Diagnostic accuracy of 3T magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenomas: comparison with ultrasound and 99mTc-sestamibi scans.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3TMRI in comparison with ultrasound (US) and 99mTc-sestamibi scan for presurgical localisation of parathyroid adenomas (PTAs) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Methods: Fifty-seven patients affected by PHPT were prospectively enrolled and underwent US, 99mTc-sestamibi and 3TMRI. T2-weighted and post-contrast T1-weighted Iterative decomposition of water and fat with Echo Asymmetry and Least squares estimation (IDEAL) sequences were acquired.

New Proposal to Define the Fascial System.

At the beginning of the third millennium, we still do not have a definition of 'fascia' recognized as valid by every researcher. This article attempts to give a new definition of the fascial system, including the epidermis, by comparing the mechanical-metabolic characteristics of the connective tissue and the skin. In fact, according to the latest classification deriving from the Fascia Nomenclature Committee, the outer skin layer is not considered as part of the fascial continuum.

Emission of Biophotons and Adjustable Sounds by the Fascial System: Review and Reflections for Manual Therapy.

Every body structure is wrapped in connective tissue or fascia, creating a structural continuity that gives form and function to every tissue and organ. The fascial tissue is uniformly distributed throughout the body, enveloping, interacting with and permeating blood vessels, nerves, viscera, meninges, bones and muscles, creating various layers at different depths and forming a tridimensional metabolic and mechanical matrix. This article reviews the literature on the emission of biophotons and adjustable sounds by the fascial system, because these biological changes could be a means of local and systemic cellular communication and become another assessment tool for manual (therapy) practitioners.

Low back pain and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with COPD: the disease in the breath.

COPD is a worsening condition that leads to a pathologic degeneration of the respiratory system. It represents one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in the world, and it is characterized by the presence of associated comorbidity. This article analyzes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and low back pain (LBP) in patients with COPD and tries to produce anatomo-clinical considerations on the reasons of the presence of these comorbidities.