Browsing by Author "Cunha, T"
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- Clues to the Diagnosis of Borderline Ovarian Tumours: an Imaging GuidePublication . Alves, AS; Félix, A; Cunha, TBorderline Ovarian Tumours (BOTs) are an interesting subset of epithelial neoplasms defined histologically by atypical epithelial proliferation without stromal invasion. These tumours typically affect young women in the reproductive age group and have a good prognosis. Although ultrasonography is the primary screening imaging technique in the evaluation of any suspected adnexal mass, grey-scale and colour Doppler have limited value in characterizing BOTs. Thus, a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for further characterization on account of its multiplanar capabilities, excellent soft-tissue contrast and high spatial resolution. BOTs histological subtypes display specific features on MRI that are useful in differential diagnosis. However, the final diagnosis and staging of BOTs require pathologic evaluation after surgical excision. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe, illustrate and compare the imaging characteristics of the different subtypes of BOTs - serous, mucinous and seromucinous - focusing on MRI, as well as to correlate with pathology findings considering the recent 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, in order to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and facilitate optimal patient management.
- MR Imaging of Uterine Sarcomas: a Comprehensive Review with Radiologic-Pathologic CorrelationPublication . Alves e Sousa, F; Ferreira, J; Cunha, TThe aim of this article is to summarize the MRI features of each sarcoma subtype and to correlate them with its pathological findings. Literature review through PubMed/Medline database to identify relevant articles on uterine sarcomas, with a special emphasis on their MRI findings and pathological features. While several, more generalistic, MRI findings of a uterine tumour should raise suspicion for malignancy (including irregular contour, intra-tumoral necrosis/hemorrhage and low ADC values), some particular features may suggest their specific histological subtype such as the gross lymphovascular invasion associated with endometrial stromal sarcomas, the "bag of worms" appearance of the low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and the "lattice-like" aspect of adenosarcomas which results from the mixed composition of solid and multiseptated cystic components. Knowledge of the different histological uterine sarcoma subtypes, their specific MRI features and comprehension of their pathological background allows for a more confident diagnosis and may indicate the correct histological subtype.
- Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Female Genital Tract: a Case-Based Imaging Review with Pathological CorrelationPublication . Lopes Dias, J; Cunha, T; Veloso Gomes, F; Callé, C; Félix, ABACKGROUND: Both primary and secondary gynaecological neuroendocrine (NE) tumours are uncommon, and the literature is scarce concerning their imaging features. METHODS: This article reviews the epidemiological, clinical and imaging features with pathological correlation of gynaecological NE tumours. RESULTS: The clinical features of gynaecological NE tumours are non-specific and depend on the organ of origin and on the extension and aggressiveness of the disease. The imaging approach to these tumours is similar to that for other histological types and the Revised International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Staging System also applies to NE tumours. Neuroendocrine tumours were recently divided into two groups: poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NECs include small cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, while NETs account for typical and atypical carcinoids. Cervical small cell carcinoma and ovarian carcinoid are the most common gynaecological NE tumours. The former typically behaves aggressively; the latter usually behaves in a benign fashion and tends to be confined to the organ. CONCLUSION: While dealing with ovarian carcinoids, extra-ovarian extension, bilaterality and multinodularity raise the suspicion of metastatic disease. NE tumours of the endometrium and other gynaecological locations are very rare. TEACHING POINTS: • Primary or secondary neurondocrine (NE) tumours of the female genital tract are rare. • Cervical small cell carcinoma and ovarian carcinoids are the most common gynaecological NE tumours. • Cervical small cell carcinomas usually behave aggressively. • Ovarian carcinoids tend to behave in a benign fashion. • The imaging approach to gynaecological NE tumours and other histological types is similar.
- A Stab Wound to the Axilla Illustrating the Importance of Brachial Plexus Anatomy in an Emergency Context: a Case ReportPublication . Casal, D; Cunha, T; Pais, D; Iria, I; Almeida, MA; Millan, G; Videira e Castro, J; Goyri-O'Neill, JBACKGROUND:Although open injuries involving the brachial plexus are relatively uncommon, they can lead to permanent disability and even be life threatening if accompanied by vascular damage. We present a case report of a brachial plexus injury in which the urgency of the situation precluded the use of any ancillary diagnostic examinations and forced a rapid clinical assessment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a Portuguese man who had a stabbing injury at the base of his left axilla. On observation in our emergency room an acute venous type of bleeding was present at the wound site and, as a result of refractory hypotension after initial management with fluids administered intravenously, he was immediately carried to our operating room. During the course of transportation, we observed that he presented hypoesthesia of the medial aspect of his arm and forearm, as well as of the ulnar side of his hand and of the palmar aspect of the last three digits and of the dorsal aspect of the last two digits. Moreover, he was not able to actively flex the joints of his middle, ring, and small fingers or to adduct or abduct all fingers. Exclusively relying on our anatomical knowledge of the axillary region, the site of the stabbing wound, and the physical neurologic examination, we were able to unequivocally pinpoint the place of the injury between the anterior division of the lower trunk of his brachial plexus and the proximal portion of the following nerves: ulnar, medial cutaneous of his arm and forearm, and the medial aspect of his median nerve. Surgery revealed a longitudinal laceration of the posterior aspect of his axillary vein, and confirmed a complete section of his ulnar nerve, his medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous nerves, and an incomplete section of the ulnar aspect of his median nerve. All structures were repaired microsurgically. Three years after the surgery he showed a good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this case report illustrates the relevance of a sound anatomical knowledge of the brachial plexus in an emergency setting.
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Unconventional Perfusion Flaps in Clinical PracticePublication . Casal, D; Cunha, T; Pais, D; Videira, P; Coloma, J; Zagalo, C; Almeida, MA; Goyri O'Neill, JBackground: Although unconventional perfusion flaps have been in clinical use since 1975, many surgeons are still deterred from using them, because of some reports of high necrosis rates. Methods: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles written in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese on the clinical use of unconventional perfusion flaps and indexed to PubMed from 1975 until July 15, 2015. Results: A total of 134 studies and 1445 patients were analyzed. The estimated survival rate of unconventional perfusion flaps was 89.5 percent (95 percent CI, 87.3 to 91.3 percent; p < 0.001). Ninety-two percent of unconventional perfusion flaps (95 percent CI, 89.9 to 93.7 percent; p < 0.001) presented complete or nearly complete survival. Most defects mandating unconventional perfusion flap reconstruction were caused by trauma (63.6 percent), especially of the hand and fingers (75.1 percent). The main complication of all types of flaps was a variable degree of necrosis (7.5 percent of all unconventional perfusion flaps presented marginal necrosis; 9.2 percent and 5.5 percent had significant and complete necrosis, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the rate of postoperative infection and the need for a new flap (Pearson coefficient, 0.405; p = 0.001). Flaps used to reconstruct the upper limb showed better survival than those transferred to the head and neck or to the lower limb (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Unconventional perfusion flaps show high survival rates and should probably be used more liberally, particularly in the realm of upper limb reconstruction. Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, V.