Differential Diagnosis of Behavioral Variant and Semantic Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia Using Visual Rating Scales.

BACKGROUND: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) represents the second most frequent early onset of dementia in people younger than 65 years. The main syndromes encompassed by the term FTD are behavioral variant of Frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) and semantic variant (SD). AIMS: To assess the bvFTD and SD, which represent the most common subtypes of FTD, using visual rating scales. METHODS: Brain MRI exams of 77 patients either with bvFTD (n=43) or SD (n=34) were evaluated. The rating scales used were: Global cortical atrophy (GCA), Fazekas Scale: periventricular (PV) and white matter (WM) changes, Koedam rating scale and visual scales regarding specific cortical regions: dorsofrontal (DF), orbitofrontal (OF), anterior cingulate (AC), basal ganglia (BG), anterior- temporal (AT), insula, lateral-temporal (LT), entorhinal (ERC), perirhinal (PRC), anterior fusiform( AF), anterior hippocampus (AHIP) and posterior hippocampus (PHIP). Both Left (L) and Right (R) hemispheres were evaluated. RESULTS: R-OF (p=0.059), L-OF (p<0.0005), L-AT (p=0.047) and L-AHIP (p=0.007) have a statistically significant effect on the variable occurrence of SD compared to bvFTD. The indicators with the highest value of the area under the curve (AUC) were R-AC (0.829), L-OF (0.808), L-AC (0.791) and L-AF (0.778). Highest sensitivity was achieved by R-OF (97%) and L-AF (75%). Highest specificity was achieved by L-OF (95%), L-AT (91%) followed by R-AC (84%). Best combination of sensitivity and specificity was achieved by L-AF (74%-79%), L-OF (56%-95%) and R-OF (97%-42%). Best combination of PPV and NPV was achieved by L-OF (90%-73%), LAT (83%-72%) and R-AC (77%-77%). CONCLUSION: Visual rating scales can be a practical diagnostic tool in the characterization of patterns of atrophy in FTLD and may be used as an alternative to highly technical methods of quantification.

Painful elastofibroma dorsi: a report of a case and a brief review of the literature.

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is an uncommon, slow-growing, benign, soft tissue tumor of unclear pathogenesis, typically located at the subscapular region of elderly people. It may be unilateral or bilateral. Though many patients are asymptomatic, ED can cause local deformity and symptoms such as periscapular pain or discomfort. Herein we report a case of a 65-year-old woman with painful ED. Clinical features, radiodiagnostic, intraoperative, and pathologic findings, and a brief review of the literature are performed.

Multicystic hepatocarcinoma mimicking liver abscess.

The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) became easier in relation to the improved radiological examinations; however, the neoplasm may occur under atypical presentations mimicking other benign or malignant processes. Multicystic HCC mimicking a liver abscess associated with septic-type fever and leukocytosis is rare, has a poor prognosis, and poses diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. We present the case of an 80-year-old patient, who presented with fever, leukocytosis, and large cystic masses involving right and left lobes of the liver initially considered abscesses and finally diagnosed as HCC after open drainage and liver biopsy. Although the patient died on the tenth postoperative day due to pulmonary oedema, the authors emphasize the high index of suspicion needed in the diagnosis of this unusual presentation of HCC.

Pneumoperitoneum, Retropneumoperitoneum, Pneumomediastinum, and Diffuse Subcutaneous Emphysema following Diagnostic Colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and curative procedure. Extraperitoneal perforation with pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema combined with intraperitoneal perforation is an extremely rare complication. We report a case of a 78-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and diffuse abdominal, chest, neck, and facial swelling appeared after a diagnostic colonoscopy. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections due to Asymptomatic Colonic Diverticulitis.

Colovesical fistula is a common complication of diverticulitis. Pneumaturia, fecaluria, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, and dysuria are commonly reported. The authors report a case of colovesical fistula due to asymptomatic diverticulitis, and they emphasize the importance of deeply investigate recurrent urinary tract infection without any bowel symptoms. They also briefly review the literature.

Traumatic mesenteric cyst after blunt abdominal trauma.

Mesenteric cysts are rare abdominal tumors of unclear histologic origin, usually asymptomatic. Post-traumatic mesenteric cyst usually results as a consequence of a mesenteric lymphangitic rupture or a hematoma followed by absorption and cystic degeneration. The preoperative histological and radiological diagnosis is difficult. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient with sizable, palpable abdominal tumor, the gradual swelling of which the patient himself combined with the blunt abdominal trauma he acquired from an opponent's knee in a football game 5 months ago.