The analysis of the cases of aspired fuel oil and gasoline through siphonage method.

Accidental aspiration of petroleum products in children can also be witnessed in adults working with petroleum products by siphonage or swallowing fire for demonstration purposes. Ten cases admitted to Yuzuncu Yil University Emergency Service due to fuel oil and gasoline aspiration in a three-year period were retrospectively analysed. All cases were males and their average age was determined as 32,4 +/- 7.83 years. Three of the patients aspirated gasoline and 7 fuel oil. Blood gas values in all patients were at normal levels and their average white blood cell values were 16,590. The most frequent symptom for referral to our service was shortness of breath. Infiltration was confirmed in the chest X-ray of 2 patients with aspirated fuel oil and all cases of gasoline aspiration. All patients received methylprednisolone and IV proton-pump inhibitors for treatment. Eight patients were given antibiotics. All victims were discharged from the hospital after recovery. Aspiration of petroleum products which is normally rarely seen is witnessed more frequently in under developed countries. Since the findings determined by screening methods are often nonspecific, history is important for making a diagnosis.

Analysis of cases with tuberculous peritonitis: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tuberculous peritonitis (TP) is a rare form of tuberculosis and is caused by peritoneal involvement with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A distinctive correlation exists between socioeconomic state and disease prevalence. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings of patients with TP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in patients with peritoneal tuberculosis from January 2004 to October 2008 at Yuzuncu Yil University Medical School Education and Research Hospital. During this time, the data of 21 patients (17 females) with TP were reviewed. RESULTS: Fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia were the most common symptoms. An analysis of ascites showed lymphocyte predominance and low albumin gradient in all patients. Patients with TP had a median ascites adenosine deaminase (ADA) level of 139 U/L (range, 25 to 303U/L). Peritoneal involvement (wet peritonitis) was seen in all the cases. Following 6-month administration of combined anti-TBC treatment, mean serum CA-125 levels were within the normal range among patients who had previously higher serum CA-125 level. Mortality rate in the total cases was 4.6%. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative ascites in eastern Turkey. A high level of suspicion is required, especially in high-risk populations living in rural areas. ADA seems to be a sufficient, safe, and inexpensive method to perform the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. Serum CA-125 levels may play a key role to support the diagnosis as well as disease management of TP.

Serum YKL-40 Levels in Patients with Gastric Cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: YKL-40 is secreted by several types of tumors. Increased serum YKL-40 levels have been reported in prostate, glioblastoma, breast and colorectal cancers. Determination of YKL-40 levels may serve as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum YKL-40 levels expressed in gastric carcinomas. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, we retrospectively reviewed 100 patients with gastric cancer and compared their serum samples to 75 healthy volunteers. YKL-40 levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We found significantly higher serum levels of YKL-40 in patients with gastric cancer compared to the healthy population (P < 0.0001). We also found significant differences in serum YKL-40 levels between female and male patients with gastric cancer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: YKL-40 is over-expressed in gastric cancer, suggesting a more aggressive phenotype. YKL-40 may be a useful serum biomarker for gastric cancer identification, and future studies should focus on the role of YKL-40 in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer and responsiveness toward treatment.

Small Bowel Obstruction due to Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckel's diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. Small bowel obstruction due to mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication. Herein, we report the diagnosis and management of a small bowel obstruction occurring due to mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum.