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We report a particular case of a spontaneously occurring pregnancy in a long-term amenorrheic patient due to a prolactinoma with high serum prolactin (PRL) following the failure of dopamine agonist therapy (DA) for infertility. Initially, clinical, laboratory, and genital ultrasounds were normal, but the serum PRL was 10,074 μIU/mL (n.v.: 127–637 μIU/mL), the PEG fraction was 71% (laboratory cut-off > 60%), and luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly lower. An MRI revealed a pituitary tumor of 12.8/10 mm with a subacute intratumoral hemorrhage. DA was initiated, and menstrual bleeding reappeared with a reduction in the tumor's volume to 1.9/2.2 mm at 12 months. Two years later, the patient renounced DA and follow-ups. After another 2 years, she became spontaneously pregnant. Serum PRL was 18,325 μIU/mL, and an MRI revealed a microprolactinoma of 2.1/2 mm. The patient gave birth to a normal baby at term, and she breastfed for six months, after which she asked for ablactation, and DA was administered. This case highlights the possibility of the occurrence of a normal pregnancy during a long period of amenorrhea induced by a microprolactinoma with a high level of serum PRL, even if DA fails to correct infertility. There was no compulsory relationship between the tumoral volume's evolution and the evolution of its lactophore activity. The hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism induced by high PRL was mainly manifested by low LH, and in this situation, normal levels of FSH and estradiol do not always induce follicle recruitment and development without abnormalities in the ovary ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The objective of this study was to obtain a virtual biomechanical three dimensional model of the human eye though a multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers in various medical and informational fields in order to reach a better understanding of the optical performance of the healthy and diseased eye. Material and Method. In order to obtain the virtual model, we analyzed the CT and MRI images of six patients, aged between 21 and 80 years old, dating from February 2013 until January 2019. These scans totalized 4226 images. We selected to use for the construction of the model the CT images of a male patient of 54 years old. In Vesalius and Geomagic for SolidWorks programs were used. Results. Based on the CT images analysis and using the above mentioned programs, we created a virtual model of the human skull in which the orbit is located, including the eye globe and the extraocular muscles. The SolidWorks virtual model allows the attachment of materials with real properties of the eye tissues. This model can be used in various simulations for the healthy and diseased eye. Conclusions. The biomechanical eye model of the eye was created based on a "in vivo" eye model. As the SolidWorks format enables using materials with identical properties to those of the human eyeball, this virtual model can provide very realistic eye simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers the highest sensitivity in detecting breast cancer among existing clinical and imaging techniques, making it a crucial component of breast imaging protocols. This study aims to investigate MRI importance in correlation with previous imaging discordant procedures performed as echography and/or mammography to evaluate characteristics and framing in high-risk BI-RADS 4C or 5 categories based on morphological features and kinetic curves of masses found in the breasts of patients from our database. Methods: A retrospective study with related statistical analysis was performed on a group of 33 cases, selected from a total of 488 patients who underwent breast MRI examinations at SPAD Imaging International S.R.L. Craiova, between 01.01.2021 and 31.12.2023, aged between 33 and 75 years. In all patients, MRI images parameters were analysed. Results: In 33 patients, 23 had a single lesion and 10 had multiple lesions, 9 of them in the ipsilateral breast and, as a particularity, one of them, located in the contralateral breast. In 21 of the total patients with multiple or single lesions they had type III curves, which were classified in the BI-RADS 5 category, considering both criteriamorphology and type of curve, where the other previous techniques had not mentioned an increased risk, hence revealing that the situation in a percentage of 63.63 in the case of MRI investigation proved to be clearly superior. Conclusion: Combining both kinetic and morphologic criteria can enhance the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in breast lesion evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper presents an innovative ecological and efficient method to recover the useful metals from various types of industrial wastes by processing in a microwave field. Compared to the classical methods, microwave melting presents a series of major advantages, such as: i. simultaneous evolution of the heating gradient in the entire volume of material; ii. much higher heating rates that shorten the melting time by 70-85%, thus leading to energy savings and higher processing capacities; iii. superior quality of the obtained materials by reducing the melt impurification through oxidation; iv. remarkable versatility, as wastes with a wide range of shapes, chemical compositions and structures can be processed in the same installation; v. the possibility to neutralize the gaseous emissions also in microwave field. In the present work two types of wastes from the obtaining of aluminum-silicon and respectively antifriction antimony-tin-lead alloys, were melted in a microwave furnace. The values of the metal recovery efficiencies were of approximately 90%. Also, the treatment of the gaseous emissions in microwave field lead to the reduction of the hazardous substances' contents to values under the legal limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enchondromas are benign tumors located primarily in long bones, some of which can be accidentally discovered during imaging exams conducted for other pathologies. These benign cartilaginous tumors are hard to differentiate from low grade chondrosarcomas, which require periodic follow ups. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of enchondromas in pediatric patients, to determine medical imaging criteria (Computed Tomography-CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-MRI) in order to differentiate enchondromas from other atypical cartilaginous tumors, and to identify a potential correlation between imaging aspects and clinical signs. The aim of this study was to review imaging findings of enchondromas in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The touristic regionalization, in most cases, is performed by taking into account the tourism potential as main reference, in this respect numerous methodologies having attempted to quantify as balanced as possible both the natural tourism potential and the man-made one. Beyond its great theoretical importance, their actual, practical and statistical value is yet limited, given that all economic and socio-political analyses, reports and comparisons have a mandatory administrative dimension, too. These present realities constitute the main reason why we believe that a deepening of regionalization which takes into consideration, more than others made so far, the administrative component, on the one hand, and the actual revaluation, on the other hand, embodied in the existence of specific infrastructure, which together with the tourism potential shall determine the attraction of tourist flows. In this respect, we tried to consider, to share and to model a large number of indicators to reach an outcome which provides a more real, synthetic and complete image (8 data sets were structured and combined, calculating 13 indicators, subsequently synthesized into 5, which led to the preparation of maps: afterwards these were overlapped for county level, respectively their average at the level of development regions. Such a regionalization also reflects the real role that tourism plays in the economic balance of counties, respectively development regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal vein thrombosis followed by the occurrence of a portal cavernoma is a rare condition that requires convergence between systemic predisposition and local factors in order to develop. Among the complications of inflammatory bowel diseases, such eventuality is quite unusual. Ulcerative colitis accounts for the majority of these vascular complications, while in Crohn's disease the occurrence of such events is exceptional. We present the case of a young male patient aged 42, without any particular history, in whom the diagnosis of the first flare of colonic Crohn's disease was accompanied by the discovery of a portal cavernoma, followed by the demonstration of a heterozygous mutation factor V Leiden associated with the presence of an antiphospholipid syndrome with IgG anticardiolipin antibodies. This unusual association of portal vein thrombosis with antiphospholipid syndrome in Crohn's disease, observed according to our knowledge only in one other instance, raises the discussion regarding the convergent action of general thrombophilic (hereditary and acquired) and local factors in the genesis of vascular complications of inflammatory bowel diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) poses significant challenges in determining the optimal timing and approach for cholecystectomy, particularly in mild, moderately severe, and severe forms. This article reviews the existing literature on cholecystectomy timing and its impact on outcomes in ABP. A systematic literature search yielded 41 relevant articles from PubMed and Scopus databases. In mild ABP, early cholecystectomy within 72 hours of onset is increasingly favoured due to reduced technical difficulty and lower risk of recurrent pancreatitis. Conversely, delayed cholecystectomy, although traditionally practiced, may lead to higher recurrence rates and prolonged hospital stays. For moderate severe ABP, evidence remains limited, but early cholecystectomy appears to decrease hospital stay without increasing perioperative complications. In severe ABP, consensus suggests delaying cholecystectomy until peripancreatic collections resolve, typically 6 to 10 weeks post-onset, to minimize surgical morbidity. The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) alongside cholecystectomy remains contentious, with guidelines recommending its use in specific scenarios such as cholangitis or biliary obstruction. However, routine ERCP in mild ABP lacks robust evidence and may increase complications. Challenges persist regarding the management of residual choledocholithiasis post-ABP, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic criteria and management protocols. Overall, this review underscores the evolving landscape of cholecystectomy timing in ABP and provides insights into current best practices and areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the evaluation of cartilage thickness has become possible with new techniques such as musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imagining (MRI), making the evaluation of the treatment response and the progression of the disease more accurate. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of a Symptomatic Slow Acting Drug for Osteoarthritis using both US and MRI for measuring cartilage thickness at baseline and after 1 year. Methods: The study included the clinical evaluation of 20 patients at baseline, at 6 and 12 months as well as imaging exams (US and MRI) at baseline and after 1 year. Measurements were performed in both knees, in lateral and medial condyles, and in the intercondylar area. After the baseline visit, patients underwent a SYSADOA treatment which included Harpagophytum procumbens (HPc) administered on a daily basis, in a specific regimen. Results and discussions: The US examination permitted the detailed evaluation of the femoral hyaline cartilage thickness, with statistically significant differences before and after treatment at the level of the medial compartment, both in the dominant (1.59±0.49 vs. 1.68±0.49, p=0.0013) and non-dominant knee (1.73±0.53 vs. 1.79±0.52, p=0.0106). The US and the MRI correlated well (r=0.63) and showed no radiographic progression in knee osteoarthritis after one year of treatment with specific SYSADOA. Moreover, the US showed improvement in the cartilage thickness of the medial compartment. Conclusions: The combination with HPc could increase the delay in the radiographic progression of the knee osteoarthritis, with improvement of femoral hyaline cartilage thickness in the medial and lateral compartment. The US might be an important tool in OA evaluation and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Imaging has a decisive role in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer, the most used imaging methods being computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography. Material and method. They were studied retrospectively over a 3 years period, 140 patients with pancreatic cancer. Aim of the study: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of CT, MRI and EUS in diagnosis and staging of panceatic cancer. Results. CT showed a diagnostic accuracy of 83.3%, with sensitivity and specificity of 81.4% and 43% respectively. MRI showed superior diagnostic accuracy compared to CT (89,1%). However, EUS demonstrated the best diagnostic value in PC (accuracy of 92,7%). Concerning the locoregional staging, the 3 diagnostic methods showed similar result. There were no significant differences concerning the diagnosis of intra-abdominal metastases. Differences have appeared in the case of extra-abdominal. Thus, there were 4 cases of lung metastases which have been identified only on CT and MRI. Conclusion. EUS is the most effective technique used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the present study demonstrating an accuracy of 92.7%. Moreover, EUS offers the possibility to collect samples for cytological examination by EUS guided fine needle aspiration. However, there are some limitations of EUS in identifying extra-abdominal metastases. Thus, the assessment of tumor extension must be completing by performing CT or MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The new developments in imaging technology, including contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allow a better diagnosis of both malignant and benign liver lesions. Material and methods: A retrospective trial of 126 patients was conducted in the Gastroenterology and Imaging Departments of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Romania. CEUS and MRI were the imaging techniques used for diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLL), especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histopathology was used only in 15 cases. For each method of investigation we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratio (+LR, -LR), accuracy and we compared the ROC curves. Statistical analysis also included the Chi-square and Kappa tests. Results: Seventy six cases were diagnosed as HCC, with average size of 5.2±3.3 cm in diameter. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.4% and 95.6% for CEUS and 91.4%, 98.9% respectively, for MRI. When comparing the ROC curves, we found a higher area under curve for MRI (0.952) then for CEUS (0.835) (p=0.005), and 95% confidence interval of 0.0343 to 0.199. No statistically significant difference in diagnosis of FLL was found between CEUS and MRI (p > 0.05) and the agreement between the two imaging techniques was good (k = 0.78). Conclusions: CEUS can be used as the first step in the diagnosis of liver lesions, but MRI remains the gold standard diagnostic method for liver tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]