1.Pearls and Potential Pitfalls for Correct Diagnosis of Ovarian Cystadenofibroma in MRI:A Pictorial Essay
Giacomo AVESANI ; Gianluca CALIOLO ; Benedetta GUI ; Federica PETTA ; Camilla PANICO ; Viviana La MANNA ; Francesca MORO ; Antonia Carla TESTA ; Giovanni SCAMBIA ; Riccardo MANFREDI
Korean Journal of Radiology 2021;22(11):1809-1821
Ovarian cystadenofibroma is a benign ovarian tumor that is characterized by a consistent percentage of masses, which remain indeterminate in ultrasonography and require magnetic resonance (MR) investigation; they may mimic borderline or malignant lesions. Three main morphologic patterns, resembling different ovarian neoplasms, can be identified in cystadenofibromas:multilocular solid lesions, unilocular cystic lesions with parietal thickening, and purely cystic masses. However, a cystoadenofibroma has typical features, such as T2-weighted hypointensity associated with no restrictions in diffusion-weighted imaging (the so-called “dark-dark appearance”) and progressive post-contrast enhancement (type I perfusion curve). The purpose of this study was to review the features of ovarian cystadenofibromas in MR imaging and to suggest pearls and pitfalls regarding their correct diagnosis.
2.Opioid-induced Constipation: Old and New Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment
Francesco SQUEO ; Francesca CELIBERTO ; Enzo IERARDI ; Francesco RUSSO ; Giuseppe RIEZZO ; Benedetta D’ATTOMA ; Alfredo Di LEO ; Giuseppe LOSURDO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2024;30(2):131-142
Daily use of opioid analgesics has significantly increased in recent years due to an increasing prevalence of conditions associated with chronic pain. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is one of the most common, under-recognized, and under-treated side effects of opioid analgesics. OIC significantly reduces the quality of life by causing psychological distress, lowering work productivity, and increasing access to healthcare facilities. The economic and social burden of OIC led to the development of precise strategies for daily clinical practice. Key aspects are the prevention of constipation through adequate water intake and fiber support, avoidance of sedentariness, and early recognition and treatment of cofactors that could worsen constipation. Recommended first-line therapy includes osmotic (preferably polyethylene glycol) and stimulant laxatives. Peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists, such as methylnaltrexone, naloxegol, or naldemedine, should be used in patients that have not responded to the first-line treatments. The bowel functional index is the main tool for assessing the severity of OIC and for monitoring the response. The paper discusses the recent literature on the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, and management of OIC and provides a pragmatic approach for its assessment and treatment.
3.The Burden of Agoraphobia in Worsening Quality of Life in a Community Survey in Italy
Antonio PRETI ; Martina PIRAS ; Giulia COSSU ; Elisa PINTUS ; Mirra PINTUS ; Goce KALCEV ; Federico CABRAS ; Maria Francesca MORO ; Ferdinando ROMANO ; Matteo BALESTRIERI ; Filippo CARACI ; Liliana DELL’OSSO ; Guido Di SCIASCIO ; Filippo DRAGO ; Maria Carolina HARDOY ; Rita RONCONE ; Carlo FARAVELLI ; Mario MUSU ; Gabriele FINCO ; Antonio Egidio NARDI ; Mauro Giovanni CARTA
Psychiatry Investigation 2021;18(4):277-283
Objective:
Current nosology redefined agoraphobia as an autonomous diagnosis distinct from panic disorder. We investigated the lifetime prevalence of agoraphobia, its association with other mental disorders, and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).
Methods:
Community survey in 2,338 randomly selected adult subjects. Participants were interviewed with the Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), administered by clinicians. The diagnoses were based on the ICD-10 criteria. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to quantify HR-QoL.
Results:
In the sample, 35 subjects met the criteria for agoraphobia (1.5%), with greater prevalence among women (2.0%) than men (0.9%): odds ratio (OR) 2.23; 95% CI: 1.0-5–2. Agoraphobia was more often seen among those with (n=26; 1.1%) than without (n=9; 0.4%) panic disorder: OR=8.3; 2.9–24.4. Co-morbidity with other mental disorders was substantial. The mean score of SF-12 in people with agoraphobia was 35.2±7.8, with similar levels of HR-QoL in people with (35.3±7.9) or without (34.8±7.3) panic disorder: ANOVA: F(1;33)=0.0; p=1.00.
Conclusion
One out of seventy people may suffer from agoraphobia in their lifetime. The attributable burden in terms of HR-QoL is substantial and comparable to the one observed for chronic mental disorders such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
4.The Burden of Agoraphobia in Worsening Quality of Life in a Community Survey in Italy
Antonio PRETI ; Martina PIRAS ; Giulia COSSU ; Elisa PINTUS ; Mirra PINTUS ; Goce KALCEV ; Federico CABRAS ; Maria Francesca MORO ; Ferdinando ROMANO ; Matteo BALESTRIERI ; Filippo CARACI ; Liliana DELL’OSSO ; Guido Di SCIASCIO ; Filippo DRAGO ; Maria Carolina HARDOY ; Rita RONCONE ; Carlo FARAVELLI ; Mario MUSU ; Gabriele FINCO ; Antonio Egidio NARDI ; Mauro Giovanni CARTA
Psychiatry Investigation 2021;18(4):277-283
Objective:
Current nosology redefined agoraphobia as an autonomous diagnosis distinct from panic disorder. We investigated the lifetime prevalence of agoraphobia, its association with other mental disorders, and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).
Methods:
Community survey in 2,338 randomly selected adult subjects. Participants were interviewed with the Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), administered by clinicians. The diagnoses were based on the ICD-10 criteria. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used to quantify HR-QoL.
Results:
In the sample, 35 subjects met the criteria for agoraphobia (1.5%), with greater prevalence among women (2.0%) than men (0.9%): odds ratio (OR) 2.23; 95% CI: 1.0-5–2. Agoraphobia was more often seen among those with (n=26; 1.1%) than without (n=9; 0.4%) panic disorder: OR=8.3; 2.9–24.4. Co-morbidity with other mental disorders was substantial. The mean score of SF-12 in people with agoraphobia was 35.2±7.8, with similar levels of HR-QoL in people with (35.3±7.9) or without (34.8±7.3) panic disorder: ANOVA: F(1;33)=0.0; p=1.00.
Conclusion
One out of seventy people may suffer from agoraphobia in their lifetime. The attributable burden in terms of HR-QoL is substantial and comparable to the one observed for chronic mental disorders such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.