ULS_10.1-MED-Artigos
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- Endometrial cancer staging: Is there value in ADC?Publication . Moreira, Ana; Ribeiro, Vera; Aringhieri, Giacomo; Fanni, Salvatore; Tumminello, Lorenzo; Faggioni, Lorenzo; Cioni, Dania; Neri, EmanuelePurpose: To assess the ability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in predicting the histological grade of endometrial cancer. A secondary goal was to assess the agreement between MRI and surgical staging as an accurate measurement. Methods: Patients with endometrial cancers diagnosed between 2018-2020 and having received both MRI and surgical staging were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were characterized according to histology, tumor size, FIGO stage (MRI and surgical stage), and functional MRI parameters (DCE and DWI/ADC). Statistical analysis was performed to determine if an association could be identified between ADC variables and histology grade. Secondarily, we assessed the degree of agreement between the MRI and surgical stages according to the FIGO classification. Results: The cohort included 45 women with endometrial cancer. Quantitative analysis of ADC variables did not find a statistically significant association with histological tumor grades. DCE showed higher sensitivity than DWI/ADC in the assessment of myometrial invasion (85.00% versus 65.00%) with the same specificity (80.00%). A good agreement between MRI and histopathology for the FIGO stage was found (kappa of 0.72, p < 0.01). Differences in staging between MRI and surgery were detected in eight cases, which could not be justified by the interval between MRI and surgery. Conclusions. ADC values were not useful for predicting endometrial cancer grade, despite the good agreement between MRI interpretation and histopathology of endometrial cancer staging at our center.
- Comparing international guidelines for the remission of hypertension after bariatric surgeryPublication . Dias, Carina Vieira; Silva, Ana Lúcia; Dias, Joana; Cardoso, Paulo; Castanheira, Rute; Fernandes, Andreia; Nunes, Filipa; Sanai, Tina; Sanchez, Mercedes; Maia-Teixeira, João; De Sousa-Coelho, Ana LuísaBackground/Objectives: Obesity remains a global health concern and is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease overall. Dissimilar hypertension guidelines are available for clinicians, namely those prepared by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), which may lead to distinctive appreciation of health outcomes of patients with obesity after bariatric and metabolic surgery, such as hypertension remission. The main goal of this study was to compare the effects of applying stricter (AHA) versus looser (ESC) blood pressure criteria on hypertension diagnosis pre-bariatric surgery and remission assessment one year post-op. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for obesity at a single university hospital was performed. To evaluate the hypertension improvement or remission, two different types of blood pressure (BP) categorization were considered (based on AHA and ESC guidelines), in which each patient would fit according to their BP values pre- (m0) and 12 months postoperative (m12). Results: From a sample of 153 patients submitted for surgical treatment of obesity, more patients were considered with hypertension based on the AHA guideline (130 vs. 102; p < 0.001), while a higher rate of hypertension remission at 12 months after bariatric surgery was observed when following the ESC guideline (58.82 vs. 53.08%). Baseline patients' clinical characteristics based on each hypertension outcome were mostly independent of the guideline used (p > 0.05), where only age and systolic blood pressure were relatively higher in "ESC groups". Conclusions: We conclude that only minor differences exist between the two guidelines used. If evaluated based on ESC guidelines, it is expected that less patients are considered with hypertension, and the remission rate may be, at least numerically, higher.
- Emerging trends in ultrasound education and healthcare clinical applicationsPublication . Manuel Duarte Lobo; Miravent, Sérgio; Almeida, RuiIn this chapter, the authors explore the transformation of ultrasound training in the digital era of higher education. As the digital landscape redefines access to information and learning modalities, this chapter critically examines the integration of innovative digital tools in ultrasound education. The authors focus on leveraging technologies like extended realities and simulations, alongside the practicality of mobile applications, to enhance the learning experience. The chapter underscores the importance of evolving educational systems to actively engage students in these advanced learning frameworks. It aims to stimulate a comprehensive discussion on effectively incorporating these technologies at the undergraduate level, evaluating their impact on student learning outcomes, and preparing future healthcare professionals for a technology-driven medical landscape. This review offers a forward-looking perspective on integrating cutting-edge digital tools in ultrasound education, signifying a shift towards more interactive, immersive, and effective learning experiences.
- Pre-hospital Identification of a Giant Bladder Calculus through Screening Sonography: A Case ReportPublication . Miravent, Sérgio; Gomes, Carla Marisa; Simãozinho, Paula; Vaz, Bruna; Lobo, Manuel Duarte; Almeida, RuiIntroduction: Screening ultrasound proves to be remarkably beneficial in pre-hospital settings, particularly in geographically remote areas with technological constraints and no medical specialties. Urological pathology has a high frequency of occurrence in the emergency department and is part of the wide range of occurrences that can benefit from this ultrasound screening as a clinical guide for patients. Case Presentation: In this case, a patient experiencing lower abdominal pain and symptoms of renal colic sought assistance at a basic emergency service facility. Utilizing a renal screening ultrasound executed by a sonographer, the clinical team identified images indicative of a significant bladder calculus. Subsequently, the patient was referred to a referral hospital for a comprehensive evaluation by medical specialties. Conclusion: The images obtained in both health units exhibited congruence, indicating that the screening ultrasound, while not intended to replace the specialized orthodox ultrasound executed by a radiologist, served as a crucial tool for diagnostic presumption, providing consistency in clinical decision-making for referring patients. This capability allowed emergency physicians to promptly transfer a patient requiring urgent further investigation to a referral hospital with compelling and substantiated data. This shift in the approach to patient triage in a remote setting could enhance patient safety.
- Pre-hospital detection of intrahepatic biliary duct dilatation: Recognizing the abundance of vessels in the liverPublication . Miravent, Sérgio; Lobo, Manuel Duarte; Almeida, RuiDiagnosing and confirming intrahepatic biliary duct dilation (IHBDD) involves a coordinated effort across multiple medical spe cialties, often relying on comprehensive blood analysis. However, the utility of screening ultrasound in detecting intrahepatic biliary dilation becomes particularly valuable in pre-hospital settings like our Basic Emergency Service, especially when access to alternative imaging techniques or detailed blood analyses are unavailable. Detecting the intrahepatic biliary dilation pattern through ultrasound is notably straightforward for a skilled sonographer. The presence of IHBDD can be efficiently identified during a screening ultrasound, allowing identifi cation of imaging findings that help differentiate simple biliary colic from clinical cases that should be prompt referral to the reference hos pital and without unnecessary delays or resource expenditure. The eti ology of IHBDD is multifactorial1 , and while its presentations may vary, the characteristic ultrasound pattern often involves the visualization of “extra vessels within the liver,” related to the distinctive “shotgun” sign2 . This sign translates into the observation of dilated bile ducts exhibiting no flow on Doppler imaging.
- Early detection of metastatic disease through screening ultrasoundPublication . Vaz, Bruna; Miravent, Sérgio; Gomes, Carla; Gago, Rui; Lobo, Manuel Duarte; Almeida, RuiScreening ultrasound is crucial in emergency care, providing precise guidance for patients in various situations. Its versatility, real-time imaging, and lack of radiation make it invaluable, especially in settings lacking diagnostic resources and specialized expertise. The widespread use of screening ultrasound among health professionals, regardless of their level of sonographic expertise, emphasizes the need for them to manage clinical uncertainties as part of their daily practice." This article emphasizes the crucial role of screening ultrasound, especially in acute abdomen cases. Its integration alongside conventional radiology significantly improves clinical orientation, facilitating prompt treatment decisions and specialist referrals. In a specific case, we reviewed screening ultrasound images, basic abdominal X-rays, and Computed Tomography scans alongside clinical reports to assess initial evaluations made at a peripheral emergency service. Our patient presented with acute abdominal symptoms, revealing suspected liver metastases, free fluid, and signs of intestinal obstruction on ultrasound. These findings were confirmed through Computed Tomography at a referral hospital, showing ultrasound's role in prompt patient triage and transfer. Operator skill is crucial, but comprehensive training minimizes errors. Screening sonography may revolutionize patient safety saving time by detecting pathologies early, preventing overcrowding in emergency departments of reference hospitals. The ultrasonographic detection of images suspected to be metastases is a common occurrence in hospital settings where various advanced diagnostic means, and medical specialties are present. However, the detection of suspicious images of metastases in a pre-hospital context is innovative and provides clinicians with a much better understanding of the patient's clinical landscape.
- Tumor lysis syndrome rare presentation as uremic pericarditis: a case reportPublication . Emidio, Fábio Caleça; Pereira, Rafaela; Santos, Pedro Martins dos; Abegão, TeresaTumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncological emergency characterized by the massive destruction of malignant cells and the release of their contents into the extracellular space, which might occur spontaneously or post-chemotherapy. According to the Cairo&Bishop Classification, it can be defined by both laboratory criteria: hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia (two or more); and clinical criteria: acute kidney injury (AKI), convulsions, arrhythmias, or death. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with a previous medical history of colorectal carcinoma and associated multiorgan metastasis. The patient was initially admitted to the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, five days after the chemotherapy session, on suspicion of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Upon admission, he presented without significant elevation of myocardial injury markers, but with laboratory abnormalities (hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia) and clinical symptoms (sudden sharp chest pain with pleuritic characteristics and electrocardiographic anomalies suggesting uremic pericarditis, and acute kidney injury), all consistent with TLS. The best approach to established TLS is aggressive fluid therapy and a decrease in uric acid levels. Rasburicase proved to be notoriously more effective, both in terms of prevention and treatment of established TLS, thus consisting of the first-line drug. However, in the present case, rasburicase was not available at the hospital level, so a decision was made to initiate treatment with allopurinol. The case evolved with slow but good clinical evolution. Its uniqueness resides in its initial presentation as uremic pericarditis, scarcely described in the literature. The constellation of metabolic alterations from this syndrome translates into a spectrum of clinical manifestations that can go unnoticed and ultimately may prove to be fatal. Its recognition and prevention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Serum neutrophil biomarkers to predict crohn's disease progression and infliximab treatment outcomesPublication . Magalhaes, D.; Santiago, M.; Patita, M.; Arroja, B.; Lago, P.; Rosa, I.; Sousa, Helena Tavares; Ministro, P.; Mocanu, I.; Vieira, A.; Castela, J.; Moleiro, J.; Roseira, J.; Eugenia, C.; Sousa, P.; Portela, F.; Correia, L.; Dias, S.; Afonso, J.; Danese, S.; Peyrin‐Biroulet, L.; Dias, C. C.; Magro, F.Background and aims: Predicting the treatment outcomes of biological therapies is an unmet need in Crohn's Disease. In this study, we explored the potential of serum neutrophil-related biomarkers to predict infliximab therapeutic results and disease progression in Crohn's Disease patients, over a 2-year period, in a real-world setting. Methods: The study included 100 asymptomatic Crohn's Disease patients in the IFX maintenance phase from the prospective, observational, multicenter DIRECT study. Patients were categorized according to a composite outcome reflecting progression that included surgery, hospitalizations, new fistulae, abscess or stricture, and drug treatment escalation. Serum neutrophil elastase, lipocalin-2, lactoferrin, and resistin (non-neutrophil control) were analyzed via multiplex magnetic bead assays at multiple touchpoints. Fecal calprotectin was assessed by ELISA. Results: Over up to 2 years of follow-up, serum biomarkers did not differentiate between the composite outcome groups, whereas fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in patients with worse outcomes. During the infliximab maintenance phase, there was a significant, sustained reduction of neutrophil elastase (p < 0.001), lipocalin-2 (p < 0.001), and lactoferrin (p < 0.001), but not of resistin, despite stable neutrophil levels. Correlations between NE and NGAL levels were strong (Pearson correlations 0.75-0.85); all other correlations were of small magnitude. Conclusion: Our real-world data do not support using serum neutrophil elastase, lipocalin-2, or lactoferrin concentrations as predictors of treatment outcomes or disease evolution in infliximab -treated Crohn's Disease patients. On the other hand, the sustained decrease in biomarkers over time suggests that neutrophil stabilization might be an additional infliximab mechanism of action.
- Tumor lysis syndrome rare presentation as uremic pericarditis: a case reportPublication . Emidio, Fábio Caleça; Pereira, Rafaela; Santos, Pedro Martins dos; Abegão, TeresaTumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncological emergency characterized by the massive destruction of malignant cells and the release of their contents into the extracellular space, which might occur spontaneously or post-chemotherapy. According to the Cairo&Bishop Classification, it can be defined by both laboratory criteria: hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia (two or more); and clinical criteria: acute kidney injury (AKI), convulsions, arrhythmias, or death. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with a previous medical history of colorectal carcinoma and associated multiorgan metastasis. The patient was initially admitted to the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, five days after the chemotherapy session, on suspicion of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Upon admission, he presented without significant elevation of myocardial injury markers, but with laboratory abnormalities (hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia) and clinical symptoms (sudden sharp chest pain with pleuritic characteristics and electrocardiographic anomalies suggesting uremic pericarditis, and acute kidney injury), all consistent with TLS. The best approach to established TLS is aggressive fluid therapy and a decrease in uric acid levels. Rasburicase proved to be notoriously more effective, both in terms of prevention and treatment of established TLS, thus consisting of the first-line drug. However, in the present case, rasburicase was not available at the hospital level, so a decision was made to initiate treatment with allopurinol. The case evolved with slow but good clinical evolution. Its uniqueness resides in its initial presentation as uremic pericarditis, scarcely described in the literature. The constellation of metabolic alterations from this syndrome translates into a spectrum of clinical manifestations that can go unnoticed and ultimately may prove to be fatal. Its recognition and prevention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Reabilitação psicossocial nos cuidados continuados integrados em saúde mental: ponto de situação em PortugalPublication . Martins, João Borba; Viseu, Maria T. D.; Pinto, Mónica BarbosaAs doenças mentais constituem a principal causa de anos perdidos por incapacidade, sendo o seu impacto económico muito relevante. Se a esse aspeto associarmos desigualdades socioeconómicas agravadas pelo aumento global da inflação, uma guerra na Europa, o rescaldo de uma pandemia e uma crise climática – ameaças estruturais globais à saúde mental –, a reabilitação psicossocial assume uma importância mais destacada.