Dagnija Grabovska

Dr. Dagnija Grabovska


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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23 June 2024 in Diagnostics
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Journal Article
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DGDagnija Grabovska
Dagnija Grabovska
ISIlze Strumfa
Ilze Strumfa
JOJanis Ositis
Janis Ositis
ILInta Liepniece-Karele
Inta Liepniece-Karele
ABArturs Balodis
Arturs Balodis
Background: Benign notochordal cell tumours (BNCTs) represent a rare entity within the spectrum of bone neoplasms, which typically arise in the axial skeleton. Although these tumours are often benign, their diagnosis and management pose significant challenges due to their histological similarity to more aggressive lesions, such as chordomas. Understanding of the clinical behaviour, diagnostic nuances, and optimal management strategies for BNCTs continues to evolve. Case Report: Benign notochordal cell tumours of the vertebra are usually asymptomatic and identified on imaging and should be distinguished from chordomas, which has a more aggressive clinical course. This report describes a 15-year-old girl with lumbosacral pain and a diagnosis of a benign notochordal cell tumour, which affects a large part of the S1 vertebra in the lumbar spine, highlighting the diagnostic challenges encountered, the role of radiological and histological investigations, and the ultimate determination of the benign nature of the tumour. Conclusions: This report highlights the approach taken for the diagnosis of a benign notochordal cell tumour of the vertebra and the importance of excluding differential diagnoses. By exploring the intricacies of this case, we contribute to the growing body of literature surrounding BNCTs, with the aim of improving clinical awareness and management strategies for this uncommon bone tumour.

16 December 2024 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DGDagnija Grabovska
Dagnija Grabovska
JLJunsiyuan Li
Junsiyuan Li
MRMaija Radzina
Maija Radzina
ABArturs Balodis
Arturs Balodis
Background/Objectives: The muscular base of the oral cavity is formed of the mylohyoid muscle, which forms a sling inferior to the tongue. The muscle is often discontinuous, and defects may include salivary tissues, fat, and/or blood vessels. Hypertrophic sublingual glands located in mylohyoid defects can be herniated into bilateral submandibular spaces and present as palpable masses. The etiology of this condition may be congenital or acquired, and although such anatomical variations are common, they often go unrecognized in clinical practice. Sialoceles are cyst-like structures that result from chronic inflammation or ductal injury, indicating underlying problems with drainage efficiency. Methods: In this case series, we present two patients. Results: The first patient is a 44-year-old female who presented with a slowly enlarging right submandibular mass for two years, while the second is a 70-year-old female who presented with nonspecific neck discomfort, lacking palpable masses. In both, initial imaging (ultrasound and CT) was inconclusive. MRI revealed right sublingual gland herniation through a mylohyoid defect (mylohyoid boutonniere) in both cases. Conclusions: This highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging in the diagnosis of submandibular masses and emphasizes the need for considering mylohyoid boutonniere in cases of bilateral submandibular masses. Further research is warranted into the sialoceles associated with salivary gland abnormalities.

4 June 2023 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
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SSSintija Strautmane
Sintija Strautmane
ABArturs Balodis
Arturs Balodis
ATAgnete Teivāne
Agnete Teivāne
DGDagnija Grabovska
Dagnija Grabovska
ENEdgars Naudins
Edgars Naudins
MZMaksims Zolovs
Maksims Zolovs
Background and Objectives: We aimed to determine the link between brain volumetry results and functional disability calculated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in relation to the provided treatment (disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)) during a 5-year follow-up period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed enrolling 66 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, predominantly females (62% (n = 41)). Relapsing–remitting (RR) MS was noted in 92% (n = 61) of patients, with the rest being patients with secondary progressive (SP) MS. The mean age was 43.3 years (SD 8.3 years). All patients were evaluated clinically using the EDSS and “FreeSurfer© 7.2.0” radiologically during a 5-year follow-up. Results: A significant increase in patient functional disability was noted, calculated using the EDSS during a 5-year follow-up. The baseline EDSS ranged between 1 and 6 with a median of 1.5 (IQR 1.5–2.0), and after 5 years, the EDSS was between 1 and 7, with a median EDSS of 3.0 (IQR 2.4–3.6). Compared with RRMS patients, SPMS patients demonstrated a significant increase in EDSS score during a 5-year period, with a median EDSS of 2.5 in RRMS patients (IQR 2.0–3.3) and 7.0 (IQR 5.0–7.0) among SPMS patients. Significantly lower brain volumetry results in different brain areas were found, including cortical, total grey and white matter, p < 0.05. Statistically significant differences were observed between baseline volumetry results of the hippocampus and the middle anterior part of the corpus callosum and their volumetry results after 5 years, p < 0.001. In this study population, the thalamus did not demonstrate significant changes in volumetry results during follow-up, p > 0.05. The provided treatment (DMTs) did not demonstrate a significant impact on the brain MRI volumetry results during a 5-year follow-up, p > 0.05. Conclusions: Brain MRI volumetry seriously impacts the early detection of brain atrophic changes. In this study, significant relationship between brain magnetic resonance volumetry results and disability progression among MS patients with no important impact of the provided treatment was described. Brain MRI volumetry may aid in the identification of early disease progression among MS patients, as well as enrich the clinical evaluation of MS patients in clinical patient care.

11 April 2026 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DGDagnija Grabovska
Dagnija Grabovska
ABArturs Balodis
Arturs Balodis
ABArvids Buss
Arvids Buss
MRMadara Ratniece
Madara Ratniece
RŠRoberts Šamanskis
Roberts Šamanskis
MRMaija Radzina
Maija Radzina
Background and Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains a major cause of disability and mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improves outcomes, but recovery varies. This study assessed the prognostic value of hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), collateral circulation, and other clinical/imaging factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 96 LVO patients treated with MT with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) between 2020 and 2024 at a tertiary hospital. Inclusion required multimodal CT (CT, CTA, CTP) and clinical data (NIHSS, mRS). HIR, core volume, CBV index, mismatch ratio, and collateral status were evaluated using artificial intelligence (AI)-based software. Univariate/multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of poor outcome (mRS > 3 at 90 days). Results: Lower HIR (<0.5) and good collaterals were associated with favourable outcomes (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified HIR, initial NIHSS, and procedure duration as independent predictors of poor outcome. CTP-derived core volume, cerebral blood volume index, and mismatch ratio were also significant predictors. ROC analysis showed the highest AUC for core volume (0.810). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a worse prognosis compared to other clinical factors. Conclusions: HIR and collateral status are independent predictors of functional recovery after MT. CTP-derived core volume and CBV index have strong prognostic value. AI-based perfusion analysis supports patient selection and risk stratification.