Look-Locker T1 relaxometry and high-resolution T2 in the evaluation of lung lesions: a single-center prospective study.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences-high-resolution T2-weighted (HR T2) and Look-Locker T1 (LL T1) relaxometry-for the investigation focal lung lesions (FLLs). As a secondary objective, we analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of these sequences. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 39 subjects with FLLs scanned in a 1.5-T MRI system with LL T1 relaxometry and HR T2 sequences focused on the FLL region, in addition to a conventional protocol. All images were evaluated by two radiologists, working independently, who were blinded to other findings. Results: Most of the examinations (31 of the LL T1 relaxometry sequences and 36 of the HR T2 sequences) were of adequate diagnostic quality. Nondiagnostic examinations were considered so mainly because of limited coverage of the sequences. Of the FLLs studied, 19 were malignant, 17 were benign, and three were excluded from the accuracy analysis because there was no definitive diagnosis. Although LL T1 relaxometry could not distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, the signal intensity at its first inversion time (160 ms) differed between the two groups. The HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for assessing specific morphological characteristics, especially pseudocavities and pleural tags. We found that MRI showed better accuracy than did computed tomography (86% vs. 74%). Conclusion: Both MRI sequences are feasible for the evaluation of FLLs. Images at 160 ms of the LL T1 relaxometry sequence helped distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, and the HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for evaluating specific morphological characteristics.

Objetivo: Explorar a viabilidade de imagens de alta resolução T2 (T2 AR) e relaxometria T1 Look-Locker (T1 LL) para lesões pulmonares focais (LPFs). Como objetivo secundário, analisamos a precisão diagnóstica dessas sequências. Materiais e Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional prospectivo com 39 sujeitos com LPFs examinados em um sistema de ressonância magnética 1.5T com imagens T1 LL e T2 AR focadas na região das LPFs, além de um protocolo convencional. As imagens foram avaliadas por dois radiologistas independentes e cegos para o estudo. Imagens de tomografia computadorizada estavam disponíveis, mas foram avaliadas sem conhecimento dos outros resultados. Resultados: A maioria dos exames apresentou qualidade diagnóstica adequada em ambas as sequências (T1 LL em 31 exames e T2 AR em 36). Exames considerados não diagnósticos estavam principalmente relacionados à cobertura limitada das sequências. Das LPFs estudadas, 19 eram malignas, 17 eram benignas e três casos foram excluídos da análise de precisão de malignidade por falta de um diagnóstico definitivo. A relaxometria T1 LL não conseguiu distinguir entre lesões benignas e malignas, mas a análise da intensidade do sinal do primeiro tempo de inversão (160 ms) diferiu entre os grupos. A T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência para avaliar características morfológicas específicas, especialmente pseudocavidades e apêndices pleurais. A ressonância magnética teve melhor precisão em comparação com a tomografia computadorizada (86% e 74%, respectivamente). Conclusão: Ambas as sequências são viáveis na avaliação de LPFs. Imagens a 160 ms da sequência T1 LL ajudaram a distinguir lesões benignas de malignas, e a T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência na avaliação de algumas características morfológicas específicas.

Doege-Potter syndrome due to a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon associated with solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs). It is characterized by the presence of severe, sustained, and treatment-refractory hypoglycemia. Hypoglycaemia, which may be the sole symptom at disease onset, is mediated by the secretion of high-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor (IGF-2). Most tumors exhibit benign behavior, with a 100% survival rate at 5 years. However, 10% of these tumors may display aggressive behavior with local or metastatic recurrence. We present a clinical case of a patient with a benign solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura who presented with symptomatic hypoglycemia and required pulmonary and pleural surgical resection to control the paraneoplastic phenomenon. CASE PRESENTATION: A Hispanic 46-year-old man presented with a 15-day history of transient alterations in consciousness worsened by fasting. The relevant medical history included obstructive sleep apnea treated with continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) and previous smoking. In-hospital studies revealed noninsulinemic hypoglycemia and a benign SFTP. Complete surgical resection was performed while the patient received dextrose fluids and corticosteroids perioperatively for hypoglycemia. Subsequently, the hypoglycemia resolved, and the patient was followed-up without disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Doege-Potter syndrome is challenging to recognize. However, effective treatment can be achieved with a high survival rate. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the recognition of this paraneoplasic syndrome patients will improve diagnostic suspicion, biochemical confirmation, the development of diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines, and the creation of predictive indices for aggressive presentations requiring closer monitoring.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the lung with rapid transition to multiple myeloma : A rare case report and brief literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas (SEPs) are disease entities characterized by the local proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells, representing less than 6% of plasma cell tumors. They typically produce monoclonal immunoglobulin and are usually found in the head, neck, and, less commonly, in the lungs. SEP, in rare instances, can transition to multiple myeloma (MM) with an estimated risk between 8 and 31%. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who sought medical attention at the emergency department due to acute onset dyspnea and syncope. Laboratory results revealed elevated creatinine, hypercalcemia, and anemia, all of which were absent at a hospitalization three months prior for tuberculosis. A chest x-ray showed a right upper lobe opacity, and a computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated an apical lung mass with calcifications. A CT-guided needle aspiration of the mass indicated SEP. Bone marrow biopsy subsequently confirmed MM. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with chemotherapy; however, following a complicated hospital course, she died. DISCUSSION: SEPs are an exceedingly rare form of malignancy with the potential for conversion to MM. Although the likelihood of transformation to MM in months is rare, we call for attention to the possibility of such transition and the clinical prognosis of patients with SEP. Prompt and aggressive treatment is essential, and this, to our knowledge, is the first case of conversion to MM in less than four months following the initial diagnosis of SEP of the lung.

Extramedullary Intracranial Plasmacytomas: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon disorder characterized by the development of abnormal plasma cell tumors outside the bone marrow. These tumors are typically observed in various locations, including the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and other soft tissues. Among the less explored manifestations of EMP is intracranial EMP, which remains poorly understood due to the limited literature available on the subject. The objective was to comprehend the population characteristics, localization, type, treatment, and outcomes of intracranial EMP. A systematic review of the literature for EMPs was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The strategy "extramedullary plasmacytoma AND multiple myeloma" was used for the search. The search terms were queried using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. We included only those studies that presented clinical studies with patients diagnosed with intracranial plasmacytomas. In this study, a total of 84 patients from 25 studies were analyzed. The average age of diagnosis was 57.25 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (57%) compared to male patients (43%). The most common locations of intracranial plasmacytomas were the clivus (29.7%), frontal lobe (18.9%), parietal lobe (8.1%), occipital lobe (6.7%), temporal lobe (6.7%), and sphenoid (4%). Chordoma and meningioma were the most common differential diagnoses encountered during clinical investigations. Treatment modalities included radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy (QT), surgical resection (SR), and conservative approaches. The most frequent treatment combinations were SR + RT (19%) and RT only (17.8%). Mortality was reported in 48% of the cases, with complete resolution observed in 10 cases and partial resolution in 3 cases. The average follow-up duration was 37.5 months. The clivus is the most frequently reported site of extramedullary intracranial plasmacytoma (EMIP) occurrence, representing 29.7% of cases. Chordomas were commonly observed alongside EMIPs and emerged as the primary differential diagnosis. RT was the predominant treatment modality, with SR considered when feasible. RT alone demonstrated the highest effectiveness in managing EMIPs (30%), while QT as a sole intervention showed lower efficacy. However, a combination of dexamethasone, lenalidomide, and targeted RT displayed promising results, offering improved tumor response and increased safety.

Mexican Multicenter Experience of Metastatic Spinal Disease.

Background Spinal metastatic disease is a silent progressive cancer complication with an increasing prevalence worldwide. The spine is the third most common site where solid tumors metastasize. Complications involved in spinal metastasis include root or spinal cord compression, progressing to a declining quality of life as patient autonomy reduces and pain increases. The main objective of this study is to report the incidence of patients and typology of spinal metastases in three reference centers in Mexico. Methodology Retrospective cohorts of patients diagnosed with spinal metastases from January 2010 to February 2017 at the National Cancer Institute, National Rehabilitation Institute, and the Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital "Lomas Verdes" in Mexico City were analyzed. Results A total of 326 patients (56% males) with spinal metastases were reported. The mean age was 58.06 ± 14.05 years. The main sources of spinal metastases were tumors of unknown origin in 53 (16.25%) cases, breast cancer in 67 (20.5%) cases, prostate cancer in 59 (18%) cases, myeloma in 24 (7.4%) cases, and lung cancer in 23 (7.1%) cases. Conclusions The data obtained in this analysis delivers an updated standpoint on Mexico, providing the opportunity to distinguish the current data from global references. Collecting more epidemiological information for better recording of cancer and its associated complications, as well as further studies on them, is necessary.

Giant intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a soft tissue tumor of mesenchymal origin involving, most commonly, the pleura. Intrapulmonary SFT is a slow-growing tumor that rarely reaches giant forms. SFTs are asymptomatic and often randomly discovered by routine chest X-rays. The diagnosis requires histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. Most of the SFTs are benign and present an indolent course. Larger tumors are more likely to be malignant and consequently associated with a worse prognosis. Despite having histopathological criteria for malignancy, the behavior of SFTs is challenging to predict. We report a case of giant intrapulmonary SFT of intermediate risk.

Decoding bee cleptoparasitism through comparative transcriptomics of Coelioxoides waltheriae and its host Tetrapedia diversipes.

Cleptoparasitism, also known as brood parasitism, is a widespread strategy among bee species in which the parasite lays eggs into the nests of the host species. Even though this behavior has significant ecological implications for the dynamics of several species, little is known about the molecular pathways associated with cleptoparasitism. To shed some light on this issue, we used gene expression data to perform a comparative analysis between two solitary neotropical bees: Coelioxoides waltheriae, an obligate parasite, and their specific host Tetrapedia diversipes. We found that ortholog genes involved in signal transduction, sensory perception, learning, and memory formation were differentially expressed between the cleptoparasite and the host. We hypothesize that these genes and their associated molecular pathways are engaged in cleptoparasitism-related processes and, hence, are appealing subjects for further investigation into functional and evolutionary aspects of cleptoparasitism in bees.

Fields of flowers with few strikes: how oligolectic bees manage their foraging behavior on Calibrachoa elegans (Solanaceae).

In specialized plant-pollinator associations, partners may exhibit adaptive traits, which favor the maintenance of the interaction. The association between Calibrachoa elegans (Solanaceae) and its oligolectic bee pollinator, Hexantheda missionica (Colletidae), is mutualistic and forms a narrowly specialized pollination system. Flowers of C. elegans are pollinated exclusively by this bee species, and the bees restrict their pollen resources to this plant species. The pollen presentation schedules of C. elegans were evaluated at the population level to test the hypothesis that H. missionica females adjust their foraging behavior to the resource offering regime of C. elegans plants. For this, the number of new flowers and anthers opened per hour (as a proxy for pollen offering) was determined, and pollen advertisement was correlated with the frequency of flower visits during the day. Preferences of female bees for flowers of different stages were also investigated, and their efficiency as pollinators was evaluated. Pollen offering by C. elegans was found to be partitioned throughout the day through scattered flower openings. Females of H. missionica indeed adjusted their foraging activity to the most profitable periods of pollen availability. The females preferred new, pollen-rich flowers over old ones and gathered pollen and nectar selectively according to flower age. Such behaviors must optimize female bee foraging efficiency on flowers. Female bees set 93% of fruit after a single visit. These findings guarantee their importance as pollinators and the persistence of the specialized plant-pollinator association.

Chromosomal organization of different repetitive sequences in four wasp species of the genus Trypoxylon Latreille (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) and insights into the composition of wasp telomeres.

This study characterizes the chromosomal organization of DNA repetitive sequences and the karyotypic evolution in four representatives of the solitary wasp genus Trypoxylon using conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Our findings present the first cytogenetic data for Trypoxylon rogenhoferi (2n = 30) and Trypoxylon albonigrum (2n = 32), while the karyotypes of Trypoxylon nitidum (2n = 30) and Trypoxylon lactitarse (2n = 30) were similar to those previously described. Fluorochrome staining and microsatellite distribution data revealed differences in the constitutive heterochromatin composition among species. Trypoxylon nitidum and T. albonigrum exhibited one major rDNA cluster, potentially representing an ancestral pattern for aculeate Hymenoptera, while T. rogenhoferi and T. lactitarse showed two pericentromeric rRNA gene sites, suggesting amplification events in their ancestral clade. The (TCAGG)n motif hybridized in the terminal regions of the chromosomes in all four Trypoxylon species, which may suggest that this sequence represents DNA telomeric repeat. Notably, the presence of this repetitive sequence in the centromeric regions of certain chromosome pairs in two species supports the hypothesis of chromosomal fusions or inversions in the ancestral karyotype of Trypoxylon. The study expands the chromosomal mapping data of repetitive sequences in wasps and offers insights into the dynamic evolutionary landscape of karyotypes in these insects.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the parapharyngeal space: report of 2 cases and a literature review.

The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is usually described as a lesion arising from the pleura. Rarely, it has been described in the parapharyngeal space (PS). This study aims to report two cases of SFT in the PS and to perform a literature review on this topic. Two patients undergoing surgical resection of a SFT in the PS, were reported. A literature review on SFT of the PS, was also performed. Two patients were analyzed. Both patients underwent surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, for SFT arising from the PS. The postoperative course was uneventful and both patients recovered well after the procedure. No recurrences were diagnosed during the followup. SFT of the PS is an infrequent entity. Surgical resection is the most used treatment, and adjuvant radiation should be considered in patients with recurrence risk factors or distant metastases.

Neurocysticercosis: A Challenging Case in New Mexico.

Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Taenia solium, presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly in non-endemic regions. This case report evaluates the intricacies of diagnosing neurocysticercosis in a 62-year-old male presenting with an intractable headache and altered mental status, initially confounded by the absence of an exposure history. Despite lacking typical risk factors, including immunocompromise or HIV infection, his travel history to an endemic area prompted a rigorous clinical work-up. Imaging studies revealed characteristic ring-enhancing lesions indicative of neurocysticercosis, while further serological tests yielded mostly equivocal results. Infectious disease consultation and workup helped confirm a probable diagnosis. Prompt initiation of anti-helminthic therapy led to marked clinical improvement. This case underscores the importance of considering neurocysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of intracranial lesions, especially in regions with Hispanic populations, and advocates for increased awareness and research to enhance timely identification and management, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Combined endoscopic transorbital and transnasal approach for the management of a solitary plasmacytoma of the sphenoid bone: A case report and literature review.

Background: Parasellar plasmacytomas are rare neurosurgical entities. Intrinsic characteristics of these tumors, such as adjacent bone erosion and symptoms resulting from invasion and mass effect, may lead to the possibility of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) as a differential diagnosis. Case Description: We present the case of a 39-year-old male with a 1-month history of bilateral decreased visual acuity, retroocular pulsating pain, and chromatic vision loss. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed a parasellar lesion causing chiasmatic compression, as well as clival, orbital, sphenoidal, and ethmoidal invasion. A combined transorbital and endonasal endoscopic approach was found suitable, and gross total resection was achieved. Histological analysis of the lesion established the diagnosis of a SEP. After radiotherapy, a new magnetic resonance imaging was performed, revealing a recurrence of the lesion with a high grade of invasion. The patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy, as surgical resection did not seem feasible. Conclusion: Surgical resection and radiotherapy may achieve remission of these lesions; however, recurrence rates remain high despite any treatment modality. Patients with this condition must be followed up with a multidisciplinary team due to the high risk of multiple myeloma progression.

Solitary fibrous tumor: Can the new Huang risk stratification system for orbital tumors improve prognostic accuracy in other tumor locations?

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are known for their heterogeneous morphology, characterized by a variety of cell shapes and different growth patterns. They can also arise in various anatomical locations, most commonly in extremities and deep soft tissues. Despite this diversity in morphology and location, all SFTs share a common molecular signature involving the NAB2::STAT6 gene fusion. Due to their unpredictable clinical behavior, establishing prognostic factors is crucial. This study aims to evaluate an orbital risk stratification system (RSS) proposed by Huang et al. for use in extraorbital SFTs using a database of 97 cases. The Huang model takes into consideration tumor size, mitotic figures, Ki-67 index, and dominant constituent cell (DCC) as key variables. Survival analysis confirmed the model's predictive value, with higher-risk scores being associated with poorer outcomes. However, in contrast to the orbital SFTs studied by Huang et al., our study did not find a correlation between tumor size and recurrence in extraorbital cases. While the Huang model performs slightly better than other RSS, it falls short on achieving statistical significance in distinguishing recurrence risk groups in extraorbital locations. In conclusion, this study validates the Huang RSS for use in extraorbital SFTs and underscores the importance of considering DCC, mitotic count, and Ki-67 together. However, we found that including tumor size in this model did not improve prognostic significance in extraorbital SFTs. Despite the benefits of this additional RSS, vigilant monitoring remains essential, even in cases classified as low-risk due to the inherent unpredictability of SFT clinical outcomes.

Ultrastructural differences between synovial sarcoma and solitary fibrous tumor: comparative study in adult patients from the National Cancer Institute of Mexico.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) and solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) are entities with considerable morphological and immunohistochemical similarities that sometimes show a non-confirmatory profile (TLE1 negative, CD34 and focal or negative STAT6 and lack of specific fusion IHC markers), in which the utility ultrastructure is unknown. A cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical, nonexperimental study was carried out by the Department of Pathology of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico (INCan) e from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. With 17 SFT cases with diffuse or focal CD34 and STAT6 positivity and 18 cases of SS with positive FISH molecular test t(X:18) breakapart were studied by electron microscopy of fresh glutaraldehyde fixed or paraffin-embedded tissue. The ultrastructural findings with a significant difference present in the SS were tandem tight junctions, desmosomes and abundance of dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) cisternae (p < 0.001, 0.003, and 0.001, respectively); while in the (SFT) the presence of abundant glycogen, basal lamina, long and slender cytoplasmic processes, pinocytic vesicles, hemidesmosomes, and/or dense plaques, collagen skein, and microvilli-like buds (p = 0.028, 0.005, and <0.001 for the last five). We then infer that the five distinctive markers of the SFT are the collagen skeins intermingled with cellular processes in a shape of "squid can," and the pinocytic vesicles as they were not observed in any case of SS. Conversely, tandem junctions were not found in any SFT case. Although the presence of multivesicular buds in the SFT was not significant, it had not been previously described.

Giant intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor

ABSTRACT Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a soft tissue tumor of mesenchymal origin involving, most commonly, the pleura. Intrapulmonary SFT is a slow-growing tumor that rarely reaches giant forms. SFTs are asymptomatic and often randomly discovered by routine chest X-rays. The diagnosis requires histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. Most of the SFTs are benign and present an indolent course. Larger tumors are more likely to be malignant and consequently associated with a worse prognosis. Despite having histopathological criteria for malignancy, the behavior of SFTs is challenging to predict. We report a case of giant intrapulmonary SFT of intermediate risk.

Look-Locker T1 relaxometry and high-resolution T2 in the evaluation of lung lesions: a single-center prospective study / Relaxometria T1 baseada em Look-Locker e T2 de alta resolução na avaliação de lesões pulmonares: um estudo prospectivo unicêntrico

Abstract Objective: To explore the feasibility of two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences—high-resolution T2-weighted (HR T2) and Look-Locker T1 (LL T1) relaxometry—for the investigation focal lung lesions (FLLs). As a secondary objective, we analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of these sequences. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 39 subjects with FLLs scanned in a 1.5-T MRI system with LL T1 relaxometry and HR T2 sequences focused on the FLL region, in addition to a conventional protocol. All images were evaluated by two radiologists, working independently, who were blinded to other findings. Results: Most of the examinations (31 of the LL T1 relaxometry sequences and 36 of the HR T2 sequences) were of adequate diagnostic quality. Nondiagnostic examinations were considered so mainly because of limited coverage of the sequences. Of the FLLs studied, 19 were malignant, 17 were benign, and three were excluded from the accuracy analysis because there was no definitive diagnosis. Although LL T1 relaxometry could not distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, the signal intensity at its first inversion time (160 ms) differed between the two groups. The HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for assessing specific morphological characteristics, especially pseudocavities and pleural tags. We found that MRI showed better accuracy than did computed tomography (86% vs. 74%). Conclusion: Both MRI sequences are feasible for the evaluation of FLLs. Images at 160 ms of the LL T1 relaxometry sequence helped distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, and the HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for evaluating specific morphological characteristics.

Resumo Objetivo: Explorar a viabilidade de imagens de alta resolução T2 (T2 AR) e relaxometria T1 Look-Locker (T1 LL) para lesões pulmonares focais (LPFs). Como objetivo secundário, analisamos a precisão diagnóstica dessas sequências. Materiais e Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional prospectivo com 39 sujeitos com LPFs examinados em um sistema de ressonância magnética 1.5T com imagens T1 LL e T2 AR focadas na região das LPFs, além de um protocolo convencional. As imagens foram avaliadas por dois radiologistas independentes e cegos para o estudo. Imagens de tomografia computadorizada estavam disponíveis, mas foram avaliadas sem conhecimento dos outros resultados. Resultados: A maioria dos exames apresentou qualidade diagnóstica adequada em ambas as sequências (T1 LL em 31 exames e T2 AR em 36). Exames considerados não diagnósticos estavam principalmente relacionados à cobertura limitada das sequências. Das LPFs estudadas, 19 eram malignas, 17 eram benignas e três casos foram excluídos da análise de precisão de malignidade por falta de um diagnóstico definitivo. A relaxometria T1 LL não conseguiu distinguir entre lesões benignas e malignas, mas a análise da intensidade do sinal do primeiro tempo de inversão (160 ms) diferiu entre os grupos. A T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência para avaliar características morfológicas específicas, especialmente pseudocavidades e apêndices pleurais. A ressonância magnética teve melhor precisão em comparação com a tomografia computadorizada (86% e 74%, respectivamente). Conclusão: Ambas as sequências são viáveis na avaliação de LPFs. Imagens a 160 ms da sequência T1 LL ajudaram a distinguir lesões benignas de malignas, e a T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência na avaliação de algumas características morfológicas específicas.

Excision of a Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Sciatic Notch with Sciatic Nerve Compression - A Rare Clinical Case / Excisão de tumor fibroso solitário na chanfradura ciática com compressão do nervo ciático - Um raro caso clínico

Abstract We present the clinical case of a 41-year-old woman with no relevant personal history. The patient complained of diffuse self-limiting abdominal pain, and we incidentally detected an extra-abdominal, extraperitoneal tumor mass at the level of the right sciatic notch. The abdominal complaints were gone during the initial follow-up, but the patient developed sciatica radiating to the right foot and electric shock-like pain. A computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy revealed a low-grade mesenchymal neoplasm of the soft tissues with characteristics consistent with a solitary extrapleural fibrous tumor. The pelvis team of the orthopedics department received the patient for surgical excision of the lesion. The procedure occurred with no complications, and we excised the totality of the lesion with tumor-free margins. An anatomopathological examination was compatible with the biopsy assessment. The excision of the lesion resulted in complete resolution of the sciatic nerve compression-related symptoms.

Resumo É apresentado um caso clínico de uma paciente de 41 anos, sem antecedentes pessoais de relevo, que foi estudada por dor abdominal difusa autolimitada, tendo sido detectada incidentalmente uma massa tumoral extrabdominal, extraperitoneal ao nível da chanfradura ciática direita. Durante o estudo do caso, a doente resolveu as queixas abdominais, mas desenvolveu quadro de ciatalgia, irradiada para o pé direito e dor tipo choque elétrico. Biópsia guiada por TAC revelou tratar-se de uma neoplasia mesenquimatosa dos tecidos moles, de baixo grau, com características que a enquadram em um tumor fibroso solitário extrapleural. A paciente foi referenciada para a equipe de bacia do serviço de ortopedia para excisão cirúrgica da lesão, tendo sido operada sem intercorrências - excisão total da lesão, com margens livres, foi obtida e o exame anatomopatológico foi compatível com o realizado na biópsia. Após excisão da lesão, ocorreu resolução completa dos sintomas relacionados com compressão do nervo ciático.

Local imaging to interpret tumor size in F18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT in lung cancers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the thoracic and extra-thoracic extension of the disease in patients diagnosed with lung cancer and who had whole-body F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT imaging and to investigate whether there is a relationship between tumor size and extrathoracic spread. METHODS: A total of 308 patients diagnosed with lung cancer were included in this study. These 308 patients were first classified as group 1 (SPN 30 mm>longest lesion diameter ≥10 mm) and group 2 (lung mass (longest lesion diameter ≥30 mm), and then the same patients were classified as group 3 (nodular diameter of ≤20 mm) and group 4 (nodular size of >20 mm). Group 1 was compared with group 2 in terms of extrathoracic metastases. Similarly, group 3 was compared with group 4 in terms of frequency of extrathoracic metastases. F18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT examination was used to detect liver, adrenal, bone, and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis, besides extrathoracic metastasis. RESULTS: Liver, bone, and extrathoracic metastasis in group 1 was statistically lower than in group 2 (p<0.001, p<0.01, and p=0.03, respectively). Liver, extrathoracic, adrenal, and bone metastasis in group 3 was statistically lower than that in group 4 (p<0.001, p=0.01, and p=0.04, p<0.01, respectively). The extrathoracic extension was observed in only one patient in group 3. In addition, liver, adrenal, and bone metastases were not observed in group 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Positron emission tomography/CT may be more appropriate for cases with a nodule diameter of ≤20 mm. Performing local imaging in patients with a nodule diameter of ≤20 mm could reduce radiation exposure and save radiopharmaceuticals used in positron emission tomography/CT imaging.

Variante incomum da síndrome de Herlyn- -Werner-Wunderlich: relato de caso / Unsual Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: case report

Malformações müllerianas correspondem a variações anatômicas do trato repro- dutor feminino. Comumente assintomáticas, o diagnóstico e a verdadeira incidên- cia são difíceis de determinar. A síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich, clas- sicamente descrita pela tríade útero didelfo, hemivagina cega e agenesia renal ipsilateral também pode ter variações diferentes. Em virtude da mesma origem embrionária dos tratos genital e urinário, anomalias renais devem ser investigadas nesses casos, sendo a mais comum a agenesia renal. Este artigo relata o caso de uma paciente de 18 anos, do sexo feminino, com história de piocolpo por cinco anos. Em propedêutica complementar, foi identificado útero com septação com- pleta associado a hemissepto de terço superior de vagina, formação de piocolpo e agenesia renal à direita. Apesar de não ser a definição clássica, o quadro está incluído nos casos de síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich.

Mullerian malformations correspond to anatomical variations of the female repro- ductive tract. Commonly asymptomatic, the diagnosis and true incidence are difficult to determine. The Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, classically described by the triad: uterus didelphus, blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis, can also have different variations. Due to the same embryonic origin of the genital and urinary tracts, renal anomalies must be investigated in these cases, the most common being renal agenesis. This article reports the case of an 18-year-old female patient with a 5-year history of pyocolpus. In complementary exams, a uterus with complete septa- tion was identified, associated with a hemiseptum in the upper third of the vagina, formation of pyocolpus and renal agenesis on the right side. Despite not being the classic definition, it is included in the cases of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.

Chemogenetic inhibition of NTS astrocytes normalizes cardiac autonomic control and ameliorate hypertension during chronic intermittent hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), which has been linked to the development of sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Furthermore, it has been shown that CIH induced inflammation and neuronal hyperactivation in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a key brainstem region involved in sympathetic and cardiovascular regulation. Since several studies have proposed that NTS astrocytes may mediate neuroinflammation, we aimed to determine the potential contribution of NTS-astrocytes on the pathogenesis of CIH-induced hypertension. RESULTS: Twenty-one days of CIH induced autonomic imbalance and hypertension in rats. Notably, acute chemogenetic inhibition (CNO) of medullary NTS astrocytes using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designers Drugs (DREADD) restored normal cardiac variability (LF/HF: 1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3, Sham vs. CIH vs. CIH + CNO, respectively) and markedly reduced arterial blood pressure in rats exposed to CIH (MABP: 82.7 ± 1.2 vs. 104.8 ± 4.4 vs. 89.6 ± 0.9 mmHg, Sham vs. CIH vs. CIH + CNO, respectively). In addition, the potentiated sympathoexcitation elicit by acute hypoxic chemoreflex activation in rats exposed to CIH was also completely abolished by chemogenetic inhibition of NTS astrocytes using DREADDs. CONCLUSION: Our results support a role for NTS astrocytes in the maintenance of heightened sympathetic drive and hypertension during chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia mimicking OSA.