Measurement of interscalene space volume in diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome: a cadaver study

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to measure the volume of interscalene space in thoracic outlet region on cadavers and radiological images and to analyze the potential value of these measurements in diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Materials and methods: The dimensions of the anterior interscalene space in 8 formalin-fixed human cadavers were studied by direct measurement and additionally evaluation of the volume of this space were done by using mold and volume calculation formula of square pyramid, due to resembling a pyramid. In the second phase of this study, interscalene space volume was calculated by formula and compared to calculations from computed tomography (CT) sections in 18 TOS and 16 control patients. Results: There was a strong correlation between the volume calculated by formula (4.79 ± 2.18 cm3) and by mold (4.84 ± 1.58 cm3), (R = 0.934, p = 0.001) in cadavers. The average volume measured in TOS patients (2.05 ± 0.32 cm3) was significantly smaller than control patients (4.30 ± 1.85 cm3, p < 0.0001). There were excellent or good results in 14 patients whereas in 4 patients who had neurogenic TOS achieved fair results after surgery. In these 4 patients the average volumes of abnormal sides were close to the healthy sides. Conclusion: In our study, volume of interscalene space in TOS patients was statistically smaller than control group. Also, the volume was even smaller in patients with excellent or good results after surgery. In this respect, volumetric measurements from CT sections could be used in diagnosis and treatment selection in TOS patients.

Localized infection and leg ulcer after platelet-rich plasma injection.

Although many studies report effective use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the clinics, almost no study reports any side effects. The patient who was treated with PRP injection in gastrocnemius muscle developed complications. The authors of this study present a case which may show the possible side effects of PRP.

Diaphragmatic thickness in chronic obstructive lung disease and relationship with clinical severity parameters

Background/aim: Sonographic assessment of diaphragm structure and function would be a useful clinical tool in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to determine the muscle thickness of the diaphragm and the usefulness of clinical practice in patients with COPD. Materials and methods: The diaphragmatic thickness of 34 COPD patients and 34 healthy subjects was measured during tidal volume (Tmin) and deep inspiration (Tmax) on both sides using a B-mode ultrasound. The body mass index and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) index values were reported. Results: There was no correlation among TminR (P = 0.134), TminL (P = 0.647), TmaxR (P = 0.721), and TmaxL (P = 0.905) between the patients with COPD and the control group. There was also no significant difference between diaphragmatic thickness and COPD severity, respiratory function (P = 0.410), and frequency of exacerbations (P = 0.881) and mMRC (P = 0.667). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic dysfunction in COPD is related to mobility restriction rather than muscle thickness.

Extraordinary Presentation of Elastofibroma Dorsi After a Thoracotomy Procedure.

Elastofibroma dorsi is a reactive pseudotumor of connective tissue, typically located in the infrascapular region. Awareness of this benign entity is crucial for radiologists, as well as clinicians, to avoid misdiagnosis and potential patient harm. In this report, we present clinical and imaging findings of an elastofibroma dorsi after a thoracotomy procedure.

The evaluation of the effects of steroid treatment on the tumor and peritumoral edema by DWI and MR spectroscopy in brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dexamethasone on brain tumor and peritumoral edema by different sequences of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI was performed in 28 patients with brain tumor. Patients were divided into the 3 groups based on the histological diagnosis; Group I: high-grade glial tumor, Group II: low-grade glial tumor, and Group III: brain metastasis. The measurements of peritumoral edema volume and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were performed while the peak areas of cerebral metabolites were measured by spectroscopy in groups I and II. The changes in edema volumes, ADC values and cholin/creatine peak areas were compared. RESULTS: The volume of peritumoral edema was decreased in groups I and II, but increased in group III after dexamethasone treatment. These changes were not statistically significant for 3 groups. ADC value was decreased in group I and increased in groups II and III. Changes in ADC values were statistically significant. Cholin/creatine peak areas were decreased after dexamethasone in groups I and II, but these changes were also not significant. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone has no significant effect on the volume of peritumoral edema in glial tumor and metastasis. Moreover, dexamethasone increases the fluid movements in low grade gliomas and metastases, decreases in high grade gliomas. However, more comprehensive clinical studies are needed to show the effects of dexamethasone on brain tumors and peritumoral edema.

Plasma Glycated Albumin Levels Clearly Detect Hearing Loss and Atherosclerosis in Patients with Impaired Fasting Glucose.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between atherosclerosis and hearing thresholds in prediabetic patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and to determine the efficacy of glycated albumin in predicting carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with isolated IFG. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 82 patients (aged 53.73-80 years) divided into two groups based on fasting glucose levels, the IFG group: 59 patients (32 females, 54.2%), and the normal fasting plasma glucose level group: 23 patients (12 females, 52.2%). Patients underwent audiological testing to determine hearing thresholds, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured using carotid artery Doppler sonography. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether or not the plasma glycated albumin levels could predict hearing loss and CIMT. RESULTS: Patients in the IFG group (mean age: 59.8 ± 9.5 years) had higher hearing thresholds and pure-tone average scores (PTA) than those in the group with normal glucose levels (mean age: 56.2 ± 10.1 years) (left ear: 27.65 ± 8.85 vs. 25.75 ± 21.96 dB, p = 0.021; right ear: 29.22 ± 8.51 vs. 22.39 ± 6.99 dB, p = 0.001). The CIMT was significantly higher in the IFG group than the control group (0.75 ± 0.26 vs. 0.56 ± 0.16 mm, p < 0.001 for the left and 0.74 ± 0.26 vs. 0.51 ± 0.19 mm, p < 0.001 for the right carotid arteries). Glycated albumin levels were independently related with increased CIMT (left CIMT: r = 0.32, p = 0.003; right CIMT: r = 0.42, p < 0.001), and serum glycated albumin levels were significantly associated with PTA (left ear: r = 0.28, p = 0.01; right ear: r = 0.30, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Sensorineural hearing loss was more common in patients with IFG. Plasma glycated albumin levels were strongly correlated with CIMT and carotid plaques as a marker of atherosclerosis and with hearing impairment thought to develop due to atherosclerosis in patients with IFG.

An Extremely Rare Coexistence: Acute Appendicitis and Multiple Intussusceptions in an Adult.

BACKGROUND: Adult intussusception is a rare phenomenon, acute appendicitis accompanying multiple transient intussusceptions are much more uncommon. Satisfaction and quiting imaging studies after finding an intussusception on ultrasound, may lead diagnostic errors. Radiologists should raise their awareness of imaging findings in intussusception and keep in their mind coexistent troubles in the belly. This unique case presents unusual imaging findings of a rare dual abdominal emergency condition, particularly highlighting the value of abdominal computed tomography. CASE REPORT: 32-year-old female was admitted to Emergency Department with complaints of epigastric abdominal pain and vomiting. US identified 'target' appereance on left paramedian location at umbilical level. Contrast enhanced abdominal CT not only confirmed the enteric intussusception that was demonstrated on previos US, but also showed additional concomitant intussusceptions and inflamed appendix. CONCLUSIONS: Adult intussusception is a rare phenomenon, multiple transient intussusceptions are even more uncommon. This unique report adds, precious clinical and imaging findings of acute appendicitis coexisting with multiple spontaneously resolving intussusceptions, to the literature. Physicians should be alerted for accompanying multiple abdominal pathologies and use justification essentials to make their decisions about the selection of the appropriate imaging modality.

Torsion of the ovary in an incarcerated inguinal hernia.

A 2.5-month-old girl with a left-sided, painful inguinal swelling for the last 2 days was brought to the emergency department. After physical examination and radiological evaluation, the diagnosis of incarcerated inguinal hernia of the ovary was made. Because of the long-standing history, she was taken to the operation room without an attempt for manual reduction. Perioperatively, the torsion of the ovary with distal fallopian tube within the indirect hernia sac was seen. As untwisting of the ovary has resulted in no change in the color, oophorectomy before hernia repair was performed.The majority of the painful inguinal swellings in the infancy are related to incarcerated hernia. The treatment option varies from manual reduction to surgical intervention, depending on the duration from beginning of swelling to the time the exact diagnosis was made. Even though the presence of short-term history and the lack of peritoneal irritation findings are indications for a manual reduction, the suspicion of an ovarian torsion should be raised for ovaries within the incarcerated inguinal hernia, and ovarian viability should be considered before an attempt of manual reduction.

A simple technique for removal of orbital tumors: transmaxillary approach.

In this article, we present the case of a 43-year-old female with a tumor of the orbital base. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined contrast enhancing cavernous hemangioma behind the left bulbus oculi. The surgical resection was performed by transmaxillary approach to the orbit. No clinical complications were observed during three-month follow-up following surgery.

Correlation between physical measurements and observer evaluations of image quality in digital chest radiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between the physical and subjective (observer) image quality metrics in digital chest radiography. METHODS: Five digital radiography systems, four with indirect flat panel detector and one with storage phosphor-based computed radiography system, were used in the study. The physical image quality assessments were carried out using effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) metric and subjective performance of the digital radiography systems was evaluated in terms of inverse image quality figure (IQFinv ) derived from the contrast-detail (CD) diagrams using CDRAD 2.0 phantom and CDRAD phantom analyzer software. All measurements were performed for different tube voltages (70, 81, 90, 102, 110, and 125 kVp) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom thicknesses. An anthropomorphic chest phantom and visual grading analysis (VGA) technique based on European image quality criteria for chest radiography were used for clinical image quality evaluation. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for the investigation of the correlation between physical image quality and clinical image quality. The results showed strong positive correlation between the physical and clinical image quality findings. The minimum correlation coefficient was 0.91 (p < 0.011) for IQFinv vs VGA scores and 0.92 (p < 0.009) for IeDQE vs VGA scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that clinical image quality can be predicted with both physical assessments and contrast-detail detectability studies.

Computed tomography use in minor head injury: attitudes and practices of emergency physicians, neurosurgeons, and radiologists in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the attitudes and practices of emergency physicians (EPs), neurosurgeons, and radiologists in Turkey regarding computed tomography (CT) use for adults with minor head injury (MHI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2015 and October 2016 after obtaining the approval of the institutional ethical committee. The purpose of this study was disclosed to the participants prior to beginning the survey. The study was performed conducting a questionnaire via e-mail on three groups of participants including EPs, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. Participants comprised academic staff at university hospitals as well as department chiefs, specialists, and residents working at university, government, and private hospitals, all of whom are in charge of evaluating MHI patients. RESULTS: A total of 607 participants including 201 (33.1%) EPs, 179 (29.5%) neurosurgeons, and 227 (37.4%) radiologists responded to the survey; 31% of the participants reported awareness and 27.3% reported use of head CT rules in MHI. Awareness and use of the rules were most prominent in EPs group, while the lowest rates were observed in radiologists group (p<0.01). The leading factors inhibiting the use of head CT rules in MHI stated by EPs were medicolegal anxiety (73.6%), expectations of patients and/or patient relatives (72.6%), and time constraints (44.3%). The leading factors stated by neurosurgeons were medicolegal anxiety (60.9%) and expectations of patient and/or patient relatives (46.4%); "not being consulted in the decision-making process to obtain CT in MHI" (65.6%) and medicolegal anxiety (49.8%) were the leading factors stated by radiologists. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that many physicians in Turkey do not have favorable attitudes regarding head CT rules in MHI. Medicolegal anxiety, expectations of patient and/or patient relatives, time constraints, wide availability of CT, and lack of adequate education on radiation protection or on patient dose from imaging are the common reasons for this practice pattern.

Sex determination from scapula by volume rendering technique in Turkish population / Determinación del sexo a partir de la escápula mediante la técnica de representación de volumen en la población turca

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to measure the significant parameters on scapula at computed tomography images and to determine the effects of these parameters for sex determination. The second aim is to find the most effective single and combined parameters to use for sex determination using scapula in Turkish population. In this study, morphometric measurements of scapula on the computed tomography images of 60 male and 60 females were evaluated and their impacts on sex determination were examined via stepwise logistic regression analysis. 10 parameters and 6 indexes calculated via using these parameters were measured. Scapular breadth of the right scapulae (86.7%), maximum scapular length of the left scapulae (85%), scapular breadth of all scapulae (80%) were found to be the most effective single parameters. Combination of the scapular breadth and maximum scapular length were 85%, 90%, 86.7% effective in sex determination on the right scapulae, on the left scapulae and on all of the scapulae, respectively. We believe that the results of this study will contribute to sex determination studies using the scapula in Turkish population for anatomist, anthropologist and forensic scientists.

El objetivo de este estudio fue medir los parámetros significativos en la escápula en imágenes de tomografía computarizada y determinar los efectos de estos parámetros para la determinación del sexo. El segundo objetivo fue encontrar los parámetros individuales y combinados más efectivos para determinar el sexo utilizando la escápula en la población turca. Se evaluaron las medidas morfométricas de la escápula en las imágenes de tomografía computarizada de 60 hombres y 60 mujeres y se examinó su impacto en la determinación del sexo mediante un análisis de regresión logística paso a paso. Se midieron 10 parámetros y 6 índices calculados mediante el uso de estos parámetros. El ancho escapular de la escápula derecha (86,7 %), la longitud escapular máxima de la escápula izquierda (85 %), el ancho escapular de todas las escápulas (80 %) resultaron ser los parámetros individuales más efectivos. La combinación del ancho escapular y la longitud máxima escapular fueron 85%, 90%, 86,7% efectivas en la determinación del sexo en la escápula derecha, en la escápula izquierda y en todas las escápulas, respectivamente. Creemos que los resultados de este estudio contribuirán a los estudios de determinación de sexo utilizando la escápula en la población turca para anatomistas, antropólogos y científicos forenses.

The importance of costoclavicular space on possible compression of the subclavian artery in the thoracic outlet region: a radio-anatomical study.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to identify possible compression points along the transit route of the subclavian artery and to provide a detailed anatomical analysis of areas that are involved in the surgical management of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The results of the current study are based on measurements from cadavers, computed tomography (CT) scans and dry adult first ribs. METHODS: The width and length of the interscalene space and the width of the costoclavicular passage were measured on 18 cervical dissections in 9 cadavers, on 50 dry first ribs and on CT angiography sections from 15 patients whose conditions were not related to TOS. RESULTS: The average width and length of the interscalene space in cadavers were 15.28 ± 1.94 mm and 15.98 ± 2.13 mm, respectively. The widths of the costoclavicular passage (12.42 ± 1.43 mm) were significantly narrower than the widths and lengths of the interscalene space in cadavers (P < 0.05). The average width and length of the interscalene space (groove for the subclavian artery) in 50 dry ribs were 15.53 ± 2.12 mm and 16.12 ± 1.95 mm, respectively. In CT images, the widths of the costoclavicular passage were also significantly narrower than those of the interscalene space (P < 0.05). The measurements from cadavers, dry first ribs and CT images were not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the costoclavicular width was the narrowest space along the passage route of the subclavian artery. When considering the surgical decompression of the subclavian artery for TOS, this narrowest area should always be kept in mind. Since measurements from CT images and cadavers were significantly similar, CT measurements may be used to evaluate the thoracic outlet region in patients with TOS.

Role of inflammatory markers in decreasing negative appendectomy rate: A study based on computed tomography findings.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory markers in decreasing negative appendectomy rate (NAR) based on their relation with findings of acute appendicitis (AA) on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Ninety-two patients who underwent CT examination with suspected AA were included. We investigated the relation between CT findings of AA and laboratory inflammatory markers and also performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to calculate cut-off values of inflammatory markers and CT findings of AA. Appendectomy cases were re-evaluated considering cut-off values to make the operation decision and NAR was recalculated. Chi-squared test was used to compare the actual and recalculated NAR. RESULTS: Cut-off values of appendiceal diameter, appendiceal wall thickness, and caecal wall thickness were 7.9, 2, and 2.3 mm, respectively, for the diagnosis of AA. Cut-off values of WBC , NLR, and CRP on ROC analysis were 7.47, 4.06 and 13, respectively, for the diagnosis of AA. When the actual and recalculated NAR (21.9% versus 9.1%) were compared, the difference was found to be almost significant (p=0.058). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers are not sufficiently powerful on their own to accurately diagnose AA. However, particularly in equivocal cases, proposed cut-off values may be helpful for accurate diagnosis and a lower NAR can be achieved.

Presence of vascular loops entering internal acoustic channel may increase risk of Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and reduce recovery of these patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze whether there is correlation between branching patterns of anterior inferior cerebellar artery/posterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA/PICA) in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) area, as demonstrated by three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D FIESTA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1) idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) outcomes and 2) recovery of ISSNHL. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated patients with idiopathic SSNHL for branching patterns of AICA/PICA in CPA area, as demonstrated by 3D FIESTA MRI. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with SSNHL (32 [47.1%] women; mean age 45.3 ± 14.6 [minimum-maximum: 18-77]) and 38 healthy volunteers [17 (44.7%) women; mean age 48.6 ± 14.0 (minimum-maximum: 26-81)] were included in this study. We evaluated patients for branching patterns and classified as type IA, IB, IIA, and IIB. Branching patterns were evaluated at the diseased side of the patients and both sides of the control group. Pretreatment and posttreatment audiological values were also studied. RESULTS: AICA/PICA branching patterns in control group versus study group in the affected side were: 26 (34.2%) versus 12 (17.6%) subjects had type IA; seven (9.2%) versus nine (13.2%) subjects had type IB; 31 (40.8%) versus 23 (33.8%) subjects had type IIA; and 12 (15.8) versus 24 (35.3%) subjects had type IIB branching patterns, respectively. Presence of vascular loops entering internal acoustic channel (type IIB branching pattern) was more prominent in the study group (P = 0.017). In addition, type IIB branching pattern was significantly associated with unresponsiveness to treatment (18 [75%] of 24 patients with type IIB were unresponsive and 14 [47.0%] of 30 patients with nontype IIB were unresponsive, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Type IIB branching pattern has been shown to be more common in patients with ISSNHL, and these patients come across with unresponsiveness to standard therapy more than the other branching types. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:210-215, 2017.

In-situ Cranioplasty after Microvascular Decompression: A Technical Note.

Cranioplasty is not only performed for cosmetic reasons but also for physiological requirements to balance the cerebral hemodynamics and to protect the brain from external traumas. Methyl methacrylate is one of the most preferred materials for cranioplasty. It is usually prepared out of the surgical site and therefore modelling of the cranioplasty material to fit the bone defect is sometimes difficult. In this technical note, we present our new technique of cranioplasty with methyl methacrylate in which the material is prepared on site of the bone defect and very easily shaped. Fixation materials are not needed. This technique is especially suitable for posterior fossa surgeries after craniectomy.

Twinkling artifact on color Doppler ultrasound: an advantage or a pitfall?

The twinkling artifact (TA) or color comet-tail artifact is characterized by a rapidly changing mixture of red and blue color Doppler signals. Even though many diseases and clinical conditions have been shown to produce this artifact, its source is not clearly understood yet. The TA may provide additional information to gray-scale ultrasound findings in several clinical situations. However, there may be pitfalls to keep in mind. We must first be aware of the TA to benefit from the advantages and avoid the pitfalls. In this review, we aim to give practicing radiologists an overview of the mechanisms and clinical applications of the TA by illustrating sample cases we have encountered.

Ileocaecal Intussusception with a Lead Point: Unusual MDCT Findings of Active Crohn's Disease Involving the Appendix.

Adult intussusception is a rare entity accounting for 1% of all bowel obstructions. Unlike intussusceptions in children, which are idiopathic in 90% of cases, adult intussusceptions have an identifiable cause (lead point) in the majority of cases. Crohn's disease (CD) may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the appendix. It was shown to be a predisposing factor for intussusception. Here, we report a rare case of adult intussusception with a lead point, emphasizing diagnostic input of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in a patient with active CD that involves the appendix.

Patient doses from CT examinations in Turkey.

PURPOSE: We aimed to establish the first diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for computed tomography (CT) examinations in adult and pediatric patients in Turkey and compare these with international DRLs. METHODS: CT performance information and examination parameters (for head, chest, high-resolution CT of the chest [HRCT-chest], abdominal, and pelvic protocols) from 1607 hospitals were collected via a survey. Dose length products and effective doses for standard patient sizes were calculated from the reported volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). RESULTS: The median number of protocols reported from the 167 responding hospitals (10% response rate) was 102 across five different age groups. Third quartile CTDIvol values for adult pelvic and all pediatric body protocols were higher than the European Commission standards but were comparable to studies conducted in other countries. CONCLUSION: The radiation dose indicators for adult patients were similar to those reported in the literature, except for those associated with head protocols. CT protocol optimization is necessary for adult head and pediatric chest, HRCT-chest, abdominal, and pelvic protocols. The findings from this study are recommended for use as national DRLs in Turkey.

Temporal Bone Posterior Wall Defect, a New Clinic Entity?

OBJECTIVE: To define clinical and audiological findings in patients with temporal bone posterior wall defects (TBPWD) and to investigate possible relationships between these findings and the characteristics of the defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computed tomography (CT) views of 1198 patients with vestibulocochlear symptoms between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated, and TBPWD and associated anomalies were investigated. Patients who had TBPWD were called back, and clinical and audiological examinations (tympanometry, pure tone audiometry, acoustic reflexes, and otoacoustic emission) were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (2.34%) patients had TBPWD. Twenty-three of them were eligible for the study. Size of the defect was significantly correlated with the presence of tinnitus and/or vertigo (p<0.005). The cut-off values for the largest size of TBPWD were 1.65 mm [sensitivity: 0.67 and specificity: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.58-0.97); p=0.04] in case of the presence of tinnitus and 1.85 for vertigo (sensitivity: 0.78 and specificity: 0.86 (95% CI: 0.67-0.99); p=0.006). In pure tone audiometry tests, mixed-type hearing loss was present in four (17%) patients, sensorineural hearing loss was present in three (13%) patients, and conductive-type hearing loss was present only in one (4%) patient. Otoacoustic emission tests revealed significant differences in signal/noise ratios at frequencies of 500, 750, 1000, and 6000 Hz. CONCLUSION: For the first time in the literature, we defined clinical and audiological findings in patients with TBPWDs. These defects seem to cause more prevalent symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus and disturb the audiological characteristics of patients.