Assessment of the potential interactions between favipiravir and radiocontrast agents.

BACKGROUND: In cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), favipiravir is commonly included to the therapy regimen. Drug interactions between favipiravir and other COVID-19 therapy drugs are frequently researched. However, no research on possible drug interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents, which have become almost crucial in diagnostic processes while not being part of the treatment, has been found. AIM: To determine potential medication interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents. METHODS: The study comprised patients who were taking Favipiravir for COVID-19 therapy and underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test while taking the medicine. The computerized patient files of the cases included in the study, as well as the pharmacovigilance forms in the designated hospital, were evaluated for this purpose. RESULTS: The study included the evaluation of data from 1046 patients. The study sample's mean age was 47.23 ± 9.48 years. The mean age of cases with drug interactions was statistically significant greater than that of cases with no drug interactions (P = 0.003). When evaluated with logistic regression analysis, a 1-year raises in age increases the risk of developing drug interactions by 1.63 times (P = 0.023). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of medication interactions between the sexes (P = 0.090). Possible medication interactions were discovered in 42 cases (4%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that the most notable findings as a result of the combined use of contrast agents and favipiravir were increased creatinine and transaminase values, as well as an increase in the frequency of nausea and vomiting. The majority of drug interactions discovered were modest enough that they were not reflected in the clinic. Drug interactions become more common as people get older.

Ultrasound and ultrasound shear-wave elastography evaluation of ulceroglandular type of tularemia.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound (US) has an important place in imaging ulceroglandular type patients with tularemia. This study is a case series addressing the imaging findings of US and US shear-wave elastography in ulceroglandular type tularemia. DESCRIPTION: Three patients, two women, and one man, were included in our case series. The patients were admitted to our hospital with neck swelling, pain, and a palpable mass. After the diagnosis of tularemia was made as a result of the examinations performed on the patients, they were evaluated again with US and US shear-wave elastography. DISCUSSION: Since there are many diagnoses including ulceroglandular tularemia in the differential diagnosis of swelling, pain, and palpable mass in the neck, the patient must undergo a thorough evaluation process. US shear-wave elastography can provide significant benefits in identification and treatment follow-up in order to understand the ulceroglandular mass formation observed in the neck in tularemia and the stiffness and morphology of the tissues in the lymph nodes where involvement is observed and to distinguish them from the surrounding tissue.

Structural Brain Alterations in Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive MRI Volumetric Analysis of Subcortical and Associated Structures.

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the comprehensive effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the structural integrity of subcortical brain regions and associated structures through high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric analysis, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the neuroanatomical dimensions of MetS and its potential implications for cognitive functions and overall brain health. Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented, involving 25 individuals diagnosed with MetS for at least one year and a healthy control group of 15 individuals at a tertiary hospital's family medicine clinic in Eastern Turkey. Participants underwent a high-resolution MRI scan using a 1.5T Siemens Aera scanner. The MRICloud platform was employed for comprehensive segmentation and quantitative analysis of various brain structures. Results: The study revealed significant volumetric reductions in all measured subcortical brain regions among individuals with MetS compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Notable differences were observed in key structures such as the substantia nigra, corpus callosum, and thalamus. In subcortical structures, the largest volumetric differences were noted in the basal ganglia L (1322.4 mm³), while the most significant percentage differences were seen in the substantia nigra R (25.24%) and caudate nucleus L (21.02%). Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the significant neuroanatomical changes associated with MetS, manifesting as volumetric reductions in critical subcortical brain areas. These alterations underscore the necessity for further research into the comprehensive influence of MetS on cognitive processes and the potential for early therapeutic interventions.

Shear Wave Ultrasonographic Elastography in Pediatric Spleens and Its Role in Differential Diagnosis.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) has become popular in clinical practice for many diseases. However, there is not adequate research on spleen-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential of quantitative values obtained through SWE in evaluating spleen pathologies in the pediatric population and to demonstrate its performance to differentiate splenomegaly-related diseases. The research group retrospectively included children with pathological diagnoses related to the spleen from November 2016 to April 2021, and they were categorized into three groups, including portal hypertension (PH), benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH), and malignant infiltration (MI). Spleen sizes and parenchymal stiffness were also calculated for each group. Subsequently, mean spleen stiffness in each group was compared with normal values within the same age group. In total, 2781 children (1379 children for the study group; 1402 children for the control group) were enrolled in the study. The highest stiffness was observed in the PH group, which is statistically higher than others (p < 0.05). Although the mean spleen stiffness in the group with BLH was higher than the control and MI group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The mean stiffness in the group with MI was significantly lower than both the control group (p = 0.005) and PH (p = 0.01). In conclusion, using SWE in the differential diagnosis of etiologies causing splenomegaly could make an important contribution.

Normative measurements of orbital structures on magnetic resonance images; a cross-sectional study with mini review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Awareness of normative values of extra orbital structures would provide useful information to interpret the radiological images better and use them for diagnostic purposes. This study aimed to reveal the average values of major extraocular structures measured on magnetic resonance images. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, magnetic resonance (MR) images of 256 orbits of 128 patients were re-interpreted regarding the measurements of major orbital structures. Extraocular muscles, superior ophthalmic vein, and optic nerve-sheath complex were measured on orbital MR images of these patients. The data distributions were presented by box-plot analyses for each parameter, and the measurement results were analyzed regarding gender and age groups. RESULTS: Lateral rectus muscle thickness (LR), inferior rectus muscle thickness (IR), globe position (GP), and interzygomatic line (IZL) values were higher in the male group than in the female group (p values were < 0.001, 0.003, 0.020, and < 0.001 respectively). LR, the thickness of the superior group muscles (SUP GR), IR, superior oblique muscle thickness (SOBL), and the thickness of optic nerve-sheath complex (ON) values indicated a significant relationship between age groups. There was a significant, positive, and low-level correlation between age and LR, SUP GR, and IR values (p values were < 0.001, 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study provides quantitative data on normative values of orbital structures with gender and age group comparisons. Clinicians or surgeons can easily use the measured values to gather diagnostic information from the orbital region.

Complementary comments on metastatic liver lesions with exceptional and rare cases.

Liver metastases can appear in different forms in magnetic resonance imaging. Contrary to popular belief, while radiologists report hypovascular or hypervascular metastatic lesions, exceptional examples may be detected in various tumors. The aim of this article is to improve this review by presenting rare and atypical examples of liver metastasis, as well as cases that might potentially be misdiagnosed as metastases during the process of differential diagnosis.

Association between the most superior point of patella-entrance of femoral trochlea distance ratio (SP-ET index) and chondromalacia patella: an investigation via magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: In this study, the effect of the most superior point of patella-entrance of femoral trochlea distance ratio (SP-ET index) on chondromalacia patella (CP) was investigated with 2 reviewers. Material and methods: A total of 348 knees of 308 patients were analysed retrospectively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with or without CP constituted the study and the control groups in this cross-sectional investigation. Two reviewers interpreted the dataset regarding the SP-ET index. This ratio was calculated as the distance between the most superior point of patella and the entrance of femoral trochlea (ß) divided by the patellar articular surface length (α). The relationship between the SP-ET index and CP was presented using independent samples T-tests, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to reveal the interobserver differences. Results: There was excellent agreement between the reviewers regarding α, ß, and SP-ET values (ICC was 0.971, 0.964, and 0.943, respectively). Higher SP-ET values were obtained for patients with CP, in comparison with patients without any chondral lesion (p < 0.001). A significant, positive, and moderate level of correlation was revealed between SP-ET measurements and CP grades for the total study population. Conclusions: SP-ET index showed high interobserver agreement and indicated a significant difference between patients with and without CP. Both reviewers' results indicated positive and significant correlation between the measured SP-ET values and different grades of CP for females, males, and the total study population.

Paediatric liver biopsies: A single-centre experience in Erzincan Binali Yildirim University.

Introduction: Liver biopsies are the main method in the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric liver pathologies. Major complication rates of paediatric liver biopsies range from 0% to 6.6% in the literature and minor complication rates range from 0% to 25%. In this study, we aimed to review the complications, indications and results of percutaneous core liver biopsies with paediatric sonography in a tertiary care centre by an interventional radiologist. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the results, indications and complications of paediatric liver biopsies performed in our tertiary health centre between January 2017 and December 2020. Biopsies were performed with a 16G semi-automatic needle in 17 patients (29.8%) and with an 18G semi-automatic needle in 40 patients (70.2%). Biopsies were performed only with local anaesthesia in patients older than 12 years; in younger patients, it was performed under general anaesthesia. Results: Fifty-eight liver biopsies were obtained from 57 children (34 males, 23 females). The most common indications were elevated liver enzymes (33 patients), cholestasis (14 patients), and adiposity and metabolic problems (6 patents). The most common pathological diagnoses were chronic hepatitis (33 patients) and steatosis (10 patients). Major complication in the form of symptomatic subcapsular haematoma developed after liver biopsy performed with 18G needle in only one patient (1.8%). Conclusions: As previously stated in the literature, percutaneous biopsies performed by interventional radiologists in paediatric patients under the guidance of sonography can be used in diagnosis and treatment; the complication rate is low and it is a safe method.

Response letter to "Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the outcomes?" with imaging aspects.

Radiological imaging findings may contribute to the differentiation of malignant biliary obstruction from choledocholithiasis in the etiology of acute cholangitis.

Complementary comments on diagnosis, severity and prognosis prediction of acute pancreatitis.

The radiological differential diagnosis of acute pancreatitis includes diffuse pancreatic lymphoma, diffuse autoimmune pancreatitis and groove located mass lesions that may mimic groove pancreatitis. Dual energy computed tomography and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging are useful in the early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, and dual energy computed tomography is also useful in severity assessment and prognosis prediction. Walled off necrosis is an important complication in terms of prognosis, and it is important to know its radiological findings and distinguish it from pseudocyst.

Earthquakes from a radiological perspective: what is demanded from the radiologists, and what can we do? A pictorial review.

Earthquakes are among the most destructive and unpredictable natural disasters. Various diseases and ailments, such as bone fractures, organ and soft-tissue injuries, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and infectious diseases, can develop in the aftermath of severe earthquakes. Digital radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are significant imaging modalities utilized for the quick and reliable assessment of earthquake-related ailments to facilitate the planning of suitable therapy. This article examines the usual radiological imaging characteristics observed in individuals from quake-damaged regions and summarizes the strengths and functionality of imaging modalities. In such circumstances, where quick decision-making processes are life-saving and essential, we hope this review will be a practical reference for readers.

Does the use of computed tomography scenogram alone enable diagnosis in cases of bowel obstruction?

BACKGROUND: Ileus is a pathological condition of the abdomen that presents as a medical emergency. It is characterized by potential complications such as perforation and ischemia, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly addressed. The successful management of ileus relies heavily on the timely and precise identification of the condition. While conventional radiography (CR) is commonly used as the primary diagnostic tool, its accuracy in identifying obstructions ranges from 46% to 80%. Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy of identifying the location and etiology of intestinal obstruction by CR is limited, therefore making computed tomography (CT) the ideal imaging modality in this regard. AIM: To determine the presence of acute bowel obstruction (BO) on abdominal CT scenogram images and the accuracy of determining its possible location, taking into account the experience of the observers. METHODS: A retrospective screening was conducted on an ensemble of 46 individuals who presented to the emergency department between January 2021 and January 2022 with severe abdominal pain and were subsequently monitored for suspected ileus. The abdominal CT scans of these patients were assessed by three radiologists with varying levels of experience (1, 3, and 10 years) at different intervals (1 mo apart). The evaluation focused on determining the presence or absence of BO, as well as identifying the potential location of the obstruction (small bowel or large bowel). The study employed Kappa statistics to assess inter-observer variances, while the McNamer test was used to evaluate obstruction and segmentation discrepancies between observations. A significance level of P < 0.05 was determined to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Out of the total sample size of 46 patients, 15 individuals (32.6%) were identified as female, while the remaining 31 individuals (67.4%) were identified as male. The ultimate diagnosis of 42 instances (91.3%) indicated ileus resulting from mechanical obstruction (MO). Among these patients, 14 (33%) experienced obstruction in the large bowel (LB), while 28 (66%) experienced obstruction in the small bowel (SB). The initial evaluation yielded sensitivity rates of 76.19%, 83.31%, and 83.33%, and diagnostic accuracy rates of 69.56%, 76.08%, and 80.43% for the detection of BO among the three observers. The initial study revealed that the average sensitivity of three observers in detecting the presence of ileus caused by MO was 80.94%, while the diagnostic accuracy was 75.35%. Based on the first evaluation, the senior observer demonstrated the highest sensitivity (85.71%), negative predictive value (92.60%), and diagnostic accuracy (80.43%) when accurately estimating the thick and thin segmentation, as per the final diagnosis. There was no statistically significant disparity observed in the sensitivities pertaining to the identification of ileus during the second assessment, as well as the precise determination of the segment level inside the LB or SB, when comparing the second and third observers. Nevertheless, although there was no statistically significant alteration in the detection rate of ileus by the first observer, there was a notable rise in the accuracy rate of segment estimating (73.91%). The senior assessor had a higher level of accuracy in assessing the existence of ileus and segmentation compared to the other evaluators in both evaluations. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study indicate that the sensitivity and accuracy rates of abdominal CT scenogram scans in diagnosing acute MOs are similar to or greater than those of CR. Additionally, the study revealed that radiologists with more experience demonstrated a higher likelihood of accurately predicting the existence and potential localization of MO compared to their less experienced counterparts.

A Comprehensive Look at Maxillofacial Traumas: On the Basis of Orbital Involvement.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital wall fractures that may develop in maxillofacial traumas (MFTs) may cause ophthalmic complications (OCs). The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of orbital fractures (OFs) accompanying MFTs and findings suspicious for orbital traumatic involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images of 887 patients who presented to the emergency department within a 1-year period with a history of MFT were retrospectively scanned. During the examination, patients with orbital wall fractures, craniofacial bone fractures, and posttraumatic soft tissue changes were recorded. RESULTS: OF was observed in 47 (5.3%) of the patients admitted for MFT. In cases with OFs, accompanying nasal (25.5%), ethmoid (2.1%), frontal (19.1%), maxillary (38%), and zygomatic bone fracture (10.6%), sphenoid (4.3%), and soft tissue damage (55.3%) were observed. It was observed that the pathologies mentioned at these levels were significantly higher than in patients without orbital involvement (p < 0.05). In our study, mild (48.9%) and moderate-severe (2.12-4.25%) OCs accompanying OFs were observed after MFT. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of MFT varies depending on various factors, and such studies are needed to take preventive measures. Knowing the risk and frequency of orbital damage accompanying MFTs may help reduce complications by allowing rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Shear-wave Elastography of Palatine Tonsils: A Normative Study in Children.

Background: Shear-wave elastography (SWE) was used to determine normal elasticity values of palatine tonsils (PTs) in children and adolescents who did not have any health problem, and the relationship between these values and various parameters influencing this result was examined. Methods: The current prospective study has been approved by the local Institutional Review Board. Our study included 122 people aged 2-18 years. SWE values for both PTs, as well as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine whether the data had a normal distribution. Numerical variables with a normal distribution are reported as mean ± standard deviation, while variables with a nonnormal distribution are reported as medians with minimum and maximum values. Numbers and percentages are used to report categorical variables. Results: The study group's average age was 10.77 ± 4.35 years. The mean SWE values were 9.89 ± 2.494 kPa for the right PT and 9.57 ± 2.631 kPa for the left PT. Both PT volumes were found to be 1.6 ± 0.9 mm3. There was no significant correlation between the SWE values obtained and age, height, weight, and BMI. Tonsil dimensions show a positive correlation with age, height, weight, and BMI. Conclusion: PT dimensions have a positive correlation with age, height, weight, and BMI, but not with SWE values. SWE may be a reliable diagnostic criterion independent of anthropometric values.

The Comparison between Herniated and Non-Herniated Disc Levels Regarding Intervertebral Disc Space Height and Disc Degeneration, A Magnetic Resonance Study.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the intervertebral disc height and intervertebral disc degeneration between the normal group and the group with disc herniation at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc by MRI using the Pfirrmann grading system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 385 patients were included in this study. MRI images were reevaluated and intervertebral disc heights were measured from the anterior, middle and posterior segments. Researchers divided disc pathologies into two groups. In the non-herniated group; normal or bulging ones; in the herniated group, they included those with protrusion or extrusion. RESULTS: 385 lumbar MRI examinations meeting the study criteria were included in study. There were 56.9% (219/385) females and 43.1% (166/385) males in the study. For the whole patients in the study group, the intervertebral disc height values at the L4-5 level were measured as 12.34 mm, 11.58 mm, and 7.60 mm in the anterior, middle, and posterior localizations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At the L4-5 level, the height of the disc distances in the herniated group was lower than in the normal group. The Pfirrman score was found to be higher in the herniated group in terms of disc degeneration compared to the normal group.