MRI in local staging of rectal cancer: an update.

Preoperative imaging for staging of rectal cancer has become an important aspect of current approach to rectal cancer management, because it helps to select suitable patients for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and determine the appropriate surgical technique. Imaging modalities such as endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play an important role in assessing the depth of tumor penetration, lymph node involvement, mesorectal fascia and anal sphincter invasion, and presence of distant metastatic diseases. Currently, there is no consensus on a preferred imaging technique for preoperative staging of rectal cancer. However, high-resolution phased-array MRI is recommended as a standard imaging modality for preoperative local staging of rectal cancer, with excellent soft tissue contrast, multiplanar capability, and absence of ionizing radiation. This review will mainly focus on the role of MRI in preoperative local staging of rectal cancer and discuss recent advancements in MRI technique such as diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

Multimodality Treatment in the Management of Anorectal Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Anorectal melanoma represents approximately 0.2-1% of all malignant melanomas and has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 8 to 23 months after the time of diagnosis. The typical treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The particular approach taken depends on the patient’s status and disease stage. Although there are different treatment options for this rare condition, there are not enough studies on multimodality treatment. Here, we present the case of a 54-year-old female with anorectal melanoma that had metastasized to an inguinal lymph node. She underwent local excision of the rectal mass and inguinal lymph-node dissection. Temozolomide treatment was started after radiotherapy and was given for 24 months. Follow-up revealed that the patient has been doing well with no signs of recurrence three years after the completion of treatment. We aim to discuss combined treatment modalities for ARM in light of the pertinent literature

Radiofrequency ablation: technique and clinical applications.

Radiofrequency ablation is the most commonly used percutaneous ablation technique and well-documented in the literature on focal therapies. It has become the image-guided ablation method of choice because of its efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Radiofrequency ablation has shown promise in treating selected solid tumors, particularly those involving the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the musculoskeletal system. It is a minimally invasive technique often used in inoperable patients with other comorbidities. Radiofrequency ablation requires a minimal hospital stay or can be performed on an outpatient basis. The aim of this article is to review radiofrequency ablation techniques and their clinical applications

Potassium Abnormalities in Current Clinical Practice: Frequency, Causes, Severity and Management

Objective We aimed to investigate the prevalence and etiology of potassium abnormalities (hypokalemia and hyperkalemia) and management approaches for hospitalized patients. Subjects and Methods Over a 4-month period, all hospitalized patients at Hacettepe University Medical Faculty Hospitals who underwent at least one measurement of serum potassium during hospitalization were included. Data on serum levels of electrolytes, demographic characteristics, cause(s) of hospitalization, medications, etiology of potassium abnormality and treatment approaches were obtained from the hospital records. Results Of the 9,045 hospitalized patients, 1,265 (14.0s%) had a serum potassium abnormality; 604 (6.7s%) patients had hypokalemia and 661 (7.30s%) had hyperkalemia. In the hypokalemic patients, the most important reasons were gastrointestinal losses in 555 (91.8s%) patients and renal losses in 252 (41.7s%) patients. The most frequent treatment strategies were correcting the underlying cause and replacing the potassium deficit. Of the 604 hypokalemic patients, 319 (52.8s%) were normokalemic at hospital discharge. The most common reason for hyperkalemia was treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in 228 (34.4s%) patients, followed by renal failure in 191 (28.8s%). Two hundred and ninety-eight (45.0s%) patients were followed without any specific treatment. Of the 661 hyperkalemic patients, 324 (49.0s%) were normokalemic at hospital discharge. Conclusion This study showed a high prevalence of potassium imbalance among hospitalized patients. Although most of the potassium abnormalities were mild/moderate, approximately half of the patients treated for hypokalemia or hyperkalemia were discharged from the hospital with ongoing dyskalemia.PubMedWoSScopu