Papers accepted for publication
1. Vaginal leiomyoma: a rare vaginal tumor
Ciprian-Andrei Coroleuca, Bogdan-Catalin Coroleuca, Alexandra Irma Gabriela Bausic, Diana Elena Soare, Andrei Manu, Cristina Maria Iacob, Mihaela Arina Banu, Maria Victoria Olinca, Aniela-Roxana Noditi, Antoine Edu, Elvira Bratila, Octavian Munteanu
Background/Objectives: While uterine leiomyomas are one of the most common pathologies encountered in gynecology, myomas arising from the vagina are rarely identified and a limited number of cases have been reported so far. With variable locations, diagnosis and surgical treatment of the vaginal leiomyoma can be challenging. Case presentations: We present two cases of vaginal myomas. The first case was of a 43-year-old patient who presented dyspareunia. Clinical examination revealed a vaginal mass, of 2/1 cm, located on the posterolateral left vaginal wall. Ultrasound showed a well confined, hyperechogenic round mass. After vaginal excision and histopathological analysis, the final diagnosis was established - vaginal leiomyoma. The second patient presented it for a routine gynecological examination. A firm nodule was palpated in the posterior vaginal fornix. After transvaginal excision, the diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed - vaginal myoma. Conclusions: Whenever confronted with a vaginal mass, the diagnosis of a vaginal myoma should be kept in mind, as transvaginal excision is the preferred surgical treatment.
Corresponding author: Andrei Manu, University Assistant, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: andrei.manu16@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract - Download PDF PDF
2. The connections between three Romanian centers of pathology outlined by Professor Augustin Muresan (1908-1985)
Cristian Barsu, Anne-Marie Constantin, Andrei Picos
The Romanian School of Pathology has a complex history, which must be thoroughly known to be appreciated at its value. The research includes data on the pathology evolution in our country, the overview of the most important research centers and their dealings. It also contains landmarks about the most important Romanian pathologists, their activities etc. Among them was Augustin Muresan (1908-1985). He was member of three important Romanian pathology centers: Cluj, Bucharest and Timisoara. Cluj was the place of his career debut and the place where he ended his professional activity. In Bucharest, his professional training and career took place over two decades. In Timisoara, he taught pathology courses for students for two years. Among his professional achievements, it should be noted that under his editorship was published the unique textbook of pathology for Romanian faculties of medicine (1962). He also supervised doctoral theses for more than 20 years. He described the first three cases of histoplasmosis in Romania, and he was one of the first Romanian researchers who studied liver biopsies (1942) and kidney biopsies (1947).
Corresponding author: Cristian Barsu, Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: cristian.barsu@umfcluj.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF
3. Reliable deep learning for coronary artery disease detection: a patient-level, statistically validated MRI study
Christiana Raluca Danciulescu, Constantin Renato Ivanescu, Daniel-Robert Stanescu, Andrei-Florentin Baiasu, Dragos Ovidiu Alexandru, Mircea-Sebastian Serbanescu
Background: Accurate detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can support earlier diagnosis and streamlined clinical decision-making. Objective: This study evaluated the performance and statistical robustness of two deep learning architectures - DenseNet121 and ResNet50 - for automated CAD classification using multiparametric CMR imaging. Methods: Images were preprocessed using a valid pipeline and partitioned strictly at the patient level. Model performance was quantified through average accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC-ROC), precision recall, while distributional assumptions were assessed using Shapiro-Wilk tests and variance homogeneity was explored with Brown-Forsythe test. Results: ResNet50 demonstrated the strongest performance, achieving an average accuracy of 90.43%, AUC-ROC of 0.862, and area under the precision recall curve (PR-AUC) of 0.891. DenseNet121 showed lower accuracy (81.72%). Statistical analysis revealed non-normal performance distributions and significant variance differences between models. Conclusions: The findings indicate that ResNet50 offers a reliable and statistically validated solution for CAD detection from CMR imaging. The combined use of realistic preprocessing and comprehensive inferential testing supports the generation of reproducible and clinically meaningful performance estimates.
Corresponding author: Daniel-Robert Stanescu, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: daniel.stanescu@umfcv.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF
4. Immunoexpression of Cyclin D1, P53 and Ki67 in prostatic acinar adenocarcinomas
Adrian Mihai Stoiculescu, Oana Iulia Cretu, Bianca Catalina Andreiana, Dan Stefan Diaconescu, Petru Octavian Dragoescu, Alex Emilian Stepan
Prostate cancer continues to be a health problem by epidemiological indicators, despite prevention and detection programs and advanced knowledge of molecular biology. Acinar forms are the most common and constitute a tumor group with a relatively good prognosis, but sometimes unpredictable compared to the associated histopathological (HP) parameters. Among the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor cell proliferation is the disruption of the cell cycle, and the evaluation of the expression of key proteins involved can assist the histological stratification of cases. The study investigated the immunoexpression of Cyclin D1, P53 and Ki67 in 55 prostatic acinar adenocarcinomas (PAAs), in relation to the HP prognostic parameters of the lesions. High reaction scores expressed as positivity index (PI) indicated the significant association of the three markers with increased grading groups recommended by International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), perineural and lymphovascular invasion. P53 PI and Ki67 PI were significantly or at the limit of significance increased in conventional and colloidal PAA, and in the case of P53 and in addition in advanced stages. Analysis of the effective values of the reactions indicated significant positive linear correlations between the investigated immunomarkers. The reactions were variable in a relatively homogeneous group of PAA and although they were generally associated with aggressive HP behavior, they seem useful in the punctual identification of cases that require a particular management, in the context of specific oncological therapy.
Corresponding author: Bianca Catalina Andreiana, Teaching Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: bianca.andreiana@umfcv.ro; Oana Iulia Cretu, Teaching Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: oana.cretu@umfcv.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF
5. Acute abdomen: postmortem analysis of 31 cases in the Emergency Department - a monocentric retrospective study
Adrian Iosif Moldoveanu, Maria Diana Orzata, Radu Gheorghe Dan, Laurentiu Vasile Sima, Dan Iliescu, Gabriel Veniamin Cozma, Ovidiu Alexandru Mederle, Flavia Zara
Acute abdominal emergencies remain a leading cause of mortality in the emergency setting, often resulting in death before surgical intervention can be performed. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, these cases were further complicated by thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, with a notable increase in mesenteric ischemia. We conducted a retrospective monocentric study of 31 postmortem cases of acute abdomen occurring between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, analyzing demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, imaging, and autopsy findings. Among 69 total deaths in the Emergency Department during this period, 31 were attributed to acute abdominal pathology, the majority involving elderly, septic patients with perforation or ischemia. Nine deaths from mesenteric ischemia occurred during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated hypercoagulability. Other fatal cases included perforated ulcers, ruptured hepatic or pancreatic tumors, and advanced neoplasms with secondary peritonitis. Laboratory markers such as elevated lactate, leukocytosis, and coagulopathy corresponded with postmortem evidence of intestinal necrosis, thrombosis, or peritoneal contamination. Although urban patients predominated, rural patients frequently presented with advanced sepsis at admission. These findings highlight that acute abdominal emergencies carry high mortality and underscore the critical importance of early recognition, rapid triage, and multidisciplinary management. Postmortem analysis provides essential insights into fatal mechanisms and supports the refinement of diagnostic and treatment protocols to improve outcomes.
Corresponding author: Radu Gheorghe Dan, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: radu.dan@umft.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF
1. Vaginal leiomyoma: a rare vaginal tumor
Ciprian-Andrei Coroleuca, Bogdan-Catalin Coroleuca, Alexandra Irma Gabriela Bausic, Diana Elena Soare, Andrei Manu, Cristina Maria Iacob, Mihaela Arina Banu, Maria Victoria Olinca, Aniela-Roxana Noditi, Antoine Edu, Elvira Bratila, Octavian Munteanu
Background/Objectives: While uterine leiomyomas are one of the most common pathologies encountered in gynecology, myomas arising from the vagina are rarely identified and a limited number of cases have been reported so far. With variable locations, diagnosis and surgical treatment of the vaginal leiomyoma can be challenging. Case presentations: We present two cases of vaginal myomas. The first case was of a 43-year-old patient who presented dyspareunia. Clinical examination revealed a vaginal mass, of 2/1 cm, located on the posterolateral left vaginal wall. Ultrasound showed a well confined, hyperechogenic round mass. After vaginal excision and histopathological analysis, the final diagnosis was established - vaginal leiomyoma. The second patient presented it for a routine gynecological examination. A firm nodule was palpated in the posterior vaginal fornix. After transvaginal excision, the diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed - vaginal myoma. Conclusions: Whenever confronted with a vaginal mass, the diagnosis of a vaginal myoma should be kept in mind, as transvaginal excision is the preferred surgical treatment.
Corresponding author: Andrei Manu, University Assistant, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: andrei.manu16@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract - Download PDF PDF2. The connections between three Romanian centers of pathology outlined by Professor Augustin Muresan (1908-1985)
Cristian Barsu, Anne-Marie Constantin, Andrei Picos
The Romanian School of Pathology has a complex history, which must be thoroughly known to be appreciated at its value. The research includes data on the pathology evolution in our country, the overview of the most important research centers and their dealings. It also contains landmarks about the most important Romanian pathologists, their activities etc. Among them was Augustin Muresan (1908-1985). He was member of three important Romanian pathology centers: Cluj, Bucharest and Timisoara. Cluj was the place of his career debut and the place where he ended his professional activity. In Bucharest, his professional training and career took place over two decades. In Timisoara, he taught pathology courses for students for two years. Among his professional achievements, it should be noted that under his editorship was published the unique textbook of pathology for Romanian faculties of medicine (1962). He also supervised doctoral theses for more than 20 years. He described the first three cases of histoplasmosis in Romania, and he was one of the first Romanian researchers who studied liver biopsies (1942) and kidney biopsies (1947).
Corresponding author: Cristian Barsu, Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: cristian.barsu@umfcluj.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF3. Reliable deep learning for coronary artery disease detection: a patient-level, statistically validated MRI study
Christiana Raluca Danciulescu, Constantin Renato Ivanescu, Daniel-Robert Stanescu, Andrei-Florentin Baiasu, Dragos Ovidiu Alexandru, Mircea-Sebastian Serbanescu
Background: Accurate detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can support earlier diagnosis and streamlined clinical decision-making. Objective: This study evaluated the performance and statistical robustness of two deep learning architectures - DenseNet121 and ResNet50 - for automated CAD classification using multiparametric CMR imaging. Methods: Images were preprocessed using a valid pipeline and partitioned strictly at the patient level. Model performance was quantified through average accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC-ROC), precision recall, while distributional assumptions were assessed using Shapiro-Wilk tests and variance homogeneity was explored with Brown-Forsythe test. Results: ResNet50 demonstrated the strongest performance, achieving an average accuracy of 90.43%, AUC-ROC of 0.862, and area under the precision recall curve (PR-AUC) of 0.891. DenseNet121 showed lower accuracy (81.72%). Statistical analysis revealed non-normal performance distributions and significant variance differences between models. Conclusions: The findings indicate that ResNet50 offers a reliable and statistically validated solution for CAD detection from CMR imaging. The combined use of realistic preprocessing and comprehensive inferential testing supports the generation of reproducible and clinically meaningful performance estimates.
Corresponding author: Daniel-Robert Stanescu, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: daniel.stanescu@umfcv.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF4. Immunoexpression of Cyclin D1, P53 and Ki67 in prostatic acinar adenocarcinomas
Adrian Mihai Stoiculescu, Oana Iulia Cretu, Bianca Catalina Andreiana, Dan Stefan Diaconescu, Petru Octavian Dragoescu, Alex Emilian Stepan
Prostate cancer continues to be a health problem by epidemiological indicators, despite prevention and detection programs and advanced knowledge of molecular biology. Acinar forms are the most common and constitute a tumor group with a relatively good prognosis, but sometimes unpredictable compared to the associated histopathological (HP) parameters. Among the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor cell proliferation is the disruption of the cell cycle, and the evaluation of the expression of key proteins involved can assist the histological stratification of cases. The study investigated the immunoexpression of Cyclin D1, P53 and Ki67 in 55 prostatic acinar adenocarcinomas (PAAs), in relation to the HP prognostic parameters of the lesions. High reaction scores expressed as positivity index (PI) indicated the significant association of the three markers with increased grading groups recommended by International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), perineural and lymphovascular invasion. P53 PI and Ki67 PI were significantly or at the limit of significance increased in conventional and colloidal PAA, and in the case of P53 and in addition in advanced stages. Analysis of the effective values of the reactions indicated significant positive linear correlations between the investigated immunomarkers. The reactions were variable in a relatively homogeneous group of PAA and although they were generally associated with aggressive HP behavior, they seem useful in the punctual identification of cases that require a particular management, in the context of specific oncological therapy.
Corresponding author: Bianca Catalina Andreiana, Teaching Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: bianca.andreiana@umfcv.ro; Oana Iulia Cretu, Teaching Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: oana.cretu@umfcv.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF5. Acute abdomen: postmortem analysis of 31 cases in the Emergency Department - a monocentric retrospective study
Adrian Iosif Moldoveanu, Maria Diana Orzata, Radu Gheorghe Dan, Laurentiu Vasile Sima, Dan Iliescu, Gabriel Veniamin Cozma, Ovidiu Alexandru Mederle, Flavia Zara
Acute abdominal emergencies remain a leading cause of mortality in the emergency setting, often resulting in death before surgical intervention can be performed. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, these cases were further complicated by thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, with a notable increase in mesenteric ischemia. We conducted a retrospective monocentric study of 31 postmortem cases of acute abdomen occurring between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, analyzing demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, imaging, and autopsy findings. Among 69 total deaths in the Emergency Department during this period, 31 were attributed to acute abdominal pathology, the majority involving elderly, septic patients with perforation or ischemia. Nine deaths from mesenteric ischemia occurred during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated hypercoagulability. Other fatal cases included perforated ulcers, ruptured hepatic or pancreatic tumors, and advanced neoplasms with secondary peritonitis. Laboratory markers such as elevated lactate, leukocytosis, and coagulopathy corresponded with postmortem evidence of intestinal necrosis, thrombosis, or peritoneal contamination. Although urban patients predominated, rural patients frequently presented with advanced sepsis at admission. These findings highlight that acute abdominal emergencies carry high mortality and underscore the critical importance of early recognition, rapid triage, and multidisciplinary management. Postmortem analysis provides essential insights into fatal mechanisms and supports the refinement of diagnostic and treatment protocols to improve outcomes.
Corresponding author: Radu Gheorghe Dan, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: radu.dan@umft.ro
Abstract - Download PDF PDF