The cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode as an environmentally friendly electrochemical tool for the detection and monitoring of mesotrione in food samples.

Excessive pesticide use can harm human health, making it essential to develop new techniques to monitor hazardous pesticides in food. Our study focuses on detecting mesotrione (MST) using an unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. This was the first application of cathodically pretreated BDD electrode for the detection of MST, based on its oxidation at a high potential value of +1.4 V. We theoretically examined the oxidation mechanism of MST trough the utilization of density functional theory (DFT) methodology. The utilized DPV method achieved a detection limit of 0.45 µM and showed satisfactory selectivity. The practical application of this method was demonstrated by examining corn-based food products. To ensure practical application of the method, MST was deliberately added to the samples to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The effectiveness of the method was confirmed by using HPLC method. This environmentally-friendly approach can establish a solid foundation for future use in food analysis.

Essential trace element levels in multiple sclerosis: Bridging demographic and clinical gaps, assessing the need for supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder intricately linked to perturbations in trace element levels. While previous studies have explored circulating trace elements in a limited sample, understanding the impact of demographic and clinical variables on the elemental profile within a larger cohort remains elusive. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate essential trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se) in the sera of 215 MS patients compared to a meticulously matched control group of 100 individuals with similar gender and age. Our main objective was to identify potential variations in elemental profiles based on demographic and clinical parameters among MS patients, elucidating the prospective relevance of supplementing specific essential trace elements. RESULTS: Data indicated a significant decrease in serum levels of Mn, Co, Zn, and Se, and an increase in Cr in MS patients compared to controls. These trace elements not only discriminated between MS patients and controls but also exhibited distinctive capabilities among demographic subgroups. Gender, smoking habits, and age strata (20-40 years and 41-60 years) revealed discernible variations in elemental profiles between MS patients and their control counterparts. Se demonstrated the singular ability to stratify cases of extreme MS severity, mild relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and highly severe secondary progressive MS (SPMS). In contrast, Co significantly differentiated RRMS from primary progressive MS (PPMS), while Cu significantly differentiated SPMS from PPMS. Additionally, Cu showed a negative correlation with MSSS, while Mn and Zn showed a positive correlation with EDSS. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore a substantive deficiency in Mn, Co, Zn, and Se in the MS cohort, supporting targeted supplementation with these trace elements. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between essential trace elements and MS, paving the way for further research into personalized nutritional interventions for this complex neurological disorder.

Infrared photoinduced electrochemiluminescence microscopy of single cells.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is evolving rapidly from a purely analytical technique into a powerful microscopy. Herein, we report the imaging of single cells by photoinduced ECL (PECL; λem = 620 nm) stimulated by an incident near-infrared light (λexc = 1050 nm). The cells were grown on a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) n-Si/SiOx/Ir photoanode that exhibited stable and bright PECL emission. The large anti-Stokes shift allowed for the recording of well-resolved images of cells with high sensitivity. PECL microscopy is demonstrated at a remarkably low onset potential of 0.8 V; this contrasts with classic ECL, which is blind at this potential. Two imaging modes are reported: (i) photoinduced positive ECL (PECL+), showing the cell membranes labeled with the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex; and (ii) photoinduced shadow label-free ECL (PECL-) of cell morphology, with the luminophore in the solution. Finally, by adding a new dimension with the near-infrared light stimulus, PECL microscopy should find promising applications to image and study single photoactive nanoparticles and biological entities.

Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemiluminescent Detection of Water Pollutants.

The modern lifestyle has increased our utilization of pollutants such as heavy metals, aromatic compounds, and contaminants that are of rising concern, involving pharmaceutical and personal products and other materials that may have an important environmental impact. In particular, the ultimate results of the intense use of highly stable materials, such as heavy metals and chemical restudies, are that they turn into waste materials, which, when discharged, accumulate in environmental water bodies. In this context, the present review presents the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in electrochemiluminescent (ECL) sensing for water pollutant detection. MOF composites applied as innovative luminophore or luminophore carriers, materials for electrode modification, and the enhancement of co-reaction in ECL sensors have enabled the sensitive monitoring of some of the most common contaminants of emerging concern such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and cyanotoxins. Moreover, we provide future trends and prospects associated with ECL MOF composites for environmental sensing.

Activation of Osmium by the Surface Effects of Hydrogenated TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance.

Efficient cathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic water electrolysis rely on the use of expensive platinum group metals (PGMs). However, to achieve economically viable operation, both the content of PGMs must be reduced and their intrinsically strong H adsorption mitigated. Herein, we show that the surface effects of hydrogenated TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays can make osmium, a so far less-explored PGM, a highly active HER electrocatalyst. These defect-rich TiO2 nanostructures provide an interactive scaffold for the galvanic deposition of Os particles with modulated adsorption properties. Through systematic investigations, we identify the synthesis conditions (OsCl3 concentration/temperature/reaction time) that yield a progressive improvement in Os deposition rate and mass loading, thereby decreasing the HER overpotential. At the same time, the Os particles deposited by this procedure remain mainly sub-nanometric and entirely cover the inner tube walls. An optimally balanced Os@TNT composite prepared at 3 mM/55 °C/30 min exhibits a record low overpotential (η) of 61 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, a high mass activity of 20.8 A mgOs-1 at 80 mV, and a stable performance in an acidic medium. Density functional theory calculations indicate the existence of strong interactions between the hydrogenated TiO2 surface and small Os clusters, which may weaken the Os-H* binding strength and thus boost the intrinsic HER activity of Os centers. The results presented in this study offer new directions for the fabrication of cost-effective PGM-based catalysts and a better understanding of the synergistic electronic interactions at the PGM|TiO2 interface.

Eu2O3@Cr2O3 Nanoparticles-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Efficient Electrochemical Sensing of Neurotransmitters Precursor L-DOPA.

There are ten million people in the world who have Parkinson's disease. The most potent medicine for Parkinson's disease is levodopa (L-DOPA). However, long-term consumption of L-DOPA leads to the appearance of side effects, as a result of which the control and monitoring of its concentrations are of great importance. In this work, we have designed a new electrochemical sensor for detecting L-DOPA using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with Eu2O3@Cr2O3 composite nanoparticles. Rare earth elements, including Eu, are increasingly used to design new electrode nanocomposites with enhanced electrocatalytic properties. Europium has been considered a significant lanthanide element with greater redox reaction behavior. We conducted a hydrothermal synthesis of Eu2O3@Cr2O3 and, for the first time, the acquired nanoparticles were used to modify CPE. The proposed Eu2O3@Cr2O3/CPE electrode was investigated in terms of its electrocatalytic properties and then used to develop an analytical method for detecting and quantifying L-DOPA. The proposed sensor offers a wide linear range (1-100 µM), high sensitivity (1.38 µA µM-1 cm-2) and a low detection limit (0.72 µM). The practical application of the proposed sensor was investigated by analyzing commercially available pharmaceutical tablets of L-DOPA. The corresponding results indicate the excellent potential of the Eu2O3@Cr2O3/CPE sensor for application in real-time L-DOPA detection.

Microspherical Titanium-Phosphorus Double Oxide: Hierarchical Structure Development for Sensing Applications.

Stable, water-soluble titanium complexed with mandelic acid was used as a precursor for titanium phosphorus double oxide obtained in hydrothermal conditions in the presence of phosphoric acid. Surprisingly, hydrolysis of organic complexes provided a microstructured sphere with narrow size distribution, low aggregation and a small fraction of morphological irregularities. Obtained microspheres had a complex structure comprised of flakes, whose size could be manipulated with temperature conditions. Samples were found to be electrochemically active against sulcotrione, a well-recognized herbicide. Electrochemical sensors based on the synthesized microspheres were successfully adapted for natural water reservoir analysis and exhibited low levels of detection of 0.61 µM, limit of quantification of 1.86 µM, wide dynamic linear range from 2 to 200 µM, good selectivity, excellent reproducibility and in-time stability.

The environmentally friendly approaches based on the heterojunction interface of the LaFeO3/Fe2O3@g-C3N4 composite for the disposable and laboratory sensing of triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) is a polychlorinated phenoxy phenol (PCPPs) used as a disinfectant and a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent in personal hygiene products. TCS easily forms diphenyl ethers and dioxins, which are persistent organic pollutants. This work used a double approach for the TSC sensing: a) screen-printed (SPE) electrochemical platform for on-site application, modified with lanthanum iron oxide and graphitic carbon nitride composite (LaFeO3/Fe2O3@g-C3N4/SPE); and b) carbon paste electrode (CPE), modified with the same material and used in laboratory conditions. Linear range from 0.1 µM to 10 µM, the limit of detection (LOD) of 29 nM and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 91 nM were obtained for CP electrode in BRBS pH 8. SPE showed the best analytical parameters in BRBS at pH 3, with a linear range from 0.3 µM to 7 µM, LOD of 0.09 µM and LOQ of 0.28 µM. Furthermore, the influence of potential interferents was investigated and proven to be negligible. Determination of TSC was performed to estimate the environmental impact of this compound as well as the practical usefulness of the proposed sensor in the real sample analysis, confirmed with a HPLC analysis.

A six-month study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination: A comparative analysis of essential trace elements and anti-RBD IgG sera levels.

BACKGROUND: Although essential trace elements (ETEs) play pivotal roles in life-supporting biochemical processes, their function in innate and adaptive immunity has not been fully elucidated, particularly during immunization. Furthermore, the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies and ETE levels with vaccine responsiveness has not been investigated. METHODS: The present study explored the status of ETEs (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Se) in sera of healthy women before and after vaccination with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in a follow-up period of six months. The main aim was to explore links between ETE levels and IgG antibodies produced against Spike glycoprotein's Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD). RESULTS: A recombinant protein of SARS-CoV-2 comprising the receptor binding domain was successfully expressed in HEK-293 T cells. The purified protein was suitable for producing a sensitive antibody detection assay for human serum and monitored seropositivity, indicating a transient response with peak anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels 2 months after vaccination. In parallel to increasing antibody titers, serum concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Se were not affected by vaccination, and concentrations remained relatively constant at the different sampling times during the 6-month observation period. Total serum Zn concentrations were slightly elevated when compared between the first and last sampling dates. Overall, no consistent effects of vaccination on any of the three trace elements analyzed in our study were observed. CONCLUSION: Vaccination of adult healthy female volunteers with an mRNA vaccine was not associated with consistent changes in serum trace element concentrations over a six-month observation period.

Elemental profiling of human semen with confirmed normozoospermia: Baseline levels for 44 elements.

BACKGROUND: As a consequence of the progressive decline in human semen quality in recent decades, modern epidemiological investigations have identified several trace elements that could be responsible for this phenomenon. However, their levels in semen have not been clearly elucidated, particularly for elements present in ultra-trace levels. METHODS: We aimed to determine the levels of 39 (ultra)trace elements and 5 macroelements in human semen samples with confirmed normozoospermia using ICP-based techniques. The research was amplified by analyzing blood samples from the same participants. RESULTS: Among the analyzed (ultra)trace elements in semen samples, Zn is the most and Tm is the least prominent. Zn levels in semen are so high that Zn should be considered as a macroelement in this matrix. The levels of Zn, Rh, Sm, Re, Ir, Tl, Na, and Ca were significantly higher in semen, while the levels of Cu, As, Rb, Gd, Sb, Tb, Tm, Lu, K, and Fe were significantly higher in blood. Correlation analysis of the levels of 44 individual elements in paired semen and blood samples revealed positive correlations between 43 of the elements, particularly for Tl and Pt. An exception was the negative correlation for Cu, which showed that its high level in semen is associated with a low level in blood and contrariwise. CONCLUSION: The reported data can be used as baseline levels/reference values for 44 elements in human semen. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be relevant for further consideration of male infertility.

Examination of Trace Metals and Their Potential Transplacental Transfer in Pregnancy.

With the ever-growing concern for human health and wellbeing, the prenatal period of development requires special attention since fetuses can be exposed to various metals through the mother. Therefore, this study explored the status of selected toxic (Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Pt, Ce, Rb, Sr, U) and essential trace metals (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se) in the umbilical cord (UC) sera, maternal sera, and placental tissue samples of 92 healthy women with normal pregnancies. A further aim focuses on the potential transplacental transfer of these trace metals. Based on the obtained levels of investigated elements in clinical samples, it was observed that all of the trace metals cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed significant differences in levels of toxic Ni, As, Cd, U, Sr, Rb, and essential Mn, Cu, and Zn between all three types of analyzed clinical samples. Correlation analysis highlighted As to be an element with levels that differed significantly between all tested samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to enhance these findings. PCA demonstrated that Cd, Mn, Zn, Rb, Ce, U, and Sr were the most influential trace metals in distinguishing placenta from maternal and UC serum samples. As, Co, and Cu were responsible for the clustering of maternal serum samples, and PCA demonstrated that the Pt level in UC sera was responsible for the clustering of these samples. Overall, the findings of this study could contribute to a better understanding of transplacental transfer of these trace metals, and shed a light on overall levels of metal exposure in the population of healthy pregnant women and their fetuses.

Celery Root Phenols Content, Antioxidant Capacities and Their Correlations after Osmotic Dehydration in Molasses.

The osmotic dehydration (OD) of celery root in sugar beet molasses was studied at three temperatures (20, 35, and 50 °C) and three immersion periods (1, 3, and 5 h) in order to examine the changes in antioxidant potential and phenolic profile of celery root throughout the process. The antioxidant capacity (AOC) of dehydrated samples was evaluated by spectrophotometric and polarographic assays, the total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the individual phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD. As a result of OD in molasses, the AOC and phenols content in samples increased proportionally to the augmentation of temperature and the immersion time. Vanillic acid, syringic acid, and catechin were detected in dehydrated samples as a result of transfer from molasses. Compared to fresh celery root, the content of identified phenols in osmodehydrated samples was improved from 1.5 to 6.2 times. Strong correlations between applied assays were obtained, except for the DPPH. Based on the correlation analysis chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, chrysin, catechin, and kaempferol showed the greatest contribution to the overall AOC of osmodehydrated celery root. Molasses, an agro-industrial waste from sugar production, could be valorized as a valuable osmotic solution.

Levels of non-essential trace metals and their impact on placental health: a review.

According to recent research, even low levels of environmental chemicals, particularly heavy metals, can considerably disrupt placental homeostasis. This review aims to explore the profile of non-essential trace metals in placental tissues across the globe and to specify trace metal(s) that can be candidates for impaired placental health. Accordingly, we conducted an extensive survey on relevant databases of peer-reviewed papers published in the last two decades. Among a considerable number of non-essential trace metals, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were identified as the most detrimental to placental health. Comparative analysis showed remarkable differences in placental levels of these trace metals worldwide. Based on current data reported across the globe, a median (min-max) range from 0.55 to 15 ng/g for placental As levels could be deemed safe. The placental Cd and Pb levels were markedly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Occupationally exposed pregnant women had several orders of magnitude higher Cd, Pb, and Hg levels in placental tissues than non-occupationally exposed women. Also, we concluded that even low-level exposure to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg could be deleterious to proper fetal development. This review implies the need to reduce exposure to non-essential trace metals to preserve placental health and prevent numerous poor pregnancy outcomes. Overall, the information presented is expected to help plan future fundamental and applied investigations on the placental toxicity of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg.

Microbial fuel cells as an electrical energy source for degradation followed by decolorization of Reactive Black 5 azo dye.

The problem of wastewater has long been ubiquitous and has great consequences for the environment and its inhabitants. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have enormous potential for the treatment of wastewaters polluted with azo dyes. The amount of energy that can be produced from a single-chamber MFC is sufficient to perform decolorization and degradation of such dyes, which are widely used in the textile industry. This study on the azo dye, reactive black 5 (RB5), provides an alternative method through three parallel-connected MFCs to obtain electricity that directly serves for the dye's electrochemical degradation. We examined degradation followed by decolorization of RB5 using Fe and Pt electrodes, together with H2O2, to achieve the electro-Fenton process. The amount of voltage produced (295 mV), the current density (276 mA m-3) and the power density (50 mW m-3) were sufficient to degrade 25 mg L-1 RB5 dye with 0.5 mM H2O2 in just 2 h. The dye degradation mechanism was investigated using UV-VIS, FT-IR and HPLC-MS/MS. The ecotoxicity of the degradation products was assessed using a bacterial model, Aliivibrio fischeri. These tests showed that there was successful degradation of the dye to products whose toxicity is less than that of RB5.

Analysis of essential, toxic, rare earth, and noble elements in maternal and umbilical cord blood.

Progressive industrialization in recent decades has contributed to the increase of metal levels in the environment, which has a dangerous impact on human health, primarily pregnant women. In this study, we aimed to compare levels of various elements in maternal and umbilical cord (UC) plasma samples collected from 125 healthy pregnant women, conduct correlation analysis among paired plasma samples, and compare our data with other populations worldwide. The study design included the following elements: essential (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo), non-essential (Be, Al, Ni, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Pb, U), rare earth (La, Pr, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er), and noble metals (Ru, Rh, Re, Pt). Levels of 30 elements were higher in maternal plasma than in UC plasma samples. However, no disparities at the statistically significant level were found for Be, Zn, Rb, Cd, Ce, and Ho. Correlation analysis among paired plasma samples revealed only positive/synergistic correlations of different strengths between most elements. Compared to other countries across the globe, our participants had considerably lower plasma levels of Zn and higher levels of Co, Ni, and As. This study provides not only a new and deeper comprehension, but also the first insight into the levels, correlation, distribution, and potential transplacental transfer of 30 elements.

Profiling of Circulatory Elements Reveals Alteration of Essential and Toxic Trace Metals in Crohn's Disease.

The status of essential and toxic trace metals in the blood of Crohn's disease (CD) patients is unexplained. This study aimed to provide the first elemental profiling of the most recognized essential elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se) and selected toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Pb, and U) in sera and cell lysate (CL) samples of CD patients (n = 84). The results were compared with sex- and age-matched samples from the control group (CG). CD sera contained significantly higher levels of Mn, As, Cd, Pb, and U than did CG sera. An identical pattern, with the added inclusion of Cu (also higher in CD patients than in the CG), was obtained for CL samples. However, the most important finding was hypermanganesemia, which indicates that Mn could act as a toxic trace metal in CD. As, Cd, and U were the most significant toxic elements that showed antagonistic effects on the extrusion of essential Mn and Cu. Circulatory system screening markers for CD are hereby proposed (Mn/Cu, Mn/As, and Mn/Pb ratios). These three metal ratios were strongly and significantly correlated with F-Calprotectin levels, and deserve consideration as new markers of CD. The target metals and metal ratios should be taken into consideration as novel initiating and/or modifying factors for CD.

Elemental Composition of Pheochromocytoma Resolved on Solid/Adrenal Tissue and Whole Blood Level.

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is an unusual benign adrenal tumor with an unexamined status of the elements. This study delivers the first insight into the levels of microelements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Th), toxic elements (Cd, Pb, U), and macroelements (Na, K, Mg, Ca) in both adrenal tissue and whole blood samples collected from PCC patients. The results were strengthened by comparing recorded findings with the patients' healthy adrenal tissue (HAT) and with whole blood samples from the healthy individuals. PCCs had significantly higher levels of Zn, Se, Na, K, and Mg and lower levels of Mn, Co, Pb, and As than that of HATs. Compared to healthy blood samples, the patients' blood exhibited considerably higher levels of Na, K, and Ca but significantly lower levels of Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mg. Females had significantly higher levels of essential Se and toxic Pb and Cd in their PCC tissue samples compared to males. PCC tissue levels of Mn and Cu were significantly elevated in smokers over levels in nonsmokers and in PCC patients with tumor sizes below 5 cm compared to PCC diameters above 5 cm. The data presented in this study provide a new insight into the pathophysiology of PCC. Thus, recorded elements should be considered as initiators/modifiers of PCC and potential inductors of malignant transformation. The findings of this research deepen scientific understanding of this rare adrenal disease, which, in turn, could highlight the pathogenesis of PCC.

Circulatory Imbalance of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Pre-dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients.

The status of essential and toxic trace elements in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still unclear and not well characterized. The present study examined the circulatory levels of a wide panel of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, and U) in hemodialysis patients (HD group) and pre-dialysis patients with stage 3 CKD (PD group). Comparisons were made between groups of patients and healthy individuals from the control group (CG). The levels of Al, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Sr, and Pb were higher, while the levels of Cr, Zn, Rb, Cd, and U were lower in HD patients than in our CG. Higher levels of Al and Se, as well as lower levels of As, Sr, Zn, Rb, and U were significant and distinguished HD from PD. Among other analyzed elements, Co, Se, and U are the only trace elements that did not distinguish PD from CG at a statistically significant level. The HD group had lower serum U levels than the PD group, and this could be a result of hemodialysis. This study also revealed that the Cu/Zn ratio could be used as a marker for early and late detection of renal failure. Marked changes of essential and toxic trace element levels in sera indicate additional pathophysiological events in CKD, which could additionally contribute to the preexisting increased morbidity of HD patients. Measurement of trace elements in HD patients should be performed routinely.

Human biomonitoring of essential, nonessential, rare earth, and noble elements in placental tissues.

Exposure to certain metals has been recognized as a risk factor for numerous complications in vulnerable population groups, particularly pregnant women. This investigation evaluated the levels of essential (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) and nonessential trace metals with recognized toxicity (Be, Al, Ti, V, Ni, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, U), together with rare earth elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu), and noble metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Ag) in the placental tissues of healthy pregnant women (n = 105). The selection of participants was undertaken with special reference to specific confounding factors that could influence the trace element profiles. Among trace elements, Zn was the most abundant and Lu was the least abundant. Cd and Os placental levels show a tendency to increase with women's age. Compared with literature data, high levels of Ni were found. This is the first study that provides the composition levels of essential and toxic trace elements, rare earth elements, and noble metals in human placental tissues. Also, for the first time, normal (reference) ranges for 50 (ultra)trace elements in placental tissues are proposed. Reference ranges are especially important in biomonitoring studies, which nowadays give increasing importance to the analysis of solid tissues instead of body fluids. Overall, the information provided in this study can serve as a starting point for further clinical trials and/or prediction of potential risks to pregnancy.

Left paraduodenal hernia - A diagnostic challenge: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Internal hernias represent the penetration of intestinal loops through congenital or acquired openings within the mesentery or peritoneum. One such hernia is the paraduodenal hernia, which is the most common type of internal hernia (53%) (Yun et al., 2010) [1]. Due to the variable and non-specific clinical presentation, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis. Preoperative computed tomography of the abdomen facilitates diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, which can be performed openly or laparoscopically (Coakley et al., 2012) [2]. CASE PRESENTATION: In this paper, the case of a 39-year-old patient with left paraduodenal hernia will be presented. He arrived in the emergency department with sudden onset of abdominal pain. The diagnosis was established using computed tomography and an open surgical procedure was successfully performed. DISCUSSION: Clinical presentation of paraduodenal hernia ranges from asymptomatic to manifest. The greatest difficulty regarding management of paraduodenal hernias lies in their diagnosis. Many studies have shown that the best option for diagnosis is computed tomography (CT). Open and laparoscopic techniques are used in treatment of paraduodenal hernias with similar results. CONCLUSION: The case of a 39-year-old male patient with LPDH with non-specific symptomatology was presented. CT scan is the best diagnostic option for this condition. Open surgical approach was used with great success.