RESUMEN
Neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis are regulated by precise orchestration of intrinsic and extrinsic chemical and mechanical factors throughout all developmental steps critical for the assembly of neurons into functional circuits. While ultrasound is known to alter neuronal migration and activity acutely, its chronic effect on neuronal behavior or morphology is not well characterized. Furthermore, higher-frequency (3-5 MHz) ultrasound (HFU) is extensively used in gynecological practice for imaging, and while it has not been shown harmful for the developing brain, it might be associated with mild alterations that may have functional consequences. To shed light on the neurobiological effects of HFU on the developing brain, we examined cortical pyramidal cell morphology in a transgenic mouse model, following a single and short dose of high-frequency ultrasound. Layer V neurons in the retrosplenial cortex of mouse embryos were labeled with green and red fluorescent proteins by in utero electroporation at the time of their appearance (E14.5). At the time of their presumptive arrival to layer V (E18.5), HFU stimulation was performed with parameters matched to those used in human prenatal examinations. On the third postnatal day (P3), basic morphometric analyses were performed on labeled neurons reconstructed with Neurolucida. Low-intensity HFU-treated cells showed significantly increased dendritic branching compared to control (non-stimulated) neurons and showed elevated c-fos immunoreactivity. Labeled neurons were immunopositive for the mechanosensitive receptor TRPC4 at E18.5, suggesting the role of this receptor and the associated signaling pathways in the effects of HFU stimulation.
RESUMEN
Desmoid tumor is a very rare neoplasm which develops from fibroblasts. These tumors do not have the ability to metastasize, but they can cause significant morbidity and mortality by local invasion and they are prone to local recurrence. We present a case of an aggressive fibromatosis in a 28-year-old male patient with no previous medical history. The tumor was in the retroperitoneum and eventually caused perforation of the coecum. During the operation, no metastasis was found; however, local lymphadenopathy was seen. After the surgical resection, no adjuvant therapy (radio or chemotherapy) was given to the patient and on follow-up (after three years), no recurrence was observed.
RESUMEN
Hundreds of articles discuss the imaging characteristics and molecular background of prominent gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders and tumors of the peripheral nervous system, but according to our knowledge an article focusing on the classification and developmental background of these heterogeneous diseases is not to be found. Our aim is to give insight on the common features of several diseases and tumors, starting with their common source of origin, the neural crest (NC). The NC is a transient cell population of the embryo, which differentiates into several organs/structures of our body (sympathetic trunk, adrenal medulla). Although the incidence of the individual tumors of NC cells is not high by themselves, the summation of these incidences may be relevant in the daily routine. In the introduction we mention the most prominent developmental routes and molecular pathways of NC cells, which is crucial to understand the pathogenesis and the wide range of involved cell types from the colon to the adrenal gland. We summarized the most important, useful pathological findings and imaging techniques from the X-ray to the positron emission tomography-computed tomography (CT) in order to help the identification of these diseases. This article may help to better understand NC lineage and its unique, diverse role during ontogeny, which may influence the radiologists to change several convictions, or understand better the background and/or connections of a wide range of tumors and syndromes.
