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.

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.

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.

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.

Long COVID 12 months after discharge: persistent symptoms in patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 and patients hospitalised due to other causes-a multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term-specific sequelae or persistent symptoms (SPS) after hospitalisation due to COVID-19 are not known. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of SPS 12 months after discharge in survivors hospitalised due to COVID-19 and compare it with survivors hospitalised due to other causes. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, the Andalusian Cohort of Hospitalised patients for COVID-19 (ANCOHVID study), conducted in 4 hospitals and 29 primary care centres in Andalusia, Spain. The sample was composed of 906 adult patients; 453 patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 (exposed) and 453 hospitalised due to other causes (non-exposed) from March 1 to April 15, 2020, and discharged alive. The main outcomes were (1) the prevalence of SPS at 12 months after discharge and (2) the incidence of SPS after discharge. Outcome data at 12 months were compared between the exposed and non-exposed cohorts. Risk ratios were calculated, and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 163 (36.1%) and 160 (35.3%) patients of the exposed and non-exposed cohorts, respectively, showed at least one SPS at 12 months after discharge. The SPS with higher prevalence in the subgroup of patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 12 months after discharge were persistent pharyngeal symptoms (p<0.001), neurological SPS (p=0.049), confusion or memory loss (p=0.043), thrombotic events (p=0.025) and anxiety (p=0.046). The incidence of SPS was higher for the exposed cohort regarding pharyngeal symptoms (risk ratio, 8.00; 95% CI, 1.85 to 36.12), confusion or memory loss (risk ratio, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.16 to 10.55) and anxiety symptoms (risk ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.28 to 4.34). CONCLUSIONS: There was a similar frequency of long-term SPS after discharge at 12 months, regardless of the cause of admission (COVID-19 or other causes). Nevertheless, some symptoms that were found to be more associated with COVID-19, such as memory loss or anxiety, merit further investigation. These results should guide future follow-up of COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge.

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.

Pneumoperitoneum and COVID-19. A causal association?

We read with great interest the letter from Pérez Naranjo et al. regarding the case we recently published in this journal. We believe that the case presented by the authors is undoubtedly useful as it contributes to the scarce existing casuistry on the relationship between COVID-19 and the development of pneumatosis/pneumoperitoneum. We would like to emphasize the difficulty of determining the causality of this association due to the frequent co-occurrence of other causes that could justify the presence of pneumatosis/pneumoperitoneum.

A rare association: acute pancreatitis caused by the influenzavirus A with secondary appendicitis in a six-year-old girl.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most frequent pancreatic disorder in children and abdominal ultrasound (AUS) is very helpful in the clinical management. Even though several agents have been implicated in the etiology of AP, influenza virus A (IVA) is exceptional. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented with generalized abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. Blood tests and AUS revealed typical findings of AP and a nasopharyngeal aspirate was positive for IVA. Twenty-four hours later, the patient developed signs of acute appendicitis, which was also confirmed by AUS. This case highlights the importance of AUS in the management of acute abdominal conditions in children, including reactive entities such as appendicitis, as well as the need to consider IVA as a potential causal agent of AP.

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.

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.

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.

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).