Acute epiploic appendagitis : ultrasound and computed tomography findings of a rare case of acute abdominal pain and the role of other imaging techniques

Purpose: Acute epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a relatively rare, benign and local inflammatory disease involving the epiploic appendices. Unlike its mimics, EA is generally a self-limiting inflammatory disease and can be treated conservatively. Case presentation: A 33-year-old Caucasian man presented to our emergency department with a sever and sharp left iliac fossa pain. He underwent abdominal X-ray, ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) evaluations. Conclusion: We illustrate US and CT findings to increase the radiologists’ awareness of this condition and to avoid diagnostic delay and unnecessary use of antibiotics, hospitalization and surgery

Impact of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation on survival of patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: a narrative review

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer originating from the biliary epithelium and accounts for about 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Unfortunately, the majority of patients are not eligible for surgical resection at the time of diagnosis, because of the locally advanced stage or metastatic disease. The overall survival time of unresectable CCA is generally less than 1 year, despite current chemotherapy regimens. Biliary drainage is often required as a palliative treatment for patients with unresectable CCA. Recurrent jaundice and cholangitis tend to occur because of reobstruction of the biliary stents. This not only jeopardizes the efficacy of chemotherapy, but also causes significant morbidity and mortality. Effective control of tumor growth is crucial for prolonging stent patency and consequently patient survival. Recently, endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) has been experimented as a treatment modality to reduce tumor mass, and delay tumor growth, extending stent patency. Ablation is accomplished by means of high-frequency alternating current which is released from the active electrode of an endobiliary probe placed in a biliary stricture. It has been shown that tumor necrosis releases intracellular particles which are highly immunogenic and activate antigen-presenting cells, enhancing local immunity directed against the tumor. This immunogenic response could potentially enhance tumor suppression and be responsible for improved survival of patients with unresectable CCA who undergo ERFA. Several studies have demonstrated that ERFA is associated with an increased median survival of approximately 6 months in patients with unresectable CCA. Furthermore, recent data support the hypothesis that ERFA could ameliorate the efficacy of chemotherapy administered to patients with unresectable CCA, without increasing the risk of complications. This narrative review discusses the results of the studies published in recent years and focuses on the impact that ERFA could have on overall survival of patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

A rare case of hydrometrocolpos from persistent urogenital sinus in patient affected by adrenogenital syndrome

Persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) is a congenital pathological condition characterized by an abnormal communication between the urethra and vagina, which has an estimated incidence of 0.6/10,000 female births. It could be the only known malformation or part of a syndrome. PUGS is commonly shown by a pelvic mass, related to a distended bladder, hydrometrocolpos which is due to an obstruction leading to the dilation of the vagina and uterus (i.e., imperforate hymen, transverse vaginal septum or atresia, and PUGS) or both. We present a case of female patient with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, diagnosed on the 7th day of life, with ambiguous genitalia, untreated surgically only with hormone therapy by parental decision. The patient, at the age of 5 years and 5 months, came to our observation for a pelvic ultrasound, which revealed retrovesical neoformation with anechoic content and regular walls. We performed the ultrasound examination that showed the dilation of the cervix and the vaginal canal with anechoic finely corpuscolated content in the declining portion, compatible with hydrometrocolpos from probable persistence of the urogenital sinus. The voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) confirmed the ultrasound diagnosis, with evidence of urogenital sinus. In conclusion, ultrasound is the first diagnostic tool, but need to be completed by other technical procedures, which VCUG or magnetic resonance imaging to observe the site of fusion of the urinary and genital tract. © 2018, Società Italiana di Ultrasonologia in Medicina e Biologia (SIUMB)

Randomised Clinical Trial: Calorie Restriction Regimen with Tomato Juice Supplementation Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Preserves a Proper Immune Surveillance Modulating Mitochondrial Bioenergetics of T-Lymphocytes in Obese Children Affected by Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Fatty liver disease is a serious complication of childhood obesity. Calorie-restricted regimen (RCR) is one of the effective therapy for this condition. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lycopene-rich tomato sauce with oregano and basil extracts in obese children with fatty liver on RCR. 61 obese children with fatty liver were enrolled, 52 completed the study. A randomized cross over clinical trial was performed. Participants were assigned to RCR alone or with a supplement of lycopene-rich tomato juice for 60 days; subsequently, the groups were switched to the alternative regimen for the next 60 days. Reduction in BMI, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver size, and steatosis was more profound in tomato-supplemented group. Leptin decreased in both groups whereas adiponectin raised only after tomato supplementation. RCR is associated with the impaired engagement of T-cells glycolysis and proliferation, tomato-supplementation resulted in glycolytic metabolic activation of T-cells. Tomato juice ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism in obese children, improve oxidative and inflammatory state and modulates the mitochondrial metabolism of T-cells contributing to a maintenance of a proper immune surveillance in children, impaired by RCR. The addition of tomato to RCR could be considered a protective and preventive support to obese child

Oligo-Metastatic Cancers: Putative Biomarkers, Emerging Challenges and New Perspectives

: Some cancer patients display a less aggressive form of metastatic disease, characterized by a low tumor burden and involving a smaller number of sites, which is referred to as "oligometastatic disease" (OMD). This review discusses new biomarkers, as well as methodological challenges and perspectives characterizing OMD. Recent studies have revealed that specific microRNA profiles, chromosome patterns, driver gene mutations (ERBB2, PBRM1, SETD2, KRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4), polymorphisms (TCF7L2), and levels of immune cell infiltration into metastases, depending on the tumor type, are associated with an oligometastatic behavior. This suggests that OMD could be a distinct disease with specific biological and molecular characteristics. Therefore, the heterogeneity of initial tumor burden and inclusion of OMD patients in clinical trials pose a crucial methodological question that requires responses in the near future. Additionally, a solid understanding of the molecular and biological features of OMD will be necessary to support and complete the clinical staging systems, enabling a better distinction of metastatic behavior and tailored treatments