65 results match your criteria: "St Marina University Hospital[Affiliation]"

Splenic cysts are rare medical conditions, and their incidence is dominated by parasitic types. Non-parasitic splenic cysts, whether true cysts (with a cellular lining of the cystic wall) or pseudocysts (without a cellular lining), are significantly rarer than parasitic ones. Their etiology is not fully established, with fetal remnant development, metaplasia, and mesothelial invagination being widely accepted possible mechanisms.

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Recent advancements in arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI have significantly improved our understanding of cerebral perfusion in neurodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, the focus has been on regional perfusion deficits corresponding to specific neural pathologies. However, this localized approach may overlook the influence of global cerebral blood flow alterations.

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Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical outcome and mid-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) as a treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids at two major European HIFU centers.

Materials And Methods: This bi-center longitudinal clinical study involved the treatment of 100 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids using USgHIFU (n = 59 in Germany, n = 41 in Bulgaria). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year follow-up utilizing the uterine fibroid symptoms-quality of life questionnaire for fibroid-related symptoms and health-related quality of life as well as MRI imaging for determining the fibroid volume.

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Profiles of primary brain abscesses and their impact on survival: An international ID-IRI study.

Int J Infect Dis

October 2024

Gulhane School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye.

Article Synopsis
  • This study analyzed 331 patients with primary brain abscesses (PBAs) from 39 centers in 16 countries, focusing on infection causes, risk factors, and mortality outcomes over a 12-year period.
  • Study results showed that the majority of patients were middle-aged men (average age 46.8), with symptoms like headaches and fever; Gram-positive cocci were the most common pathogens.
  • Key factors influencing mortality at 42 days included intravenous drug use and malignancy, while factors affecting 180-day mortality included temporal lobe involvement and the presence of unidentified bacteria.
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Mapping the path to excellence: Evaluation of the diagnostic and treatment tools for invasive fungal infections in the balkans.

J Infect Public Health

August 2024

Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Electronic address:

Background: In the Balkans, rising concerns about invasive fungal infections over the past decade stem from various factors. Primarily, there has been a notable uptick in immunocompromised individuals, including those with chronic illnesses like immunological and hematological diseases. Thus, it is essential to assess the region's laboratory capabilities and the availability of antifungals.

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Axial Spondyloarthritis: an overview of the disease.

Rheumatol Int

September 2024

First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.

Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated rheumatic disease that comprises two subsets, non-radiographic and radiographic axSpA, and belongs to a heterogeneous group of spondyloarthritides (SpA). Over the years, the concept of SpA has evolved significantly, as reflected in the existing classification criteria. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the genetic and immunological basis of axSpA, in studying the processes of chronic inflammation and pathological new bone formation, which are pathognomonic for the disease.

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Audio burn-in, often referred to as the process by which audio equipment undergoes a series of played sounds to achieve optimal performance, remains a topic of significant debate within both audiophile communities and relevant scientific fields. While some attribute perceived changes in sound quality to actual physical changes in the equipment, an emerging perspective points to the interplay of physiological, psychological, and social factors that might influence these perceptions. This narrative review delves into the intricate layers of auditory physiology, cognitive sound interpretation, and the wider societal beliefs around burn-in.

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Evolving diagnostic imaging education: Aligning with personalized medicine.

J Med Imaging Radiat Sci

December 2024

Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Marina University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria. Electronic address:

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to create and validate a visual rating scale for assessing brain blood flow changes using arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging, which could be useful for various medical conditions affecting brain perfusion.
  • Researchers tested this five-stage scale on 156 patients, with three radiologists independently reviewing the ASL images to evaluate its reliability.
  • The results showed a high level of agreement among the radiologists, indicating that this scale could be useful for clinical practice in assessing brain perfusion changes related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with potential for further research and application improvements.
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Circulating sRANKL, Periostin, and Osteopontin as Biomarkers for the Assessment of Activated Osteoclastogenesis in Myeloma Related Bone Disease.

Cancers (Basel)

November 2023

Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, MU Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria.

The hallmark of multiple myeloma is myeloma related bone disease. Interactions between myeloma plasma cells (MPCs), stromal cells, and the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MBD. Bone remodeling is severely dysregulated with the prevalence of osteoclast activity.

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Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome, considered one of the main risk factors for morbidity and mortality among adults. Thyrotoxicosis may contribute to its development.

Aim: To assess the physical well-being among women with thyrotoxicosis and to determine the risk of sarcopenia among them; 13 women over 40 years of age with thyrotoxicosis took part in this study.

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The purpose of the current study was to describe the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in northeastern Bulgaria. From January 2019 to December 2021, we tested 1493 samples for anti-HSV-1 IgG and 817 samples for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies in the Virology Laboratory, "St. Marina" University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria.

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The role of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery in mediating occipital and thalamic perfusion: An arterial spin labeling MRI study.

J Med Imaging Radiat Sci

December 2023

Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Marina University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria. Electronic address:

Background: The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) is key in supplying blood to the occipital lobes and significant portions of the thalamus. Some individuals present with a 'fetal-type' posterior cerebral artery (fPCA), which is associated with a higher risk of neurological disorders such as ischemic stroke. This study investigates the relationship between the presence of fPCA and arterial spin labeling (ASL) hyperperfusion patterns in the medial occipital cortex and thalami.

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Frantz Tumor: A Case Report of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of Pancreas.

Cureus

July 2023

Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Varna, "St. Marina" University Hospital, Varna, BGR.

The solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a rare pancreatic lesion that usually affects young and middle-aged patients and has a female predominance and low malignant potential. The exact histogenesis of this tumor is still unclear. We present the case of a 60-year-old female patient with occasional abdominal pain.

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Objective This study aimed to explore the potential of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) as a supplementary tool for defining high-risk Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3 lesions in the peripheral zone on non-contrast-enhanced MRI. This additional stratification tool could supplement the decision-making process for biopsy, potentially helping in identifying higher-risk patients more accurately, minimizing unnecessary procedures in lower-risk patients, and limiting the need for dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) scans. Materials and methods Between January 2019 and April 2023, 30 patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions underwent MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsies at our institution.

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Dynamics of Bone Disease Biomarkers Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

J Clin Med

July 2023

Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria.

Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin are essential Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, playing an important role in multiple myeloma bone disease (MBD). We aimed to examine the serum DKK-1 and sclerostin variations in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients at diagnosis and in the course of therapy, including autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This study included 41 NDMM-patients and 33 controls.

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Background Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique with potential applications for assessing meningiomas. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of tumor location, size, age, and sex on the ASL visibility of meningiomas. Methods We retrospectively analysed 40 patients with meningiomas, who underwent 3 Tesla MRI examinations using a three-dimensional (3D) pulsed ASL technique.

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Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis in childhood, presenting with purpura, predominantly of the lower extremities and occasionally with renal involvement as well. Although associated with childhood, HSP, although rarely, can also develop in adults as well. Here we present a patient in his sixties, presenting with a myriad of rash units on his lower extremities, including bullous ones, and a constellation of chronic kidney failure.

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Introduction Urothelial carcinomas represent a distinct group of malignancies with a high recurrence potential. Multiple studies have established a set of interactions between the tumor cells of urothelial neoplasms and the extracellular matrix regarding invasion and tumor progression. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in early-stage urothelial carcinomas of the urinary bladder (pTa and pT1) regarding the invasive potential of these tumors.

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Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare central nervous system malignant neoplasm with a relatively favorable prognosis. As PXA histologically presents with large, multinucleated neoplastic cells, its principal differential diagnosis is giant cell glioblastoma (GCGBM). While there is a significant overlap between the two histologically and the neuropathological diagnosis can be challenging, as well as having some overlap neuroradiologically, the patient prognosis differs significantly, with PXA having a more favorable one.

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Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are rare neoplastic entries of the central nervous system. Conventionally DNTs are with cortical location and predominantly occur in the temporal lobe associated with epilepsy. Subtentorial DNTs are rare entries.

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Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death globally. Alterations in the arterial wall architecture predict CVD morbidity and mortality and are associated with other CVD risk factors. Aortic wall thickness is closely linked to short- and long-term CVD morbidity and mortality, even without pronounced atherosclerotic changes.

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Leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms originating from smooth muscle cells. Although leiomyosarcoma is commonly located in the female reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, and subcutaneous tissues, it is a rare entry in the head and neck area, probably due to the scarcity of smooth muscle tissue in this topographical region. Herein we present a histopathological case report of a 60-year-old male with a slow-growing painless mass on the middle third of the right lateral lingual margin, with focal ulceration measuring 1x1.

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Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells with a proliferation of one or more myeloid lineage and mature cell overproduction, while myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/MPN simultaneously show aspects of MDS and MPN, leading to partially ineffective hematopoiesis with associated dysplastic changes. This spectrum of disorders includes chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, and essential thrombocythemia. MDS/MPN are classically not associated with renal complications; however, an accumulating body of evidence suggests that multiple growth factors, cytokines, endothelial damage, and an activated complement system in these patients can induce glomerulopathy, as nearly a third of these patients present with advanced renal disease on diagnosis, which is unlikely to be age or hypertension-related.

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Role of Cytokeratin 20 as a Predictive and Prognostic Marker in Urothelial Neoplasms.

Cureus

November 2022

General and Clinical Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University of Varna, Varna, BGR.

Introduction Several clinical peculiarities mark urothelial carcinomas and their biological behavior. Key in these are its relatively indolent course before manifestation and its high recurrence rate. So far, no biomarker has been identified as a predictor for these factors.

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