Reevaluation of Mandibular Morphometry According to Age, Gender, and Side.

AIM: This study aims to reevaluation the linear and angular measurements of mandibles with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) that is a new method and used frequently in recent years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The archived MDCT images of 100 adult patients (age range, 15-74 years) without mandibular operation and trauma history were evaluated retrospectively. Mandibular ramus heights, maximal mandibular length, mandibular symphysis height, mandibular angles, and mandibular foramen distance measurements were performed on MDCT images. All measurement parameters were analyzed by gender, age groups, and sides. RESULTS: Mandibular linear length measurements were higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). Only mandibular symphysis height was statistically significantly different in age groups (P < 0.05). The Angle 1 (gonial angle) was found to be significantly higher in females (P < 0.05). The Angle 3 (right condyle-gnathion-left condyle angle) was observed to be significantly higher in the 60+ age group (P < 0.05). The 3 of the mandibular foramen measurements (distance from the front edge, distance to gonion, and height of lingula) were found to be higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences according to age groups in these measurements. The lengths of the mandibular canals were higher in males (44.72 mm) than in females (41.68 mm). There was no statistically significant difference was found between gender, age groups, and sides of mandibular canal length. CONCLUSION: The MDCT was found to be a reliable method for the detection of mandibular morphometry when compared with the results of other radiographic images studies.

Mental foramen and lingual vascular canals of mandible on MDCT images: anatomical study and review of the literature.

The mental foramen and lingual vascular canals are related to vessels and nerves in the mandibular body. The aim of the present study was to determine the number and location of these structures and to make measurements of them. The archived Multidetector Computed Tomography images of 100 adult (15- to 70-year-old) patients were evaluated retrospectively. The diameters of the mental foramens and their distances from the front, back, upper and lower reference points were measured. The distribution of mental foramens with respect to the teeth was also researched. The presence of lingual vascular canals, and the number of median and lateral canals was determined, and the length of the median lingual vascular canals measured. All measurement parameters were analyzed by gender, side and age group. Eleven patients demonstrated a total of 15 accessory mental foramen. Median lingual vascular canals were observed in 100% of cases, with lateral lingual vascular canals determined in 32%. Significant differences were observed in the results of different gender groups (P < 0.05); in contrast, no significant difference was observed related with age or side. Accessory mental foramen was determined mostly in males, and unilaterally on the right side; also, the distances of mental foramen, except the distance from the back border of the mandible (P < 0.05), were found to be higher, bilaterally, in males. Variation of mental foramen, as well as the presence, position and size of lingual vascular canals can be clearly investigated by multidetector computed tomography. A preoperative knowledge of the positions of neurovascular and bone structures is very important for preventing complications that may occur during or after operations.

The life-saving little tip: intraosseous gas.

A case is presented of an-aerobic osteomyelitis with intraosseous gas resulting in the extension of gas in soft tissue structures in a patient with diabetes mellitus. The finding of intraosseous gas and its extension into the pubic joint and the left anterior abdominal wall is depicted. Intraosseous gas is a rare but worrying finding for osteomyelitis in the absence of a penetrative wound, recent surgery, biopsy or fracture.

Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient values among different MRI platforms: a multicenter phantom study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values among magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners from different vendors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a custom-made phantom solution consisting of distilled water, 0.9% NaCl, 25% NaCl, and shampoo for diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) examinations. DW-MRI was performed with similar sequence parameters using six different 1.5 Tesla MR scanners (scanners A-F). ADC maps were automatically constructed for all DW-MR images (b factors of 0 and 1000 s/mm(2)). ADC measurements were performed using regions of interest and seven different software programs, including four different postprocessing workstations, two different picture archiving and communication systems, and operator console software for each MR scanner. RESULTS: The ADC values generated by scanners A and F were higher and those of scanner B were lower than those generated by the other scanners (P = 0.002). The intravendor difference in the ADC values averaged from scanners D, E, and F was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The difference between the ADC values obtained by scanners C and E was not statistically different (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: ADC values may differ among different MRI systems used for DW-MRI. Thus, the MRI vendor should be considered when using DW-MRI in a clinical setting.

Developmental anomalies of bronchial tree: a multidetector computerized tomography study / Anomalías del desarrollo del árbol bronquial: un estudio mediante tomografía computarizada multidetector

Anomalies of the bronchial tree may cause recurrent acute pulmonary infection and persistent obstruction symptoms. The developmental anomalies of the bronchial tree were presented mostly as case reports with an accompanying anomaly. However in this study, these anomalies were detected in multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) images which have no reported pathology. Thoracic MDCT images of 400 patients (0-74 years old, 224 male and 176 female) were evaluated. Four tracheal bronchus (1percent) were detected. Three of them were displaced type, one of them was pig bronchus. And two accessory cardiac bronchus (0,5 percent) originated from medial wall of the intermediate bronchus were detected. According to our findings, incidence of tracheal bronchus and accessory cardiac bronchus seems to be higher in Turkish population.

Las anomalías del árbol bronquial pueden causar una infección pulmonar aguda recurrente y síntomas de obstrucción persistente. Las anomalías del desarrollo del árbol bronquial se presentan principalmente como informes de casos con una anomalía de acompañante. Sin embargo, en este estudio se detectaron estas anomalías en las imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector (TCMD), donde no se habían informado esta patología. Se evaluaron las imágenes de TCMD torácica de 400 pacientes (0-74 años, 224 hombres y 176 mujeres). Se detectaron cuatro bronquios traqueales (1 por ciento). Tres de ellos fueron de tipo desplazado, uno fue tipo bronquio de cerdo, y dos bronquio cardiaco accesorio (0,5 por ciento), originados de la pared medial del bronquio intermedio. De acuerdo con nuestros resultados, la incidencia de bronquio traqueal y bronquios cardiacos accesorios parecen ser mayor en la población turca.

Relationship between the right internal jugular vein and carotid artery at ipsilateral head rotation.

Ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein catheterization (RIJV) should be the first choice to decrease the catheter-related complications in high-risk hemodialysis patients. For this procedure, clinicians should identify the optimum positions of the RIJV, including its lower overlap with the carotid artery (CA) and high cross-sectional area of the vein. The aim of this prospective randomized study to evaluate the effects of mild ipsilateral head rotation combined with Trendelenburg position on RIJV cross-sectional area and its relation to the CA in adult patients. Forty ASA I-II patients who were undergoing elective surgery were enrolled for this study. The subjects were asked to remain supine in the 15-20° Trendelenburg position. Two-dimensional ultrasound was then used to measure the degree of overlap between the RIJV and CA, the cross-sectional area of the RIJV. These measurements were compared between head rotation to the >30° left, <30° left, neutral, and <30° right positions. When the head was in the >30° left position, overlap was seen in 38 of 40 patients (95%). As the head was rotated from >30° left to <30° right, the CA-RIJV overlap (from 95% to 57.5%), and the cross-sectional area (from 14.2 mm to 8.7 mm) significantly decreased. In conclusion, when the head was turned to <30° right, the CA-RIJV overlap significantly decreased, and the cross-sectional area also decreased. When clinicians determine the optimal head position before RIJV cannulation, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different head positions from >30° left to <30° right.

Phenotyping of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the modified Bhalla scoring system for high-resolution computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Identifying different phenotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important for both therapeutic options and clinical outcome of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the phenotypes of COPD according to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings; and to correlate HRCT scores obtained using the modified Bhalla scoring system with clinical and physiological indicators of systemic inflammation. METHODS: The present study included 80 consecutive patients with stable COPD. HRCT scans were evaluated by two independent radiologists according to the modified Bhalla scoring system. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients exhibited morphological changes on HRCT examination while 26 had no pathological findings. Patients with HRCT findings had lower spirometric measurements and higher levels of inflammation, and reported more exacerbations in the previous year compared with patients with no findings on HRCT. Patients with morphological changes were classified into one of three groups according to their HRCT phenotype(s): emphysema (E) only, E + bronchiectasis (B)/peribronchial thickening (PBT) or B/PBT only. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the number of exacerbations among the groups were significantly different. Pairwise comparisons between the E only and E+B/PBT groups showed significantly lower FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values, and higher CRP levels and number of exacerbations compared with the B/PBT group. No significant differences were found between the E+B/PBT and the B/PBT groups. An inverse correlation was found between the total HRCT score and FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC; the correlation was positive with CRP level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and number of exacerbations. CONCLUSION: The present study exposed the intimate relationship between phenotype(s) characterized by HRCT and scoring for morphological abnormalities; and clinical and functional parameters and inflammatory markers. The inclusion of HRCT among routine examinations for COPD may provide significant benefits both in the management and prognosis of COPD patients.

Optimal angle of needle entry for internal jugular vein catheterization with a neutral head position: a CT study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the optimal angle of needle entry in the sagittal plane for internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization with the central approach while the head is in the neutral position. METHODS: The contrast-enhanced carotid artery computed tomography angiographies of 123 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The point of merger between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was assumed as a clinical entry (CE) point. The angle between CE point and the center of the IJV, the depth, diameter of the vessels and the degree of overlap between the IJV and carotid artery (CA) were measured. RESULTS: The angles between the CE point and the center of the IJVs were similar, 7° ± 13° medial and 8° ± 12° medial on the right and the left side, respectively. The center of IJVs from the CE point was between 0° and 16° toward the medial in 79.8% on the right side and 89.9% on the left side of patients. The diameters of the right IJVs were greater than the left IJVs (p = 0.001). The depth from the skin and overlap between IJV and CA did not vary between the two sides. CONCLUSIONS: When a central approach is used for right internal jugular vein (RIJV) cannulation with a neutral head position, the orientation of the angle of needle entry (i.e., 16°) medially in the sagittal plane may quadruple the success rate of RIJV catheterization compared to the success rate of a laterally oriented angle of entry as recommended by the classic method.

Cardiovascular MR imaging findings of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the portal vein in a patient with right atrial isomerism.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly in which the pulmonary veins fail to join to the left atrium and drain directly to the right atrium or to one of the systemic veins. This anomaly is frequently seen together with complex cardiac anomalies especially as a part of right atrial isomerism syndrome. Atrial isomerism is called that the same morphological structure of both atria. We reported a very rare case demonstrating TAPVC between the portal vein and the pulmonary veins in a patient with right atrial isomerism by magnetic resonance imaging.

Congenital left ventricular wall abnormalities in adults detected by gated cardiac multidetector computed tomography: clefts, aneurysms, diverticula and terminology problems.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate congenital left ventricular wall abnormalities (clefts, aneurysms and diverticula), describe and illustrate imaging features, discuss terminology problems and determine their prevalence detected by cardiac CT in a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronary CT angiography images of 2093 adult patients were evaluated retrospectively in order to determine congenital left ventricular wall abnormalities. RESULTS: The incidence of left ventricular clefts (LVC) was 6.7% (141 patients) and statistically significant difference was not detected between the sexes regarding LVC (P=0.5). LVCs were single in 65.2% and multiple in 34.8% of patients. They were located at the basal to mid inferoseptal segment of the left ventricle in 55.4%, the basal to mid anteroseptal segment in 24.1%, basal to mid inferior segment in 17% and septal-apical septal segment in 3.5% of cases. The cleft length ranged from 5 to 22 mm (mean 10.5 mm) and they had a narrow connection with the left ventricle (mean 2.5 mm). They were contractile with the left ventricle and obliterated during systole. Congenital left ventricular septal aneurysm that was located just under the aortic valve was detected in two patients (0.1%). No case of congenital left ventricular diverticulum was detected. CONCLUSION: Cardiac CT allows us to recognize congenital left ventricular wall abnormalities which have been previously overlooked in adults. LVC is a congenital structural variant of the myocardium, is seen more frequently than previously reported and should be differentiated from aneurysm and diverticulum for possible catastrophic complications of the latter two.

Cerebral abscesses in Behcet's disease: a case report.

Behçet's disease is a multisystem relapsing inflammatory disorder of unknown cause. Neurological involvement is one of the most serious causes of long-term morbidity and mortality in Behçet's disease. Cerebral abscess is very rare in literature. A 45-yr-old man with Behçet's disease manifesting focal epileptic seizure and multiple cerebral abscesses is reported in the case. He was diagnosed with cerebral abscess and was treated with antibiotics but no improvement occurred. Excisional biopsy was performed and the lesions were consistent with abscess. The clinical state of the patient gradually improved. The patient had no further complications. The etiology, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed.

An investigation of the anatomical variations of left atrial appendage by multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography.

PURPOSE: The left atrial appendage (LAA) is usually known as a long, tubular, hooked structure derived from the left atrium. However, it varies widely in terms of anatomical shape. In this study, anatomical shape variations of the LAA were investigated and classified in vivo in a large group of patients by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 320 consecutive patients (223 men and 97 women, with a mean age of 58 years) who underwent MDCT coronary angiography. MDCT was performed with a 64-detector-row computed tomographic scanner. LAA anatomical variations were classified as five main types and further divided into subtypes. In addition, we gave the classifications descriptive names according to the anatomical external appearance of the LAA: horseshoe (type 1), hand-finger (type 2a), fan (type 2b), wing (type 2c), hook (type 3), wedge (type 4) and swan (type 5) shapes. The types and subtypes of the LAA variations and the presence of thrombus were recorded. RESULTS: In our study, the LAA tip orientation was used and the LAA was divided into type 1, type 2a, 2b, 2c, type 3, type 4 and type 5 in 44 (13.8%), 65 (20.3%), 155 (48.4%), 8 (2.5%), 27 (8.4%), 6 (1.9%) and 15 (4.7%) patients, respectively. LAA thrombus was detected in four patients (1.25%), who had classified LAA shapes of type 2a and type 2b. CONCLUSIONS: The LAA has multiple anatomical shape variations. We demonstrated previously undefined new shape types of LAA. Knowledge of LAA variations is important in order to avoid procedure-related complications when ablative treatment is to be performed or if surgical procedures are indicated in this region. MDCT coronary angiography provides important and detailed information about determining and evaluating these variations before undertaking a planned procedure in this region.

Differential diagnosis of dumbbell lesions associated with spinal neural foraminal widening: imaging features.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reliably demonstrate typical features of schwannomas or neurofibromas in the vast majority of dumbbell lesions responsible for neural foraminal widening. However, a large variety of unusual lesions which are causes of neural foraminal widening can also be encountered in the spinal neural foramen. Radiologic findings can be helpful in differential diagnosis of lesions of spinal neural foramen including neoplastic lesions such as benign/malign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP), chondroid chordoma, superior sulcus tumor, metastasis and non-neoplastic lesions such as infectious process (tuberculosis, hydatid cyst), aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), synovial cyst, traumatic pseudomeningocele, arachnoid cyst, vertebral artery tortuosity. In this article, we discuss CT and MRI findings of dumbbell lesions which are causes of neural foraminal widening.

Evidence for association between insulin resistance and premature carotid atherosclerosis in childhood obesity.

The present study was undertaken to determine the presence and predictors of the subclinical atherosclerosis in obese children. Fifty obese children [mean age: 11.7 +/- 2.5 y, mean body mass index (BMI): 28.2 +/- 4.0 kg/m] and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy nonobese controls (mean age: 11.4 +/- 3.73 y, mean BMI: 17.6 +/- 3.0 kg/m) were enrolled in the present study. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed to all obese subjects. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Carotid artery IMT was significantly increased (0.0476 +/- 0.007 versus 0.033 +/- 0.011 cm; p < 0.001) in the obese group. There were significant relations between carotid artery IMT and insulin sensitivity indexes derived from fasting samples (fasting glucose to insulin ratio (FGIR; p = 0.004, r = -0.404), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICK-I; p = 0.002, r = -0.401) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.034, r = 0.300) in the obese group. In a multivariate regression model, QUICK-I emerged as independent correlates for mean IMT in obese children with the total variance explained being 20.7% (beta = -0.58, p < 0.001). We concluded that insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for increased carotid artery IMT in obese children.