Oana Popa

Dr. Oana Popa

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 March 2024 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
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OVOctavia Vița
Octavia Vița
ADAlis Dema
Alis Dema
RBRobert Alexandru Barna
Robert Alexandru Barna
RCRemus Cornea
Remus Cornea
DBDan Alin Brebu
Dan Alin Brebu
DLDorela-Codruta Lazureanu
Dorela-Codruta Lazureanu
Background and Objectives: primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare neoplasm, displaying a variety of histological features. It is often a challenge for pathologists to diagnose this tumor. Materials and Methods: this study is a retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological characteristics of a group of eleven patients (eight women and three men, mean age 68 years, range 50–80 years) diagnosed with PTL. Results: nine patients (81.81%) presented a tumor with progressive growth in the anterior cervical region, usually painless and accompanied by local compressive signs. Histologically, we identified six cases (55%) of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, three cases (27%) of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, one case (9%) of follicular lymphoma, and one case (9%) of mixed follicular-diffuse lymphoma. PTL was associated with microscopic Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis in ten cases (90.9%). Ten patients (90.9%) presented with localized disease (stage I-IIE). A percentage of 60% of patients survived over 5 years. We observed an overall longer survival in patients under 70 years of age. Conclusions: PTL represents a diagnosis that needs to be taken into account, especially in women with a history of Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis, presenting a cervical tumor with progressive growth. PTL is a lymphoid neoplasia with favorable outcome, with relatively long survival if it is diagnosed at younger ages.

16 August 2021 in Medicina
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Journal Article
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SDsorin dema
sorin dema
FLFulger Lazar
Fulger Lazar
RBRobert Alexandru Barna
Robert Alexandru Barna
ADAmadeus Dobrescu
Amadeus Dobrescu
ADAlis Dema
Alis Dema
STSorina Tăban
Sorina Tăban
Introduction: Sclerosing Extramedullary Hematopoietic Tumor (SEHT) is a very rare lesion associated with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD). SEHT can mimic morphologically, both macroscopically and microscopically, a wide variety of tumors/lesions. Case presentation: We present the case of a female patient diagnosed with gallstones for which surgery was decided. Intraoperatively, a malignant tumor of extrahepatic bile ducts was suspected. A frozen section examination raised the suspicion of a mesenchymal tumor or an inflammatory pseudotumor. The histological evaluation of the permanent sections, supplemented with an immunohistochemical investigation (IHC), was the one that established the diagnosis of SEHT, based on the presence of areas of sclerosis, atypical CD31+ megakaryocytes, myeloid and erythroid elements. Conclusions: The authors present the difficulties of a morphological diagnosis on the frozen section and on permanent sections in the absence of relevant clinical information and make a review of the literature data dedicated to the subject.

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OPOriana Pelineagra
Oriana Pelineagra
IGIoana Golu
Ioana Golu
MBMelania Balas
Melania Balas
DADaniela Amzar
Daniela Amzar
PIPlotuna Iulia-Stefania
Plotuna Iulia-Stefania
MVMihaela Vlad
Mihaela Vlad
Suboptimal vitamin D status is commonly observed in primary hyperparathyroidism but is rarely considered in management decisions. The present study aimed to bring additional insights on vitamin D status in primary hyperparathyroidism patients, particularly those presenting with the normocalcemic phenotype. A retrospective study was conducted on 53 confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism patients, stratified into hypercalcemic and normocalcemic groups, hospitalized at the “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical Country Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Patients presenting with the normocalcemic phenotype had similar target-organ involvement compared to their counterparts. In this subgroup, 25 hydroxyvitamin D showed an inverse correlation with serum calcium (p = 0.048), and regression analysis identified iPTH and 25OH vitamin D as significant predictors of calcium levels (p < 0.0001; R2 = 0.571). Adenoma volume showed a significant negative correlation with 25OH vitamin D levels (p = 0.021; r = −0.61) but was later found as insignificant after confounder analysis. Postoperative measurements of 25OH vitamin D levels confirmed increasing levels after parathyroidectomy. Our findings highlight a complex relationship between PTH and vitamin D in primary hyperparathyroidism, especially in the often-underdiagnosed normocalcemic phenotype. The inverse correlation between vitamin D and calcium suggests altered homeostasis, rather than true deficiency.

23 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Journal Article
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OPOana Popa
Oana Popa
MBMelania Balas
Melania Balas
IGIoana Golu
Ioana Golu
DADaniela Amzar
Daniela Amzar
CDCarmen Dorogi
Carmen Dorogi
MVMihaela Vlad
Mihaela Vlad
Background/Objectives: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common form of inherited rickets, caused by pathogenic mutations in the PHEX gene (phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked). These mutations increase fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) activity, resulting in renal phosphate wasting and defective bone mineralization. The disorder manifests with variable skeletal, dental, and extraskeletal involvement. Conventional therapy with oral phosphate and active vitamin D offers limited benefit, whereas burosumab, an anti-FGF23 monoclonal antibody, has transformed disease management. Methods: The index case, a 43-year-old woman, remained undiagnosed until adulthood, leading to severe deformities, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and complete edentulism. Her 55-year-old sister presented with a milder phenotype. The 20-year-old nephew, diagnosed in childhood and intermittently treated with phosphate and alfacalcidol, developed short stature, genu varum, and early degenerative joint disease. Following genetic confirmation, he began burosumab therapy, which normalized phosphate metabolism, reduced pain, and improved mobility. Results: XLH demonstrates marked intrafamilial phenotypic variability despite identical PHEX mutations. In this series, delayed recognition in adults led to irreversible skeletal deformities, osteoarthritis, and dental loss, whereas earlier diagnosis in the younger patient allowed timely intervention. Conventional therapy only partially mitigated complications, while burosumab achieved rapid biochemical correction and symptomatic improvement. This contrast highlights the importance of early genetic testing, family screening, and prompt initiation of targeted treatment. Conclusions: This family cluster underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, genetic confirmation, cascade screening, and lifelong multidisciplinary care. Burosumab represents a therapeutic paradigm shift in XLH, capable of altering disease trajectory when initiated early.

1 March 2021 in Romanian Journal of Cardiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Sebastian OnciulSebastian Onciul
Sebastian Onciul
OPOana Popa
Oana Popa
RNRadu Nicolaescu
Radu Nicolaescu
VBVlad Bataila
Vlad Bataila
LCLucian Calmac
Lucian Calmac
RCRazvan Capsa
Razvan Capsa
Objectives: To provide preliminary data on practice of stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in a single center in Romania. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files and CMR reports of patients who underwent stress perfusion CMR in our institution between January 2018 and December 2020. Results: A total of 1036 patients underwent CMR examinations during this period in our institution. Of these, 120 patients had stress perfusion CMR. The most common indication was the assessment of myocardial ischaemia in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) (77 patients, 64.16%), with either a history of myocardial infarction or previous coronary revascularization, or with intermediate lesions on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The other indications consisted in detection of ischaemia in patients with suspected CAD (36 patients, 30%), characterization of the substrate of ventricular arrhythmia (5 patients, 4.16%) and assessment of the etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (4 patients, 3.33%). All patients had vasodilator stress with adenosine and an adequate stress response was obtained in 113 patients (94.16%). There were 21 patients (18.58%) with an abnormal stress test and patients with intermediate lesions on ICA had the highest prevalence of positive reports (24.32%). Sixty-three patients had myocardial fibrosis (52.5%): 49 patients (40.83%) had subendocardial (ischaemic) scars, while 14 patients (11.66%) had non-ischaemic scars. There were no serious adverse events related to the procedure. Conclusions: This is the first report in Romania on the use of stress perfusion CMR in clinical practice. We report our experience on stress efficiency, acquisition protocol, artifacts, prevalence of positive tests and safety. Most stress CMRs were requested in patients with established CAD.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OPOana Popa
Oana Popa
MBMelania Balas
Melania Balas
IGIoana Golu
Ioana Golu
DADaniela Amzar
Daniela Amzar
FVFlore Varcuș
Flore Varcuș
MVMihaela Vlad
Mihaela Vlad
Introduction: Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, leading to systemic manifestations such as hyperthyroidism, Graves’ orbitopathy, and pretibial myxedema. Contrary to previous beliefs that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid cancer, recent studies reveal an increased incidence of thyroid malignancies in GD patients, particularly differentiated thyroid carcinomas and, in rare cases, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Case series: This case series presents three female GD patients diagnosed with MTC, highlighting the complexities of diagnosis and management. All patients exhibited thyroid nodules with suspicious ultrasonographic features, elevated plasma calcitonin levels, and required total thyroidectomy. Histological examination confirmed MTC. Discussion: These cases underscore the importance of routine calcitonin screening in GD patients with thyroid nodules to facilitate early detection and improve prognosis. Our findings suggest that while the coexistence of GD and MTC is likely incidental, vigilant monitoring and comprehensive evaluation are crucial for timely intervention. Conclusions: This study advocates for integrating calcitonin testing into the standard diagnostic protocol for GD patients presenting with thyroid abnormalities.