Prevalence of Sarcopenia Determined by Computed Tomography in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Introduction: Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass, is increasingly recognized as a significant factor influencing patient outcomes in pancreatic cancer (PC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with PC using computed tomography and to explore how different measurement methods and cut-off values impact such prevalence. Materials and Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases was performed, identifying 48 observational studies involving 9063 patients. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of sarcopenia was 45% (95% CI, 40-50%), but varied significantly by the method used: 47% when measured with the skeletal muscle index and 33% when assessed with the total psoas area. In addition, in studies using SMI, sarcopenia prevalence was 19%, 45%, and 57% for cutoff values <40 cm2/m2, 40-50 cm2/m2, and >50 cm2/m2, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence was higher in patients receiving palliative care (50%) compared to those treated with curative intent (41%). High heterogeneity was observed across all analyses, underscoring the need for standardized criteria in sarcopenia assessment. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the substantial variability in sarcopenia prevalence, which could influence patient outcomes, and stress the importance of consensus in measurement techniques to improve clinical decision making and research comparability.

A Comparative Analysis of International Classification Systems to Predict the Risk of Collapse in Single-Level Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Various classifications for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) have been introduced to enhance patient care and facilitate clinical communication. However, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness in predicting vertebral collapse, and very few studies have compared this association across different classification systems. This study aims to investigate the association between OVF categories, according to the most widely used classification systems, and vertebral collapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with acute OVFs at the emergency department of a tertiary-level academic hospital with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Vertebral fractures were independently classified by two radiologists according to several classification systems, including those proposed by Genant, Sugita, the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma (DGOU), and the AO Spine. Associations between vertebral collapse and OVF classification systems were analyzed using bivariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: This study included 208 patients (82.7% females; mean age of 72.6 ± 9.2 years). The median follow-up time was 15 months, with L1 being the most common fracture site (47.6%). The most frequent OVF types observed, according to Genant's morphological, Genant's quantitative, Sugita 's, DGOU's, and AO Spine's classifications, were biconcave (50%), grade 0.5 (47.6%), bow-shaped (61.5%), OF2 (74%), and A1 (61.5%), respectively. All classifications, except for Genant's quantitative system, were significantly associated with vertebral collapse in bivariate analyses. Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association (p = 0.002) between the AO Spine classification and vertebral collapse, with 85.7% of A4 fractures developing collapse on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The AO Spine classification showed the highest predictive capacity for vertebral collapse. Specifically, A4 fracture types showed a very high risk of vertebral collapse, confirming the need for non-conservative management of these fractures. Further multicentric and prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: a rare case of rectal cancer.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a histological variant that resembles nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma and occurs in various locations such as the salivary glands and lung. LELCs in the digestive tract are rare, accounting for only 2% of cases, being exceptional in the rectum. We present the case of an 84-year-old man with rectorrhagia, whitish malodorous discharge and constipation of one month's duration. Rectal examination identified a tumour. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal lesion that was confirmed by biopsy as malignant, and MRI showed an extensive rectal tumour. Histopathology revealed undifferentiated carcinoma with acute inflammatory infiltrate, consistent with LELC. Immunohistochemistry was positive for keratins 5/6, 18, 20, CEA and BER.EP4, while in situ hybridisation for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) RNA was negative. The multidisciplinary decision included neoadjuvant radiotherapy and anterior rectal resection. The patient remains in complete response two years after treatment. Histologically, LELC is characterised by an acute inflammatory infiltrate interspersed with poorly differentiated neoplastic cells. The stomach is the most commonly affected region in the gastrointestinal tract, with more than 80% of gastric LELCs associated with EBV. To date, only four cases of rectal LELC have been reported, and its association with EBV was demonstrated in only one case. There are no standard treatments for rectal LELC, underscoring the need to gather more cases to understand its pathogenesis and develop effective treatment strategies.

Epidural angioleiomyoma: an extraordinary cause of compressive myelopathy-MRI findings with histopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Angioleiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors usually located in the limbs, with anecdotal reports in the spine. We present an atypical case of an epidural spine angioleiomyoma presenting with compressive myelopathy symptoms. The diagnosis was suggested based on MRI findings, and subsequently confirmed histopathologically. RESULTS: This is the first known occurrence of pure spinal epidural angioleiomyoma as a source of compressive myelopathy. The imaging presentation, especially the 'dark reticular sign' on MRI, was crucial in suggesting the diagnosis despite the atypical location CONCLUSION: This report serves to raise awareness among clinicians and radiologists about including angioleiomyoma in differential diagnoses for spinal epidural lesions with indicative MRI features. The favorable outcome after surgical intervention underscores the necessity of swift and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment for such uncommon spinal tumors.

Efficacy of radiofrequency in lumbar facet joint pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar facet joint pain (LFJP) is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain (LBP) and can be treated using radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation. The aim of this work is to analyze the efficacy of RF in LFJP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with placebo control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The variables of interest were pain, functional status, quality of life (QoL), and global perceived effect (GPE) measured at different time intervals: short (< 3 months), medium (> 3 and < 12 months), and long term (> 12 months). RESULTS: Eight RCTs with placebo control were included. RF showed significant benefits over placebo in pain relief in the short (MD - 1.01; 95% CI - 1.98 to -0.04; p = 0.04), medium (MD - 1.42; 95% CI - 2.41 to - 0.43; p = 0.005), and long term (MD - 1.12; 95% CI - 1.57 to - 0.68; p < 0.001), as well as improvement in functional disability in the short (SMD - 0.94; 95% CI - 1.73 to - 0.14; p = 0.02) and long term (SMD - 0.74; 95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.39; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in QoL or quantitative GPE, but benefits for RF were observed in dichotomous GPE in the medium (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.52; p = 0.001) and long term (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06-0.78; p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses showed more benefits for RF in LBP < 1 year in the short term and in RCTs that did not require performing an MRI for patient selection. CONCLUSIONS: RF demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functionality, but the benefits in terms of QoL and GPE are inconclusive. Future clinical trials should investigate the long-term effects of RF, its impact on quality of life, and define appropriate criteria for patient selection.

Ultrasound guided injections in ankle and foot.

Ultrasound guidance is particularly useful for percutaneous injections in the diagnosis and management of painful conditions of the ankle and foot. The injectates used include steroids and local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, mepivacaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and platelet-rich plasma. Osteoarthritis is the main indication for joint injections. Joints amenable to being injected include the tibiotalar, subtalar, midtarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Tendon injections mainly involve the Achilles, peroneus, extensors, and tibialis tendons, while plantar fascia injections are useful for treating plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. Forefoot injections include joint arthritis, intermetatarsal bursitis, and Morton neuroma. The standardized approaches and doses reviewed in this paper are based on the authors' experience and can lead to high success in symptomatic relief for various conditions. These injections can be curative or serve as a guide to identify the source of pain when surgery or other therapeutic options are planned.

The Educational Impact of Radiology in Anatomy Teaching: A Field Study Using Cross-Sectional Imaging and 3D Printing for the Study of the Spine.

INTRODUCTION: Cross-sectional imaging and 3D printing represent state-of-the-art approaches to improve anatomy teaching compared to traditional learning, but their use in medical schools remains limited. This study explores the utility of these educational tools for teaching normal and pathological spinal anatomy, aiming to improve undergraduate medical education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A field study was conducted on a cohort of undergraduate medical students who were exposed to anatomy lessons of the spine considering three learning paradigms: traditional learning, cross-sectional imaging examinations, and 3D printed models. 20 students (intervention group) received the three approaches, and other 20 students (control group) received the conventional (traditional) approach. The students were examined through a multiple-choice test and their results were compared to those of a control group exposed to traditional learning matched by age, sex and anatomy grades. In addition, students in the experimental group were assessed for their satisfaction with each learning method by means of an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: Students exposed to cross-sectional imaging and 3D printing demonstrated better knowledge outcomes compared to the control group. They showed high satisfaction rates and reported that these technologies enhanced spatial understanding and facilitated visualization of specific pathologies. However, limitations such as the representativeness of non-bone conditions in 3D printed models and the need for further knowledge on imaging fundamentals were highlighted. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional imaging and 3D printing offer valuable tools for enhancing the teaching of spinal anatomy in undergraduate medical education. Radiologists are well positioned to lead the integration of these technologies, and further research should explore their potential in teaching anatomy across different anatomical regions.

Liposomal Doxorubicin In vitro and In vivo Assays in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil®) was one of the first nanoformulations approved for the treatment of solid tumors. Although there is already extensive experience in its use for different tumors, there is currently no grouped evidence of its therapeutic benefits in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A systematic review of the literature was performed on the therapeutic effectiveness and benefits of Liposomal Doxil® in NSCLC. METHODS: A total of 1022 articles were identified in publications up to 2020 (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus). After applying inclusion criteria, the number was restricted to 114, of which 48 assays, including in vitro (n=20) and in vivo (animals, n=35 and humans, n=6) studies, were selected. RESULTS: The maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50), tumor growth inhibition rate, response and survival rates were the main indices for evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of Liposomal DOX. These have shown clear benefits both in vitro and in vivo, improving the IC50 of free DOX or untargeted liposomes, depending on their size, administration, or targeting. CONCLUSION: Doxil® significantly reduced cellular proliferation in vitro and improved survival in vivo in both experimental animals and NSCLC patients, demonstrating optimal safety and pharmacokinetic behavior indices. Although our systematic review supports its benefits for the treatment of NSCLC, additional clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to obtain more precise clinical data on its activity and effects in humans.

Factors influencing vertebral collapse in osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a case-control study of symptomatic patients attended in the emergency department.

This study aimed to identify risk factors for the collapse of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). We analyzed data from conventional radiography and computed tomography in patients with OVFs and found that older age and two radiological measurements were predictive for vertebral collapse. These factors can be useful for clinical practice. PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for collapse of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) on computed tomography (CT) and conventional radiography (CR). METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study including a series of patients with OVF diagnosed at the emergency department of our institution from January to September 2019. Inclusion criteria were to have standing CR and supine CT within 2 weeks after the diagnosis of OVF and a follow-up CR at 6 months or later. We evaluated different imaging measurements at the initial diagnostic examinations, including vertebral height loss, local kyphosis, vertebral density, and fracture type according to the grading systems of Genant, Sugita, Association of Osteosynthesis (AO) Spine, and the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. Vertebral collapse was defined as loss of ≥ 50% of vertebral area or height. Cases and controls were defined as OVFs which collapse and do not collapse, respectively, on follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 72.6 ± 1.2 years, including 48 women. Twenty-five (44.6%) OVFs developed collapse on follow-up. None of the fracture classification systems were found to be predictive of collapse. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, increased density ratio (≥ 2) between the fractured and non-fractured vertebral bodies, and a ≥ 6% difference in posterior vertebral height (PVH) loss between standing CR and supine CT exhibited 88% discriminative power in predicting vertebral collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Age over 72.5 years, a density ratio ≥ 2 between the fractured and non-fractured vertebral bodies, and a difference equal to or higher than 6% in PVH loss between standing CR and supine CT, are risk factors for developing vertebral collapse after OVF.

Giant diverticulum of sigma.

We have carefully read the interesting article recently published in your journal about a giant sigmoid diverticulum. In our institution we have diagnosed two similar cases and we would like to contribute our casuistry.

[COVID-19-associated lung weakness (CALW): Systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Debilidad pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (DPAC): revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

Objectives: To assess mortality and different clinical factors derived from the development of atraumatic pneumothorax (PNX) and/or pneumomediastinum (PNMD) in critically ill patients as a consequence of COVID-19-associated lung weakness (CALW). Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Setting: Intensive care unit (ICU). Participants: Original research evaluating patients, with or without the need for protective invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with a diagnosis of COVID-19 who had developed atraumatic PNX or PNMD on admission or during their hospital stay. Interventions: Data of interest were obtained from each article and analysed and assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The risk of the variables of interest was assessed by data derived from studies including patients who developed atraumatic PNX or PNMD. Main variables of interest: Mortality, mean ICU length of stay and mean PaO2/FiO2 at diagnosis. Results: Data were collected from 12 longitudinal studies. Data from a total of 4,901 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1,629 patients had an episode of atraumatic PNX and 253 patients had an episode of atraumatic PNMD. Despite finding significantly strong associations, the high heterogeneity between studies means that interpretation of the results should be made with caution. Conclusions: Mortality of COVID-19 patients was higher in those who developed atraumatic PNX and/or PNMD compared to those who did not. The mean PaO2/FiO2 index was lower in patients who developed atraumatic PNX and/or PNMD. We propose to group these cases under the term CAPD.

COVID-19-associated lung weakness (CALW): Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess mortality and different clinical factors derived from the development of atraumatic pneumothorax (PNX) and/or pneumomediastinum (PNMD) in critically ill patients as a consequence of COVID-19-associated lung weakness (CALW). DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. SETTING: Intensive Care Unit (ICU). PARTICIPANTS: Original research evaluating patients, with or without the need for protective invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with a diagnosis of COVID-19, who developed atraumatic PNX or PNMD on admission or during hospital stay. INTERVENTIONS: Data of interest were obtained from each article and analyzed and assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The risk of the variables of interest was assessed with data derived from studies including patients who developed atraumatic PNX or PNMD. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Mortality, mean ICU stay and mean PaO2/FiO2 at diagnosis. RESULTS: Information was collected from 12 longitudinal studies. Data from a total of 4901 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1629 patients had an episode of atraumatic PNX and 253 patients had an episode of atraumatic PNMD. Despite the finding of significantly strong associations, the great heterogeneity between studies implies that the interpretation of results should be made with caution. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality among COVID-19 patients was higher in those who developed atraumatic PNX and/or PNMD compared to those who did not. The mean PaO2/FiO2 index was lower in patients who developed atraumatic PNX and/or PNMD. We propose grouping these cases under the term COVID-19-associated lung weakness (CALW).

Improvement of intermediate vision with new monofocal intraocular lenses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery are designed to improve visual acuity (VA). The available evidence of new monofocal IOLs" functional benefits is limited. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the improvement in VA using Tecnis Eyhance monofocal IOLs compared to standard monofocal IOLs Tecnis ZCB00. METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for studies assessing improvement in intermediate VA using Tecnis Eyhance IOLs versus Tecnis ZCB00 IOLs. Studies evaluating post-operative VA in patients who underwent cataract surgery were selected. This meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, risk of selection bias and comparability of cohorts and outcomes. RESULTS: The search resulted in 1153 articles. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 604 eyes were evaluated, of which 309 received Tecnis Eyhance IOLs and 295 were implanted with Tecnis ZCB00 IOLs. Mean binocular distant-corrected intermediate VA with Tecnis Eyhance IOLs at 2 weeks-1 month showed a significant difference of -0,21 logMAR, p < 0.001; and mean binocular distance-corrected intermediate VA with Tecnis Eyhance IOLs at 6 months showed a significant difference of -0,11 logMAR, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Near VA could not be assessed in this meta-analysis as it was measured in very few studies. Preliminary pooled evidence indicates that intermediate VA improved with Tecnis Eyhance IOLs. Further studies evaluating near VA and with longer follow-up are still necessary.

Risk factors associated with early mortality after recovery from severe listeriosis: a multicentre 17-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Listeriosis presents high rates of mortality but prognostic factors for early prevention are not well established. The aim of this study was to analyse factors associated with in-hospital and early mortality of adults after recovery from severe infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. METHODS: All cases of listeriosis notified in the province of Granada from January 2005 to December 2021, including 9 centres, were included. Only laboratory confirmed non-neonatal cases were considered. Follow-up was conducted by accessing medical records and epidemiological data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to detect potential risk factors associated to in-hospital mortality, 1-year, and 5-year early death after recovery. Multivariate Cox regression models were performed. A total of 206 patients were identified. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.6 years (sd, 18.8). A high frequency of comorbidities (88.3%) was observed, and 42 patients (20.4%) died during hospitalisation. Of the patients who recovered from acute infection, 26 (15.9%) died during the following year and 47 (28.7%) died during the following 5 years. The main factors associated with early mortality after recovery were age (HR: 1.03; 95% CI 1.02-1.07), diabetes mellitus (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.44), chronic kidney disease (HR 3.96, 95% CI 1.87-8.38), liver disease (HR 3.62, 95% CI 1.64-8.51), and cancer (HR 3.76, 95% CI 1.90-7.46). CONCLUSION: Listeriosis is associated with high early post-recovery mortality. Our study describes the main prognostic factors, which may help to improve preventive follow-up strategies of adults with severe listeriosis.

Gastric obstruction secondary to abdominal re-herniation of a giant hiatal hernia. An illustrative case to understand the pathophysiology of gastric volvulus.

Purpose: To depict the characteristics of a special type of gastric volvulus caused by acute re-herniation of a previous hiatal hernia.Materials and methods: We present the case of a male patient with known history of a giant hiatal hernia who presented to our emergency department with a chief complaint of epigastric pain, oral intolerance and incoercible vomiting in the last 24 h. On suspicion of abdominal complication, an emergent computed tomography (CT) scan was performed.Results: Gastric volvulus secondary to downward re-herniation of the fundus into the abdominal cavity was the cause of this patient's symptoms. This mechanism, which was demonstrated by comparing the CT findings of the acute episode with previous imaging studies, reveals a largely unrecognized pathogenic mechanism of gastric volvulus.Conclusions: Acute gastric volvulus should be suspected in patients with hiatal hernia. CT allows its diagnosis and likely underlying pathophysiological mechanism.