CT-guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) is a minimally invasive procedure that plays a crucial role in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. With high diagnostic yield and low complication rates, CT-TTNB is favored over traditional surgical biopsies, providing accuracy in detecting both malignant and benign conditions. This literature review aims to present a comprehensive overview of CT-TTNB, focusing on its indications, procedural techniques, diagnostic yield, and safety considerations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPregnancy is a vulnerable period of time during which pregnant people are prone to infections like COVID-19, which can increase risks for both the mother and fetus. These infections may lead to complications such as preterm birth, developmental delays, and congenital abnormalities. While COVID-19 poses additional risks like placental dysfunction and neonatal infections, studies on long-term effects remain limited.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia, may play a crucial role in the development and progression of DR, though the evidence remains mixed. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factors as independent predictors of DR and to develop a predictive model for DR progression in T2DM patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: This study investigates the relationship between thyroid eye disease (TED) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG), focusing on disease severity and clinical features. : Conducted at the Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital, the research included 106 patients, with 53 having both conditions and 53 having only OAG. Key metrics analyzed included intraocular pressure (IOP) using a Goldmann applanation tonometer, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and optic nerve head (ONH) characteristics evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality globally, emphasizing the need for early detection and effective risk assessment to improve patient outcomes. Advances in oculomics, which utilize the relationship between retinal microvascular changes and systemic vascular health, offer a promising non-invasive approach to assessing CVD risk. Retinal fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography/angiography (OCT/OCTA) provides critical information for early diagnosis, with retinal vascular parameters such as vessel caliber, tortuosity, and branching patterns identified as key biomarkers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major public health issue worldwide, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations due to the social determinants of health (SDOHs). In Western Romania, these populations are particularly vulnerable to CVD. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and impact of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in Western Romania and identify the primary CVRFs contributing to the high incidence of CVD within this population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSalivary gland tumors are a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms of the head and neck region. The mixed category of these tumors include the following entities: pleomorphic adenoma (PA), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA), salivary carcinosarcoma (CS), and metastasizing PA (MPA). The most common benign tumor of the salivary glands is PA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStargardt disease, one of the most common forms of inherited retinal diseases, affects individuals worldwide. The primary cause is mutations in the gene, leading to the accumulation of toxic byproducts in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and subsequent photoreceptor cell degeneration. Over the past few years, research on Stargardt disease has advanced significantly, focusing on clinical and molecular genetics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, action, or both, with a global prevalence that has tripled in recent decades. This condition poses significant public health challenges, affecting individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. Among its numerous complications, ocular surface disease (OSD) is a significant concern, yet understanding its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management remains challenging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still under research, since extensive studies showed plenty of systemic effects of the viral infection, extending even after the acute phase of the infection. This study evaluated kidney function tests six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients clinically diagnosed with Post-COVID Syndrome, hypothesizing persistent renal dysfunction evidenced by altered kidney function tests compared to baseline levels. Continuous eGFR decrease <30 at six months post-infection was considered the main study outcome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCongenital anomalies affecting the kidneys present significant challenges in pediatric nephrology, needing precise methods for assessing renal function and guiding therapeutic intervention. Bedside Schwartz formula with the cystatin-C-based Full Age Spectrum formula and Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) U 25 formula used in estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and also to assess if the eGFR in association with kidney length percentiles can be a monitoring parameter for the progression of chronic kidney disease in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). A total of 64 pediatric patients (median age at diagnostic was 12 months with an interquartile range of 2 to 60) were diagnosed with congenital anomalies in the kidney and urinary tract between June 2018 and May 2023 at "Louis Turcanu" Emergency Hospital for Children in Timisoara, Romania.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe escalating global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) over the past two decades has led to a persistent high incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), necessitating screening for early symptoms and proper treatment. Effective management of DR aims to decrease vision impairment by controlling modifiable risk factors including hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, systemic medications and plant-based therapy show promise in advancing DR treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis narrative review explores the evolution and implications of robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric and neonatal cases, focusing on its advantages, drawbacks, and the specific diseases amenable to this innovative technology. Following PRISMA guidelines, 56 relevant articles from the past five years were selected, emphasizing advancements in precision, reduced trauma, and expedited recovery times for pediatric patients. Despite challenges like cost and training, ongoing research shapes pediatric robotic-assisted surgery, promising improved outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBreast cancer, affecting both genders, but mostly females, exhibits shifting demographic patterns, with an increasing incidence in younger age groups. Early identification through mammography, clinical examinations, and breast self-exams enhances treatment efficacy, but challenges persist in low- and medium-income countries due to limited imaging resources. This review assesses the feasibility of employing breast ultrasound as the primary breast cancer screening method, particularly in resource-constrained regions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis prospective observational study aimed to investigate the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing and managing pediatric respiratory infections, specifically focusing on viral, bacterial, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conducted over a period of 1 year and 8 months, this research involved 85 pediatric patients (showcasing a median age of 14 months) recruited based on specific criteria, including age, confirmed infection through multiplex PCR tests, and willingness to undergo LUS imaging. This study employed a 12-area scoring system for LUS examinations, utilizing the lung ultrasound score (LUSS) to evaluate lung abnormalities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDue to their susceptibilities, neonates and infants face unique SARS-CoV-2 challenges. This retrospective study will compare the illness course, symptoms, biomarkers, and lung damage in neonates and infants with SARS-CoV-2 infection from February 2020 to October 2023. This study was conducted at two hospitals in Timisoara, Romania, using real-time multiplex PCR to diagnose and lung ultrasonography (LUS) to assess lung involvement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has manifested distinct impacts on infants and children. This study delves into the intricate connection between lung ultrasound (LUS) findings and serum biomarkers in neonates and infants with COVID-19. Exploring factors contributing to the mild symptoms in this demographic, including immune responses and pre-existing immunity, the study spans 3 years and 9 months, involving 42 patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus in the future.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: It is already well known that infants and children infected with COVID-19 develop mild to moderate forms of the disease, with fever and oropharyngeal congestion being the most common symptoms. However, there are instances when patients claim to be experiencing respiratory symptoms. Because of the repeated lung examinations required in these situations, non-irradiating imaging techniques are preferred.
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