Acta Medica Bulgarica

11/05/2026

Каним студентитe и преподавателите от Медицински университет - София да се включат в нашите предстоящи онлайн обучения, посветени на търсенето, анализа и използването на надеждна научна информация.
🔹 12 май | 14:00–14:45 ч.
Turning Research Questions into Publications with Web of Science Research Assistant
Лектор: Iryna Tykhonkova, PhD (Clarivate)
Език: английски
🔹 13 май | 15:00–16:00 ч.
Намиране и анализ на научноизследователска информация в Web of Science
Лектор: Румяна Соколова, Бикам Плюс – представител на Web of Science за България
🔹 15 май | 15:00–16:00 ч.
Ефективно използване на бази данни и каталози за научна литература
Лектор: Людмила Томова, директор на Централна медицинска библиотека
✅ Участието е безплатно, но е необходима предварителна регистрация.
Регистрирайте се и научете повече тук:
https://cml.mu-sofia.bg/bg/natsionalna-bibliotechna-sedmitsa-2026-g-tsentralna-meditsinska-biblioteka/
Очакваме ви онлайн! 💻✨

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We invite the students and faculty members of Medical University – Sofia to join our upcoming online training sessions dedicated to finding, analysing and using reliable scientific information.

🔹 12 May | 14:00–14:45
Turning Research Questions into Publications with Web of Science Research Assistant
Speaker: Iryna Tykhonkova, PhD, Clarivate
Language: English
🔹 13 May | 15:00–16:00
Намиране и анализ на научноизследователска информация в Web of Science
Presenter: Rumiana Sokolova, Bikam Plus – local representative of Web of Science for Bulgaria
Language: Bulgarian
🔹 15 May | 15:00–16:00
Ефективно използване на бази данни и каталози за научна литература
Presenter: Lyudmila Tomova, Director of the Central Medical Library
Language: Bulgarian
✅ Participation is free of charge, but advance registration is required.
Register and learn more here:
https://cml.mu-sofia.bg/en/national-library-week-2026-the-central-medical-library/
We look forward to seeing you online! 💻✨

09/04/2026

Скъпи читатели,
Екипът на Централна медицинска библиотека ви пожелавата светло посрещане на празничните дни. 🐣🌺
🕰️ Библиотеката щe бъде затворена от 10 до 13 април 2026 г. Очакваме ви отново на 14 април (вторник), 08.00-19.00 ч.
***

Dear patrons,
The Central Medical Library Team wishes you a bright and blessed holiday. 🐣🌺
🕰️ Please be informed that the Library will be closed from 10 until 13 April 2026. We look forward to welcoming you again on Tuesday, 14 April, 08:00-19:00.

21/03/2026

📣 Предстоящи уебинари на Elsevier за България

Включете се серията от онлайн обучения, посветени на научните изследвания, публикационния процес и анализ на научни данни:

🔹Март 2026
📅 24 март | Navigating research landscapes with Scopus & ScienceDirect

📅 25 март | Literature search and review with Scopus & ScienceDirect – deep dive

📅 26 март | Selecting trustworthy journals: metrics, publishing models and ethics

🔹Април 2026
📅 31 март | SciVal for researchers – navigating trends and topics

📅 1 април | SciVal for research management

📅 2 април | Elsevier Open Office / Ask Me Anything / Практическа сесия за България

🎯 Уебинарите са подходящи за изследователи, преподаватели, докторанти, библиотекари и всички, които искат да подобрят уменията си за търсене, анализ и публикуване на научна информация.

Линковете за регистрация ще откриете тук 👉 https://view.highspot.com/viewer/d69ce5c53b613082ebb1c26ead6fb43e
***
📣 Upcoming Elsevier Webinars for Bulgaria

We invite you to join a series of insightful online sessions focused on research discovery, publishing, and research analytics:

🔹 March 2026
📅 March 24 | Navigating research landscapes with Scopus & ScienceDirect

📅 March 25 | Literature search and review with Scopus & ScienceDirect – deep dive

📅 March 26 | Selecting trustworthy journals: metrics, publishing models and ethics

🔹 April 2026
📅 March 31 | SciVal for researchers – navigating trends and topics

📅 April 1 | SciVal for research management

📅 April 2 | Elsevier Open Office / Ask Me Anything / Practical session – Bulgaria

🎯 These webinars are suitable for researchers, faculty members, PhD students, librarians and anyone looking to improve their skills in searching, analyzing, and publishing scientific information.

Find the registration links here👉https://view.highspot.com/viewer/d69ce5c53b613082ebb1c26ead6fb43e

20/03/2026

Artificial intelligence in healthcare: advancing innovation and ethics to foster well‑being

B. Bayram, N. Leventi, A. Vodenicharova, A. Lamprianidou, M. Costantini

Keywords: artificial intelligence in healthcare, clinical decision-making, personalized medicine, ethical challenges, holistic well-being

Abstract. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment personalization, and overall patient care. By leveraging technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, AI enables faster and more accurate decision-making, supports drug discovery and development, and facilitates remote patient monitoring. Beyond improving clinical outcomes, AI also contributes to holistic well-being by addressing physical, mental, social, occupational, and environmental health. Wearable AI devices promote proactive health management, virtual assistants improve mental health accessibility, and predictive analytics enable early intervention for disease prevention. However, the integration of AI in healthcare presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the need for transparency and trust. Ensuring the responsible and equitable deployment of AI requires robust ethical guidelines, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policies that safeguard patient rights while maximizing the technology’s benefits. By exploring both the transformative potential and inherent challenges of AI, this paper aims to highlight the critical role of AI in shaping the future of healthcare and human well-being.

The full article in the first comment 👇

20/03/2026

Cleft lip and/or palate: a comprehensive review and our treatment approach

К. Gigov, I. Ginev, M. Miteva

Keywords: congenital facial anomalies, surgical techniques, uranoplasty, surgical outcomes

Abstract. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is the most common congenital malformation of the head and neck. Children with cleft anomalies may experience a multitude of physical and developmental challenges. Psychosocial and emotional concerns of the patients and their families can also occur. As such, comprehensive care for the patient with cleft lip and/or palate requires an interdisciplinary team. This article describes epidemiology, embryological developmental processes, known environmental and genetic risk factors, and their interaction, the assessment and current treatment recommendations for children born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate. We review the commonly used surgical techniques for repair, clinical outcomes and complications. Throughout the discussion, we share our experience and identify areas for future study with the focus on cleft palate management.

The full article in the first comment 👇

20/03/2026

Intraoperative gonioscopy – a necessity for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

N. Velikova, B. Kutchoukov

Keywords: gonioscopy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, anterior chamber angle, intraoperative visualization, goniolens, trabecular meshwork

Abstract. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has transformed the surgical management of mild-to-moderate glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) with a favorable safety profile. Accurate intraoperative visualization of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) via gonioscopy is fundamental to the success of ab-interno angle procedures. This review synthesizes the optical principles underpinning gonioscopy, compares contemporary surgical lenses (direct, indirect, and upright designs), and outlines practical recommendations for intraoperative setup, patient selection, and troubleshooting. We highlight critical landmarks (e.g., scleral spur, trabecular meshwork pigmentation, Schlemm’s canal reflux) and discuss adjuvants, such as trypan blue for trabecular meshwork staining. By aligning lens selection with the intended procedure and optimizing the operative ergonomics, surgeons can enhance visualization, reduce complications, and improve outcomes.

The full article in the first comment 👇

19/03/2026

📣Dear Authors, Reviewers and Readers,

Please be informed that, effective 1 April 2026, all journals of Medical University – Sofia will introduce Article Processing Charges (APCs) to support their transition to full Gold Open Access publishing 👉https://cml.mu-sofia.bg/en/article-processing-charges-apc

🗓️ For manuscripts submitted to Acta Medica Bulgarica on or after 1 April 2026, an APC of 300 Euro will be payable only after the manuscript has successfully completed peer review and has been formally accepted for publication.

Editorial decisions are made independently of payment and are based solely on the manuscript’s scientific merit and the outcome of the peer-review process.

Find out more on the journal’s submission platform 🖱️
https://journals.mu-sofia.bg/index.php/amb/about

Journal subjects: Medicine, Basic Medical Science, Immunology, Clinical Medicine, other.Types of manuscripts accepted for publication: original research articles, scientific reviews and case reports in all areas of Medicine.Language: EnglishISSN: 0324-1750еISSN: 2719-5384

19/03/2026

Drug-induced pruritus

G. Bocheva, J. C. Szepietowski, A. Reich

Keywords: itch, pruritus, medications, drugs, ADR

Abstract. Drug-induced pruritus is a common problem in daily medical practice. Many drugs can cause pruritus after systemic or topical administration, but often the exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of itching caused by drugs remains unclear. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of drug-induced pruritus are challenging. In the present review, the current knowledge of the most common medications inducing itch with or without skin rash and their underlying mechanisms is summarized. Opioids can cause pruritus, especially if they are administered intrathecally. Some antineoplastic agents can frequently cause intense pruritus due to immune-related cutaneous reactions (immune checkpoint inhibitors) or via triggering hypersensitivity reactions (taxanes) in cancer patients. Recently, it was found that MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2), expressed on mast cells in humans, is responsible for drug-induced non-histaminergic pruritus and pseudoallergic reactions.

The full article in the first comment 👇

19/03/2026

A case of atypical origin of superior laryngeal artery: anatomical and clinical relevance

S. Stanchev

Keywords: superior laryngeal artery, external carotid artery, variation, clinical significance

Abstract. The superior laryngeal artery (SLA) is considered a typical branch of the superior thyroid artery and serves as a primary source of blood supply of the larynx. The present case describes an atypical origin of the left SLA from the external carotid artery – a rarely observed anatomical variant. The review of literature reveals multiple documented variations in SLA origin with important clinical relevance for surgical procedures, such as thyroidectomy, laryngectomy, and targeted intra-arterial chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer. The detailed knowledge of SLA variations reduces the risk of surgical and postoperative complications in the neck region.

The full article in the first comment 👇

19/03/2026

Persistent median artery as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome? A case report highlighting the indispensable role of ultrasonography in diagnosis

A. Al-Sadek, L. Gaydarski, G. Varbanov, B. Antonov, G. P. Georgiev

Keywords: persistent median artery, carpal tunnel syndrome, structural cause, undiagnosed risk, artery preservation, medical ultrasound

Abstract. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) stands as the most common entrapment neuropathy. The PMA, a transient embryonic vessel, is found in approximately 3-7% of the population, yet it is extremely rare to present as a possible symptomatic space-occupying lesion or a source of pulsatile compression within the carpal tunnel. Herein, we report a case of a 66-year-old female with CTS together with large PMA, surgically treated by simple open carpal tunnel release. Following meticulous surgical decompression and preservation of the artery in situ, the patient achieved complete symptomatic relief. Post-operative high-resolution sonography was utilized to confirm the vascular anomaly and document the successful decompression. This case underscores a critical diagnostic dilemma in orthopedic surgery: performing a blind carpal tunnel release in the elderly without prior imaging carries an inherent danger, as failure to detect such a variant preoperatively risks iatrogenic vascular injury.

The full article in the first comment 👇

18/03/2026

Surgical management of Chiari malformation type I in the pediatric patients with syringomyelia and related to Klippel‑Feil syndrome: a case series and literature review

D. A. Encarnación-Santos, G. Chmutin, I. B. Anvardzhonovich, E. Chmutin, B. Arstanbekov, Sh. Kurbonov, S. Bodanova, B. Chaurasia

Keywords: Chiari malformation type 1, posterior fossa decompression, foramen magnum, Klippel Feil syndrome, syringomegaly

Abstract. Background: Chiari type I malformation (CM-1) is a birth defect where the back part of the skull does not develop properly, leading to the formation of a small and shallow space at the back of the head. The aim of this case series is to determine the causes and pathologies associated with Chiari type 1 malformation and the possible management and treatment, as well as the best outcomes that aid in the postoperative evolution of CM-1 decompression. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with severe, frequent, and daily headaches of five years’ duration. An 8-year-old girl presented to our clinic with severe headaches of one year’s duration. A 9-year-old boy presented to the clinic with weeks of severe headaches and numbness in the fingers of his right hand. MRI was performed, which diagnosed Arnold-Chiari syndrome type 1, fusion of the C1-C2 vertebrae, and triphalangeal fingers of the hand, which are associated with the Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS). Conclusion: CM-1 is associated with syringomyelia, which is more prominent in Case 2, whereas Case 3 is associated with Klippel–Feil syndrome; therefore, karyotyping and Sanger sequencing of the GDF6 gene were recommended.

The full article in the first comment 👇