Publications by authors named "Joao F Costa"

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is an extremely rare and undifferentiated malignancy characterized by the rearrangement of NUT gene (NUTM1, Nuclear Protein in Testis). NUT carcinoma is a challenging disease which is difficult to diagnose and treat. Due to its rarity, lack of experience and need of specific molecular study it can be un/misdiagnosed.

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Management of vascular access is a challenge for the dialysis team, particularly to keep the arteriovenous access working. The vascular access coordinator can positively contribute to increase the number of arteriovenous fistulas and reduce central venous catheters. In this article, we introduce a new approach to vascular access management centered on (the results of setting up) the role of vascular access coordinator.

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Background: In the hospital environment, to achieve an optimum level of operations and service, it is necessary to develop adequate inventory management system. Stocks can be managed, amongst other ways, through inputs classification, which is generally carried out based on a single criterion, such as monetary value, demand or criticality, which does not fully address the complexity of a hospital's inventory management system. Thus, the present study proposes a multi-criteria decision support model to help classify the stock of medicines and materials, enabling a more effective inventory management system for hospitals.

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Objective: To determine the predictive value of esophageal dilatation as observed in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods: Our sample consisted of patients diagnosed with SSc and proven interstitial lung involvement with available HRCT exams (n = 20). Individuals with other forms of rheumatic ILD were included as a control group (n = 20).

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Background: Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEPS) are rare shunts connecting the extrahepatic portal system with the inferior vena cava. Shunt dimensions and the risk of portal hypertension determines the closure strategy. Endovascular treatment is indicated for single stage occlusion of longer length shunts, whereas the remaining shunt types are preferentially surgically occluded.

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The peritoneum is the largest serous membrane of the body and can be exposed to several injuries that may cause abnormal findings on imaging exams. Linear peritoneal calcification is remarkably rare, usually secondary to long duration peritoneal dialysis. We report an uncommon case of extensive peritoneal calcification in a 39-year-old female without long exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions, in which peritoneal calcification could be linked to Alport syndrome and previous adverse reaction to intraperitoneal iodinated contrast.

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The vast majority of focal liver lesions are hyperintense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Rarely, however, hepatic nodules may appear totally or partially hypointense on those images. Causes for this uncommon appearance include deposition of iron, calcium, or copper and are related to the presence of blood degradation products, macromolecules, coagulative necrosis, and other conditions.

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