Recenti progressi in medicina
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in highlighting the peritoneal involvement in patients with ovarian cancer, also in relation to the biomarker CA125. We retrospectively analyzed 64 female patients with histological diagnosis of ovarian cancer who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT and CA125 measurement. ⋯ Sensitivity and specificity of CA125 were 93.33% (95% CI: 80-100%) and 33.33% (95% CI: 25-64%), respectively. In patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer, it is recommended to perform 18F-FDG-PET/CT, in particular when elevated CA125 levels are detected.
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Case Reports
[Cough-induced intercostal lung herniation successfully diagnosed with imaging techniques].
We report the case of a 78-year-old man presenting with pain in right hemithorax that occurred suddenly after coughing. A palpable chest wall mass, soft in consistency, was noted on physical examination, and chest X-ray and CT allowed to make diagnosis of spontaneous lung hernia.
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Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a complex pulmonary pathology with high mortality rates, manifesting over a wide range of severity. Clinical diagnosis relies on the following 4 criteria stated by the American-European Consensus Conference: acute onset of impaired gas exchange, severe hypoxemia defined as a PaO2 to FiO2 ratio <300 (PaO2 in mmHg), bilateral diffuse infiltration on chest X-ray; pulmonary artery wedge pressure of ≤18 mmHg to rule out cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of CT in the diagnosis and management of this condition.
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Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an uncommon but potentially lethal manifestation of hyperthyroidism characterized by muscle paralysis and hypokalemia. We have reported 3 cases of TPP in male patients, which manifested with morning muscle weakness evolved into paralysis. In all patients were found severe hypokalemia, abnormalities on electrocardiogram, and Graves' hyperthyroidism. ⋯ Two patients required total thyroidectomy for poor control of hyperthyroidism with antithyroid drug. In patients presenting with periodic paralysis or diffuse muscle weakness thyroid function should be investigated in order to find out the cases secondary to unknown hyperthyroidism and to start an early appropriate combined therapy. The correct management of TPP can prevent serious cardiopulmonary complications.
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Editorial Review
[Migraine and ischemic stroke: possible pathogenic relation].
Migraine, especially migraine with aura, is an established risk factor for ischemic lesions of the brain. This disorder affects about 15% of people in developed countries and is three times more common in women than in men. The risk of ischemic stroke appears to be higher in migraine with aura than in migraine without aura. ⋯ Meta-analysis also demonstrates that subjects with migraine are at higher risk of showing white matter abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance images. Ultimately, it will be important to determine whether migraine with aura is a modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke and if preventive medications for migraine or antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with migraine with aura. In the present paper, I will review epidemiological studies, discuss potential mechanisms of migraine-induced stroke and comorbid ischemic stroke.