Management and outcomes of calf deep vein thrombosis in patients with contraindication to full anticoagulation due to bleeding.

BACKGROUND: This prospective observational study was aimed at assessing early outcomes of inpatients with isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT) and coexisting bleeding. METHODS: Patients received enoxaparin 4000 units daily or intermediate doses, and ultrasound surveillance (US). Primary outcomes were extension to the popliteal vein (PDVT) or symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications during the treatment and the composite of PDVT and bleeding complications. Secondary outcomes were recurrent IDDVTs and death. RESULTS: 90/95 patients completed the study period (30 days). PDVT occurred in 2/41 (4.9%) and in 3/45 (6.7%) subjects receiving enoxaparin 4000 units and intermediate doses respectively (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.22-11; P=0.72). PE occurred in only one of the 4 untreated subjects (25% vs. 0 patients taking enoxaparin 4000 units or intermediate doses; P=1.0). Recurrent IDDVTs occurred in 29 subjects (32.2%), more frequently during enoxaparin 4000 (19/29, 65.5%). Four patients died (4.4%). Bleeding complications occurred in 8 subjects (8.9%), all treated with intermediate doses (0 vs. 17.8%; P=1.0). Enoxaparin 4000 units significantly reduced the risk of the composite outcome compared with higher doses (4.9% vs. 24.4%; OR 6.31; 95% CI: 1.56-42.65; P=0.02). Major trauma significantly increased the risk of PDVT (OR 20.92; 95% CI: 2.82-427.51, P=0.01; logistic regression P=0.01). Patients with major trauma are also at increased bleeding risk (OR 5; 95% CI: 1.06-23.76, P=0.04; logistic regression P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin 4000 units daily, supported by US, may be an option for selected patients.

Ultrasound evaluation of bowel vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are frequent in systemic sclerosis (SSc) with an impact on quality of life and morbidity. Bowel vasculopathy is a key pathogenetic factor responsible for GI involvement. OBJECTIVES: To compare abdominal ultrasound (US) and Color Doppler Ultrasonography (CDU) features of splanchnic vessels of SSc patients with healthy controls. METHODS: The charts of SSc patients who underwent an abdominal US and CDU study were retrospectively analyzed. For Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) and Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) caliber, Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), Reverse Velocity (RV), End-Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Mean Velocity (mV), Blood-flow, Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index (PI) were recorded. RESULTS: 28 SSc patients and 28 controls were enrolled. In SSc, caliber of SMA was significantly smaller than in controls (5.75 ± 0.62 mm vs. 6.45 ± 0.60 mm, p < 0.0001 - p adj =0.0002). The flow study of SMA and IMA showed a significant reduction of RV (SMA: 7.25 ± 6.37 cm/s vs. 18.52 ± 6.16 cm/s, p < 0.0001 - p adj <0.0001; IMA: 2.69 ± 6.10 cm/s vs. 17.06 ± 5.75 cm/s, p < 0.0001 - p adj <0.0001) and PI (SMA: 3.33 ± 0.75 vs. 4.53 ± 1.03, p < 0.0001 - p adj =0.0002; IMA: 3.54 ± 0.95 vs. 6.08 ± 1.53, p < 0.0001 - p adj <0.0001) in SSc patients than controls. CONCLUSION: involvement of splanchnic vessels in SSc may be non-invasively investigated with abdominal US and CDU. Morphological and functional changes of Doppler parameters observed in SMA and IMA clearly demonstrate that these vessels are affected by SSc vasculopathy.

Calf deep vein thrombosis: frequency, therapeutic management, early outcomes and all-causes mortality in a cohort of hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Isolated distal deep vein thromboses (IDDVT) are frequent; however, their optimal management is still controversial. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on inpatients undergoing ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or with a particular risk profile, during 2016. This study aimed to assess the frequency of proximal deep vein thromboses (PDVT) and IDDVT; to evaluate therapeutic management and identify variables associated with early outcomes and mortality among IDDVT patients; to compare all-causes mortality between subjects with PDVT and IDDVT. RESULTS: Among 21594 patients hospitalized in the study period 251 IDDVT and 149 PDVT were diagnosed; the frequency was 1.2% and 0.7% respectively. 19% of IDDVT patients died compared to 25.5% of PDVT subjects (OR=0.72; 95% CI=0.44-1.17; P=0.19). In IDDVT patients, age ≥80, cancer and intracranial bleeding increased the risk of death (OR=2; 95% CI=1.07-3.75, P=0.001; OR=8.47; 95% CI=3.28-21.88, P=0.0000003; OR=2.33; 95% CI=1.18-4.58, P=0.0003). A significant association between intracranial hemorrhage and both proximal extension by using the Fisher's exact test (P=0.031; OR=16.11; 95% CI=0.80-321.2), and composite of propagation to popliteal or to other calf veins (OR=8.28, 95% CI=2.07-33 P=0.001) was observed. Standard anticoagulation significantly reduced the composite of propagation to popliteal or to other calf veins (OR=0.07; 95% CI=0.009-0.61, P=0.007), and all-causes mortality (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.17-0.8; P=0.02), without a significant increase of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Among inpatients, IDDVT exceeded 60% of DVT. Mortality was not significantly different between IDDVT and PDVT subjects. Intracranial bleeding significantly increased the risk of propagation and death. Although standard anticoagulation decreased both these complications, further targeted studies are needed.

Lung Ultrasound (LUS) in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Usefulness in Two Atypical Cases.

Clinical experience and scientific articles have shown that patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be paucisymptomatic or asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. In this paper, we will discuss two paucisymptomatic patients with blood tests suggestive for SARS-CoV-2 infection but with repeated negative nasopharyngeal swabs and without typical features of COVID-19 pneumonia on chest high-resolution computed tomography. In these cases, lung ultrasound helped to raise clinical suspicion of COVID-19 pneumonia and facilitate diagnosis. LEARNING POINTS: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, lung ultrasound (LUS) is being used extensively to evaluate and monitor lung damage in infected patients.Several patients have been described with negative PCR swabs who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Typical signs of interstitial pneumonia on LUS strongly indicate COVID-19 pneumonia, thus suggesting further investigation and invasive tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Análise da satisfação da equipe de profissionais de um serviço de atenção psicossocial especializado em álcool e outras drogas / Satisfaction analysis of the team of professionals of a psychosocial care service specializing in alcohol and other drugs

O presente artigo apresenta um estudo transversal, descritivo e de abordagem qualitativa acerca de uma avaliação de natureza participativa realizada em um serviço de atenção psicossocial especializado em álcool e outras drogas, que objetivou avaliar a satisfação da equipe de profissionais do serviço, empregando referencial teórico-metodológico da avaliação de quarta geração adaptado. Os dados empíricos foram coletados por meio de observação, entrevistas individuais com a aplicação do método do círculo hermenêutico-dialético e de entrevistas grupais. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de comparação constante. As construções que emergiram no processo de avaliação participativa foram categorizadas em três núcleos temáticos: clínica, gestão e ensino. Os fatores que convergiram para a promoção da satisfação dos profissionais envolveram aspectos da prática assistencial empreendida no serviço. Por outro lado, fatores relacionados à própria assistência, além de outros atinentes à gestão do serviço e à educação permanente, conjugaram-se de modo a desfavorecer a satisfação dos profissionais.

This article presents a cross-sectional, descriptive and qualitative study about a participatory evaluation carried out in a psychosocial service specializing in alcohol and other drugs, which aimed to evaluate the satisfaction of the team of professionals of the service, using a theoretical-methodological evaluation of adapted fourth-generation assessment. The empirical data were collected through observation, individual interviews with the hermeneutic-dialectic circle method and group interviews. The data were analyzed using the constant comparison technique. The constructions that emerged in the participatory evaluation process were categorized into three thematic cores: clinical, management and teaching. The factors that converged to promote the satisfaction of professionals involved aspects of the care practice undertaken in the service. On the other hand, factors related to the care itself, in addition to others related to the management of the service and to permanent education, were combined in a way that disadvantages the satisfaction of professionals.

Calf deep vein thrombosis - clinical relevance, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options.

Isolated distal deep vein thromboses (IDDVT) represent up to 50 % of legs deep vein thromboses (DVT). However, since their natural history is to date unknown, the need to diagnose and treat them is a matter of debate. The diagnostic strategy based on the assessment of pre-test probability and D-dimer demonstrated a scarse efficiency for IDDVT. The choice between a proximal and a complete ultrasonographic approach should be guided by the clinical context, the local expertise and the patient characteristics. Randomized and observational studies have analyzed the need of therapy and compared different regimens of anticoagulation, with conflicting results. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses tend to support the usefulness of an anticoagulant treatment, even if the optimal dose and duration are not still defined. A careful stratification of the patient's profile, taking into account risk factors for proximal extension, recurrence and bleeding should address the therapeutic approach, which must always be discussed with an adequately informed patient. Further studies aimed to clarify the natural history of IDDVT, and to assess safety and efficacy of lower intensity and shorter duration protocols are urgently needed.

Centro de Convivência " É de Lei", e a redução de danos: 22 anos do "baque ao crack" / The Centro de Convivência "É de Lei" and harm reduction: 22 years of "from syringes to pipes"

O Centro de Convivência "É de Lei" é o primeiro espaço de convivência para pessoas que usam drogas no Brasil, esse artigo tem como objetivo contar a história dessa organização da sociedade civil desde sua fundação nos anos 90 até os dias de hoje. Apresenta-se os diversos projetos desenvolvidos ao longo de vinte e dois anos, além de discutir sobre as mudanças institucionais vivenciadas no decorrer dos anos. O "É de Lei" têm se dedicado a defesa dos direitos das/os usuárias/os de drogas, criado tecnologias relacionadas aos insumos para prevenção das IST/HIV, promoção em saúde e contribuído para a disseminação da Redução de Danos em diferentes frentes: trabalho de campo, ensino, pesquisa, advocacy e comunicação.

Computer-aided assessment of the extra-cellular matrix during pancreatic carcinogenesis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the desmoplastic reaction, but its impact on the tumor behavior remains controversial. Our aim was to introduce a computer -aided method to precisely quantify the amount of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix, its spatial distribution pattern, and the degradation process. METHODS: A series of normal, inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded Sirius red stained sections were automatically digitized and analyzed using a computer-aided method. RESULTS: We found a progressive increase of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix from normal to the inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The two-dimensional fractal dimension showed a significant difference in the collagenic extra-cellular matrix spatial complexity between normal versus inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A significant difference when comparing the number of cycles necessary to degrade the pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix in normal versus inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was also found. The difference between inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was also significant. Furthermore, the mean velocity of collagenic extra-cellular matrix degradation was found to be faster in inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma than in normal. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are characterized by an increased amount of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix and by changes in their spatial complexity and degradation. Our study defines new features about the pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix, and represents a basis for further investigations into the clinical behavior of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Representação social dos trabalhadores de saúde acerca dos usuários de álcool e outras drogas atendidos na urgência/ emergência / Social representation of health professionals from emergency room toward alcohol and other drugs users / La representación social de los trabajadores de salud sobre los usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas en el tratamiento de emergencia

O abuso de álcool e outras drogas é um problema mundial de saúde pública. As consequências deste uso\r\nsão determinantes para a morbi-mortalidade no campo da saúde e ocupam um lugar de destaque no\r\natendimento de urgência/emergência dada a alta prevalência neste cenário. Entretanto, o atendimento\r\nnesses serviços se limita aos cuidados dos problemas físicos agudos e uma pequena parcela é diagnosticada e encaminhada, soma-se a este fato o predomínio do estigma e do estatuto de incapacidade e periculosidade dos usuários de álcool e drogas. Este estudo objetivou identificar na literatura nacional e\r\ninternacional a representação social dos trabalhadores dos serviços de urgência/emergência acerca dos\r\nusuários de álcool e drogas, publicados entre 1999 a 2009, analisando a influência dessa categoria na\r\nqualidade do serviço prestado. Foram selecionados três artigos que apresentavam similaridade com o\r\ntema. Conclui-se que uma mudança cultural se faz necessária nos paradigmas que têm orientado o trabalho\r\nde profissionais da saúde para que possam prestar uma assistência adequada, livre de preconceitos e\r\njulgamentos de modo a realizar intervenções que facilitem a recuperação do usuário de álcool e drogas

The abuse of alcohol and drugs is a worldwide problem of public health. The consequences of this abuse\r\nare determinants to the morbidity and mortality in the health fi eld and occupy a prominent place in the emergency care. However, the attendance at these services is limited to acute physical problems and a\r\nsmall proportion are diagnosed and referred appropriately. Also there is a prevalence of stigma, disability\r\nand dangerousness of the alcohol and other drugs user. This study objectives to identify through the\r\nnational and international literature, the social representation of workers from emergency department\r\nabout the users of alcohol and drugs published between 1999 to 2009, analyzing the influence of this\r\ncategory on the quality of the service. 03 articles were selected because showed similarity to the theme.\r\nWe conclude that a it is needed a cultural change on the paradigms that have traditionally guided the\r\nhealth professionals work, so they can provide appropriate assistance, free of prejudices and judgments\r\nto implement interventions that facilitate the alcohol and other drugs users recovery.

El abuso de alcohol y drogas es un problema mundial de salud pública. Las consecuencias de éste uso\r\nabusivo constituyen poderosos determinantes de la morbilidad y mortalidad en la salud y ocupan un lugar\r\ndestacado en la atención de urgencia/emergencia. Sin embargo, la atención en esos servicios se limita a\r\nlos problemas físicos agudos y sólo una pequeña proporción son diagnosticados y referidos apropiadamente, también existe estigmatización, discapacidad y peligrosidad de los usuarios de alcohol y drogas.\r\nEste estudio busca en la literatura nacional y internacional la representación social de los trabajadores de\r\nlos servicios de urgencia/emergencia sobre los usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas, publicados entre 1999 y\r\n2009, analizando la influencia de esta categoría en la calidad del servicio. Se seleccionaron 03 artículos que\r\npresentaron similaridad con el tema. Se concluye que es necesario un cambio en los paradigmas que tradicionalmente han guiado el trabajo de estos profesionales, para que puedan brindar la asistencia adecuada, libre de prejuicios y juicios de modo que sea más fácil la recuperación del usuario de alcohol y otras drogas

Matricellular proteins and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer: A systematic review.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a fundamental role in tissue architecture and homeostasis and modulates cell functions through a complex interaction between cell surface receptors, hormones, several bioeffector molecules, and structural proteins like collagen. These components are secreted into ECM and all together contribute to regulate several cellular activities including differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. The so-called "matricellular" proteins (MPs) have recently emerged as important regulators of ECM functions. The aim of our review is to consider all different types of MPs family assessing the potential relationship between MPs and survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A systematic computer-based search of published articles, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement issued in 2009 was conducted through Ovid interface, and literature review was performed in May 2017. The search text words were identified by means of controlled vocabulary, such as the National Library of Medicine's MESH (Medical Subject Headings) and Keywords. Collected data showed an important role of MPs in carcinogenesis and in PDAC prognosis even though the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown and data are not univocal. Therefore, a better understanding of MPs role in regulation of ECM homeostasis and remodeling of specific organ niches may suggest potential novel extracellular targets for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies.

Resistências dos profissionais da atenção psicossocial emálcool/drogas à abordagem de redução de danos / Resistance of professionals from psychosocial care services in alcohol/drugs whenapproaching harm reduction

Objetivo: analisar as resistências opostas pelos profissionais de saúde mental em álcool e outrasdrogas à implementação efetiva da redução de danos nos dispositivos de atenção psicossocial.Métodos: estudo qualitativo e exploratório, realizado com dez participantes, entre agosto e dezembrode 2012, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e adotando-se a hermenêutico-dialética comotécnica analítica. Projeto aprovado pelos comitês de ética em pesquisa (CAEE nº 0005.0.196.000-11).Resultados: identificaram-se resistências à abordagem de redução de danos pelos profissionais doserviço, consistentes em atitudes inclinadas à psiquiatria tradicional. Considerações finais: a reduçãode danos encontra resistências no curso de sua operacionalização pelo atravessamento de concepçõesalinhadas ao paradigma anterior, que ainda se interpõem nas práticas institucionais.

Objective: to analyse the resistance opposed by mental health professionals on alcohol and otherdrugs to the effective implementation of harm reduction in psychosocial care devices. Methods: thisqualitative and exploratory study was carried out with ten participants from August to December2012, through semi-structured interviews, and adopted the hermeneutic-dialectic as analyticaltechnique. The Ethics Committee in Research (CAEE No 0005.0.196.000-11) approved the project.Results: service professionals, based on the traditional psychiatry attitudes, have identifiedresistance to harm reduction approach. Final considerations: harm reduction faces resistance in thecourse of its operation by crossing concepts aligned to the previous paradigm, which still stand ininstitutional practices.

Objetivo: analizar la resistencia opuesta por los profesionales de salud mental en alcohol y otrasdrogas para la aplicación efectiva de reducción de daños en los dispositivos de atención psicosocial.Métodos: estudio cualitativo y exploratorio con diez participantes entre agosto y diciembre de 2012,a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, y la adopción de la hermenéutica-dialéctica como técnicaanalítica. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación (CAEE Sin 0005.0.196.000-11). Resultados: la resistencia se ha identificado para dañar enfoque de reducción por losprofesionales del servicio, en función de las actitudes tradicionales de psiquiatría. Consideracionesfinales: la reducción de daños se enfrenta a la resistencia en el curso de su funcionamiento medianteel cruce de conceptos alineados con el paradigma anterior, que aún se mantienen en las prácticasinstitucionales.

Vulnerabilidade para o comportamento sexual de risco em usuários de álcool e outras drogas / Vulnerability to sexual risk behavior in users of alcohol and other drugs / La vulnerabilidad a la conducta sexual de riesgo en las usuarias de alcohol y otras drogas

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a associação entre o uso de álcool e outras drogas, variáveis sóciodemográficas e aspectos psicossociais, com o comportamento sexual de risco dos usuários. MÉTODOS: pesquisa quantitativa transversal, entrevistados 110 usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial em Álcool e outras Drogas (CAPSad) com o instrumento Avaliação Global das Necessidades Individuais. Utilizou-se a Escala de Risco Sexual, características sociodemográficas, dias de uso de drogas e demais subescalas do instrumento. RESULTADOS: o comportamento sexual de risco foi significativo em usuários que estavam a mais dias em uso de crack, em situação de rua e mais graves em aspectos psicossociais. CONCLUSÃO: fatores do cotidiano dos usuários tem influências importantes sobre o comportamento sexual de risco e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the association between alcohol use and other drugs, socio-demographic variables and psychosocial aspects, with the users risky sexual behavior. METHODS: cross-sectional quantitative research, interviewed 110 users of a Center for Psychosocial Care in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPSad) with the Global Assessment of Individual Needs instrument. The Sexual Risk Scale, sociodemographic characteristics, days of drug use and other subscales of instrument were used. RESULTS: risky sexual behavior was significant in users who were more days on crack use, in homeless and more severe in psychosocial aspects. CONCLUSION: daily users factors have important influences on sexual risk behavior and sexually transmitted diseases.

OBJETIVOS: evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas, variables sociodemográficas y aspectos psicosociales, con los usuarios de comportamientos sexuales de riesgo. MÉTODOS: transversal de investigación cuantitativa, entrevistó a 110 usuarios de un Centro de Atención Psicosocial en Alcohol y Otras Drogas (CAPSad) con el instrumento de Evaluación Global de Necesidades Individuales. Se utilizaron la Escala de Riesgo Sexual, las características sociodemográficas, los días de consumo de drogas y otras subescalas del instrumento. RESULTADOS: el comportamiento sexual de riesgo fue significativo en usuarios que estuvieron más días en el uso de crack, en personas sin hogar y más graves en aspectos psicosociales. CONCLUSIÓN: los factores diarios de los usuarios tienen importantes influencias en el comportamiento de riesgo sexual y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual.

MicroRNAs as possible biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B- and C-related-hepatocellular-carcinoma.

Aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about the potential relationship between miRNAs and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-hepatitis C virus (HCV) related liver diseases. A systematic computer-based search of published articles, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement, was performed to identify relevant studies on usefulness of serum/plasma/urine miRNAs, as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of HBV and HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, as well as for its prognostic evaluation. The used Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords were: "HBV", "HCV", "hepatocellular carcinoma", "microRNAs", "miRNAs", "diagnosis", "prognosis", "therapy", "treatment". Some serum/plasma miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-122, mi-125a/b, miR-199a/b, miR-221, miR-222, miR-223, miR-224 might serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis/prognosis of HCC, but, to date, not definitive results or well-defined panels of miRNAs have been obtained. More well-designed studies, focusing on populations of different geographical areas and involving larger series of patients, should be carried out to improve our knowledge on the potential role of miRNAs for HCC early detection and prognosis.

Percutaneous real-time sonoelastography as a non-invasive tool for the characterization of solid focal liver lesions: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Real-time sonoelastography is currently used for the characterization of superficial solid lesions such as thyroid and breast masses. This study evaluates the usefulness of percutaneous sonoelastography for the characterization of solid focal liver lesions. METHODS: 30 out of 43 patients with 38 known liver lesions were included in a prospective, diagnostic study. Qualitative analysis (pattern of deformation, elasticity type of liver tumour) and semi-quantitative measurements (strain ratio, hardness percentage, histogram) were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was constructed. RESULTS: Patterns A and C-D are specific of benign lesions and metastases respectively. The patterns for haemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia and metastases were significantly different to each other in terms of strain ratio, hardness percentage and histogram (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was observed between the median values of the 3 measured parameters for benign (1.02; 12%; 47) and malignant lesions (1.66; 65%; 20.5) respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve values for strain ratio, hardness percentage and histogram were 0.88, 0.89, and 0.86 respectively for cut-off values of 1.2, 45, and 30. CONCLUSIONS: By percutaneous sonoelastography it is possible to differentiate benign versus malignant focal liver lesions, metastases in particular, with good diagnostic performance.

Update on bedside ultrasound (US) diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (AC).

Acute cholecystitis (AC) represents a principal cause of morbidity worldwide and is one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization due to gastroenteric tract diseases. AC should be suspected in presence of clinical signs and of gallstones on an imaging study. Upper abdominal US represents the first diagnostic imaging step in the case of suspected AC. Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast (IV) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast and technetium hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (Tc-HIDA) can be employed to exclude complications. US examination should be performed with right subcostal oblique, with longitudinal and intercostal scans. Normal gallbladder US findings and AC major and minor US signs are described. Polyps, sludge and gallbladder wall thickening represent the more frequent pitfalls and they must be differentiated from stones, duodenal artifacts and many other non-inflammatory conditions that cause wall thickening, respectively. By means of bedside ultrasound, the finding of gallstones in combination with acute pain, when the clinician presses the gallbladder with the US probe (the sonographic Murphy's sign), has a 92.2 % positive predictive value for AC. In our preliminary experience, bedside US-performed by echoscopy (ES) and/or point-of-care US (POCUS) demonstrated good reliability in detecting signs of AC, and was always integrated with physical examination and performed by a skilled operator.

12 years of universal access to hepatitis C treatment: Brazil's comprehensive response.

Hepatitis C is considered one of the most neglected diseases in world. Worldwide about 150 million people are chronically infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), and 60% to 70% of them will develop severe liver disease. This article describes Brazil's response to hepatitis C, from the first steps in 1993 to a national program in 2002. We reviewed the available literature, most of it in Brazilian Portuguese, and compiled them in order to share this experience with those seeking some pragmatic solutions. After 12 years, the national program has achieved universal coverage of treatment, resulting in saved lives and resources for the health system. There is abundant evidence that the HCV epidemic deserves attention. The overall consequence of long-term HCV infection is a negative impact on the health care economy. The Brazilian experience can be adapted to many countries in the world, in compliance with the 2010 World Health Organization World Health Assembly Resolution.

Ultrasonography (US) and non-invasive diagnostic methods for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and early vascular damage. Possible application in a population study on the metabolic syndrome (MS).

Abdominal ultrasonography (US) represents the first-line imaging examination in chronic liver diseases; in most cases, US, laboratory findings and the clinical context are generally sufficient to guide the diagnosis. Thanks to the considerable diffusion of US, we have seen an increased diagnosis of NAFLD in recent years, although this condition is generally silent from a clinical point of view. We have to identify the metabolic syndrome in the general population and to promptly recognize NAFLD to prevent its development into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the non-invasive diagnostic techniques for NAFLD and for early vascular damage, ultrasonography represents the method of choice. In fact, besides the traditional semiotics of fundamental US of the liver, new US techniques have recently been proposed (contrast enhancement US, acoustic structure characterization), with respect to serum biomarkers and Fibroscan, for the study of liver fibrosis. Similarly, also as concerns the US measurement of carotid intima-media thickness, new automated methods with sophisticated software and radio-frequency signal have recently been introduced. Finally, we report the preliminary results of a personal experience on liver and carotid US in the epidemiology of the metabolic syndrome.