COVID-19 vaccine-induced lymphadenopathies: incidence,course and imaging features from an ultrasound prospective study

Aimslymphadenopathy can occur after COVID-19 vaccination and when encountered at ultrasound examinations performed for other reasons might pose a diagnostic challenge. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence, course and ultrasound imaging features of vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy.Methods89 healthy volunteers (median age 30, 76 females) were prospectively enrolled. Vaccine-related clinical side effects (e.g., fever, fatigue, palpable or painful lymphadenopathy) were recorded. Participants underwent bilateral axillary, supraclavicular and cervical lymph node stations ultrasound 1–4 weeks after the second dose and then again after 4–12 weeks in those who showed lymphadenopathy at the first ultrasound. B-mode, color-Doppler assessment, and shear-wave elastography (SWE) evaluation were performed. The correlation between lymphadenopathy and vaccine-related side effects was assessed using the Fisher’s exact test.ResultsPost-vaccine lymphadenopathy were found in 69/89 (78%) participants (37 single and 32 multiple lymphadenopathy). Among them, 60 presented vaccine-related side effects, but no statistically significant difference was observed between post-vaccine side effect and lymphadenopathy. Ultrasound features of vaccine-related lymphadenopathy consisted of absence of fatty hilum, round shape and diffuse or asymmetric cortical thickness (median cortical thickness of 5 mm). Vascular signal was mainly found to be increased, localized in both central and peripheral regions. SWE showed a soft cortical consistence in all cases (median value 11 Kpa). At follow-up, lymph-node morphology was completely restored in most cases (54/69, 78%) and in no case lymphadenopathy had worsened.ConclusionA high incidence of vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy was found in a population of healthy subjects, with nearly complete regression within 4–12 weeks.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40477-022-00674-3.     

Evaluation of baseline contractile reserve vs dyssynchrony as a predictor of functional improvement and long term outcome after resynchronization pacing therapy: A radionuclide stress study

Aim  

To assess the predictive value of baseline ventricular dyssynchrony and myocardial contractile reserve (mCR) in identifying responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).     

Atti SUN -Laparoscopic management of sacral neurinoma causing hydronephrosis

We report the case of a sacral neurinoma, which presented with mild hydronephrosis, due to compression of the right ureter, in a 71-yr old woman admitted to our hospital with recurrent urinary tract infections. CT and MRI detected a 4 x 4 cm mass pressing on the right ureter at the sacral level, in continuity with the second sacral foramen. Given this finding, the mass was thought to be of presumable neurogenic origin. In order to both reach a conclusive diagnosis and relieve the compression of the ureter, a laparoscopic resection of the mass was performed. Surgery was successful and the pathologic examination revealed a sacral Antoni A neurinoma. Neurinomas, also called Schwannomas, are uncommon benign nerve sheath tumors arising from Schwann cells. Their diagnosis can be extremely difficult due to their aspecific symptoms and the lack of pathognomonic characteristics on imaging exams. Therefore, histopathologic evaluation is essential in establishing the diagnosis. Surgical resection seems to be the best approach, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.     

Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity in Gill Erythrocyte Cells of Poecilia reticulata Exposed to a Glyphosate Formulation

Poecilia reticulata were exposed to herbicide Roundup Transorb^® for micronucleus test, nuclear abnormalities and comet assay. The exposure-concentrations were based on CL_50–96 h following 0, 1.41, 2.83, 4.24 and 5.65 μL L^?1 for 24 h. Micronucleus and comets were significantly increased in the gill erythrocyte cells after herbicide exposure compared with the non-exposed group. Results showed a gradual increase in the number of damaged cells, indicating a concentration-dependent effect and that this herbicide was mutagenic and genotoxic to P. reticulata and this effect could be attributed to a combination of compounds contained in the formulation with the active ingredient glyphosate.     

Three Outbreak-causing Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Clones,Brazil

During 2003–2012, 8 clusters of meningococcal disease were identified in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, all caused by serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis. The isolates were assigned to 3 clonal complexes (cc): cc11, cc32, and cc103. These hyperinvasive disease lineages were associated with endemic disease, outbreaks, and high case-fatality rates.