Thoracic Air Leak Syndrome, Pulmonary Aspergillosis, and COVID-19 Pneumonia After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Child With Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Thoracic air leak syndromes (TALS) are very rare among the noninfectious pulmonary complications (PCs). They can either be idiopathic or have several risk factors such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), graft versus host disease and rarely pulmonary aspergillosis. We present a 14-year-old girl with hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome who developed graft versus host disease on day 60, TALS on day 150, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome on day 300, pulmonary aspergillosis on day 400 and COVID-19 pneumonia on day 575 after allo-HSCT. This is the first report of a child who developed these subsequent PCs after allo-HSCT. Therefore, the manifestations of these unfamiliar PCs like TALS and COVID-19 pneumonia, and concomitant pulmonary aspergillosis with management options are discussed.

Shear wave elastography evaluation of brachial plexus in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease characterized by inflammation involving the peripheral nerves. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is potentially a method of choice for detecting peripheral nerve involvement. PURPOSE: To compare the degree of thickening and nerve elasticity of brachial plexus (BP) nerve roots and evaluate the usefulness of sonoelastography in patients with clinically diagnosed MS without brachial plexopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with MS and 32 controls were included in the study. Bilateral C5, C6, and C7 mean nerve root diameters, and mean elasticity values in kiloPascal (kPa) were measured in the patient and control groups. The relationship between the age, height, and weight values and nerve diameter-elasticity values of the patient and control groups was compared. RESULTS: The elasticity values of the C5 and C6 nerve roots were increased, and the nerve root thickness was decreased in the MS group compared to that in the control (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the C7 mean nerve root elasticity (kPa) and diameter measurements in the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed an increase in the BP nerve root elasticity values (kPa) in patients with MS compared to that of the control group and a decrease in diameter values thought to be related to the possible chronic atrophic process. The results are consistent with the demyelinating process of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) due to MS.

Shear wave elastography evaluation in predicting the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema hydrostatic reduction technique in ileocolic intussusception.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is the invagination of the proximal intestinal segment into the distal portion. Reduction procedures with fluid or air have been used as the primary treatment of choice in clinically stable children. PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of intestinal wall elasticity measurements by shear wave elastography (SWE) to predict the success of ultrasound-guided saline enema (USGSE) reduction. METHODS: USGSE was performed, if not contraindicated otherwise, after the diagnosis of ileocecal intussusception via the ultrasound (US). The length and diameter of the intussusception and the median stiffness of the intestine were measured before USGSE. RESULTS: Seventeen children were diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception via grayscale US assessment. Two children whose SWE images became artifacts due to inadaptability were excluded from the study. Thus, the study involved 15 patients (9 boys, 6 girls; age range = 11-48 months). There was no statistically significant association between age and median stiffness measurement in kilopascal (kPa). (P > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the median stiffness measurement (kPa) and the length of intussusception (r = 0.547; P = 0.035). There was no statistically significant relationship between median stiffness measurement (kPa) and short-axis diameter of intussusception (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stiffness assessment of the intestinal wall in ileocolic intussusception during the US examination, which is the gold standard in the intussusception assessment, can be used as a new criterion for predicting the performance of the USGSE technique and might be useful in making decisions regarding the clinical management of ileocolic intussusception.

Cochlear Implantation in Inner Ear Malformations: Considerations Related to Surgical Complications and Communication Skills.

INTRODUCTION: There are particular challenges in the implantation of malformed cochleae, such as in cases of facial nerve anomalies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, erroneous electrode insertion, or facial stimulation, and the outcomes may differ depending on the severity of the malformation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of inner ear malformations (IEMs) on surgical complications and outcomes of cochlear implantation. METHODS: In order to assess the impact of IEMs on cochlear implant (CI) outcomes, 2 groups of patients with similar epidemiological parameters were selected from among 863 patients. Both the study group (patients with an IEM) and control group (patients with a normal inner ear) included 25 patients who received a CI and completed at least 1 year of follow-up. Auditory performance, receptive and expressive language skills, and production and use of speech were evaluated preoperatively and at least 1 year after implantation. Types of surgical complications and rates of revision surgeries were determined in each group. RESULTS: In the study group, the most common malformation was an isolated enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) (44.8%). Overall, the patients with IEMs showed significant improvement in auditory-verbal skills. In general, the patients who had normal cochleae scored significantly better compared to patients with IEMs (p < 0.05). The complication rate was significantly lower in the control group compared to the study group (p = 0.001), but the rate of revision surgeries did not differ significantly (p = 0.637). CONCLUSION: It is possible to improve communication skills with CIs in patients with IEMs despite the variations in postoperative performances. Patients with EVA, incomplete partition type 2, and cochlear hypoplasia type 2 were the best performers in terms of auditory-verbal skills. Patients with IEMs scored poorly compared to patients with normal cochleae. CSF leak (gusher or oozing) was the most common complication during surgery, which is highly likely in cases of incomplete partition type 3.

Measuring stiffness of normal medial collateral ligament in healthy volunteers via shear wave elastography.

PURPOSE: We aim to determine a reference data set for normal medial collateral ligament (MCL) stiffness values using shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: Quantitative stiffness of the MCL was measured at three levels: the proximal (MCL area from the level of the medial meniscus to the level of the femoral attachment), the middle (MCL area at the level of the medial meniscus), and the distal (MCL area from the level of the medial meniscus to the level of the tibial attachment) segments of the MCL at a knee position of 0°. RESULTS: A total of 60 MCL of 30 healthy volunteers (15 female, 15 male) were examined. The mean stiffness values of the proximal, middle, and distal MCL for observer 1 were 32.25 ± 6.44, 34.25 ± 6.84, and 35.47 ± 6.98, respectively. The mean stiffness values of the proximal, middle, and distal MCL for observer 2 were 33.56 ± 6.76, 35.44 ± 6.91, and 36.32 ± 7.04, respectively. CONCLUSION: SWE has a strong potential to be a method of choice for evaluating MCL stiffness. Our study participants were healthy volunteers and the data can be used as reference data for future studies.

Evaluation of schwannoma using the 3D-SPACE sequence: comparison with the 3D-CISS sequence in 3T-MRI

Background/aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy and interobserver reliability of the T2-weighted 3D-SPACE (three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions) sequence in comparison with T2-weighted 3D-CISS (three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state) sequences for diagnosis of schwannomas. Materials and methods: Forty patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA), internal acoustic canal (IAC), and cochlear schwannoma who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the 3D-CISS and 3D-SPACE sequences were identified. The sequences were retrospectively evaluated by two radiologists for the qualitative analyses, which were subsequently compared using the Mann­Whitney U test. Following this, kappa values were used for interobserver agreement. P < 0.05 was considered to be of statistical significance. Results: The interobserver agreement was found to be excellent between the two observers for the interpretation of all qualitative analyses for both sequences (kappa value > 0.8). The 3D-SPACE sequences demonstrated significantly better qualitative scores and fewer artifacts compared with the 3D-CISS sequences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that 3D-SPACE is superior to 3D-CISS in the imaging process of the schwannoma in terms of image quality, description of the relationship between the lesion and cranial nerve, signal differentiation between lesion and cistern, and signal differentiation between the lesion and adjacent brain.

Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging findings of children with neurologic complications after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging findings in children diagnosed with neurologic complications after liver transplantation (LT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 patients diagnosed with neurologic complications following LT between 2010 and 2016. Neuroradiologic imaging was performed using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Descriptive statistics regarding age, gender, type of complication, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities were calculated and presented as number and percentage. RESULTS: Our series consisted of 18 girls and 21 boys. Cryptogenic hepatitis (n = 13, 32%), metabolic diseases (Wilson's disease, tyrosinemia and glycogen storage disease) (n = 7, 18%) and fulminant toxic hepatitis (n = 4, 11%) constitute the most frequent indications for LT. The indications for neuroradiological imaging were convulsion and alteration of mental status. CONCLUSION: These central nervous system complications may present in a variable spectrum and convulsions and altered mental state were the most frequent clinical pictures. Imaging studies were normal in approximately one-third of cases; the most frequent pathologic findings were diffuse cerebral edema, atrophy, and PRES. Clinical history, careful examination and integrated analysis of radiologic data as well as close collaboration and multidisciplinary approach are of utmost importance for establishing the diagnosis rapidly and accurately.

A Rare Cause of Urinary Incontinence in a Child: A Case of Tarlov Cyst and a Review of Literature.

Tarlov cysts are formed by ectasia of the perineural spaces around the spinal nerve roots in or distal to the dorsal root ganglion. The cerebrospinal fluid constitutes the cerebrospinal fluid content. Pathogenesis and clinical findings remain unclear. The majority of the defects are asymptomatic. However, in the case of nerve root or spinal cord compression, symptoms such as low back pain, radiculopathy, and bowel and bladder dysfunction occur. Tarlov cyst is rare, and there is limited data on its clinical findings and incidence. This study presents a 10-year-old child patient with urinary incontinence and a Tarlov cyst. This is an interesting case due to the limited data about Tarlov cysts in pediatric patients.

New perspectives for the treatment and follow-up of glycogen storage disease type V: DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid with modified Atkins diet and quadriceps femoris shear wave elastography.

OBJECTIVES: Glycogen storage disease type V is caused by the mutations in muscle glycogen phosphorylase gene. This is the first report which DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid was used in combination with modified Atkins diet for the treatment of a patient with glycogen storage disease type V and quadriceps femoris shear wave elastography was performed to evaluate the treatment efficacy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old girl was referred with fatigue and muscle cramps with exercise and there were no pathological findings in physical examination. Creatine kinase levels with 442 U/L. No phosphorylase enzyme activity was detected in muscle biopsy, a homozygous c.1A>G (p.M1V) pathogenic mutation was found in PYGM gene. She was started on DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid and modified Atkins diet at age 16. Her walking and stair climbing capacity increased, the need for rest during exercise decreased. The stiffness of the quadriceps femoris exhibited a reduction. CONCLUSIONS: DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid and modified Atkins diet may provide an alternative fuel and shear wave elastography may be useful in demonstrating treatment efficacy. More clinical and pre-clinical studies are obviously needed to reach more definite conclusions.

A Classification for Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Childhood: Extending Beyond Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS:  Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare condition in childhood, with the exception of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). However, no classification exists from a pediatric gastroenterologist's perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  The patients with a diagnosis of GOO between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified the patients according to GOO: presence of clinical findings accompanied by radiological and/or endoscopic findings; clinical status: intractable nonbilious postprandial vomiting alone or with abdominal pain, early satiety, weight loss, postprandial abdominal distension, and malnutrition; radiology: delayed gastric emptying and dilated stomach; endoscopy: nonbilious gastric contents after 6-8 hours of emptying and/or failed pyloric intubation; physical examination: visible gastric peristalsis. RESULTS:  A total of 30 GOO patients (15 patients with IHPS, 1 patient with annular pancreas, 4 patients with gastric volvulus, 2 patients with duodenal atresia, 2 patients with antral web, 1 patient with late-onset hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (LHPS) had surgical treatment, and remaining 5 patients had medical treatment) were enrolled to the study. The median age was 8 months (range: 3 months-16 years), and 14 patients were female. Mitochondrial disorders, LHPS, metabolic disorders, and eosinophilic gastrointestinal system diseases were added to Sharma's GOO classification, and the classification has been expanded. CONCLUSION:  This is the first and largest study of GOO in children. From the perspective of pediatric gastroenterology, new diseases will be addressed, and definitions will be highlighted with our classification for GOO in childhood.

Shear-wave elastography evaluation of adrenal glands in healthy newborns: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: Establishing standard shear-wave elastography (SWE) values for healthy newborns can help distinguish normal conditions of the adrenal gland (AG) from pathological conditions. We aimed to establish a reference data set for AG stiffness values using SWE in healthy newborns. METHODS: The quantitative stiffness of the AG was measured in the coronal plane in kilopascal (kPa). The quantitative descriptive statistics were presented as mean with standard deviation and median with range. The relationship between the quantitative variables was calculated using "Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test." The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test was used to analyze intraobserver reliability. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 120 AGs of 60 healthy newborns (30 females and 30 males) was examined. The mean stiffness values of the right AG for the first and second visits were 7.51±2.45 and 7.54±2.49 kPa, respectively, and those of the left AG for the first and second visits were 7.60±2.03 and 7.42±1.97 kPa, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of adrenal stiffness and the length and width of AG and weight, height, and age (p>0.05). The ICC values for mean stiffness values of each AG were >0.80-0.90, indicating good intraobserver agreement. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first SWE study to evaluate the AG in healthy newborns. Our study's data can be used as a reference for future research.

Shear Wave Elastography Evaluation of Meniscus Degeneration with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic efficiency of shear wave elastography in the grading of meniscal degeneration compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were included in the study (who had bilateral knee MRI). Tissue elasticity was measured in the coronal plane from the meniscus body in kilopascal. Nonparametric testing (Mann-Whitney U) was utilized to assess the differences between mean elasticity of the meniscus tissue, gender. The inter-intraobserver agreement was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient. The correlations between the mean elasticity of the meniscus versus age, height, and body mass index were calculated via the "Pearson Correlation Coefficient Test." The relationship between MRI meniscal degeneration grading and elastography elasticity module was determined via the "Spearman Correlation Test." A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Inter-intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient of the lateral and medial meniscus mean stiffness values were good or excellent (>0.8). A statistically significant increase in stiffness of meniscus tissue was observed with an increase in age (p = 0.003 for medial menisci, 0.006 for lateral menisci). Tissue stiffness was higher in the medial meniscus than the lateral meniscus (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the MRI meniscal degeneration grade and tissue stiffness (p < 0.05). Additionally, mean stiffness values from lateral and medial menisci were higher in the group with degeneration (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Meniscus stiffness is increased with aging. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between meniscal stiffness and degeneration grading in MRI.

Diaphragmatic Mesothelial Cyst: Radiological Appearance and Follow-Up Results During Childhood.

ABSTRACT: To identify radiological findings of diaphragmatic mesothelial cysts (DMC) in the pediatric age group and to assess follow-up outcomes.In this study, 27 pediatric age group patients were evaluated with ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging due to various clinical indications and diagnosed with DMC from May 2014 to September 2018. Age, sex, imaging indications and DMC localization, volumes in the first diagnosis, and follow-ups were retrospectively evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used for age, sex, imaging indications, and volume are presented as numbers and percentages.Ages range from 5 months to 13 years. Nine girls and 18 boys included in this study. The most common imaging indications were abdominal pain, diarrhea, and obesity. The mean volume of DMC was at first 2.62 and 2.45 mL during the follow-ups. There was volume reduction in 24 cases, and no change in 3 cases. Mean follow-up duration was 22.4 months. The US imaging findings were similar for all cases, bilobular cystic lesion with fat indentation between the cyst and liver parenchyma.The typical localization and lateral fat sign are useful in differential diagnosis of DMC from cystic lesions of liver. The US is a very effective and beneficial radiological method for diagnosis and follow-up. Routine clinical and sonographic follow-ups may be sufficient for asymptomatic patients with stable cyst volume.

Optic Canal Diameters According to Age in the Pediatric Population.

PURPOSE: To determine the normal range of optic canal diameters in the Turkish pediatric population. METHODS: Brain, orbital, and maxillofacial computed tomography examinations were evaluated retrospectively. Children with cranial bone disorders affecting the bone structure of the optic canal were excluded from the study. Oblique axial and oblique sagittal multiplanar reformatted images were created in accordance with the axis of the optic canal on both sides, and measurements were taken from the shortest transverse and craniocaudal diameters of the optic canal in these images. RESULTS: Two hundred computed tomography examinations were evaluated. One hundred two of the patients were female and the rest were male. Patient ages ranged from 1 to 211 months (mean ± standard deviation: 86.42 ± 65.39 months). There was no significant difference between the transverse and craniocaudal optic canal diameters between sexes (P > .05). Therefore, the analyses were reevaluated in the entire patient series, regardless of sex. No significant correlation was found in the correlation test performed between optic canal diameters according to the age of the patients. No statistically significant difference was observed between the right and left optic canal diameters. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of normal values of tissues, structures, and organs that differs with age has an important role in pediatric radiology. The authors believe that the determination of normal optic canal diameters according to certain age groups will meet the needs of daily practice. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(5):319-323.].

The effect of chemotherapy type and timing among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices in colorectal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Catheter-related complications are observed in infusion of chemotherapy, and these were encountered with targeted therapies. Our principle is to study non-mechanical effects of type and initiation time of chemotherapy among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVAD) inserted in patients with colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: This is a one-center retrospective cohort study. We analyzed TIVAD related complications in 624 patients with colorectal carcinoma. The patients were categorized by chemotherapy type (non-target-directed chemotherapy agents (Group A), bevacizumab (Group B), and cetuximab (Group C)). Additionally, we divided the patients into groups by the time interval between TIVAD insertion and chemotherapy initiation. According to our study, a 3-day period was optimal. Therefore, we named the groups as within 3 days and beyond 3 days, and called this process 3 days cut-off. Age, gender, jugular-subclavian access, platelet count, INR, the types of chemotherapy, and the initiation time of chemotherapy were investigated by survival tests. We compared chemotherapy type groups both one-by-one and combined into one group. RESULTS: The TIVADs were removed due to the complications in 11 patients of Group A, 6 patients of Group B, and 3 patients of Group C. Only chemotherapy type was significant (p = 0.011) in Cox regression test. A clear difference (p = 0.010) was detected between the catheter patency of Group A and combination of Groups B and C, because of skin necrosis and thrombosis. Within 3 days of their first chemotherapy day, an important difference between Group A and Group C (p = 0.013) was observed in the TIVAD patency. The same observation was made between Group A and Group B (p = 0.007). Beyond this period, no major difference was detected (p = 0.341). CONCLUSION: A major effect on catheter patency was detected by using the target-directed chemotherapy agent within 3 days, which should be considered in target-directed chemotherapy.

The Change in the Renal Pelvis Anterior-Posterior Diameter Between Prevoiding and Postvoiding Status, and Its Correlation With Vesicoureteral Reflux.

In this study, our aim was to evaluate the significance of the change in renal pelvis anterior-posterior diameter (RPAPD) before and after micturition between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)-positive and -negative patients to whom had voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed.In this study, 69 children, age ranging from 0 to 12 years, were included. Before the VCUG imaging, the RPAPD was measured first with a full bladder and then after urination via ultrasound (US). The differences between in RPAPD measurements were noted and values compared made among VUR-positive and -negative children. Data distribution was inhomogeneous, and the Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was utilized instead of Student t test. There was no statistically significant difference in prevoiding and postvoiding RPAPD in VUR (+) and VUR (-) patients (P = 0.672). There was no statistically significant relation between VUR and the presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.126). Vesicoureteral reflux is more common in patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between prevoiding and postvoiding RPAPD change and VUR diagnosis (P = 0,164).Ultrasound is the modality of choice for urinary system evaluation. Diagnosis of hydronephrosis via US is not sufficient in predicting VUR; however, indirect findings may reveal the diagnosis. A decrease in RPAPD in postvoiding US evaluation may not rule out the VUR diagnosis for this reason further imaging modalities, such as VCUG, should be taken into consideration for the patients with clinical suspicion.

Obstructive jaundice and severe pancreatitis due to the foramen of Winslow hernia with multiple anomalies.

Internal hernia through the foramen of Winslow is a very rare condition, especially in children. Here we report a 16-month-old girl who presented with obstructive jaundice and elevation of pancreatic enzymes and was ultimately diagnosed with internal hernia and malrotation by radiologic investigation and open approach surgery. To the best of our knowledge, obstructive jaundice with pancreatitis and other congenital abnormalities in children with the foramen of Winslow hernia have not been reported previously in the literature.