Leptin Signaling in Obesity and Colorectal Cancer.

Obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC) are among the leading diseases causing deaths in the world, showing a complex multifactorial pathology. Obesity is considered a risk factor in CRC development through inflammation, metabolic, and signaling processes. Leptin is one of the most important adipokines related to obesity and an important proinflammatory marker, mainly expressed in adipose tissue, with many genetic variation profiles, many related influencing factors, and various functions that have been ascribed but not yet fully understood and elucidated, the most important ones being related to energy metabolism, as well as endocrine and immune systems. Aberrant signaling and genetic variations of leptin are correlated with obesity and CRC, with the genetic causality showing both inherited and acquired events, in addition to lifestyle and environmental risk factors; these might also be related to specific pathogenic pathways at different time points. Moreover, mutation gain is a crucial factor enabling the genetic process of CRC. Currently, the inconsistent and insufficient data related to leptin's relationship with obesity and CRC indicate the necessity of further related studies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on leptin genetics and its potential relationship with the main pathogenic pathways of obesity and CRC, in an attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms of these associations, in the context of inconsistent and contradictory data. The understanding of these mechanisms linking obesity and CRC could help to develop novel therapeutic targets and prevention strategies, resulting in a better prognosis and management of these diseases.

Intestinal Obstruction as Initial Presentation of Idiopathic Portal and Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis: Diagnosis, Management, and Literature Review.

It is quite common for portal vein thrombosis to occur in subjects who present predisposing conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatobiliary malignancies, infectious or inflammatory abdominal diseases, or hematologic disorders. The incidence of idiopathic portal vein thrombosis in non-cirrhotic patients remains low, and despite the intensive workup that is performed in these cases, in up to 25% of cases, there is no identifiable cause. If portal vein thrombosis is untreated, complications arise and include portal hypertension, cavernous transformation of the portal vein, gastroesophageal and even small intestinal varices, septic thrombosis, or intestinal ischemia. However, intestinal ischemia develops as a consequence of arterial thrombosis or embolism, and the thrombosis of the mesenteric vein accounts for about 10% of cases of intestinal ischemia. Although acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis can cause acute intestinal ischemia, its chronic form is less likely to cause acute intestinal ischemia, considering the possibility of developing collateral drainage. Ileus due to mesenteric venous thrombosis is rare, and only a small number of cases have been reported to date. Most patients experience a distinct episode of acute abdominal pain due to ischemia, and in the second phase, they develop an obstruction/ileus. Acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare condition that is still associated with a high mortality rate. The management of such cases of superior mesenteric venous thrombosis is clinically challenging due to their insidious onset and rapid development. A prompt and accurate diagnosis followed by a timely surgical treatment is important to save patient lives, improve the patient survival rate, and conserve as much of the patient's bowel as possible, thus leading to fewer sequelae.

Neonatal Hemochromatosis: Systematic Review of Prenatal Ultrasound Findings-Is There a Place for MRI in the Diagnostic Process?

Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is an uncommon, severe disorder that results in fetal loss or neonatal death due to liver failure. NH is currently regarded as the phenotypic expression of gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD). The diagnosis of NH-GALD is rarely prenatally established. In addition to providing a systematic review of the prenatal features that are identifiable using ultrasound (US) and MRI, we suggest a prenatal diagnosis algorithm for use in suspected NH during the first affected pregnancy. From a total of 586 database entries identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, we selected 18 studies published from 1993 to 2021 that reported maternal medical and obstetric history, prenatal ultrasound findings, and postpartum outcomes. We investigated the ultrasound and MRI features of these studies, along with the outcome due to this condition. A total of 74 cases were identified. The main reported prenatal US finding was fetal growth restriction (FGR) (33%), followed by oligohydramnios (13%) and hydrops fetalis (13%), with 13% cases described as uneventful. Other rare prenatal findings were fetal anemia, ascites, and abnormal fetal liver and spleen. Most pregnancies ended with fetal/perinatal death or therapeutic interruption of pregnancy. Favorable evolution with treatment (ensanguine transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)) was reported for only 7% of fetuses. Using T2-weighted MRI, fetal extrahepatic siderosis confirmed prenatally in two cases and postnatally in 11 cases. IVIG treatment throughout subsequent pregnancies was found to significantly improve fetal prognosis. MRI should be indicated in selected cases of oligohydramnios, fetal hydrops, fetal hepatomegaly, ascites, or unexplained FGR or anemia after ruling out all other more frequently encountered conditions. MRI can be used to detect iron overload in the liver and extrahepatic siderosis.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Biopsy of Liver Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver tumor biopsy has some advantages over the percutaneous and surgical route and, in many cases, should be preferred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of liver tumors with an emphasis on its diagnostic accuracy and histological quality of the acquired specimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We followed 30 consecutive patients who underwent liver tumor biopsy using EUS guidance. Tissue was acquired using a 22-gauge FNA needle. RESULTS: In 97% of patients, the results of EUS-FNA were adequate for diagnosis. In one case, the pathologist recommended a repeat biopsy. The acquired specimen was a core fragment in 81% of cases while in 19% of cases the specimen was fragmented and subsequently used as a cell block. No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA is characterized by a high success rate on the acquisition of good-quality tissue specimens, a low rate of complications, and decreased patient discomfort. This procedure should be especially considered in the case of liver lesions that are inaccessible via the percutaneous route or when concurrent biopsies are required for accurate diagnosis.

Clinical and Metabolomic Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici in Fructose Intolerant Patients

Fructose intolerance (FI) is a widespread non-genetic condition in which the incomplete absorption of fructose leads to gastro-intestinal disorders. The crucial role of microbial dysbiosis on the onset of these intolerance symptoms together with their persistence under free fructose diets are driving the scientific community towards the use of probiotics as a novel therapeutic approach. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of FI in a cohort composed of Romanian adults with Functional Grastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) and the effectiveness of treatment based on the probiotic formulation EQBIOTA® (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 7484 and 7485 and Pediococcus acidilactici CECT 7483). We evaluated the impact of a 30-day treatment both on FI subjects and healthy volunteers. The gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal volatile metabolome were evaluated. A statistically significant improvement of symptoms (i.e., bloating, and abdominal pain) was reported in FI patient after treatment. On the other hand, at the baseline, the content of volatile metabolites was heterogeneously distributed between the two study arms, whereas the treatment led differences to decrease. From our analysis, how some metabolomics compounds were correlated with the improvement and worsening of clinical symptoms clearly emerged. Preliminary observations suggested how the improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms could be induced by the increase of anti-inflammatory and protective substrates. A deeper investigation in a larger patient cohort subjected to a prolonged treatment would allow a more comprehensive evaluation of the probiotic treatment effects.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of vertebral body osteolytic tumors - a novel diagnostic approach. Case series.

AIMS: Vertebral lesions, either primary or more frequently metastasis, are difficult targets for percutaneous guided biopsies and surgical biopsies and are associated with greater risks of complications. We investigated the feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in the assessment of vertebral osteolytic tumors as an alternative to CT guided biopsy which is the technique currently used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four patients with osteolytic tumors of the vertebral bodies identified by imaging methods (CT or MRI) - 3 patients, and one with a tumor detected primarily during EUS procedure were included in order to evaluate the feasibility of the procedure. The lesions were located either at the dorsal or lumbar vertebrae. In all cases we performed EUS FNA of the osteolytic vertebral body lesions with 22G needles using the transesophageal or transgastric approach. RESULTS: In all cases EUS FNA provided enough tissue for an accurate histopathological report, with no procedural complication. We diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma, hepatocarcinoma and a pancreatic adenocarcinoma vertebral metastasis and one case of lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: EUS FNA is a valuable technique which should be considered in selected cases, when a "traditional approach" is not applicable or associated with a higher risk. Treatment guidelines are based on the histology of the tumor, histopathological examination being nowadays mandatory. Therefore, we propose for selected cases a feasible technique, with significantly lower procedural risks, as an alternative for open surgical biopsies or computed tomography guided biopsies.

Romanian Guidelines for Nonpharmacological Therapy of IBS.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The nonpharmacological therapy in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is expanding rapidly. Practitioners and medical educators need to be aware of progress and changes in knowledge of this topic. The Romanian Society of Neurogastroenterology aimed to create guidelines based on best evidence on the use of nonpharmacological therapy in IBS. METHODS: A group of experts was constituted. This was divided in eleven subgroups dedicated to eleven categories of nonpharmacological therapy. The subgroups searched the literature and formulated statements and recommendations. These were submitted to vote in order to obtain consensus. RESULTS: The outcome of this activity is represented by the guidelines of the Romanian Society of Neurogastroenterology, presented in this paper. The recommendations are seen as complementary to the pharmacological therapy and are not intended to recommend avoiding pharmacological drugs. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines were elaborated by a Delphi process and represent a useful tool for physicians managing patients with IBS.

Probiotics in Psychosocial Stress and Anxiety. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent mounting evidence suggest that probiotics supplementation can have a positive effect on mood and psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety disorders. The majority of studies, however, rely on animal models, while clinical data are still inconsistent. In this systematic review, we examined if and to which extent probiotics can influence psychological stress and anxiety disorders. METHODS: The search of online databases Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and clinical trials.gov provided relevant studies up to November 2019. We included double blind, randomized and placebo controlled or prospective studies, as well as studies measuring preclinical psychological symptoms of perceived stress and anxiety, before and after supplementation with a probiotic. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria (3 on stress, 4 on anxiety, and 5 both on stress and anxiety), accounting for 1,521 participants. The improvement of stress, anxiety, and stress-anxiety was reported in 1/3, 3/4, and 2/5 studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Available studies suggest that probiotics may improve psychological symptoms associated particularly with anxiety. Further research needs to investigate whether probiotics also improve psychological stress disturbances.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and nitrotyrosine in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one the most frequent and common functional gastrointestinal disorders that has a multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Multiple biomarkers have been tested in search for a reliable and specific biomarker, but there is not yet a specific biomarker for IBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate two biomarkers of different putative pathways of the pathogenesis of IBS: the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and nitrotyrosine, in order to establish their role as potential biomarkers. We enrolled 42 consecutive IBS patients diagnosed by Rome III criteria and 35 consecutive healthy controls. Serum concentrations for the two biomarkers (MCP-1 and nitrotyrosine) were determined using commercial ELISA kits. Serum levels of MCP-1 were not statistically significantly higher in IBS patients than in controls (204±130 vs. 174±73 pg/ml; P=0.311). Nitrotyrosine levels were statistically significantly lower in IBS patients than in controls (30±12 vs. 353±14 nM; P=0.050). MCP-1 levels were higher in IBS patients with metabolic syndrome versus IBS patients without metabolic syndrome (239±153 vs. 168±120 pg/ml; P=0.948) and in controls with metabolic syndrome (174±56 pg/ml). MCP-1 serum levels were statistically significantly higher in IBS patients with metabolic syndrome than in controls (239±153 vs. 157±89 pg/ml; P=0.037), suggesting multiple factors being involved, particularly the diet and its relation with the metabolic syndrome, and it suggests that MCP-1 could be a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Low-grade inflammation might be related to oxidative stress, which plays an underestimated role in the pathogenesis of IBS.

Serum patterns of mir-23a and mir-181b in irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer - A pilot study.

Emerging evidence demonstrates that microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as reliable biomarkers of inflammation and oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether miR-23a and miR-181b were suitable as biomarkers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Forty patients with IBS (29 females, 11 males), 33 with CRC (14 females, 19 males), and 33 healthy controls (17 females, 16 males) were prospectively included. Serum levels of miRNAs were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. The serum levels of miR-23a and miR-181b were significantly higher in the IBS group (p = 0.0009 and 0.004, respectively) and CRC group (p = 0.002 and 0.029, respectively) than in the control group. Serum levels of miR-23a and miR-181b were upregulated in CRC vs. IBS, but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.169 and 0.179, respectively). The miRNet and Reactome databases identified phosphatase and tensin homolog as a major common pathway, indicating inflammation as a central hallmark. Although miRNAs could serve as reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, future studies are needed to establish appropriate cut-off limits.

Factors associated with dental erosions in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a cross-sectional study in patients with heartburn.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental erosion (DE) represents a frequent condition in adults and the elderly. The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered an important endogenous factor causing dental erosions. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of DE in GERD patients and to establish the correlation between pathogenic intrinsic and extrinsic factors of DE and their relation to GERD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 263 patients (median age 43). Patients with heartburn were recruited in two countries with different prevalence of GERD. Patients were recruited from France (n=158, 60%) and Romania (n=105, 40%) including 163 females and 100 males. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index for diagnosis and evaluation of dental erosion was used. Based on the value of BEWE score, each patient was included in a risk group for DE development (low risk: BEWE=3-8, medium risk: BEWE=9-13, high risk: BEWE ≥14). Patients filled a questionnaire regarding GERD symptoms, medications, life style. Salivary parameters (pH and buffering capacity) were also assessed and analyzed. RESULTS: DE was significantly more frequent and more severe in GERD subjects than in the non-GERD controls. Low salivary pH but not salivary buffering capacity was associated with BEWE scores. Buffering capacity however was significantly more altered in patients with BEWE score over 9 (medium DE) than in patients with mild DE (BEWE <9). Although extrinsic factors (consumption of citrus fruits, soda drinks) were associated with DE in GERD, there was no statistical correlation with the BEWE score. From the total of 263 patients, 229 (87.1%) presented BEWE score <9, and 34 (12.9%) presented BEWE ≥9. The DE was significantly associated with the presence of GERD (p<0.001). BEWE score >9 was more frequently present in GERD patients (30 patients: 21.3%) than in non GERD patients (4 patients: 3.3%). DE were more frequent in French subjects compared to Romanian subjects. Romanians had lower BEWE scores than the French. CONCLUSIONS: DE is more frequent and more severe with GERD vs. non-GERD. DE in GERD is associated with extrinsic dietary factors like citrus fruits and soda drinks.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of paraesophageal lung tumors - diagnostic yield and added value.

AIMS: There are few data on the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for the biopsy of suspected malignant lesions of the lung. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of transesophageal EUS fine needle aspiration (EUSFNA) for the diagnosis of paraesophageal lung tumors and also for the confirmation of metastatic sites of lung cancer during the same procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in a tertiary care unit including 19 patientswith paraesophageal lung tumors referred to our department for a lung biopsy. Transesophageal EUS-FNA was performed using a linear echoendoscope and 22G needles. RESULTS: In all 19 patients with suspected lung tumors the confirmation of the malignant disease was achieved. Pathological examination revealed 16 cases of non-small cell lung cancers, 2 small cell lung cancers and one case of lung metastases. Diagnostic yield of lung EUS-FNA was 1, with no post-procedural complications. In 7 cases, we performed also biopsies of suspected metastasis and all biopsies revealed the same histopathological type as the primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the use of this minimally invasive technique for paraesophageally locatedlung tumors and demonstrates that EUS-FNA is safe and has an excellent diagnostic yield.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of osteolytic metastasis - could be less than three cores enough?

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic yield and accuracy of the ultrasound (US) guided core biopsy in a population of patients with osteolytic metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive cases of US-guided core biopsies of osteolytic lesions performed in our Ultrasound Unit, from January 2006 to May 2017. We used 18G or 16G Tru-cut needles coupled with automated biopsy guns. We procured a maximum number of two tissue specimens per patient. RESULTS: We obtained a diagnostic yield and accuracy of 93.75% (15 of 16 patients) for US-guided core biopsy of osteolytic metastasis. Most of our cases were metastasis of adenocarcinomas (8 patients), squamous cell carcinomas (3 patients) followed by multiple myelomas (2 patients). Other pathologic lesions recorded were undifferentiated carcinoma (1 patient) and mesenchimal undifferentiated tumor (1 patient). The pathologic result was inconclusive in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the important diagnostic role of US-guided core biopsy for osteolytic bone metastasis. Two US-guided passages may be sufficient to procure a diagnostic tissue samples from osteolytic bone metastasis, if theirlength is at least 10 mm.

Mediastinal masses-transthoracic ultrasonography aspects.

Mediastinal masses are usually assessed by computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS) can also provide useful information concerning prevascular and posterior mediastinal masses abutting the thoracic wall, but is underused for mediastinal pathology. Moreover, it provides a valuable and safe method for guiding interventional procedures in those areas, even in cases when other approaches are difficult or impossible. Considering TUS a very useful imagistic method for diagnosing mediastinal masses, we present a pictorial essay of various mediastinal diseases which can be assessed by this method.

Ultrasound-guided bone lesions biopsies - a systematic review.

AIMS: Ultrasound (US) is a highly valuable imagistic tool used to guide numerous interventional procedures. The US guided bone lesions biopsy has not yet received a consensus or a guideline. We aimed to evaluate the evidence to support the US role in guiding bone lesions biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A computer literature search of PubMed was conducted using the keywords "ultrasound" and "bone biopsy", in order to detect relevant studies regarding the aim of our analysis. Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: We included 23 studies (n=610 patients) in the final analysis. The specificity and diagnostic yield of US guided biopsy were very good (between 78-100%), depending on the type and dimensions of the bone lesions. The type of the biopsy - aspiration or cutting - influenced theresults. The studies which included larger groups showed a better  performance for cutting needles (83.3-100% vs 50-80.5% for aspiration). The size of the bone lesion influences the diagnostic yield of the US guided bone biopsy. Most of the studies reported nil post-procedural complications. CONCLUSION: Core needle biopsy provided better diagnostic yield compared to fine needle aspiration. The number of the passages of the cutting needle biopsies in order to achieve the best diagnostic yield wasthree. Further studies are needed in order to standardize US-guided bone lesions biopsy and increase its role in the diagnosis algorithm of the bone lesions.

Adrenal glands transabdominal ultrasonography - pictorial essay.

Adrenal gland ultrasonography is one of the corner stones of the abdominal ultrasonography examination for many medical specialties. The adrenal areas can be easily overlooked though adrenal gland pathology is diverse. We present the normal aspects and various transabdominal ultrasonography findings of the adrenal glands, both common and rare. Even though ultrasound examination is operator and patient dependent, we consider the examination of the adrenal glands very important, due to relatively frequent incidental detection of an adrenal mass.

Patterns of alternation in irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent functional gastrointestinal disorders, having its subtypes related to the predominant bowel pattern: IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with constipation (IBS-C), mixed IBS (IBS-M) or alternating IBS (IBS-A). Some patients alternate between subtypes (IBS-A). We looked for the prevalence of alternation between subtypes in patients with IBS. We also analyzed changes in pharmacological therapy specifically addressed to IBS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study that included 60 patients diagnosed with IBS according to Rome III criteria. Patients were asked using a detailed structured interview about their stool form changes regarding previous six months. Alternators were defined as patients that changed IBS subtype over time (previous six months). RESULTS: Out of the 60 patients diagnosed with IBS, 18 patients (30%) were alternators. Of these, 8 patients (44%) changed twice the subtype. Two patients (66.66%) of the IBS-M subgroup shifted between subtypes. Eight patients (44.44%) changed medication over the six months. Four patients (22.2%) of the alternators were on double association of therapy (antispasmodics) addressed to IBS. Four patients (22.22%) discontinued medication. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBS often change between subtypes even within six months. Alternators in our pilot study represented 30% of IBS patients. IBS-M seems to be the least stable phenotype. The rarest change is the shift between IBS-C and IBS-D. Alternators also often change their pharmacological treatment (antispasmodics).

Ileo-colic intussusception by ileo-cecal valve lipoma - an infrequent ultrasonographic occurrence. A case report.

We present a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in an adult, due to ileo-colic intussusception by a lipoma of the ileo-cecal valve and its ultrasonographic presentation. The case presented in emergency for spontaneously appearing and disappearing palpable elastic mass in the right iliac fossa. The ultrasonographic examination raised the suspicion of an ileo-colic intussusception due to a polypoid tumor. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed the finding and suggested that the polypoid tumor was more likely a lipoma. Right hemicolectomy and cholecystectomy were performed and the pathological examination confirmed the lipoma. The evolution of the patient was favourable and uneventful.

Serum biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent and common functional gastrointestinal diseases. For its diagnosis, clinical criteria are still used. Our objective was to asses if there are specific serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of IBS, and as secondary purpose we aimed to analyze the specificity and sensitivity - where determined - for the proposed biomarkers. METHODS: We performed a review in order to find potential serum biomarkers useful for the diagnosis of IBS. MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched in May 2015. Inclusion criteria were: original studies that assessed serological markers in IBS patients, markers potentially useful for diagnosing IBS or in differentiating subtypes of IBS. Exclusion criteria were biomarkers assessed in IBS patients not for the diagnosis of IBS, but used in order to exclude other conditions or diseases in these patients; or markers that were not addressed to IBS; or papers that assessed only fecal biomarkers, or histological or surrogate - indirect biomarkers. RESULTS: From the 268 papers retrieved by our initial search, using a modified strategy we identified 58 papers. Out of the 58 papers retrieved by the search, six papers were selected and other nine studies were eventually analyzed. Of the results of the computerized search, a number of papers were not included for various reasons: some were not related to the subject (26), others were not appropriate for the subject (19) because they addressed inflammatory bowel disorders, in others fecal markers were the subject of the study, six were reviews, others were impossible to gain access to (1). Twelve out of the 14 studies included are case-control studies, IBS diagnosis being established in all of the selected results based on the Rome criteria. A higher sensitivity of 81% was found using a combination of markers but with lower specificity, while one study that assessed also a combination of markers, found a higher specificity but sensitivity was only 50 %; none reached the characteristics for an ideal biomarker. CONCLUSIONS: For the moment, just one serum biomarker with a high specificity and sensitivity useful in the diagnosis of IBS was identified. We consider that in the future a combination of several biomarkers could better identify IBS than a single biomarker. Therefore, clinical criteria are still to be used for the diagnosis of IBS in attendance for newer research or validation of results.

Pleural ultrasonography. Pictorial essay.

Pleural ultrasonography (US) represents nowadays a useful diagnostic tool in the management of pleural diseases. Detection and evaluation of pleural effusions, pneumothorax and pleural-based lesions can be performed with US, which has the advantages of wide availability, low cost, absence of radiation exposure, and portability. It is the best method for guiding interventional procedures in the pleural space. It has also limitations, due to the interposition of bony parts of the thorax, subcutaneous emphysema and inability to visualize the mediastinal pleura. US of the thorax is an operator dependent technique demanding an experienced operator in order to obtain reliable results. This pictorial essay presents various ultrasound findings of the diseases which concern the pleura.