Can peritumoral edema evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging before neoadjuvant chemotherapy predict complete pathological response in breast cancer?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The complete pathological response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer is essential for the accurate prediction of prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the presence and type of peritumoral edema detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting pCR to NAC in breast cancer patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred five patients with the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma were evaluated by MRI before NAC. Edema was evaluated in fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. The patients were categorized into three groups: patients with no peritumoral edema, patients with peritumoral edema, and patients demonstrating subcutaneous edema. The cases were categorized as being pCR and non-pCR. Molecular subtypes, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumor size, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were evaluated. A positive relationship was found between the presence of edema and tumor size. Subcutaneous edema was found to be statistically higher in non-pCR patients. While the number of pCR patients with subcutaneous edema was 17 (30.4%), the number of non-pCR patients with subcutaneous edema was 26 (53.1%) (p = 0.018). LVI was found to be statistically higher in patients with edema. The number of edema-negative and LVI (+) patients was 4 (15.4%), while the number of edema-positive and LVI (+) patients was 28 (35.4%) (p = 0.042). Intratumoral and peritumoral ADC values were significantly higher in tumors with edema. CONCLUSION: The presence of subcutaneous edema and LVI may be utilized for the prediction of pCR outcomes in breast cancer patients scheduled for NAC treatment.

Different chest CT scoring systems in patients with COVID-19: could baseline CT be a helpful tool in predicting survival in patients with matched ages and co-morbid conditions?

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) gives an idea about the prognosis in patients with COVID-19 lung infiltration. PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rates of various scoring methods utilized in order to predict survival periods, on the basis of the imaging findings of COVID-19. Another purpose, on the other hand, was to evaluate the agreements among the evaluating radiologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 cases of known COVID-19 pneumonia, of which 50 were deceased and 50 were living, were included in the study. Pre-existing scoring systems, which were the Total Severity Score (TSS), Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score (CT-SS), and Total CT Score, were utilized, together with the Early Decision Severity Score (ED-SS), which was developed by our team, to evaluate the initial lung CT scans of the patients obtained at their initial admission to the hospital. The scans were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists. Area under the curve (AUC) values were acquired for each scoring system, according to their performances in predicting survival times. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 14.85 years (age range = 18-87 years). There was no difference in co-morbidities between the living and deceased patients. The survival predicted AUC values of ED-SS, CT-SS, TSS, and Total CT Score systems were 0.876, 0.823, 0.753, and 0.744, respectively. CONCLUSION: Algorithms based on lung infiltration patterns of COVID-19 may be utilized for both survival prediction and therapy planning.

Primary hydatid cyst in the posterior thigh, and its percutaneous treatment.

Hydatid cyst (echinococcosis) is an endemic parasitic disease, usually encountered in those dealing with agriculture and livestock. The most frequently affected organs are the liver and the lungs. The disease is very rarely encountered in soft tissues. Diagnosing a soft-tissue hydatid cyst may be challenging unless the mass possesses the characteristic features of a hydatid cyst. Soft-tissue hydatid cysts may be treated percutaneously, just like those encountered in the liver. In this case report, we present the radiological findings and modified percutaneous aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) treatment of a hydatid cyst located in the posterior aspect of the thigh.

Better Renal Resistive Index Profile in Subjects with Beta Thalassemia Minor.

OBJECTIVE: Beta thalassaemia minor is a common genetic disorder without any characteristic symptoms except mild anemia. It is found to be associated with some cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The renal resistive index (RRI) is a measure of renal arterial resistance to blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RRI in subjects with beta thalassemia minor (BTM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 253 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 148 subjects with BTM and the control group consisted of 105 healthy subjects. BTM was diagnosed by a complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Blood pressure measurement and biochemical tests were performed. The RRI of all subjects was measured using renal Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: Subjects with BTM had lower renal resistive indices compared to healthy subjects (0.58 ± 0.04 vs. 0.60 ± 0.06, p = 0.0016). Additionally, the RRI levels of subjects with BTM were correlated with systolic blood pressure (p = 0.017, r = 0.194). CONCLUSION: In this study, lower RRI were found in subjects with BTM. This may be associated with a decreased vascular resistance and blood viscosity in these subjects.

Results of a long-term performance and follow-up of Endovenous Laser Ablation procedures performed for treating great saphenous vein incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for treating great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. METHODS: We reviewed the overall results of EVLA procedures performed on 554 patients in our clinic between March 2011 and December 2015. Evaluations were made concerning the situations of the great saphenous vein (GSV), the energy used in the treatments, and the results obtained. We also investigated if there was a possibility to detect failure of EVLA treatment at an early stage. RESULTS: From a total of 657 GSVs that were subjected to EVLA treatment, the procedure was found to be successful for 611 GSVs and unsuccessful for 46 GSVs (success rate: 93%). In 38 of the 46 GSVs, a thrombus formation was detected by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) at the postoperative first month (82.6%). CONCLUSION: EVLA is a reliable and successful method utilized for the treatment of GSV incompetence. It is concluded that the detection of a thrombus in the GSV tract during the first postoperative follow-up month is an indicator for revascularization.

A novel recessive 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase mutation in a family with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

We present two PHO siblings having a novel homozygous truncating mutation in HPGD. The purpose of the study was to attempt medical treatment, and to find the HPGD mutation causing the disease, in a 22-year old Turkish male and his 23-year old sister afflicted with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). In combination with NSAIDs and colchicine, treatment with sulfasalazine was started in both cases, and methotrexate was added to the treatment regimen of the female patient at the end of the first year. The patients were found to be typical PHO. Ultrasonographic examination of the joints revealed synovitis and inflammation by B mode and power Doppler ultrasonography. Joint symptoms responded to sulfasalazine treatment in both patients. However, after the addition of methotrexate, the female patient had better remission. All exons of HPGD, the known disease gene, were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. A homozygous 2-bp deletion (c.310_311delCT or p.L104AfsX3) was identified. Seven relatives carrying the mutation in the heterozygous state were examined and none was found affected. Although not specific for this disease, skin, soft tissue and joint ultrasonography can be helpful for evaluation of the musculoskeletal findings in the patients.

Intraarterial polidocanol injection for the treatment of peripheral arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intraarterial transcatheter administration of polidocanol as an alternative treatment for peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: The study comprised 10 patients (six males and four females) with a mean age of 28.8 years (range 8-52 years). All patients had trunk or extremity AVMs. Following the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation, the patients underwent staged intraarterial polidocanol sclerotherapy with or without additional embolizations for their AVMs. The administration of polidocanol was executed by intraarterial infusion through a microcatheter or by direct percutaneous entry into the nidus under ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: A total of 19 sessions were accomplished in 10 patients. Polidocanol was used alone in six of the 19 sessions. In 13 sessions, polidocanol was used in combination with another agent (including n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), lipiodol, and ethanol) and/or coils. In two sessions, polidocanol was administered percutaneously under ultrasound guidance directly into the nidus documented by arteriography. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Intraarterial transcatheter administration of polidocanol alone or in combination with other agents is a safe and effective alternative treatment for peripheral AVMs.

Assessment of transabdominal fat volumes as a predictor of prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a well-established treatment option for eligible patients with severe aortic stenosis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between abdominal fat tissue volumes, measured using computed tomography (CT), and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. The study included 258 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR at a single center between September 2017 and November 2020. During the preoperative preparation, CT scans were used to perform a semi-quantitative measurement of abdominal fat components. Body mass index (BMI) for each participant was calculated. The relationship between fat parameters and overall survival was determined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Participants had a mean age of 76.8 ± 7.8 years, of whom 32.9% were male. The median follow-up period was 12 months, during which 38 patients (14.7%) died. Both the survivor and non-survivor groups showed comparable risk factors. Regarding transabdominal fat volume parameters, deceased individuals exhibited significantly lower values. However, no significant differences were observed in BMI and transabdominal area measurements. Among transabdominal fat parameters, only subcutaneous fat volume [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 0.83, p = 0.045] and total fat volume (TFV) [aHR = 0.82, p = 0.007] were identified as significant predictors of reduced all-cause mortality. Furthermore, TFV demonstrated the highest discriminative performance with a threshold of ≤ 9.1 L (AUC = 0.751, p < 0.001, sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 70.9%). Preoperative CT-based abdominal fat volume parameters, particularly TFV, can serve as potential predictors of survival in patients undergoing TAVR.

Autologous blood-clot embolisation of cavernosal artery pseudoaneurysm causing delayed high-flow priapism.

BACKGROUND: High-flow priapism is a rare condition characterized by a prolonged and painless erection. Since it may permanently impair erectile function, it must be managed and treated as soon as possible, in order to restore potency. The case we are presenting here was successfully treated by embolizing the penile artery using an autologous clot. CASE REPORT: A case of delayed painless high-flow priapism that occured after blunt straddle-type perineal trauma, that was persistent for more than 30 days is being presented. Doppler ultrasonographic examination of the cavernosal artery revealed a 1.5 cm-diameter pseudoaneurysm at the right cavernosal artery, together with a high-velocity shunt between the two cavernous arteries. Extravasation from the proximal sites of both of the cavernous arteries and a right cavernosal artery pseudoaneurysm was detected on angiography. The patient was successfully treated by embolization of the penile artery with an autologous clot in two sessions with a 3-day interval. CONCLUSIONS: This experience along with a survey of the literature made us conclude that embolization of cavernous artery by means of an autologous clot is a very effective procedure and a method of choice for treatment of high-flow priapism and for restoration of penile erectile function. What makes our case even more interesting and important, is the fact that priapism of one month's duration could well be treated by means of this method.

Can the Gleason score be predicted in patients with prostate cancer? A dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT, PSA, and PSA-density comparison study.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate whether perfusion parameters in prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (68)Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and PSA density can be used to predict the lesion grade in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The study included a total of 137 PCa cases in which 12-quadrant transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx) was performed, the Gleason score (GS) was determined, and pre-biopsy multiparametric prostate MRI and (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT examinations were undertaken. The patient population was evaluated in three groups according to the GS: (1) low risk; (2) intermediate risk; (3) high risk. The PSA, PSA density, pre-TRUSBx (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), perfusion MRI parameters [maximum enhancement, maximum relative enhancement, T0 (s), time to peak (s), wash-in rate (s-1), and wash-out rate (s-1)] were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the three groups in relation to the PSA, PSA density, and (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT SUVmax (P > 0.05). However, the values of maximum enhancement, maximum relative enhancement (%), T0 (s), time to peak (s), wash-in rate (s-1), and wash-out rate (s-1) significantly differed among the groups. A moderate positive correlation was found among the prostate volume, PSA (r = 0.490), and (68)Ga-PSMA SUVmax (r = 0.322) in the patients. The wash-out rate (s-1) and wash-in rate (s-1) had the best diagnostic test performance (area under the curve: 89.1% and 78.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: No significant correlation was found between the (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT SUVmax and the GS. The wash-out rate was more successful in estimating the pretreatment GS than the (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT SUVmax.

Evaluation of the performance of and interobserver agreement on postoperative baseline CT findings in the identification of locoregional recurrence in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate interobserver agreement on the findings of baseline contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CE-MDCT) performed at the postoperative third month in patients who underwent surgery due to ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head and investigate the value of these findings in predicting locoregional recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The baseline CE-MDCT images of 198 patients who underwent the Whipple procedure due to pancreatic head tumors were evaluated independently by three radiologists at the postoperative third month. The radiologists were asked to note suspicious findings in terms of locoregional recurrence, including postoperative fat stranding, the presence of perivascular contrast-enhanced solid tissue, short diameter of solid tissue if present, the shape of solid tissue (convex/concave), presence of peritoneal implants, diameter (mm) of pancreatic duct dilatation if present, the presence of lymph nodes larger than 5 mm, portal vein stenosis (≥50 and <50%), the presence of ascites, and the presence of distant metastases, as specified by the Society of Abdominal Radiology in October 2022. The agreement between the radiologists and the value of these parameters in predicting locoregional recurrence were investigated. RESULTS: Among the CE-MDCT findings evaluated, the radiologists had a moderate-to-high level of agreement concerning the presence of perivascular contrast-enhanced solid tissue. However, there was a poor interobserver agreement on the shape of solid tissue. A very high level of agreement was found among the radiologists in the evaluation of pancreatic duct dilatation, peritoneal implants, ascites, and the presence of distant metastases. According to the univariate analysis, the rates of portal vein stenosis had a 1.419 -fold effect [odds ratio (OR)=1.419, [95% confidence interval (CI)= 0.548-3.679, p=0.041], lymph node presence had a 2.337 -fold effect [odds ratio (OR)=2.337, [95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.165-4.686, p=0.015], perivascular contrast-enhanced solid tissue had 2.241 -fold effect [odds ratio (OR)=2.241, [95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.072-4.684, p=0.005]. In the multivariate analysis, perivascular contrast-enhanced solid tissue had 2.241 -fold effect [odds ratio (OR)=2.519, [95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.132-5.605, p=0.024]. CONCLUSION: In the postoperative baseline CE-MDCT examination, the presence of solid tissue, lymph node presence, and portal vein stenosis in the surgical bed are among the findings that may indicate early locoregional recurrence in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

A rare lesion of breast: Hydatid cyst.

Hydatid cyst (HC) is a lesion most commonly seen in the liver but can occur in many parts of the body. Breast involvement with HC is extremely rare. It can be isolated or accompanied by other organ involvements. In this report, we present a 46-year-old female with isolated HC located in the right breast. In the ultrasonography and MR images of the patient, the lesion was compatible with the HC, and homogenous dens lesion was shown on mammography. Diagnosis of HC was confirmed pathological. With this study, it was aimed to emphasize the radiological findings of isolated breast HC.

Thyroid Volume in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic disease. Thyroid involvement in systemic sclerosis is an overlooked issue. Our study aimed to evaluate the decreased thyroid volume in SSc. Also, we aimed to show the relationship between patients' thyroid volume and clinical and laboratory parameters. METHOD: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Eighty-six patients were included in the study. A radiologist evaluated patients' thyroid volumes by ultrasonography. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Skin thickness was evaluated by the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and the disease severity by the Medsger severity score (MSS). Findings were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Thyroid volume was in the atrophic range in 53.5% of the patients. There was a significant negative correlation between thyroid volume and mRSS, MSS, and disease duration. Logistic regression analysis showed that mRSS and disease duration were risk factors for thyroid atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Many studies point out that thyroid autoantibodies are a cause of thyroid dysfunction in patients with SSc. However, in most of these studies, thyroid volume was not evaluated. As a result of our study, we saw that the major cause of thyroid dysfunction in our SSc patients was thyroid atrophy. Also, we observed that thyroid atrophy was more common in patients with interstitial lung disease. We would like to draw attention to the fact that thyroid dysfunction and volume changes increase with the disease's duration and severity in systemic sclerosis.

Vertebral artery occlusion with Amplatzer vascular plug 4 to prevent subsequent endoleak in stent-graft treatment of subclavian artery gunshot injury.

Endovascular treatment options have evolved in many ways and become an important alternative for open surgical repairs in various vascular territories. Herein, we present a case of an 18-year-old man with complex injury to the left subclavian artery and vein caused by a gunshot 4 months ago. After the gunshot, a high-flow fistula between the left subclavian artery and the vein occurred with pseudoaneurysm formation. This fistula led to a significant left subclavian steal phenomenon. A stent-graft was deployed along the injured left subclavian artery after embolization of the left vertebral artery by Amplatzer vascular plug 4 (AVP-4) in order to prevent subsequent endoleak due to the subclavian steal syndrome.

Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging findings in adhesive capsulitis: which quantitative findings are most valuable?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in adhesive capsulitis (AC) and determine the most valuable MRI finding in diagnosis using easily applied quantitative methods. METHODS: Shoulder MRI was performed on 193 patients who were diagnosed with AC by clinical examination and 116 controls. Axillary pouch thickness (APT), superior and inferior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL and IGHL) thickness, coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness, fluid increase and soft-tissue thickness in the rotator interval (RI), and increases in the fluid and signal in the localization of biceps tendon attachment were evaluated. MRI examinations were assessed by three radiologists blinded to the clinical findings of the patients, and the results were obtained based on consensus and records. RESULTS: There were 119 women and 74 men in the AC group and 80 women and 36 men in the control group. IGHL, SGHL, RI, and CHL thicknesses were measured thicker in AC patients than in the control group. When IGHL=4, RI=3.6, SGHL=2.0, CHL=4.6-mm cutoff, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values were 0.700, 0.922, 0.972, and 0.783, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results obtained in this study, IGHL=4 mm, RI=3.6 mm, SGHL=2.0 mm, and CHL=4.6 mm can support the diagnosis of AC. Using the quantitative values in diagnosis can provide objective criteria and prevent variability among interpreters.

Can the mesorectal fat tissue volume be used as a predictive factor in foreseeing the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectum cancer? A CT-based preliminary study.

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effect of mesorectal fat tissue volume (MRV) on the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: 88 patients who had been diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer between January 2017 and June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The total abdominal, subcutaneous, visceral, and mesorectal fatty tissue components were measured semiquantitatively by two radiologists using computed tomography (CT)-based findings. The patients were divided into two groups as those with and without a pathological response to nCRT. The relationship of MRV with the other fat tissue components of the body was also evaluated. RESULTS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 88 patients (mean age 62.7 years [range, 33-90 years]; 31 males and 57 females). A positive response to nCRT was present in 47 patients. There were 59 patients with stage 3 disease. 46 patients demonstrated lymph node involvement. The mean MRV was 69.6 ± 31.0 ml in no-response group and 105.8 ± 47.5 ml in response-positive patients (p < 0.05). MRV showed the highest correlation with visceral fat volume (VFV). There was a negative correlation between the MRV and the N stage. A cut-off value of ≥ 69.4 for MRV predicted the repsonse to nCRT, with 82.9% sensitivity and 58.5% specificity [AUC: 0.757 (0.653-0.842), p < 0.001] in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis CONCLUSIONS: MRV can be used as a novel parameter in predicting of pathological response to nCRT in locally advanced rectal cancer patients.

Evaluation of the contour of the pancreas: types and frequencies.

PURPOSE: Pancreas contour variations can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mass lesions. This study aimed to evaluate normal pancreatic contour morphology, variations, frequency and the development of the uncinate process. METHODS: Out of 1183 consecutive computed tomography images taken in our hospital for various reasons (e.g. malignity, donor), 899 suitable images were included in the study. The following variations were identified: globular, elongated or globular-elongated contours of the pancreas head, protrusions of the body-tail surfaces and globular, lobular, globular-lobular, tapered and bifid contours of the tail. Hypoplasia and aplasia of the uncinate process were identified. All images were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists. RESULTS: Of the 899 patients, 504 (56.1%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 53.9 ± 14.7 (range 18-89). Hypoplasia of the uncinate process was found in 72 (8%) patients; aplasia was seen in 11 (1.2%) patients. Thirty-one (3.5%) of the pancreatic head variations were globular, 49 (5.4%) elongated and three (0.3%) elongated-globular. In patients with pancreatic uncinate process developmental anomaly, contour variations were also detected in the head of the pancreas. The pancreatic body-tail showed protrusions anteriorly in 76 (8%) patients and posteriorly in 11 (1.2%) patients. Seventy-two (8%) of the pancreatic tail variations were globular, 39 (4.4%) were globular-lobular, 18 (2%) were tapered and 17 (1.8%) were bifid. CONCLUSION: Patients with pancreatic uncinate process developmental anomaly also have contour variations in the head of the pancreas. Pancreatic uncinate process developmental anomaly was seen in 9.2%. Pancreatic tail contour variation was 16.2%. The pancreatic body-tail showed protrusion in 9.2% of patients.

Diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement of CO-RADS: evaluation of classification in radiology practice.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the use of the COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) among radiologists and the diagnostic performance of this system. METHODS: Four radiologists retrospectively evaluated the chest CT examinations of 178 patients. The study included 143 patients with positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results and 35 patients whose RT-PCR tests were negative but whose clinical and/or radiological findings were consistent with COVID-19. Fleiss' kappa (κ) values were calculated, and individual observers' scores were compared. To investigate diagnostic efficiency, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for each interpreter. RESULTS: The interpreters were in full agreement on 574 of 712 (80.6%) evaluations. The common Fleiss' κ value of all the radiologists combined was 0.712 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.692-0.769). A reliable prediction on the basis of RT-PCR and clinical findings indicated the mean area under the curve (AUC) of Fleiss' κ value as 0.89 (95% CI 0.708-0.990). General interpreter agreement was found to range from moderate to good. CONCLUSION: The interpreter agreement for CO-RADS categories 1 and 5 was reasonably good. We conclude that this scoring system will make a valuable contribution to efforts in COVID-19 diagnosis. CO-RADS can also be of significant value for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in cases with false-negative PCR results.

Arterial evaluation of systemic sclerosis patients with Doppler ultrasound: What did we find?

AIM: The aim of this study was to detect macrovascular findings in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by means of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and to evaluate the relationship between the laboratory and clinical findings in the setting of the disease. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Eighty-eight patients were included in the study. CDUS examinations of the bilateral carotid, vertebral, and peripheral arteries were performed. The presence of macrovascular involvement was investigated and recorded, and its relationships with the clinical, laboratory, and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: An atheromatous plaque was found in 67.7% of the 1936 arteries examined by CDUS. Of these 1936 arteries, 37.4% demonstrated a narrowing of the intraluminal diameter. On the other hand, the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was found to have increased in 55.7% of the patients. This increase was found to be statistically correlated with disease duration, the modified Rodnan Skin Thickness Score, and the Medsger Disease Activity Score. But no relation existed with the disease subtype, age, or cardiovascular risk factors. Arterial occlusion was detected in 10 patients. An association was found between the CIMT values and arterial occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we examined the arteries by means of CDUS, and we detected structural alterations in the peripheral and carotid arteries. We witnessed that these macrovascular changes had a close association with certain features of SSc. We think there is a need for broader prospective studies in order to evaluate the contribution of these factors to the macrovascular changes stated in the article.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of incidentally detected hyperechoic liver lesions: comparison of two modalities in terms of detection, diagnosis, and morphological features.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate and compare the ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of incidentally detected hyperechoic focal liver lesions. METHODS: Seventy-four patients (29 males and 45 females) who had undergone a B-mode ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging examination were included in this study. A total of 91 hyperechoic lesions detected on ultrasonography were evaluated. The ultrasonography features of these hyperechoic lesions were recorded, and the results were compared with those acquired from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The results were compared statistically using the Shapiro-Wilk, McNemar, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: A corresponding lesion was found on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in 72 of the 91 (79.1%) hyperechoic lesions detected on ultrasonography. Forty-one (56.9%) of the magnetic resonance imaging-defined lesions were typical hemangiomas, while 10 (13.9%) were focal steatosis areas and 4 (5.6%) were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast, 6 lesions (8.3%) were diagnosed as simple hepatic cysts, 4 (5.6%) as sclerosing hemangioma, 2 (2.8%) as thrombosed hemangioma, 1 (1.4%) as focal nodular hyperplasia, 1 (1.4%) as hamartoma, 2 (2.8%) as hydatid cysts, and 1 (1.4%) as hepatic lipoma. No statistically significant differences were found between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in terms of the segmental classification of the true positive lesions based on contour structures and lesion area measurements (p=0.558, p=0.375, and p=0.636, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Incidentally detected hyperechoic zones may not necessarily be detected on magnetic resonance imaging. This may be secondary to focal hepatic steatosis or false interpretation of the radiologist. Lesions requiring therapy must be considered in the differential diagnosis.