Musculoskeletal infections through direct inoculation.

Musculoskeletal infections consist of different clinical conditions that are commonly encountered in daily clinical settings. As clinical findings and even laboratory tests cannot always be specific, imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of these cases. Musculoskeletal infections most commonly occur secondary to direct inoculation into the skin involuntarily affected by trauma, microorganism, foreign bodies, or in diabetic ulcers; direct infections can also occur from voluntary causes due to surgery, vaccinations, or other iatrogenic procedures. Hematogenous spread of infection from a remote focus can also be a cause for musculoskeletal infections. Risk factors for soft tissue and bone infections include immunosuppression, old age, corticosteroid use, systemic illnesses, malnutrition, obesity, and burns. Most literature discusses musculoskeletal infections according to the diagnostic tools or forms of infection seen in different soft tissue anatomical planes or bones. This review article aims to evaluate musculoskeletal infections that occur due to direct inoculation to the musculoskeletal tissues, by focusing on the traumatic mechanism with emphasis on the radiological findings.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced mammography and breast MRI in the diagnosis of breast cancer and detection of tumor size.

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and dynamic breast MRI techniques for diagnosing breast lesions, assess the diagnostic accuracy of CEM's using histopathological findings, and compare lesion size measurements obtained from both methods with pathological size. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 120 lesions, of which 70 were malignant, in 104 patients who underwent CEM and MRI within a week. Two radiologists independently evaluated the MR and CEM images in separate sessions, using the BI-RADS classification system. Additionally, the maximum sizes of lesion were measured. Diagnostic accuracy parameters and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed for the two modalities. The correlation between the maximum diameter of breast lesions observed in MRI, CEM, and pathology was analyzed. Results: The overall diagnostic values for MRI were as follows: sensitivity 97.1%, specificity 60%, positive predictive value (PPV) 77.3%, negative predictive value (NPV) 93.8%, and accuracy 81.7%. Correspondingly, for CEM, the sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 97.14%, 81.67%, 60%, 77.27%, and 93.75%, respectively. The ROC analysis of CEM revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.907 for observer 1 and 0.857 for observer 2, whereas MRI exhibited an AUC of 0.910 for observer 1 and 0.914 for observer 2. Notably, CEM showed the highest correlation with pathological lesion size (r = 0.660 for observer 1 and r = 0.693 for observer 2, p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: CEM can be used with high sensitivity and similar diagnostic performance comparable to MRI for diagnosing breast cancer. CEM proves to be a successful diagnostic method for precisely determining tumor size.

Imaging of Metabolic Bone Diseases: The Spine View, Part I.

Metabolic bone diseases comprise a wide spectrum. Of them, osteoporosis is the most frequent and the most commonly found in the spine, with a high impact on health care systems and on morbidity due to vertebral fractures (VFs).This article discusses state-of-the-art techniques on the imaging of metabolic bone diseases in the spine, from the well-established methods to the latest improvements, recent developments, and future perspectives.We review the classical features of involvement of metabolic conditions involving the spine. Then we analyze the different imaging techniques for the diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring of metabolic bone disease: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and DXA-based fracture risk assessment applications or indexes, such as the geometric parameters, Bone Strain Index, and Trabecular Bone Score; quantitative computed tomography; and magnetic resonance and ultrasonography-based techniques, such as radiofrequency echographic multi spectrometry. We also describe the current possibilities of imaging to guide the treatment of VFs secondary to metabolic bone disease.

Imaging of Metabolic Bone Diseases: The Spine View, Part II.

Metabolic bone diseases comprise a wide spectrum. Osteoporosis, the most frequent, characteristically involves the spine, with a high impact on health care systems and on the morbidity of patients due to the occurrence of vertebral fractures (VFs).Part II of this review completes an overview of state-of-the-art techniques on the imaging of metabolic bone diseases of the spine, focusing on specific populations and future perspectives. We address the relevance of diagnosis and current status on VF assessment and quantification. We also analyze the diagnostic techniques in the pediatric population and then review the assessment of body composition around the spine and its potential application. We conclude with a discussion of the future of osteoporosis screening, through opportunistic diagnosis and the application of artificial intelligence.

Radiological features of rare non-odontogenic lesions of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: The jaws can be affected by several lesions that manifest in the oral cavity, but little is known about non-odontogenic benign and malignant lesions and their radiological findings. INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to discuss the imaging findings of non-odontogenic jaw lesions to help the surgeon in the diagnosis and formulating a differential diagnosis for this vast spectrum of jaw lesions with overlapping clinical and imaging appearances. METHODS: CT and MR images of the mandible, maxillofacial region, and neck were retrieved from the archive of the Radiology Department of Pamukkale University for the duration between 2012-2023 and assessed. RESULTS: A total of 8125 CT and MR images were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 39.5 years in females and 43.2 in males, with a range varying from 15 to 72 years. Histopathologically approved benign and malignant non-odontogenic lesions were detected in only 19 patients out of 8125 images (0.23%). Osteomyelitis and abscess were the most common (n=3; 0.03%), followed by two cases (n=2; 0.02%) of each fibrous dysplasia, hemangioma, osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and multiple myeloma, and one case (n=1; 0.01%) of each ossifying fibroma, osteoma, lymphoma, metastasis, and solitary bone cyst. CONCLUSION: Although non-odontogenic benign and malignant lesions of the jaw are rare, awareness of the radiological features of these lesions plays an important role in their diagnosis and management.

The evaluation of tibial nerve using shear-wave elastography and ultrasound in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate stiffness and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial nerve (TN) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and ultrasound (US) and investigate the relationship of these with disease activity, quality of life, and severity of neuropathic pain in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 28 SSc patients (1 male, 27 females; mean age: 50±11 years; range, 28 to 67 years) and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (4 males, 18 females; mean age: 48±6 years; range, 37 to 66 years) between March and April 2022. US and SWE were performed on the TN, and CSA and nerve stiffness were measured. The TN was examined by a radiologist, 4 cm proximal to the medial malleolus. A few days later, an evaluation was performed in the second session by a second observer to investigate inter-and intraobserver agreement. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire, European League Against Rheumatism European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) group activity index, and Douleur-Neuropathique 4 scores of the patients were evaluated. Correlations between the questionnaires and measurements of nerve stiffness and CSA were assessed. Results: Patients with SSc had significantly higher stiffness and CSA values of the right TN compared to healthy controls (p<0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). The nerve stiffness values of the right TN were positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.004, r=0.552). The CSA of the left TN was larger in patients with SSc (21.3±4.9 mm2 ) than in controls (12.8±3.4 mm2 ), and the nerve elasticity was positively correlated with the EUSTAR activity index (p=0.001, r=0.618). The interobserver agreement was moderate to good for measuring stiffness and CSA of the TN (ICC were 0.660 and 0.818, respectively). There was a good to excellent intraobserver agreement for measuring stiffness and CSA of TN (ICC were 0.843 and 0.940, respectively). Conclusion: The increased disease activity in patients with SSc is associated with TN involvement, which can be demonstrated by US and SWE.

Determination of the position on which the median nerve compression is at the lowest in carpal tunnel syndrome and clinical effectiveness of custom splint application.

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of wrist splint usage arranged by determining the optimal position on which the median nerve is compressed the least through sonographic examination for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study was a prospective, clinical trial with a 6-week follow-up. Twenty-four patients diagnosed clinically and electromyographically with CTS were included in the study. A total of 37 wrists were studied on. When the patients were grouped according to the optimal position, Group I comprising 16 (43.24%) wrists was at 15 degree flexion, Group II comprising 12 (32.43%) wrists was neutral, Group III comprising 6 (16.22%) wrists was at 15° extension and Group IV comprising 3 (8.11%) wrists was at 30° extension configurations. Groups I, II and III were included in clinical follow-up. Symptom severity score (SSS), functional status score (FSS), Grip strength and Pinch strength were used for the clinical follow-up and evaluation of the patients. When pre- and post-treatment were compared, a statistically significant recovery was detected in all three groups in respect to SSS (Group I P < 0.01, Group II P < 0.05, Group III P < 0.05). A statistically significant recovery was detected for FSS only in Group I (P < 0.05) and for Grip strength in Group II (P < 0.05). When the groups were compared among themselves, no statistically significant difference was detected for any of the parameters (P > 0.05). In this study, by sonographic examination of the patients included in the study with CTS, we saw that the optimal position on which the median nerve is compressed the least varies depending on the individual and we determined that this position was 15° flexion most frequently for our patients. We also observed that in clinical follow-up of wrist splint usage arranged on custom optimal position results in significant recovery.

Subtelomeric 6p monosomy and 12q trisomy in a patient with a 46,XX,der(6)t(6;12)(p25.3;q24.31) karyotype: Phenotypic overlap with Mutchinick syndrome.

We report on a patient with partial monosomy 6p and partial trisomy 12q identified by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). She had a complex phenotype characterized by mental retardation (MR), psychomotor developmental delay, speech disorder, hypertelorism, eye anomalies, hearing loss, low-set malformed ears, thin upper lip, heart defect, clinodactyly, pes valgus, and skeletal anomalies. There is phenotypic overlap between our case and Mutchinick syndrome. This is the first report of a combined partial monosomy 6p and partial trisomy 12q due to an unbalanced translocation between subtelomeric regions of these chromosomes.

Effect of hormone replacement therapy on clitoral artery blood flow in healthy postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Aging and the decline of ovarian hormonal secretion during menopause may alter libido, and sexual response and functioning. The effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the genital vascular hemodynamics have been widely studied. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of HRT on basal clitoral blood flow. AIM: The aims of this study were to measure clitoral artery blood flow and to determine whether HRT has a significant effect in clitoral artery blood flow in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Doppler sonography of clitoral arteries was performed in 25 postmenopausal women aged 51.3 +/- 4.5 years who had been using a continuous combined HRT (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate, in 1 tablet daily) for 2.0 +/- 1.1 years, and the clitoral artery peak systolic velocity, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured. Thirty-five postmenopausal women aged 50.0 +/- 4.2 years who had not used HRT served as a control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of clitoral blood flow with color Doppler ultrasonography by measuring the peak systolic velocity, RI, and PI. RESULTS: Clitoral artery circulation was easily detectable by the color Doppler sonography. The clitoral artery peak systolic velocities were significantly higher in postmenopausal women taking HRT compared with the control group (11.8 +/- 5.2 cm/second vs. 15.0 +/- 5.4 cm/second, P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: HRT improves blood flow to the clitoris. A clitoral blood flow evaluation may be proposed as a potential tool to assess the impact of HRT on the genital tissues and to investigate female sexual response disorders in postmenopausal women.

Body fat distribution in childhood obesity: association with metabolic risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical significance of body fat distribution in childhood obesity, we investigated the associations of subcutaneous and intraabdominal (preperitoneal and visceral) fat, estimated by ultrasonography, with metabolic risk factors. SUBJECTS: Fifty-one obese (age 11.5+/- 2.6 years) and 33 non-obese (age 12.2+/- 2.7 years) children. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. METHODS: Ultrasonographic measurements of fat thickness [maximum and minimum preperitoneal fat thicknesses (Pmax, Pmin), maximum and minimum subcutaneous fat thicknesses (Smax, Smin), visceral fat thickness (V), triceps (Tr) and subscapular (Ss) skin fold thicknesses] were documented. Blood pressures, lipid profiles, fasting insulin levels, glucose/insulin ratio and HOMA IR (homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance) were evaluated in both groups and these parameters were correlated with body fat distribution. RESULTS: In the obese group, fasting insulin level was correlated to Smin, Smax, and Pmin. HOMA, accordingly, was also correlated to Smin, Smax, and Pmin. Fasting insulin level and HOMA showed no correlation with either Pmax or visceral fat thickness. ANALYSIS: Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness measurements were the best predictors of hyperinsulinemia (R2: 0.32). CONCLUSION: We did not observe a significant correlation between blood pressure, lipid parameters and body fat distribution in obese group. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness might be a better predictor of the risk for hyperinsulinemia in childhood obesity.

A case with rheumatod arthritis and atraumatic odontoid fracture: disappearence of bony landmarks.

We aim to draw attention to occult, atraumatic fractures of the odontoid process in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to underline difficulties encountered during clinical and radiological diagnosis. A forty-seven years old man with RA for 4 years had occipital pain for 1 year without any history of trauma. Later, he developed weakness in the upper extremities, but he did not realize weakness in the lower extremities due to deformities. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed a linear fracture of odontiod process and myelopathy. Cervical computed tomography scan revealed an old fracture border with separated and almost disappeared remnant of the tip of the odontoid without free particles in the cord. It was impossible to evaluate atlantoaxial and vertical subluxations with craniometric measurements due to destruction of the tip of odontoid. Following occipitocervical fusion and decompression and a rehabilitation program, his muscle strength improved; however, functional myelopathy stage did not change. Atraumatic fractures of the odontoid process may be more common than reported and may cause compression of the spinal cord or brain stem. Surgery is the treatment of choice but functional recovery is limited once neuronal damage has occurred. Erosion of the critical landmarks makes it difficult to diagnose and follow up atlantoaxial subluxation and/or vertical subluxation, therefore clinicians should consider radiographical follow-ups during the course of the disease.

Femoral bowing plane adaptation to femoral anteversion.

BACKGROUND: Femoral bowing plane (FBP) is the unattended subject in the literature. More over the femoral shaft with its bowing is neglected in established anteversion determination methods. There is limited information about the relationship between FBP and anteversion. Thus we focused on this subject and hypothesized that there could be an adaptation of FBP to anteversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FBP is determined on three-dimensional solid models derived from the left femoral computerized tomography data of 47 patients which were taken before for another reason and comparatively evaluated with anteversion. There were 20 women and 27 men. The mean age of patients was 56 years (range 21-84 years). RESULTS: The anteversion values were found as the angle between a distal condylar axis (DCA) and femoral neck anteversion axis (FNAA) along an imaginary longitudinal femoral axis (LFA) in the true cranio-caudal view. The FBP was determined as a plane that passes through the centre-points of three pre-determinated sections on the femoral shaft. The angles between DCA, FNAA and FBP were comparatively evaluated. The independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. At the end, it was found that FBP lies nearly perpendicular to the anteversion axis for the mean of our sample which is around 89° in females and 93° in males (range 78-102°). On the other hand, FBP does not lie close to the sagittal femoral plane (SFP); instead, there is an average 12.5° external rotation relative to the SFP. FBP is correlated well with anteversion in terms of FBP inclination from SFP and femoral torsion (i.e., angle between FBP and femoral neck anteversion axis (P < 0.001; r = 0.680 and r = -0.682, respectively). Combined correlation is perfect (R2 = 1) as the FBP, SFP, and posterior femoral plane forms a triangle in the cranio-caudal view. CONCLUSIONS: We found that FBP adapts to anteversion. As FBP lies close to perpendicularity for the mean, femoral component positioning perpendicular to the FBP can be an alternate way in the replacement surgeries. In addition, it has been found that FBP lies externally rotated relative to the SFP.

Analysis of centrosome and DNA damage response in PLK4 associated Seckel syndrome.

Microcephalic primordial dwarfism (MPD) is a group of autosomal recessive inherited single-gene disorders with intrauterine and postnatal global growth failure. Seckel syndrome is the most common form of the MPD. Ten genes are known with Seckel syndrome. Using genome-wide SNP genotyping and homozygosity mapping we mapped a Seckel syndrome gene to chromosomal region 4q28.1-q28.3 in a Turkish family. Direct sequencing of PLK4 (polo-like kinase 4) revealed a homozygous splicing acceptor site transition (c.31-3 A>G) that results in a premature translation termination (p.[=,Asp11Profs*14]) causing deletion of all known functional domains of the protein. PLK4 is a master regulator of centriole biogenesis and its deficiency has recently been associated with Seckel syndrome. However, the role of PLK4 in genomic stability and the DNA damage response is unclear. Evaluation of the PLK4-Seckel fibroblasts obtained from patient revealed the expected impaired centriole biogenesis, disrupted mitotic morphology, G2/M delay, and extended cell doubling time. Analysis of the PLK4-Seckel cells indicated that PLK4 is also essential for genomic stability and DNA damage response. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of the severe growth failure associated with PLK4-deficiency.

Relationship of serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels with abdominal fat distribution evaluated by ultrasonography in overweight or obese postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to measure associations of circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels with anthropometric and abdominal fat distribution in overweight or obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: One hundred eight overweight or obese postmenopausal were evaluated. Demographic and anthropometric measurements were done. Serum IL-6, TNF-alpha, glucose, and insulin levels were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated by using homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The assessment of abdominal fat distribution was performed by ultrasonography. Statistical analysis was made with Pearson and partial correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha (r = .19; p = .047). IL-6 was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = .43; p = .0001), waist circumference (r = .41; p = .0001), and visceral fat layer (r = .33; p = .0001) measurements and HOMA-IR index (r = .31, p = .001). A positive relationship between HOMA-IR and visceral fat layer thickness was observed (r = .320; p = .0001). TNF-alpha was positively associated with BMI but not with any measures of central obesity. When adjustment for BMI was performed, there were no significant relationships between the studied parameters. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant correlations between abdominal fat distributions measured by ultrasonography and circulating IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels. BMI may have a stronger association with circulating inflammatory cytokine concentrations than with different measures of central obesity in overweight or obese postmenopausal women.

Relation of intra-abdominal fat distribution to metabolic disorders in nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between intra-abdominal fat distribution and metabolic disorders in nonobese patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: University-based hospital. PATIENT(S): Thirty nonobese patients with PCOS and 30 lean women with regular menstrual cycles (controls). All participants had a body mass index < 25kg/m(2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subcutaneous and intra-abdominal visceral and preperitoneal fat thicknesses were assessed by ultrasonography. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were evaluated by standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and area-under-the-curve analysis. Serum hormones and lipid profile were measured. RESULT(S): The mean preperitoneal and visceral fat thicknesses were significantly greater in nonobese patients with PCOS. Subcutaneous fat mass was similar between the PCOS and control groups. Nonobese patients with PCOS had glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, manifested by high serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and low serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. No correlation existed between subcutaneous fat thickness and the metabolic variables in nonobese patients with PCOS. However, serum triglyceride levels correlated with visceral fat and preperitoneal fat thickness. The mean HDL level correlated negatively with visceral fat and preperitoneal fat thickness. The area under the curve for insulin and mean fasting insulin levels correlated positively with visceral fat thickness. In multiple regression analysis, visceral fat thickness contributed significantly to high serum triglyceride and fasting insulin levels. CONCLUSION(S): Intra-abdominal preperitoneal and visceral fat accumulation may contribute to the development of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in nonobese patients with PCOS.

Implementation of matrix rhythm therapy and conventional massage in young females and comparison of their acute effects on circulation.

OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare the effects of massage and matrix rhythm therapy in young women on the peripheral blood circulation. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. SETTING: Pamukkale University in Denizli, Turkey. PATIENTS: Fifteen healthy women age 19-23 years. INTERVENTION: Matrix rhythm therapy was applied to the left lower extremity for a single 30-minute session. At least 1 week later, massage was applied to the left lower extremity for 30 minutes in a single session. The same physiotherapist applied both sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: The blood velocity (cm/s), artery diameter (mm), and blood flow (ml/min) of the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were measured with color Doppler ultrasonography. All images were evaluated by the same radiologist. RESULTS: After matrix rhythm therapy and massage application, blood velocity, artery diameter, and blood flow in arteries increased. However, matrix rhythm therapy caused a more prominent increase in the amount of blood flow in the popliteal and in the posterior tibial artery than did massage. After matrix rhythm therapy application, the average increases in the blood flow rates in the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were 25.29%±16.55% and 34.33%±15.66%, respectively; after the massage, the increases were 17.84%±17.23% and 16.07%±10.28%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Matrix rhythm therapy and massage increased peripheral blood flow in young women. Matrix rhythm therapy method resulted in more prominent increases.