Distribution of Selected Health Technology in Regions of Slovakia

Author(s):  
Beata Gavurova ◽  
Matus Kubak

The health system's performance consists of three components: efficiency, availability, and resilience. These three economic categories are also influenced by the distribution of medical devices and equipment, both by the quality of satisfaction of medical needs, by geographical availability and by the cost - the degree of financial burden on the health system. However, only few research studies deal with the issue of regional disparities in the use of selected medical technology. The aim of presented study is to map the distribution of the magnetic resonance imaging scans in Slovak republic within the timespan 2008-2017 on NUTS 3, respectively NUTS 4 level. Correspondence analysis shows hidden associations between the analysed variables. Our results show that magnetic resonance imaging scans are highly concentrated in two big cities. Generally, the number of magnetic resonance imaging scans has increased over time from 0.6 scans per 100 000 habitants in 2008 to approximately 0.94 scans per 100 000 habitants in 2017.

Author(s):  
Lukas Winter ◽  
Ruben Pellicer-Guridi ◽  
Lionel Broche ◽  
Simone A. Winkler ◽  
Henning M. Reimann ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
Alexandra RADU ◽  
◽  
Elvira BRATILA ◽  

Endometriosis is a gynecological pathology with chronic symptoms, which negatively affects the patient’s quality of life. The prevalence of endometriosis in asymptomatic women is between 2% and 50%, depending on the populations studied and the method of diagnosis. The severity of the symptoms as well as the probability of diagnosing endometriosis increases with age9. Because endometriosis is a gynecological condition with a nonspecific clinical picture, sometimes even asymptomatic, imaging technology can be considered the first line of diagnosis for this pathology. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in the diagnosis of endometriotic lesions depending on their location, and compare the results obtained with the intraoperative appearance considered a reference standard in the diagnosis of endometriosis. Our study revealed the highest specificity for MRI in the case of endometriotic bladder invasion, respectively the highest sensitivity for endometriotic rectal nodules.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Melissa Bouchard ◽  
A Hoschtitzky ◽  
M Gatzoulis

Abstract Background Absence of the pericardium is a rare congenital defect with an approximate incidence of <1/10 000. We review a case of complete pericardial agenesis in a symptomatic patient with gross cardiac mobility, for which pericardial reconstruction was undertaken successfully. Case summary A 24-year-old otherwise fit and well patient, with debilitating exertional chest pain was found to have complete pericardial agenesis on the left side and on the diaphragmatic surface. There was gross cardiac mobility demonstrated on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. His pericardium was reconstructed surgically using Gore-tex® patches. There were no complications, and the patient was discharged 8 days later. Three months later at follow-up, the patient required no analgesia and has had complete resolution of his chest pains. Discussion Congenital hemi-pericardial agenesis is a very rare condition which often remains undetected due to its asymptomatic nature. It is important to consider this as a differential diagnosis of exertional chest pains. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging remains the investigation of gold standard. There is no consensus on whether surgical intervention in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients has any prognostic value. However, we have demonstrated that by reconstructing the pericardium in a highly symptomatic patient, there has been a resolution in size of a previously dilated right ventricle and most importantly an improvement in quality of life.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
pp. 100-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Stewart ◽  
L. Ciobanu ◽  
P. D. Constable ◽  
J. F. Naughton

SummaryObjective: To assess the ability of a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to quantitatively determine glycosaminoglycan content in canine articular cartilage.Methods: Fifty-four full-thickness cartilage discs were collected from the femorotibial and scapulohumeral joints of three adult dogs immediately following euthanasia. One set of discs from each dog was analysed for glycosaminoglycan content using a colourimetric laboratory assay. The remaining position-matched set of discs from contralateral limbs underwent pre- and post-contrast gadolinium-enhanced MRI, using repeated saturation recovery pulse sequences which were used to generate calculated T1 maps of the cartilage discs. Linear regression analysis was then performed relating delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 calculated signal intensity to the cartilage glycosaminoglycan content normalized to DNA content. Repeatability of triplicate measurements was estimated by calculating the coefficient of variation.Results: Mean coefficient of variation estimates for the gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity values for nine sampling sites from three dogs ranged from 5.9% to 7.5%. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity was significantly correlated (p <0.05) with normalized glycosaminoglycan content in two dogs (r = 0.79, p = 0.011; r = 0.78, p = 0.048), but not in the third dog (r = 0.53, p = 0.071).Clinical significance: Gadolinium-enhanced MRI assessment of cartilage may be predictive of glycosaminoglycan content and therefore offer an in vivo assessment of changes in cartilage characteristics over time. Additional studies appear indicated to determine the reliability and clinical applicability of gadolinium-enhanced MRI in detecting changes in cartilage over time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Medina ◽  
Guilherme Garofo ◽  
Caio O. D’Elia ◽  
Alexandre C. Bitar ◽  
Wagner Castropil ◽  
...  

Few complications regarding the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors in the shoulder have been reported. What motivated this case report was the unusual location of the anchor, found in the acromioclavicular joint which, to our knowledge, has never been reported so far. A 53-year old male with previous rotator cuff (RC) repair using bioabsorbable suture anchors presented with pain and weakness after 2 years of surgery. A suspicion of retear of the RC led to request of a magnetic resonance image, in which the implant was found located in the acromioclavicular joint. The complications reported with the use of metallic implants around the shoulder led to the development of bioabsorbable anchors. Advantages are their absorption over time, minimizing the risk of migration or interference with revision surgery, less artifacts with magnetic resonance imaging, and tendon-to-bone repair strength similar to metallic anchors. Since the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors is increasing, it is important to know the possible complications associated with these devices.


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