Keyword: diagnostic methods

Conventional and Modern Methods in the Diagnosis of Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Sepsis and septic shock are critical conditions associated with high mortality rates and substantial impacts on healthcare systems. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is essential for the management of these conditions. The objective of this study is to assess the accuracy of contemporary and traditional methods for diagnosing sepsis and to determine whether improvements have been made concerning the integration of novel diagnostic approaches, to facilitate a prompt diagnosis, taking into account the rapid progression of complications associated with this disease. For this purpose, studies published between 2014 and 2024 were examined to highlight the benefits and limitations of each approach. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, including randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and retrospective studies assessing both conventional diagnostic methods (blood cultures and clinical scoring systems) and modern methods (rapid molecular tests, specific biomarkers, and machine learning algorithms). The studies included were selected based on strict design and methodology criteria to ensure a rigorous comparative evaluation of the interventions and technologies used in diagnosing and monitoring patients with sepsis. Results: A total of 23,822 patients were reviewed across the studies included in this systematic analysis. Modern methods, such as continuous monitoring through integrated biosensors and the use of molecular panels for pathogen detection, demonstrated high potential for the early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis. The reviewed studies suggest that these methods can significantly reduce diagnostic time and improve the ability to stratify mortality risk compared to conventional methods. Conclusions: Integrating modern diagnostic technologies, such as rapid pathogen identification tests and specific biomarkers, may complement traditional methods and bring significant benefits in the management of sepsis.

Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor – Challenges and Perspectives

A multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor (MVNT) is a rare non-malign central nervous system tumor. The cerebral cortex of young to middle-aged adults is affected and seizures and focal neurological deficits could reveal it. Despite being considered a low-grade tumor, MVNT can be challenging to diagnose and manage due to its histopathological similarities to other neuronal tumors. The limited number of reported cases makes it difficult to establish definitive guidelines for treatment and follow-up. Given the relatively recent discovery of MVNT, there is a need for further research to better understand its pathogenesis, optimal treatment and long-term strategies. Furthermore, studying MVNT can contribute to the broader understanding of brain tumor biology and the intricacies of tumor heterogeneity. This paper explores the challenges and perspectives surrounding MVNT to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Based on the present narrative review, advancements in diagnostic technologies have shown promise in addressing the challenges associated with diagnosing MVNTs. Liquid biopsy is an innovative and non-invasive diagnostic tool that analyzes biomarkers to provide information about tumors, and radiomics is a method that extracts quantitative data from medical images to provide detailed insights into tumor characteristics. Such innovative diagnostic technologies are important because they have the potential to significantly improve the current diagnostic landscape for MVNTs, allowing for earlier detection, accurate classification, and personalized treatment strategies.