Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) and Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) are major subtypes of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, distinguishable by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and associated clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Aim of the study: To evaluate clinical and sociodemographic features of patients with UIP and NSIP and investigate associations with HRCT-diagnosed disease type. Material and Methods: A retrospective study included 70 patients with UIP and NSIP attending the University Clinic of Pulmonology and Allergology, Skopje, between 2022 and 2024. HRCT was performed using a 128-slice PHILIPS INCISIVE CT scanner with a thoracic protocol. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded. Results: NSIP patients were younger than UIP patients (61.1 ± 14.1 vs. 66.8 ± 8.5 years; p = 0.039). Female predominance was observed in both groups, likely due to inclusion of connective tissue disease-associated ILD. Former smoking was more common in UIP (67.5% vs. 36.7%; p = 0.01), while current smoking and cumulative exposure were similar. Time since smoking cessation was longer in NSIP patients (14.0 ± 9.2 vs. 7.6 ± 10.8 years; p = 0.029). Cough and dyspnea were frequent in both groups, with no significant differences in MRC dyspnea scores (p = 0.24). Comorbidities were present in 66.7% of NSIP and 70% of UIP patients (p = 0.77). Conclusion: HRCT with clinical and sociodemographic data is essential for differentiating UIP from NSIP, with age and former smoking as key distinguishing factors, while symptoms and comorbidities were similar.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon complication following isolated ligamentous knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, particularly in young and otherwise healthy individuals. We report the case of a 38-year-old male who sustained an ACL tear while playing basketball. Two weeks after the injury, during physiotherapy he developed swelling and pain in the left calf. Duplex ultrasonography confirmed thrombosis of the common femoral and popliteal veins. Laboratory findings were within normal limits, except for a mildly elevated D-dimer level. The patient was treated with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and supportive measures. Follow-up imaging at six weeks demonstrated partial venous recanalization. This case highlights that ACL rupture alone may predispose patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE), even in the absence of surgical intervention or traditional risk factors. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
As a result of numerous studies, dental anomalies associated with impacted maxillary canines (IMC) have been obtained. The most common such dental developmental anomaly is congenitally missing teeth (CMT) or aplasia. The ethnic specificity in their occurrence has been proven. Material and methods: To evaluate this association in our area, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 104 patients with IMC, proven by orthopantomographic imaging, in the northern part of the Republic of North Macedonia. The data analysis was performed in the statistical program Statistica. Results and discussion: No association of IMC with their associated anomalies such as aplasia or other impactions was found. Female patients with IMC more often than males have an anomaly such as aplasia – 11 (19.64%) vs 4 (8.33%). This described difference in the distribution of patients with and without aplasia, depending on their gender, was not sufficient for statistical significance (p=0.1). Conclusion: Further studies are needed to reflect the true ethnic specificity of the occurrence of the association of IMC with the agenesis of permanent teeth in the territory of our country.
Growth monitoring and promotion of optional growth are essential components of primary health care for children. Serial measurements of weight, height/length, for all children, and measurements of circular and transversal parameters compared with growth of a large sample population help to confirm a child’s healthy growth and development. It also allows early identification of potential nutritional or health problems and enables prompt action before a child’s health is seriously compromised. The aim of the study is evaluation of sex-specific differences in anthropometrical parameters as indicators of growth. The study included 200 healthy 3 years old preschool children from Macedonian nationality. Thirteen anthropometric parameters were measured, defining longitudinal, circular and transversal dimensionality of the skeleton using standard technique and instruments for measurement. The following indices were selected and calculated: weight-for –age; height-for-age and BMI. Skin –folds (triceps, scapula and thigh) were also measured. Sex-specific differences for almost all anthropometric parameters were detected, but they were not significant. Girls showed higher values than boys regarding height, weight but for BMI were significant in boys. Values at the 50th percentile in girls were 16.8 kg for BW, 102 cm for BH and 16.5 kg/m². The values of these parameters in boys were 18 kg for BW, 96.93 cm for BH and 17.5 for kg/m² for BMI. The values for skin fold for triceps were higher in girls (13.1 ± 3.5) instead of boys (12.2 ± 3.3). The results obtained can be used for criteria for assessment and detecting deviations in growth and nutritional status in preschool children.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder (SCC) is a rare histological subtype, accounting for less than 2% of all gallbladder carcinomas. It is most often diagnosed in an advanced stage due to non-specific symptoms, infiltrative growth, and early locoregional invasion. Early recognition of infiltration and biliary obstruction is crucial for surgical planning. We present a patient with right upper quadrant abdominal pain for a couple of months. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed an irregularly thickened gallbladder wall with a mass formation and pronounced pericholecystic infiltration. Loss of the boundary towards segment VI of the liver was noted, suggesting local invasion. The patient underwent surgical treatment. Intraoperatively, extensive tumorous infiltration was identified, tumour mass within segment VI of the liver and compressing the extrahepatic bile ducts. A radical cholecystectomy with wedge hepatic excision and dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament was performed. Due to the involvement of the choledochus, it was ligated, and a hepatojejunostomy T-L was performed with a smooth operative and postoperative course. Pathological examination is the gold standard for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Tumor tissue showed specific microscopic features of squamous differentiation, which are distinct from the more common adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry is the technique that uses specific markers to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other types of cancer. In our case, the tumor cells were positive for CKAE1/AE3 and p63.
