Lonergan’s Theory of Historiography and His Metaphysical Presuppositions

This article focuses on the importance that Lonergan attributes to historical knowledge (historiography). After having traced the cultural and ecclesial climate that led him to take an interest in the question, this text presents the ambitious project by Lonergan denominated “transcendental method” and of the “functional specializations” in which he articulates this method. Then it analyses the functional specialty “History” and the various related themes: the presuppositions of his theory of historiography, historical objectivity and perspectivism, and the role of values in historical knowledge. In the conclusion, a critical balance is formulated starting from the aspects raised.This article focuses on the importance that Lonergan attributes to historical knowledge (historiography). After having traced the cultural and ecclesial climate that led him to take an interest in the question, this text presents the ambitious project by Lonergan denominated “transcendental method” and of the “functional specializations” in which he articulates this method. Then it analyses the functional specialty “History” and the various related themes: the presuppositions of his theory of historiography, historical objectivity and perspectivism, and the role of values in historical knowledge. In the conclusion, a critical balance is formulated starting from the aspects raised

MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery in musculoskeletal diseases: the hot topics

MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a minimally invasive treatment guided by the most sophisticated imaging tool available in today's clinical practice. Both the imaging and therapeutic sides of the equipment are based on non-ionizing energy. This technique is a very promising option as potential treatment for several pathologies, including musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Apart from clinical applications, MRgFUS technology is the result of long, heavy and cumulative efforts exploring the effects of ultrasound on biological tissues and function, the generation of focused ultrasound and treatment monitoring by MRI. The aim of this article is to give an updated overview on a "new" interventional technique and on its applications for MSK and allied sciences

Prostate Multiparametric MRI: Common Pitfalls in Primary Diagnosis and How to Avoid Them

Abstract Purpose of Review To provide the radiologist with basic knowledge about normal and abnormal findings in the prostatic mp-MRI, taking a look at the possible diagnostic pitfalls commonly seen in daily clinical practice, allowing him to recognize and consequently avoid them. Recent Findings Prostate mp-MRI has now become commonly used in most diagnostic imaging centers, as a precise, accurate and above all non-invasive tool, useful in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of prostate diseases, first of all prostatic carcinoma. For this reason, it is important to take into account the existence of numerous possible anatomic and pathologic processes which can mimick or masquerade as prostate cancer. Summary Through the combination of anatomical (T2WI) and functional sequences (DWI/ADC and DCE), the mp-MRI of the prostate provides all the information necessary for a correct classification of patients with prostate disease, cancer in particular. It is not uncommon, however, for the radiologist to make errors in the interpretation of imaging due to conditions, pathological or otherwise, that mimic prostate cancer and that, consequently, affect the diagnostic/therapeutic process of patients. The strategy, and what this pictorial review aims at, is to learn to recognize the potential pitfalls of the prostatic mp-MRI and avoid them

The choice of gadolinium-based contrast agents: a radiologist’s responsibility between pharmaceutical equivalence and bioethical issues

Contrast Agents (CA) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide, and are used, with a variety of techniques, to increase and intensify the differences between body tissues and to help radiologist make diagnoses in a fast and precise way. In recent decades, advancements in research have resulted in significant improvements in their composition, and have made them safer and better-tolerated by patients; this notwithstanding, although the currently available CA are generally considered to be safe, their use is not completely without risk. The use of CA faces the radiologist with economic considerations, bioethical dilemmas, and possible profiles of professional responsibility. In fact, to achieve the best results in diagnostic imaging, radiologists have to focus on making an appropriate choice of CA, in consideration of efficacy, safety and appropriateness. Moreover, besides by cost/benefit models widely introduced in health management, radiologists are also influenced by their responsibility of appropriate use for the various diagnostic tests and, finally, the choice of best CA to utilise for each individual patient. Thus, the dilemma of choosing between the best and the most cost-effective tests and procedures is occurring more frequently every day. Different variables, such as the patient, examinations, and technology available, can affect the choice of CA in terms of obtaining the highest diagnostic quality, minimum impact on higher-risk patients, and optimisation of used volumes and injection flow

Radiological evidence of a modern 'martyr's crown': suicide by multiple self-inflicted nail gun shots.

A man attempted suicide by shooting seven nails into his head with a nail gun; five in the right temporal region and two in the left. He subsequently presented at the emergency department with complaints of headache. He was found to be oriented in space and time, with no focal neurological deficits. The patient handed the nail gun to the doctors and informed them that he had earlier attempted suicide. Radiological studies showed the presence of nails arranged like a ‘martyr’s crown’. The man died six days after the surgical removal of the nails. Autopsy was refused by Italian authorities. We conclude that imaging techniques are an adjuvant to forensic medical diagnosis and forensic autopsies

Lumbar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a rare case in a young patient

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that originate from peripheral nerves or from cells associated with the nerve sheath. We report the case of a 30‑year‑old male patient with a history of neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) and a MPNST located in the lumbar region. The mass was resecated but surgical margins weren't clear. Recurrence of disease was observed after few months. A close monitoring of subjects with NF-1 is crucial to diagnose MPNST at an earlier stage and allow a complete surgical resection

DXA parameters, Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and Bone Mineral Density (BMD), in fracture risk prediction in endocrine-mediated secondary osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and alterations of bone microarchitecture, leading to an increased risk for fragility fractures and, eventually, to fracture; is associated with an excess of mortality, a decrease in quality of life, and co-morbidities. Bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), has been the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Trabecular bone score (TBS), a textural analysis of the lumbar spine DXA images, is an index of bone microarchitecture. TBS has been robustly shown to predict fractures independently of BMD. In this review, while reporting also results on BMD, we mainly focus on the TBS role in the assessment of bone health in endocrine disorders known to be reflected in bone

Neurofibromatosis 1 and massive hemothorax: a fatal combination

Type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF 1), a rare genetic disease with autosomal dominant transmission, has typical dermatologic manifestations with pathognomonic Lisch nodules, and is rarely known for vascular alterations. Among these, aneurysmal dilatation is the most common form. We report a fatal case of massive hemothorax due to a spontaneous rupture of the left pulmonary artery branch micro-aneurysm in a NF 1 patient. Indeed, spontaneous rupture of these pathologic vessels is very rare in clinical practice and the literature, but, for its potentially life-threatening complications, there is the need for it to be taken into account in differential diagnosis. The origin of bleeding was first confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patient\u2019s condition worsened suddenly leading to pulmonary hemorrhage and death. A clinical autopsy was required to assess the definitive cause of death

Mario Campanacci, 1932-1999

This history page in the series "Leaders in Musculoskeletal Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the Italian scientist Mario Campanacci, whose name is connected to the medical eponym Jaffe-Campanacci syndrome and to the field and progress of musculoskeletal oncology