Background: Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time evaluation of anatomical structures. While versatile in examining various organs, it can be physically demanding for physicians due to the need for challenging positions, causing musculoskeletal pain and potentially work-related diseases over time. The study aimed to assess the ergonomics of abdominal and breast ultrasound, identify the most challenging anatomical area, determine which part of the examination causes the greatest strain, and evaluate the overall ergonomic impact of the entire procedure. Methods: This single-center study involved 4 radiologists and focused on breast and abdominal ultrasonography. Kinematic data were recorded using the Noraxon Ultium Motion inertial system to track body movements during the ultrasound procedures. Five critical segments were identified while examining the liver, right kidney, left kidney, right breast, and left breast. Ergonomic assessment was performed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods, evaluating postural risks and physical strain during each segment and the whole procedure. Results: Both RULA and REBA assessments yielded median total scores of 6.0–7.0 and 6.0–7.5, respectively, reflecting consistently medium to high musculoskeletal loading. Examinations of the left breast and left kidney were associated with the most demanding postures. These elevated scores demonstrate that abdominal and breast ultrasonography imposes substantial ergonomic strain, potentially increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions: The high ergonomic risk scores indicate an urgent need to modify scanning techniques and workstation design to reduce musculoskeletal strain in sonographers. Implementing ergonomic improvements is essential to prevent occupational injuries and promote long-term health.

Background: Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time evaluation of anatomical structures. While versatile in examining various organs, it can be physically demanding for physicians due to the need for challenging positions, causing musculoskeletal pain and potentially work-related diseases over time. The study aimed to assess the ergonomics of abdominal and breast ultrasound, identify the most challenging anatomical area, determine which part of the examination causes the greatest strain, and evaluate the overall ergonomic impact of the entire procedure. Methods: This single-center study involved 4 radiologists and focused on breast and abdominal ultrasonography. Kinematic data were recorded using the Noraxon Ultium Motion inertial system to track body movements during the ultrasound procedures. Five critical segments were identified while examining the liver, right kidney, left kidney, right breast, and left breast. Ergonomic assessment was performed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods, evaluating postural risks and physical strain during each segment and the whole procedure. Results: Both RULA and REBA assessments yielded average total scores reflecting consistently high musculoskeletal loading. Examination of the left breast and left kidney were associated with the most demanding postures. These elevated scores demonstrate that abdominal and breast ultrasonography imposes substantial ergonomic strain, potentially increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions: The high ergonomic risk scores indicate an urgent need to modify scanning techniques and workstation design to reduce musculoskeletal strain in sonographers. Implementing ergonomic improvements is essential to prevent occupational injuries and promote long-term health.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent chronic rheumatic disease in children, primarily affecting the joints but also influencing various organ systems, including the endocrine system. The interplay between JIA and endocrine dysfunctions remains an area of growing interest, as autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the development of comorbid conditions. This review explores genetic markers associated with both JIA and endocrine disorders, the role of immune system dysregulation, and the impact of disease-modifying therapies on hormonal function. Additionally, the effects of chronic inflammation on endocrine homeostasis and metabolic regulation are discussed. Particular attention is given to conditions such as type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Cushing’s syndrome, which may either precede JIA, arise as complications, or be exacerbated by its treatment. Effective JIA management requires an understanding of these mechanisms and a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the surgical indications and postoperative outcomes among pediatric patients with lobar cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients operated on for lobar CCM between March 2010 and August 2021. Indications for surgery included (1) intracranial hemorrhage, (2) symptomatic superficially located lesion, and (3) asymptomatic CCM in non-eloquent area in case of strong parental preferences. Patients presenting with seizures were assessed using Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale. Results: Twenty-one patients were included. The predominant symptoms were seizures (57.1%), headaches (33.3%), and focal neurological deficits (23.8%). Patients were qualified for surgery due to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (47.6%), drug-resistant epilepsy (28.6%), and focal neurological deficits (9.5%). Three patients (14.3%) were asymptomatic. A gross total resection of CCM with the surrounding hemosiderin rim was achieved in all patients. The mean follow-up was 52 months. No patient experienced surgery-related complications. In all individuals with a preoperative first episode of seizures or focal neurological deficits, the symptoms subsided. All six patients with drug-resistant epilepsy improved to Engel classes I (67%) and II (33%). Conclusion: Surgical removal of symptomatic lobar CCMs in properly selected candidates remains a safe option. Parental preferences may be considered a sole qualifying criterion for asymptomatic lobar CCM excision.

Cel pracy: W polskich Młodzieżowych Ośrodkach Wychowawczych (MOW) są umieszczane niepełnoletnie osoby wykazujące przejawy niedostosowania społecznego. Istotnym problemem jest występowanie zaburzeń psychicznych u podopiecznych tych placówek, które mogą mieć wpływ na ich proces resocjalizacji. Celem pracy była ocena rozpowszechnienia zaburzeń psychicznych wśród wychowanków MOW w Polsce w województwie śląskim.Metoda: Badanie przeprowadzono od lutego do listopada 2022 roku w dwóch młodzieżowych ośrodkach wychowawczych na terenie województwa śląskiego, w którym uczestniczyło 80 osób (60% chłopców, 40% dziewcząt). Udział był dobrowolny i anonimowy. Zastosowano częściowo ustrukturyzowany wywiad psychiatryczny K-SADS-PL, obejmujący kwestionariusze dotyczące manii, depresji, zaburzeń zachowania oraz uzależnień.Wyniki: Wśród badanych osób 12,5% (n=10) miało przed rozpoczęciem badania zdiagnozowane zaburzenia psychiczne. Kryteria dużego epizodu depresji (MDD) spełniło 26,25% badanych, w tym 20,8% chłopców i 34,37% dziewcząt, a drażliwość występowała u 19 z 21 osób z depresją. Zaburzenia zachowania dotyczyły 52,5% badanych. Ponadto 39% uczestników piło alkohol co najmniej trzy razy w tygodniu, a 70% stosowało marihuanę raz w tygodniu.Wnioski: Badania nad zdrowiem psychicznym młodzieży w MOW w Polsce wskazują na wysoki odsetek wychowanków z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi i problematycznym wzorcem używania substancji psychoaktywnych, co może negatywnie wpływać na ich funkcjonowanie i rokowanie. Konieczne są interwencje, mające na celu osiągnięcia korzystnych zmian w zachowaniu nieletnich oraz przeciwdziałaniu ich demoralizacji.

The study analyzes the correlation between the indications and results of head CT examinations in search of evidence of the excessive use of this diagnostic method. In total, 1160 referrals for urgent head CT were analyzed retrospectively, including the following parameters: patients’ sex and age, type of scan (C−, C+, angio-CT), description of symptoms and presence of diagnostic target. Pathologies identified by the radiologist were assigned to four classes, regarding the severity of diagnosed conditions. The analysis of the CT results has shown that over half (55.22%) of the examinations revealed no deviations or showed chronic, asymptomatic lesions. As many as 73.71% referrals constituted group 0 in terms of the lack of a diagnostic target of a specific pathology. The presence of specific clinical targeting in a referral correlated significantly with a higher frequency of acute diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced follow-up examinations allowed the unequivocal classification of patients into extreme classes (I or IV) and accurate identification of patients requiring urgent or chronic treatment. Excessive use of diagnostic imaging is harmful, not only to patients, who often are unnecessarily exposed to radiation, but also to the quality of healthcare, since it increases the costs and radiologists’ workload.