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Introduction: Thyroid nodule incidence is increasing due to the widespread application of ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is widely applied for the detection of malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of ultrasonography in thyroid cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included patients that underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease or well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma from January 2017 to December 2022. The study population was divided into groups: the well-differentiated thyroid cancer group and the control group with benign histopathological reports. Results: In total, 192 patients were enrolled in our study; 159 patients were included in the well-differentiated thyroid cancer group and 33 patients in the control group. Statistical analysis demonstrated that ultrasonographic findings such as microcalcifications (90.4%), hypoechogenicity (89.3%), irregular margins (92.2%) and taller-than-wide shape (90.5%) were correlated to malignancy (p < 0.001). Uni- and multivariate analysis revealed that both US score (OR: 2.177; p < 0.001) and Bethesda System (OR: 1.875; p = 0.002) could predict malignancies. In terms of diagnostic accuracy, the US score displayed higher sensitivity (64.2% vs. 33.3%) and better negative predictive value (34.5% vs. 24.4%) than the Bethesda score, while both scoring systems displayed comparable specificities (90.9% vs. 100%) and positive predictive values (97.1% vs. 100%). Discussion: The malignant potential of thyroid nodules is a crucial subject, leading the decision for surgery. Ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology are pivotal examinations in the diagnostic process, with ultrasonography demonstrating better negative predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus infection of the gastrointestinal tract is common and is more often seen in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although small bowel infection is less common than infection of other parts of the gastrointestinal system, it may lead to perforation, an acute complication, with dreadful results. Case presentation This article reports a case of Cytomegalovirus ileitis with multiple small bowel perforations in a young man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The patient developed abdominal pain with diarrhea and fever, and eventually acute abdomen with pneumoperitoneum. The patient had poor prognosis and deceased despite the prompt surgical intervention and the antiviral therapy he received. At pathology a remarkable finding was the presence of viral inclusions in smooth muscle fibers. The destruction of muscle cells was the main cause of perforation. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality associated with perforation from CMV enteritis in AIDS patients are high and the life expectancy is short. Cytomegalovirus disease is multifocal; therefore, excision of one portion of the gastrointestinal tract may be followed by a complication elsewhere. Our case elucidate that muscle cell destruction by the virus is a significant cause leading to perforation.

Abstract Introduction Endometriosis is a well-recognized gynecological condition in the reproductive age group. Surgical texts present the gynecological aspects of the disease in detail, but the published literature on unexpected manifestations, such as appendiceal disease, is inadequate. The presentation to general surgeons may be atypical and pose diagnostic difficulty. Thus, a definitive diagnosis is likely to be established only by the histological examination of a specimen. Case presentation We report a case of endometriosis of the appendix in a 25-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis and was treated by appendectomy, which resulted in a good outcome. Conclusions We discuss special aspects of acute appendicitis caused by endometriosis to elucidate the pathologic entity of this variant of acute appendicitis.

Abstract Introduction Primary intestinal tuberculosis is a rare variant of tuberculosis. The preferred treatment is usually pharmaceutical, but surgery may be required for complicated cases. Case presentation We report two cases of primary intestinal tuberculosis where the initial diagnosis was wrong, with colonic cancer suggested in the first case and a Crohn's disease complication in the second. Both of our patients were Caucasians of Greek nationality. In the first case (a 60-year-old man), a right hemicolectomy was performed. In the second case (a 26-year-old man), excision was impossible due to the local conditions and peritoneal implantations. Histopathology revealed an inflammatory mass of tuberculous origin in the first case. In the second, cell culture and polymerase chain reaction tests revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Both patients were given anti-tuberculosis therapy and their post-operative follow-up was uneventful. Conclusions Gastrointestinal tuberculosis still appears sporadically and should be considered in the differential diagnosis along with other conditions of the bowel. The use of immunosuppressants and new pharmaceutical agents can change the prevalence of tuberculosis.

Abstract Introduction Endosalpingiosis describes the ectopic growth of Fallopian tube epithelium. Pathology confirms the presence of a tube-like epithelium containing three types of cells: ciliated, columnar cells; non-ciliated, columnar secretory mucous cells; and intercalary cells. We report the case of a woman with umbilical endosalpingiosis and examine the nature and characteristics of cutaneous endosalpingiosis by reviewing and combining the other four cases existing in the international literature. Case presentation A 50-year-old Caucasian, Greek woman presented with a pale brown nodule in her umbilicus. The nodule was asymptomatic, with no cyclical discomfort or variation in size. Her personal medical, surgical and gynecologic history was uneventful. An excision within healthy margins was performed under local anesthesia. A cystic formation measuring 2.7×1.7×1 cm was removed. Histological examination confirmed umbilical endosalpingiosis. Conclusions Umbilical endosalpingiosis is a very rare manifestation of the non-neoplasmatic disorders of the Müllerian system. It appears with cyclic symptoms of pain and swelling of the umbilicus, but not always. The disease is diagnosed using pathologic findings and surgical excision is the definitive treatment.

Abstract Introduction Splenic vein thrombosis results in localized portal hypertension called sinistral portal hypertension, which may also lead to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Symptomatic sinistral portal hypertension is usually best treated by splenectomy, but interventional radiological techniques are safe and effective alternatives in the management of a massive hemorrhage, particularly in cases that have a high surgical risk. Case presentation We describe a 23-year-old Greek man with acute massive gastric variceal bleeding caused by splenic vein thrombosis due to a missing von Leiden factor, which was successfully managed with splenic arterial embolization. Conclusions Interventional radiological techniques are attractive alternatives for patients with a high surgical risk or in cases when the immediate surgical excision of the spleen is technically difficult. Additionally, surgery is not always successful because of the presence of numerous portal collaterals and adhesion. Splenic artery embolization is now emerging as a safe and effective alternative to surgery in the management of massive hemorrhage from gastric varices due to splenic vein thrombosis, which often occurs in patients with hypercoagulability.

Abstract Background Individuals with impaired immunity are at higher risk of perianal diseases. Concerning complex anal fistulas impaired healing and complication rates are also higher. Definitive treatment of a fistula aims controlling the purulent discharge and prevents its recurrence. It depends mainly on the trajectory of the fistula and the underlying disease. We present a case of a HIV-positive patient with a complex extrasphincteric anal fistula who was treated successfully with fibrin glue application. We further, discuss tips and tricks when applying fibrin glue as plugging material in complex anal fistulas. Case presentation A sixty-one-year-old HIV-positive male referred to us for warts and extrasphincteric fistula. Because of the patients' immunological status, we opted against surgery and recommended fibrin glue plugging. The patient was discharged the same day. A follow-up examination was performed 5 days after the initial fibrin glue application showing that the fistula canal was obstructed. Three months and a year post-intervention the fistula tract remains closed. Conclusion The best treatment for a disease gives at least the same result with the other treatments with minimised risk for the life of the patient and minimal application effort. Conservative closure of fistula with fibrin plugging is simple, safe and with less morbidity than surgery. Our patient was successfully treated without endangering his life despite his precarious medical state. Not everybody believes in the effectiveness of fibrin glue application, however we consider this solution in cases of complex fistulas at least as primary procedure in special populations such as the immunosupressed.

Abstract Introduction Teratomas of the sacrococcygeal area are usually diagnosed in infancy and are rarely seen in adults. Case presentation We report the case of a 36-year-old Greek woman experiencing chronic constipation due to a benign presacral teratoma. Imaging examinations showed a pelvic mass without evidence of malignancy. An ovoid tumour with a maximum dimension of 6 cm was surgically removed. A histologic examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Two years after surgery, the patient is well, with no evidence of recurrence and no constipation. Conclusion Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare in adults. A high index of suspicion is important in making an early diagnosis. Rectal examination and radiologic evaluation are also valuable.

Abstract In this case report we describe a rare case of right atrium myxoma that coexisted with antiphospholipid syndrome in a young woman. We describe the unusual findings and diagnostic challenges combined with a review of the literature.

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis leads to abdominal hypertension and compartment syndrome. Weeks after the episodes pancreatic fluids sometimes organize to pseudocysts, fluid collections by or in the gland. Aims of the present study were to evaluate the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) induced by large pancreatic pseudocysts and to examine the effect of their transcutaneous drainage on IAP. Methods Twenty seven patients with a pancreatic pseudocyst were included. Nine patients with pseudocysts greater than 1l (group A) had CT drainage and eighteen (volume less than 1l) were the control group. The measurements of group A were taken 6 hours before and every morning after the drainage, while for group B, two measurements were performed, one at the day of the initial CT and one 7 days after. Abdominal compliance (Cabd) was calculated. Data were analyzed using student's t-test. Results Baseline IAP for group A was 9.3 mmHg (S.D. 1.7 mmHg), while the first post-drainage day (PDD) IAP was 5.1 mmHg (S.D. 0.7 mmHg). The second PDD IAP was 5.6 mmHg (S.D. 0.8 mmHg), the third 6.4 mmH (S.D. 1.2 mmHg)g, the fourth 6.9 mmHg (S.D. 1.6 mmHg), the fifth 7.9 mmHg (S.D. 1.5 mmHg), the sixth 8.2 mmHg (S.D. 1.4 mmHg), and the seventh 8.2 mmHg (S.D. 1.5 mmHg). Group B had baseline IAP 8.0 mmHg (S.D. 1.2 mmHg) and final 8.2 mmHg (S.D. 1.4 mmHg). Cabd after drainage was 185.6 ml/mmHg (SD 47.5 ml/mmHg). IAP values were reduced between the baseline and all the post-drainage measurements in group A. IAPs seem to stabilize after the 5th post-drainage day. Baseline IAP was higher in group A than in group B, while the two values, at day 7, were equivalent. Conclusion The drainage of large pancreatic pseudocyst reduces IAP. Moreover, the IAP seems to rise shortly after the drainage again, but in a way that it remains inferior to the initial value. More chronic changes to the IAP are related to abdominal cavity's properties and have to be further studied.

Abstract Introduction Solid pseudo-papillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and typically present in young female patients. They are slowly growing masses that may attain large size, and are of low malignant potential. Surgical resection is usually curative. Case presentation A 71-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an episode of hematemesis but was otherwise hemodynamically stable. Emergency gastroscopy revealed a bleeding mass projecting to the duodenum. Fluid, blood and electrolyte resuscitation followed. Computed tomography revealed a small mass in the head of the pancreas. A Whipple operation was performed. Pathology revealed a solid pseudo-papillary tumor. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful and no recurrence was present a year after the operation. Conclusion In our case, the most noteworthy observations concern the small size of the tumor, the age of the patient and the presenting symptom. However, pancreaticoduodenectomy in a 71-year-old woman is a major effort and should only be undertaken by centers and surgeons experienced in complex hepatobiliary surgery. Furthermore, the unique nature of this case reminds every clinician that each patient has to be considered separately and with extreme caution.

Abstract The granulomatous inflammation of tuberculosis usually involves the lungs and the hilar lymph nodes. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) occurs in 1–3% of patients with TB, while TB of the chest wall constitutes 1% to 5% of all cases of musculoskeletal TB. Furthermore, nowadays it is rarer to find extrapulmonary TB in immunocompetent rather that non-immunocompetent patients. The present case reports a fifty-six-year-old immunocompetent man with an anterior chest wall tuberculous abscess. The rarity of the present case relates both to the localization of the tuberculous abscess, and to the fact that the patient was immunocompetent. The diagnosis of musculoskeletal tuberculous infection remains a challenge for clinicians and requires a high index of suspicion. The combination of indolent onset of symptoms, positive tuberculin skin test, and compatible radiographic findings, strongly suggests the diagnosis. TB, however, must be confirmed by positive culture or histologic proof. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious bone and joint destruction.