occur indirectly through inflammation and the release of cytokines. The exact mechanism remains ambiguous. The available data on endocrine complications associated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are scant. Nonetheless, isolated cases of hypophysitis have been documented. Treatment of hypophysitis: Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone in managing primary hypophysitis, given their targeted action on inflammation. A better understanding of the etiopathogenesis and molecular mechanism of hypophysitis can lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lower-extremity endovascular revascularization (LER) is often required for diabetic patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). During the post-revascularization period patients may unpredictably experience major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). Several families of cytokines are involved in the inflammatory process that underlies the progression of atherosclerosis. According to current evidence, we have identified a panel of possible biomarkers related with the risk of developing MACE and MALE after LER. The aim was to study the relationship between a panel of biomarkers - Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and 6 (IL-6), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), High-Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Sortilin and Omentin-1- at baseline, with cardiovascular outcomes (MACE and MALE) after LER in diabetic patients with CLTI. METHODS: In this prospective non-randomized study, 264 diabetic patients with CLTI undergoing endovascular revascularization were enrolled. Serum levels of each biomarker were collected before revascularization and outcomes' incidence was evaluated after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 42 cases of MACE and 81 cases of MALE occurred. There was a linear association for each biomarker at baseline and incident MACE and MALE, except Omentin-1 levels that were inversely related to the presence of MACE or MALE. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the association between each biomarker baseline level and outcomes remained significant in multivariable analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) models were constructed using traditional clinical and laboratory risk factors and the inclusion of biomarkers significantly improved the prediction of incident events. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated IL-1, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, HMGB-1, OPG and Sortilin levels and low Omentin-1 levels at baseline correlate with worse vascular outcomes in diabetic patients with CLTI undergoing LER. Assessment of the inflammatory state with this panel of biomarkers may support physicians to identify a subset of patients more susceptible to the procedure failure and to develop cardiovascular adverse events after LER.
Assuntos
Doenças Cardiovasculares , Diabetes Mellitus , Humanos , Estudos Prospectivos , Isquemia Crônica Crítica de Membro , Fatores de Risco , Interleucina-6 , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa , Biomarcadores , Proteína C-Reativa , Fatores de Risco de Doenças Cardíacas , Interleucina-1RESUMO
This article describes the design and characteristics of a questionnaire and an intradomiciliary observation tool developed to assess the housing-neighborhood-health relationship both cross-sectionally and longitudinally in the context of urban transformations carried out in populations of high socio-territorial vulnerability. The instruments were developed for the multi-method longitudinal study RUCAS (Urban Regeneration, Quality of Life and Health), a natural experiment aiming to assess the quality of life and health impact of a comprehensive Urban Regeneration Program in two social housing complexes in Chile. The design of the instruments followed four main stages: (1) narrative review of the literature to define the dimensions of the study, and of existing measurement instruments to identify appropriate items for measuring them; (2) content validation with experts; (3) pre-test; and (4) pilot study. The resulting questionnaire, composed of 262 items, considers the different stages of the life course and gender issues. The intradomiciliary observation tool (77 items) is applied by the interviewer. The instruments assess (i) characteristics of the current residential situation that are known to affect health and will be intervened by the program; (ii) dimensions of health potentially affected by the residential situation and/or by the intervention within the time frame of the study (4 years); (iii) other health and health-related conditions that are relevant, even if changes will not be modified within the time frame of the study; and (iv) relevant socioeconomic, occupational and demographic dimensions. The instruments have shown to be capable of addressing the multidimensionality of urban transformation processes in contexts of urban poverty in formal housing.
Este artículo describe el proceso de diseño y las características de un cuestionario y una pauta de observación intradomiciliaria desarrollados para evaluar tanto transversal como longitudinalmente la relación vivienda-barrio-salud en el marco de transformaciones urbanas llevadas a cabo en poblaciones de elevada vulnerabilidad socio-territorial. Los instrumentos se desarrollaron para el estudio longitudinal multimétodos RUCAS (Regeneración Urbana, Calidad de Vida y Salud), un experimento natural cuyo objetivo principal es evaluar el impacto en salud y calidad de vida de un programa de Regeneración de Conjuntos Habitacionales en dos conjuntos de vivienda social en Chile. El diseño de los instrumentos siguió cuatro etapas principales: (1) revisión narrativa de la literatura para definir las dimensiones del estudio, y de instrumentos existentes para identificar ítems apropiados para su medición; (2) validación de contenido con expertos; (3) pre-test; y (4) estudio piloto. El cuestionario resultante, compuesto de 262 ítems, tiene en cuenta las distintas etapas del ciclo vital y cuestiones de género. La pauta de observación intradomiciliaria (77 ítems) es aplicada por el/la encuestadora. Los instrumentos abordan (i) características de la situación residencial actual que sabidamente afectan la salud y serán intervenidas por el programa; (ii) dimensiones de la salud potencialmente afectadas por la situación residencial y/o por la intervención dentro de los plazos del estudio (4 años); (iii) otras condiciones de salud y relacionadas con la salud que sean relevantes, aun cuando no se verán modificadas dentro de los plazos del estudio, y (iv) dimensiones socioeconómicas, ocupacionales y demográficas relevantes. Los instrumentos han mostrado ser una herramienta capaz de abordar la multidimensionalidad de los procesos de transformación urbana en contextos de pobreza urbana en vivienda formal.
Este artigo descreve o processo de desenho e as características de um questionário e uma diretriz de observação intradomiciliar desenvolvida para avaliar, tanto transversal quanto longitudinalmente, a relação moradia-vizinhança-saúde no âmbito das transformações urbanas realizadas em populações de alta vulnerabilidade sócio-territorial. Os instrumentos foram desenvolvidos para o estudo longitudinal multimétodo RUCAS (Regeneração Urbana, Qualidade de Vida e Saúde), uma experiência natural destinada a avaliar a relação moradia-vizinhança-saúde e o impacto na saúde de um programa de regeneração habitacional em dois conjuntos habitacionais sociais no Chile. A concepção dos instrumentos seguiu quatro etapas principais: (1) revisão narrativa da literatura para definir as dimensões do estudo, e dos instrumentos existentes para identificar itens apropriados para a medição; (2) validação do conteúdo com especialistas; (3) pré-teste; e (4) estudo piloto. O questionário resultante, composto de 262 itens, leva em conta diferentes estágios do ciclo de vida e questões de gênero. A diretriz de observação intradomiciliar (77 itens) é aplicada pelo entrevistador. Os instrumentos abordam (i) características da situação atual da moradia que são conhecidas por afetar a saúde e serão intervencionadas pelo programa; (ii) dimensões da saúde potencialmente afetadas pela moradia e/ou pela intervenção dentro do prazo do estudo (4 anos); (iii) outras condições de saúde e relacionadas à saúde que são relevantes, mesmo que não sejam modificadas dentro do prazo do estudo; e (iv) dimensões sócioeconômicas, ocupacionais e demográficas relevantes. Os instrumentos projetados demonstraram ser uma ferramenta capaz de abordar a multidimensionalidade dos processos de transformação urbana em contextos de pobreza urbana na habitação formal.
Assuntos
Habitação , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Projetos Piloto , BrasilRESUMO
Cardiovascular complications after lower extremity revascularization (LER) are common in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). The Klotho-fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) axis is associated with endothelial injury and cardiovascular risk. We aimed to analyze the relationship between Klotho and FGF23 serum levels and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) after LER in diabetic patients with PAD and CLTI. Baseline levels of Klotho and FGF23, and their association with subsequent incidence of MACE and MALE were analyzed in a prospective, non-randomized study in a population of diabetic patients with PAD and CLTI requiring LER. A total of 220 patients were followed for 12 months after LER. Sixty-three MACE and 122 MALE were recorded during follow-up period. Baseline lower Klotho serum levels (295.3 ± 151.3 pg/mL vs. 446.4 ± 171.7 pg/mL, p < 0.01), whereas increased serum levels FGF23 (75.0 ± 11.8 pg/mL vs. 53.2 ± 15.4 pg/mL, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with the development of MACE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed the predictive power of Klotho and FGF23 baseline levels. Furthermore, decreased Klotho levels were associated with the occurrence of MALE after LER (329.1 ± 136.8 pg/mL vs 495.4 ± 183.9 pg/mL, p < 0.01). We found that Klotho and FGF23 baseline levels are a potential biomarker for increased cardiovascular risk after LER in diabetic patients with PAD and CLTI.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus , Doença Arterial Periférica , Humanos , Isquemia Crônica Crítica de Membro , Fatores de Crescimento de Fibroblastos , Glucuronidase , Coração , Isquemia/complicações , Doença Arterial Periférica/complicações , Estudos Prospectivos , Proteínas Klotho/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitor hypophysitis (IIHs) is an emerging problem in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to describe the clinical and molecular features of a multicenter series of IIHs. METHODS: Demographic and clinical features were retrospectively collected for all cases. Anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus autoantibodies were also measured. RESULTS: Nine patients were included. Six patients were treated with nivolumab and three with ipilimumab. Secondary hypoadrenalism was diagnosed in all patients. Pituitary MRI showed pituitary enlargement in two cases and no abnormalities in the other seven. Anti-pituitary antibodies were positive in 57.1% of cases and anti-hypothalamus antibodies in 85.7% of cases. Multidisciplinary treatments were established by a neuroendocrinologist and oncologists: all patients were treated with hydrocortisone replacement; ICI was withdrawn in two cases. At follow-up, hypoadrenalism persisted in all cases. Pituitary enlargement on MRI spontaneously recovered in the two affected patients. We found that the typical features of hypophysitis involved more frequently females and patients treated with ipilimumab. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study did not clarify if autoimmune secondary hypoadrenalism and ICI hypophysitis on brain imaging are two sides of the same disease, our preliminary data underline the need for molecular studies of IIHs and of autoimmune ICIs-related hypopituitarism.
RESUMO
Este artículo describe el proceso de diseño y las características de un cuestionario y una pauta de observación intradomiciliaria desarrollados para evaluar tanto transversal como longitudinalmente la relación vivienda-barrio-salud en el marco de transformaciones urbanas llevadas a cabo en poblaciones de elevada vulnerabilidad socio-territorial. Los instrumentos se desarrollaron para el estudio longitudinal multimétodos RUCAS (Regeneración Urbana, Calidad de Vida y Salud), un experimento natural cuyo objetivo principal es evaluar el impacto en salud y calidad de vida de un programa de Regeneración de Conjuntos Habitacionales en dos conjuntos de vivienda social en Chile. El diseño de los instrumentos siguió cuatro etapas principales: (1) revisión narrativa de la literatura para definir las dimensiones del estudio, y de instrumentos existentes para identificar ítems apropiados para su medición; (2) validación de contenido con expertos; (3) pre-test; y (4) estudio piloto. El cuestionario resultante, compuesto de 262 ítems, tiene en cuenta las distintas etapas del ciclo vital y cuestiones de género. La pauta de observación intradomiciliaria (77 ítems) es aplicada por el/la encuestadora. Los instrumentos abordan (i) características de la situación residencial actual que sabidamente afectan la salud y serán intervenidas por el programa; (ii) dimensiones de la salud potencialmente afectadas por la situación residencial y/o por la intervención dentro de los plazos del estudio (4 años); (iii) otras condiciones de salud y relacionadas con la salud que sean relevantes, aun cuando no se verán modificadas dentro de los plazos del estudio, y (iv) dimensiones socioeconómicas, ocupacionales y demográficas relevantes. Los instrumentos han mostrado ser una herramienta capaz de abordar la multidimensionalidad de los procesos de transformación urbana en contextos de pobreza urbana en vivienda formal.
This article describes the design and characteristics of a questionnaire and an intradomiciliary observation tool developed to assess the housing-neighborhood-health relationship both cross-sectionally and longitudinally in the context of urban transformations carried out in populations of high socio-territorial vulnerability. The instruments were developed for the multi-method longitudinal study RUCAS (Urban Regeneration, Quality of Life and Health), a natural experiment aiming to assess the quality of life and health impact of a comprehensive Urban Regeneration Program in two social housing complexes in Chile. The design of the instruments followed four main stages: (1) narrative review of the literature to define the dimensions of the study, and of existing measurement instruments to identify appropriate items for measuring them; (2) content validation with experts; (3) pre-test; and (4) pilot study. The resulting questionnaire, composed of 262 items, considers the different stages of the life course and gender issues. The intradomiciliary observation tool (77 items) is applied by the interviewer. The instruments assess (i) characteristics of the current residential situation that are known to affect health and will be intervened by the program; (ii) dimensions of health potentially affected by the residential situation and/or by the intervention within the time frame of the study (4 years); (iii) other health and health-related conditions that are relevant, even if changes will not be modified within the time frame of the study; and (iv) relevant socioeconomic, occupational and demographic dimensions. The instruments have shown to be capable of addressing the multidimensionality of urban transformation processes in contexts of urban poverty in formal housing.
Este artigo descreve o processo de desenho e as características de um questionário e uma diretriz de observação intradomiciliar desenvolvida para avaliar, tanto transversal quanto longitudinalmente, a relação moradia-vizinhança-saúde no âmbito das transformações urbanas realizadas em populações de alta vulnerabilidade sócio-territorial. Os instrumentos foram desenvolvidos para o estudo longitudinal multimétodo RUCAS (Regeneração Urbana, Qualidade de Vida e Saúde), uma experiência natural destinada a avaliar a relação moradia-vizinhança-saúde e o impacto na saúde de um programa de regeneração habitacional em dois conjuntos habitacionais sociais no Chile. A concepção dos instrumentos seguiu quatro etapas principais: (1) revisão narrativa da literatura para definir as dimensões do estudo, e dos instrumentos existentes para identificar itens apropriados para a medição; (2) validação do conteúdo com especialistas; (3) pré-teste; e (4) estudo piloto. O questionário resultante, composto de 262 itens, leva em conta diferentes estágios do ciclo de vida e questões de gênero. A diretriz de observação intradomiciliar (77 itens) é aplicada pelo entrevistador. Os instrumentos abordam (i) características da situação atual da moradia que são conhecidas por afetar a saúde e serão intervencionadas pelo programa; (ii) dimensões da saúde potencialmente afetadas pela moradia e/ou pela intervenção dentro do prazo do estudo (4 anos); (iii) outras condições de saúde e relacionadas à saúde que são relevantes, mesmo que não sejam modificadas dentro do prazo do estudo; e (iv) dimensões sócioeconômicas, ocupacionais e demográficas relevantes. Os instrumentos projetados demonstraram ser uma ferramenta capaz de abordar a multidimensionalidade dos processos de transformação urbana em contextos de pobreza urbana na habitação formal.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most disabling cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is indeed associated with a high risk of cardiovascular and limb adverse events. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) is a nuclear protein involved in the inflammatory response that acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine when released into the extracellular space. HMBG-1 is associated with PAD in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum HMGB-1 levels and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) after lower-extremity endovascular revascularization (LER) in a group of diabetic patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of 201 diabetic patients with PAD and CLTI requiring LER. Baseline serum HMGB-1 levels were determined before endovascular procedure. Data on cardiovascular and limb outcomes were collected in a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 81 cases of MACE and 93 cases of MALE occurred. Patients who subsequently developed MACE and MALE had higher serum HMGB-1 levels. Specifically, 7.5 ng/mL vs 4.9 ng/mL (p < 0.01) for MACE and 7.2 ng/mL vs 4.8 ng/mL (p < 0.01) for MALE. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the association between serum HMGB-1 levels and cardiovascular outcomes remained significant in multivariable analysis. In our receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, serum HMGB-1 levels were a good predictor of MACE incidence (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.78) and MALE incidence (AUC = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that serum HMGB-1 levels are associated with the incidence of MACE and MALE after LER in diabetic populations with PAD and CLTI.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Procedimentos Endovasculares , Doença Arterial Periférica , Citocinas , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicações , Procedimentos Endovasculares/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Isquemia/epidemiologia , Extremidade Inferior/irrigação sanguínea , Doença Arterial Periférica/complicações , Doença Arterial Periférica/diagnóstico , Doença Arterial Periférica/cirurgia , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in characterizing between malignant and benign renal lesions confirmed by histological examination. METHODS: Overall, 110 patients, for a total of 118 renal masses previously identified at CT and MRI underwent CEUS. An expert radiologist evaluated morphological, qualitative and quantitative parameters. Acquired data were analyzed to assess the value of each parameter to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. RESULTS: Histological results of 118 renal masses showed 88 (75%) malignant lesions and 30 (25%) benign lesions. Among morphological features, inhomogeneous echogenicity was the best predictor of malignancy depicting a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 76%, 76%, 88% and 57%, respectively. Among qualitative parameters, the most reliable parameter was the presence of pseudo-capsule. Here, sensitivity, specificity, positive PPV and NPV were 85%, 86%, 94% and 71%, respectively. Among quantitative parameters, the most reliable parameters were peak intensity (PI) and the area under the (AUC) with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of 94%, 92%, 96% and 87% and 99%, 92%, 97% and 97%, respectively. Finally, the most reliable parameters were combined to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. The best combination obtained was restricted to CEUS parameters (PI and AUC). Here, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy rate were 93%, 100%, 100%, 83% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS increases the US accuracy to discriminate between benign and malignant renal lesions.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes , Hipofisite Autoimune , Doenças da Hipófise , Autoanticorpos , Humanos , HipófiseRESUMO
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a childhood febrile disease. Oral lesions and papulovesicular lesions on the hands and feet are the clinical signs of the disease. In our case, a 17-year-old boy presented to the emergency department, where he was diagnosed with HFMD. After 6 days, he felt intense pain in his right testicle, and therefore an ultrasound (US) examination was performed. US detected a hypoechoic mass-like area in the right testis. Viral etiology was suspected, and no therapy was prescribed. After a little more than 3 months, US examination showed a reduced lesion size. Viral epididymo-orchitis should be suspected in young men with a recent history of HFMD and testicular pain.
Assuntos
Doença de Mão, Pé e Boca , Adolescente , Criança , Doença de Mão, Pé e Boca/complicações , Doença de Mão, Pé e Boca/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Extremidade Inferior , Masculino , Dor , Escroto , TestículoRESUMO
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common urological complication in renal transplant patients. THE AIM: of this study is to evaluate the performance of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEvUS) in the diagnosis and classification of reflux into the renal allograft, to evaluate and classify VUR into the allograft using voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and CEvUS, to compare the two methods, and to propose a new classification of reflux into the allograft based on CEvUS and VCUG assessment, in line with the international reflux grading system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2017 to July 2019, 84 kidney transplant patients were enrolled. All patients underwent VCUG and CEvUS. RESULTS: In 76 cases there was agreement between VCUG and CEvUS (90â%) (Kappaâ=â0.7). The sensitivity of CEvUS using VCUG as the gold standard was 90â%, and the specificity was 92â%. Of the 7 cases diagnosed by VCUG and not by CEvUS, 6 were grade 1 and 1 was grade 2. CONCLUSION: Transplant patients with reflux symptoms should undergo CEvUS.âIf the outcome is negative, VCUG should be performed. The classification that we propose is better suited to describe VUR in transplant patients, because it is simpler and takes into account whether reflux occurs not only during urination but also when the bladder is relaxed.
Assuntos
Transplante de Rim , Refluxo Vesicoureteral , Meios de Contraste , Humanos , Lactente , Transplante de Rim/efeitos adversos , Ultrassonografia/métodos , Micção , Refluxo Vesicoureteral/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Carotid atherosclerosis represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. In particular, plaque instability contributes to disease progression and stroke incidence. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein involved in promotion and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 serum levels, main inflammatory cytokines, the presence of internal carotid stenosis and unstable plaque in a diabetic population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 873 diabetic patients, including 347 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 526 diabetic patients without internal carotid artery stenosis (WICAS). At baseline, HMGB1 and the main inflammatory cytokines serum levels were evaluated. For ICAS patients, the histological features of carotid plaque were also collected to differentiate them in patients with stable or unstable atherosclerotic lesions. RESULTS: We found that HMGB1 serum levels, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in diabetic ICAS patients compared to diabetic WICAS patients. Among ICAS patients, individuals with unstable plaque had higher levels of these cytokines, compared to patients with stable plaque. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that HMGB1 and osteoprotegerin remained independently associated with unstable plaque in ICAS patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque vulnerability in an Italian population with diabetes mellitus, representing a promising biomarker of carotid plaque instability and a possible molecular target to treat unstable carotid plaques and to prevent stroke.
Assuntos
Estenose das Carótidas/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/sangue , Proteína HMGB1/sangue , Placa Aterosclerótica , Idoso , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Estenose das Carótidas/epidemiologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/sangue , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Osteoprotegerina/sangue , Prognóstico , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Ruptura Espontânea , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangueRESUMO
Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a condition characterized by increased oxidative stress, is related to augmented cardiovascular, metabolic and oncological risk. A case-control observational study has been performed to evaluate DNA oxidative damage analysing the production of thymidine-glycol in lymphocytes and its correlation with plasma antioxidant levels, evaluated as Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). GHD was diagnosed using GHRH 50µg iv+arginine 0,5 g/Kg test, with peak GH response <9 µg/L when BMI was <30 kg/m2 or <4 µg/L when BMI was >30 kg/m2. Three groups were identified: total GHD (n = 16), partial GHD (n = 11), and controls (n = 12). Thymidine-glycol, TAC and IGF-1 have been determined respectively in lymphocytes, plasma and serum samples. When considering thymidine-glycol, we found a significant difference between total vs partial GHD and controls. Unexpectedly thymidine-glycol was lower in total GHD, also accompanied with a significant increase in plasmatic TAC. Our results showed that in adult GHD condition, the production of antioxidant species, in response to increased oxidative stress, could exert a protective effect on thymidine-glycol formation, and consequently on DNA intracellular damages. This pilot study could be inserted in the complex scenario of oxidative damage of GHD, a subtle, yet poorly defined condition, worthy of further insights.
Assuntos
Dano ao DNA , Hormônio do Crescimento Humano/deficiência , Linfócitos/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , Linfócitos/citologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Projetos Piloto , Timidina/análogos & derivados , Timidina/metabolismoRESUMO
In December 2019 in Wuhan (China), a bat-origin coronavirus (2019-nCoV), also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified, and the World Health Organization named the related disease COVID-19. Its most severe manifestations are pneumonia, systemic and pulmonary thromboembolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and respiratory failure. A swab test is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19 despite the high number of false negatives. Radiologists play a crucial role in the rapid identification and early diagnosis of pulmonary involvement. Lung ultrasound (LUS) and computed tomography (CT) have a high sensitivity in detecting pulmonary interstitial involvement. LUS is a low-cost and radiation-free method, which allows a bedside approach and needs disinfection of only a small contact area, so it could be particularly useful during triage and in intensive care units (ICUs). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is particularly useful in evaluating disease progression or resolution, being able to identify even the smallest changes.