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LOCKING PLATE AS AN EXTERNAL FIXATION METHOD IN METAPHYSEAL EXTRA-ARTICULAR PROXIMAL TIBIAL FRACTURES – A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY IN A SYNTHETIC BONE MODEL
No full textCilj istraživanja: Glavni cilj bio je ispitati biomehanička svojstva kutno stabilne ploče
primijenjene kao vanjski fiksator za prijelome proksimalne metafize tibije na modelu od
sintetičke kosti.
Materijal i metode: Ispitni model bio je model sintetičke kompozitne tibije s ekstaartikularnim
prijelomom proksimalne metafize tibije koji je fiksiran anatomski oblikovanom lateralnom
kutno stabilnom pločom za proksimalnu tibiju i vijcima koji se zaključavaju kao vanjski
fiksator. Kontrolni model bio je model sintetičke kompozitne tibije s ekstaartikularnom
prijelomom proksimalne metafize tibije koji je fiksiran konvencionalnim vanjskim fiksatorom.
Istraživanje se sastojalo od triju dijelova: računalne simulacije metodom konačnih elemenata,
statičkoga biomehaničkog ispitivanja i dinamičkoga (cikličkoga) biomehaničkog ispitivanja.
Rezultati: Pri računalnoj simulaciji metodom konačnih elemenata krutost ispitnog modela
manja je od kontrolnog modela pri primjeni sile od 50 N na plato tibije u aksijalnom smjeru
kod svih udaljenosti ploče ili spojne šipke od površine kosti (30, 40, 50 i 60 mm). Pri statičkom
biomehaničkom ispitivanju krutost ispitnog modela veća je od kontrolnog modela u trenutku
maksimalne aksijalne tlačne sile za ukupni maksimalni pomak (p < 0,05). Pri dinamičkom
(cikličkom) biomehaničkom ispitivanju prosječni ukupni maksimalni pomak na prijelomnoj
pukotini za ispitni je model veći nego za kontrolni tijekom prvih 5000 ciklusa opterećenja s
aksijalnim tlačnim opterećenjem od 10 do 100 N (p < 0,001). Pri dinamičkom (cikličkom)
biomehaničkom ispitivanju između ispitnog i kontrolnog modela nije bilo statistički značajne
razlike u prosječnom ukupnom maksimalnom pomaku na prijelomnoj pukotini tijekom drugih
5000 ciklusa opterećenja s aksijalnim tlačnim opterećenjem od 25 do 250 N (p = 0,834).
Zaključak: Rezultati istraživanja o različitim biomehaničkim svojstvima kutno stabilne ploče
primijenjene kao vanjski fiksator i konvencionalnoga vanjskog fiksatora, osobito u dijelu u
kojemu je utvrđeno da su biomehanička svojstva kutno stabilne ploče kao vanjskog fiksatora
uniformna za razliku od konvencionalnoga vanjskog fiksatora koji je početno rigidniji a zatim
popušta njegova konstrukcija, omogućuju preporuku za pouzdanu kliničku primjenu kutno
stabilne ploče kao vanjskog fiksatora kod ozljeđenika s prijelomom u području proksimalne
tibije kod kojih postoji indikacija za vanjsku fiksaciju prijeloma.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the locking
plate when used as an external fixator for fractures in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia,
utilizing a synthetic bone model.
Material and Methods: The experimental model consisted of a synthetic composite tibia with
an extra-articular fracture at the proximal tibial metaphysis. This fracture was secured using an
anatomically-shaped lateral proximal tibia locking plate and locking screws. The control model
used a conventional external fixator to stabilize the same fracture. The research methodology
was divided into three stages: a computational simulation employing the finite element method,
static biomechanical testing, and cyclic biomechanical testing.
Results: During the computational simulation, the test model displayed reduced stiffness
compared to the control when a 50 N force was exerted axially on the tibial plateau, regardless
of the distance (30, 40, 50, and 60 mm) from the plate or rod to the bone's surface. In static
biomechanical testing, the stiffness of the test model is greater than that of the control model at
the point of maximum axial compressive force for the total maximum displacement (p < 0.05).
In dynamic (cyclic) biomechanical testing, the average total maximum displacement at the
fracture site for the test model is greater than for the control during the first 5,000 load cycles
with axial compressive loads from 10 N to 100 N (p < 0.001). In dynamic (cyclic)
biomechanical testing, there was no statistically significant difference between the test and
control models in the average total maximum displacement at the fracture site during the
subsequent 5,000 load cycles with axial compressive loads from 25 N to 250 N (p = 0.834).
Conclusion: Research on the biomechanical properties of the locking plate, when used as an
external fixator, reveals distinct advantages over the conventional external fixator. Specifically,
the locking plate demonstrates consistent biomechanical properties throughout, in contrast to
the conventional external fixator, which starts off rigid but becomes less stable over time. Given
these findings, the locking plate might become a viable option for clinical use in patients with
proximal tibia fractures requiring external fixation
The Relevance of β-Thalassemia Heterozygosity in Pediatric Clinical Practice: Croatian Experience
No full text(1) Background: Thalassemia syndromes are common monogenic disorders that represent a significant global health issue. No systematic epidemiological or molecular investigations on thalassemias in the Croatian population have been reported to date. (2) Methods: This prospective study included 70 children with a presumptive diagnosis of thalassemia and their 42 first-degree relatives. Molecular characterization was performed using direct sequencing and gap-PCR methods. (3) Results: We identified 46 (30 children and 16 first-degree relatives) β-thalassemia heterozygous carriers from 24 unrelated families, carrying eight different mutations and one hemoglobin variant. Five variants account for approximately 85% of all affected β-globin alleles: Hb Lepore-Boston-Washington (32.6%), HBB:c.93-21G>A (19.6%), HBB:c.315+1G>A (13.1%), HBB:c.92+1G>A (10.9%), and HBB:c.92+6T>C (8.7%) variants. (4) Conclusions: β-thalassemia carriers need more detailed genetic profiling since genetic modifiers can significantly impact their phenotype. Our study provides important new insights into the relevance of β-thalassemia heterozygosity in pediatric clinical practice
Does Exposure to Burning and Heated Tobacco Affect the Abundance of Perio-Pathogenic Species in the Subgingival Biofilm?
No full textThis study investigated the impact of tobacco exposure, specifically through heating and burning, on periodontopathogens in the subgingival microbiome among clinically healthy individuals and those diagnosed with periodontitis. The sample comprised 66 subjects (26–56 years, median 38 yrs; 64% females) classified as non-smokers, classic cigarette smokers, and tobacco heating system (THS) smokers (each N = 22). Full-mouth periodontal examination was performed, and 330 paper-point samples from periodontal pockets were collected. Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes was conducted to identify the composition of subgingival microbiome. Periodontitis prevalence among the groups was ranked as THS (41%) < non-smokers (44%) < cigarette smokers (68%), without statistically significant differences between the groups. The number of perio-pathogenic species was higher in subjects with periodontitis compared to those without (median 7 vs. 6 species; p = 0.005) but without significant differences between exposure groups: non-smokers (6) = smokers (6) < THS (6.5). When combining exposure and periodontal status, each smoker group had more perio-pathogenic species than non-smokers: non-smokers without periodontitis (5) < smokers without periodontitis (5.5) < THS without periodontitis (6); non-smokers with periodontitis (6.5) < THS with periodontitis (7) = smokers with periodontitis (7). Multiple linear regression indicated periodontitis as the sole predictor of perio-pathogenic species quantity, irrespective of the type of tobacco consumption, sex, age, or oral hygiene (R2 = 0.163; p = 0.005). In conclusion, the quantity of perio-pathogenic species in the subgingival microbiome was more influenced by periodontitis than by exposure to tobacco smoke, regardless of whether it was heated or burned
Novel PLGA-based nanoformulation decreases doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
No full textNanotechnology has the potential to provide formulations of antitumor agents with increased selectivity towards cancer tissue thereby decreasing systemic toxicity. This in vivo study evaluated the potential of novel nanoformulation based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to reduce the cardiotoxic potential of doxorubicin (DOX). In vivo toxicity of PLGADOX was compared with clinically approved non-PEGylated, liposomal nanoformulation of DOX (LipoDOX) and conventional DOX form (ConvDOX). The study was performed using Wistar Han rats of both sexes that were treated intravenously for 28 days with 5 doses of tested substances at intervals of 5 days. Histopathological analyses of heart tissues showed the presence of myofiber necrosis, degeneration processes, myocytolysis, and hemorrhage after treatment with ConvDOX, whereas only myofiber degeneration and hemorrhage were present after the treatment with nanoformulations. All DOX formulations caused an increase in the troponin T with the greatest increase caused by convDOX. qPCR analyses revealed an increase in the expression of inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8 after ConvDOX and an increase in IL-8 expression after lipoDOX treatments. The mass spectra imaging (MSI) of heart tissue indicates numerous metabolic and lipidomic changes caused by ConvDOX, while less severe cardiac damages were found after treatment with nanoformulations. In the case of LipoDOX, autophagy and apoptosis were still detectable, whereas PLGADOX induced only detectable mitochondrial toxicity. Cardiotoxic effects were frequently sex-related with the greater risk of cardiotoxicity observed mostly in male rats
Risk for cardiovascular disease development in rheumatoid arthritis
No full textAbstract
Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have significant cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
Objective: To investigate the effects of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis on cardiovascular morbidity association with cardiovascular risk factors risk factors. Mortality report is secondary just to show trends without sufficient statistical power as it is accidental endpoint.
Methods: A total of 201 individuals without previous cardiovascular disease, 124 with rheumatoid arthritis (investigation group) and 77 with osteoarthritis (control group), were included in the study and followed up for an average of 8 years to assess the development of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular diseases. The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were also investigated.
Results: The total incidence of one or more fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular events was 43.9% in the investigation group and 37.5% in the control group. Of these patients, 31.7% and 30.9% survived cardiovascular events in the investigation and control groups, respectively. The most common cardiovascular disease among participants who completed the study and those who died during the study was chronic heart failure. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that strict inflammation control plays a central role in lowering cardiovascular risk.
Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is of paramount importance, especially with the cooperation of immunologists and cardiologists for early detection, prevention, and management of cardiovascular risks and disease
The imunomodulatory effect of the gut microbiota in kidney disease
No full textBolest bubrega opći je naziv za heterogene poremećaje bubrega koji utječu na strukturu i funkciju bubrega, što je dominantan doprinos globalnom morbiditetu i mortalitetu. Iako se sve više identificira kao značajan problem javnog zdravlja u cijelom svijetu sa sve većom prevalencijom i lošim ishodima, klinička dijagnoza i terapijske intervencije nisu mnogo napredovale. Većina terapijskih metoda je ograničena na snižavanje krvnog tlaka, kontrolu glukoze u krvi i smanjenje proteinurije. Studijama se traže nove komponente patogeneze kako bi se otvorili novi putevi dijagnoze i liječenja bubrežnih bolesti. Disbioza crijevne mikrobiote je jedna od mogućih kockica koja nadopunjuje sliku patogeneze. Istraživanja su pokazala povezanost promjena crijevne mikrobiote i razvoja bubrežnog oštećenja uspostavljajući tako teoriju crijevno-bubrežne osi. U pacijenata s različitim bubrežnim bolestima uspoređivala se njihova crijevna mikrobiota sa zdravim pojedincima, a ograničenje takvog pristupa je raznolikost crijevne mikrobiote i njezin individualiziran sastav svakog pojedinca. Stoga je vrlo teško izvesti apsolutni zaključak o sastavu i karakterističnim promjenama crijevne mikrobiote. S druge strane crijevna mikrobiota otvara niz mogućnosti u pogledu terapije. Dosadašnja istraživanja su pokazala vrlo dobru učinkovitost, ali i sigurnost primjene različitih probiotika, prebiotika, ali i fekalne crijevne transplantacije u pojedinim bubrežnim bolestima. Navedene studije su dosad većim dijelom provedene na životinjskim uzorcima. Kako bi se terapija targetirana na promjenu crijevne mikrobiote mogla široko primjenjivati potrebna su dodatna istraživanja o mehanizmima utjecaja mikrobiote, učinkovitosti i sigurnosti u ljudi.Kidney disease is a general term for heterogeneous kidney disorders affecting kidney structure and function, which is a dominant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Although it is increasingly identified as a significant public health problem worldwide with increasing prevalence and poor outcomes, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic interventions have not advanced much. Most therapeutic methods are limited to lowering blood pressure, controlling blood glucose and reducing proteinuria. Studies are looking for new components of pathogenesis in order to open new ways of diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota is one of the possible factors that complements the picture of pathogens of kidney disease. Research has shown the connection between changes in the intestinal microbiota and the development of kidney damage, thus establishing the theory of the intestinal-renal axis. In patients with various kidney diseases, their intestinal microbiota was compared with healthy individuals, and the limitation of such an approach is the diversity of the intestinal microbiota and its individualized composition in each individual, therefore it is very difficult to make an absolute conclusion about changes of the intestinal microbiota. On the other hand, the intestinal microbiota opens up a number of possibilities in terms of therapy. Previous research has shown a very good effectiveness and safety of the use of probiotics, prebiotics, as well as fecal intestinal transplantation in certain kidney diseases. The most studies have been mostly conducted on animal samples so additional research on humans is needed
Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
No full textHipertrofična stenoza pilorusa je bolest završnog dijela želuca, pri čemu dolazi do zadebljanja mišića pilorusa. Pilorus je sužen i onemogućena je pasaža sadržaja iz želuca u tanko crijevo. To je česta bolest u pedijatriji, primijećeno je da se češće javlja u zapadnim državama i da incidencija u posljednjih godina pada. Etiologija je nepoznata, no češće se javlja u dječaka te se sumnja da je glavni uzrok genska promjena. Glavni simptom je povraćanje u luku bez primjesa žuči, a povraćanje napretkom bolesti postaje učestalije. Dijagnoza se postavlja radiološkom obradom. Kod većine pacijenata se zadebljanje jasno vidi ultrazvukom, rijetko su potrebne dodatne dijagnostičke obrade kao što su CT i fluoroskopija. Nakon postavljanje dijagnoze potrebno je nadoknaditi tekućinu, uspostaviti ravnotežu elektrolita i korigirati acidobazni status. Liječenje je kirurško. Pristup može biti otvoreni ili laparoskopski. Laparoskopski pristup je zastupljeniji jer je brži oporavak, rjeđe su komplikacije i kraći je boravak u bolnici. Intraoperativne komplikacije, kao što su slučajna punkcija ili hemoragija, su češće od postoperativnih. Remisija bolesti je do sada samo dva puta opisana.Hypertrophic stenosis of the pylorus is a disease of the final part of the stomach where the pylorus muscle thickens. The pylorus is narrowed and the passage of contents from the stomach to the small intestine is prevented. It is a common disease in pediatrics, it has been noted that it occurs more often in Western countries and that the incidence has been decreasing in recent years. The etiology is unknown, but it occurs more often in boys, and it is suspected that the main cause is a genetic change. The main symptom is vomiting without admixture of bile, and vomiting becomes more frequent as the disease progresses. The diagnosis is established by radiological processing. In most patients, the thickening is clearly visible on ultrasound, additional diagnostic procedures such as CT and fluoroscopy are rarely needed. After establishing the diagnosis, it is necessary to replace the fluid, restore the electrolyte balance and correct the acid-base status. Treatment is surgical. The approach can be open or laparoscopic. The laparoscopic approach is more common, because recovery is faster, complications are less frequent and the hospital stay is shorter. Intraoperative complications, such as accidental puncture or hemorrhage, are more common than postoperative complications. Remission of the disease has been described only twice so far
What has been achieved so far in the prevention and treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration
No full textStarosna makularna degeneracija je jedan od vodećih uzroka ireverzibilnog smanjenja centralne vidne oštrine kod starije populacije. Ovisno o prisutnosti koroidalnih neovaskularizacija, dijeli se na suhu i vlažnu starosnu makularnu degeneraciju. Nekoliko je procesa uključeno u patogenezu ove bolesti, od čega su najznačajniji oksidacijski stres, nakupljanje toksičnih nusprodukata vidnog ciklusa, kronična upala (djelovanje sustava komplementa), insuficijencija koriokapilarisa i genetski čimbenici. Ti procesi predstavljaju potencijalne mete za djelovanje lijekova. Pojava terapije protiv vaskularnog endotelnog čimbenika rasta (anti-VEGF) revolucionirala je liječenje vlažne starosne makularne degeneracije. Međutim, dosad nijedna terapija nije potvrđena i odobrena za liječenje suhe starosne makularne degeneracije. S obzirom na nedostatak terapijskih opcija, provedba preventivnih strategija je nužno potrebna. Djelovanjem na okolišne čimbenike kao što su pušenje i prehrana moguće je usporiti progresiju bolesti. Terapijske opcije koje su podvrgnute kliničkim istraživanjima su modulatori vidnog ciklusa, protuupalni lijekovi i inhibitori sustava komplementa, smanjenje toksičnih nusprodukata, antioksidansi, neuroprotektivni lijekovi, pojačanje koroidalne perfuzije, pojačivači mitohondrija, genska terapija, terapija matičnim stanicama, laserska terapija i fotobiomodulacija. Dosad su se u kliničkim istraživanjima najviše iskazali lijekovi koji inhibiraju sustav komplementa (avacincaptad pegol i pegctacoplan). Svrha ovog rada je prikazati podatke novijih dovršenih i tekućih kliničkih istraživanja vezanih uz prevenciju i terapiju suhe starosne makularne degeneracije.Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of irreversible reduction of central visual acuity in the elderly population. Depending on the presence of choroidal neovascularization, it is divided into dry and wet age-related macular degeneration. Several processes are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, the most important of which are oxidative stress, accumulation of toxic byproducts of the visual cycle, chronic inflammation (action of the complement system), choriocapillaris insufficiency and genetic factors. These processes are potential targets for drug action. The advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. However, so far no therapy has been validated and approved for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration. Given the lack of therapeutic options, the implementation of preventive strategies is necessary. By acting on environmental factors such as smoking and diet, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease. Therapeutic options undergoing clinical trials are visual cycle modulators, anti-inflammatory drugs and complement pathway inhibitors, reduction of toxic byproducts, antioxidants, neuroprotective agents, enhancement of choroidal perfusion, mitochondrial enhancers, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, laser therapy and photobiomodulation. So far, drugs that inhibit the complement pathway (avacincaptad pegol and pegctacoplan), have proven to be the most effective in clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to present the data of recently completed and ongoing clinical trials related to the prevention and treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration
Head trauma in children treated in the Pediatric clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka
No full textUvod: Trauma glave je ozljeda široke heterogenosti koja predstavlja jedan je od vodećih uzroka stečenog invaliditeta, morbiditeta i mortaliteta među pedijatrijskom populacijom.
Cilj: Istraživanje je provedeno s ciljem utvrđivanja epidemioloških, demografskih i kliničkih karakteristika, načina liječenja i ishoda djece s traumom glave.
Ispitanici i metode: Retrospektivno je analizirana medicinska dokumentacija 32 djece hospitalizirane na Odjelu za intenzivno liječenje djece Klinike za pedijatriju KBC-a Rijeka u razdoblju od 30. travnja 2014. do 30. travnja 2024.
Rezultati: Prosječno se godišnje hospitalizira 2,9 ± 0,4 djece s traumom glave, s najvećim brojem slučajeva tijekom siječnja i ljetnih mjeseci. Dječaci su češće (53,1%) pogođeni u usporedbi s djevojčicama (46,9%), a 59,4% slučajeva je zabilježeno kod djece mlađe od šest godina. Najčešći uzroci su padovi (51,6%) i prometne nesreće (41,9%). Djeca se najčešće prezentiraju gubitkom svijesti (40,6%), povraćanjem (34,4%) i somnolencijom (34,4%), a u 65,6% su zabilježene i pridružene ozljede. Prijelomi lubanje (68,8%), SAH (31,3%) i EDH (25%) su najčešće dijagnoze. Prema GCS-u, blaga traumatska ozljeda glave je zabilježena u 37,5%, umjereno teška u 28,1%, a teška u 34,4% slučajeva. Kirurško liječenje je primijenjeno kod 50% bolesnika, uključujući 90,9% s teškom traumom glave. Invazivna mehanička ventilacija je upotrebljena kod 50% bolesnika, od kojih je 90,9% imalo tešku traumu glave. Od ukupno 32 bolesnika, 93,8% je preživjelo, dok je jedan slučaj završio smrtnim ishodom.
Zaključak: Rezultati našeg istraživanja otkrivaju nisku incidenciju ovih ozljeda u našoj ustanovi, ali se oni većinski podudaraju s rezultatima drugih relevantnih i literaturno dostupnih istraživanja.Introduction: Head trauma is a highly heterogeneous injury and one of the leading causes of acquired disability, morbidity, and mortality among the pediatric population.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of children with head trauma.
Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 32 children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka from April 30, 2014 to April 30, 2024.
Results: On average, 2,9 ± 0,4 children with head trauma were hospitalized annually, with the highest number of cases occurring in January and the summer months. Boys (53,1%) were more affected than girls (46,9%), and 59,4% of cases were recorded in children younger than six. The most common causes were falls (51,6%) and traffic accidents (41,9%). Children most frequently presented with loss of consciousness (40,6%), vomiting (34,4%), and somnolence (34,4%), with associated injuries noted in 65,6% of cases. Skull fractures (68,8%), SAH (31,3%), and EDH (25%) were the most common diagnoses. According to the GCS, mild TBI was recorded in 37,5% of cases, moderate in 28,1%, and severe in 34,4%. Surgical treatment was performed in 50% of patients, including 90,9% of those with severe head trauma. Invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 50% of patients, 90,9% of whom had severe head trauma. Of the 32 patients, 93,8% survived, while one case resulted in a fatal outcome.
Conclusion: The results of our study reveal a low incidence of these injuries in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, and they mostly align with the findings of other relevant and available literature
The role of PSMA PET-CT in the diagnostic work-up of patients with prostate cancer
No full textKarcinom prostate najčešća je maligna bolest u muškaraca. Obično je smješten u perifernoj zoni prostate, a po patohistološkom tipu je u velikoj većini slučajeva adenokarcinom. Trenutni dijagnostički protokol u svakodnevnoj kliničkoj praksi predstavljaju digitorektalni pregled, PSA, mpMR prostate i biopsija prostate. PSMA PET-CT je novija slikovna dijagnostička metoda koja se koristi za otkrivanje i praćenje karcinoma prostate. PSMA (prostata specifični membranski antigen) je transmembranski protein koji se u velikim količinama izražava na površini stanica karcinoma prostate, a njegova prisutnost omogućuje ciljano snimanje. Za razliku od konvencionalnih metoda snimanja PSMA PET-CT je osjetljiviji i specifičniji za ovaj karcinom što omogućuje ranu dijagnozu čak i pri niskim razinama PSA te preciznu lokalizaciju što je bitno za daljnje liječenje. Trenutno prema aktualnim urološkim smjernicama glavna indikacija za ovu dijagnostičku pretragu je je biokemijski recidiv, a u budućnosti je moguća i primjena u inicijalnom određivanju stadija bolesti.Prostate cancer is the most common malignant disease in men. It is usually located in the peripheral zone of the prostate, and its histopathological type is adenocarcinoma in the vast majority of cases. The current diagnostic protocol in daily clinical practice is digitorectal examination, PSA, mpMR of the prostate and prostate biopsy. PSMA PET-CT is a newer imaging diagnostic method used to detect and monitor prostate cancer. PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed in large quantities on the surface of prostate cancer cells, and its presence enables targeted imaging. Unlike conventional imaging methods, PSMA PET-CT is more sensitive and specific for this cancer, which enables early diagnosis even at low PSA levels and precise localization, which is essential for further treatment. At the moment, according to current urological guidelines, the main indication for this diagnostic test is biochemical recurrence, and in the future it may also be used in the initial staging of the disease