The role of the deep convolutional neural network as an aid to interpreting brain [F]DOPA PET/CT in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Objectives: To test the performance of a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) in analysing brain [F]DOPA PET/CT in order to identify patients with nigro-striatal neurodegeneration. We evaluated the robustness of the 3D CNN by testing it against a manual regional analysis of the striata by using a striatal-to-occipital ratio (SOR).

Methods: We analyzed patients who had undergone [F]DOPA PET/CT from 2016 to 2018.

Intentional ingestion of elemental mercury requiring multi-step decontamination and prophylactic appendectomy: a case report and treatment proposal.

Background: Ingestion of elemental mercury (Hg0) is considered non-toxic. After massive ingestion, local intestinal complications may develop: retention within appendix is quite frequent but treatment is debated. We describe a case of intentional ingestion of Hg0 requiring multi-step decontamination and prophylactic appendectomy.

A pilot study assessing tolerance safety and feasibility of diagnostic transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy using an improved larger caliber endoscope and an adapted topical anesthesia.

Background: Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TN-EGDS) is well tolerated by patients and the examination is perceived comfortable without the need of a sedative drug. Conversely, mainly in Western literature, some authors report limitations in illumination, image quality, and working channel as affecting TN-EGDS diffusion. To overcome these disadvantages, a new transnasal endoscope (TNE) was tested but, due to its larger diameter, we have no evidence of its clinical safety and tolerability.