CT visual quantitative evaluation of hypertensive patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Potential influence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors / angiotensin receptor blockers on severity of lung involvement.

OBJECTIVE: There is not enough data on the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on lung involvement in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and hypertension (HT). Our aim was to compare the lung involvement of the HT patients hospitalized for COVID-19 using ACEIs/ARBs with the patients taking other anti-HT medications. METHODS: : Patients who have a diagnosis of HT among the patients treated for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between 31 March 2020 and 28 May 2020 were included in the study. One hundred and twenty-four patients were divided into two as ACEIs/ARBs group (n = 75) and non-ACEIs/ARBs group (n = 49) according to the anti-HT drug used. The chest CT involvement areas of these two groups were evaluated quantitatively by two observers including all lobes, and total severity score (TSS) was calculated. These TSS values were compared between drug groups and clinical groups. RESULTS: In clinical classification; there were 4 (%3.2) asymptomatic, 5 (4.0%) mild type, 92 (74.1%) common type, 14 (11.3%) severe type, 9 (7.3%) critical type patients. ACEI/ARB group's TSS (mean±SD, 7.74 ± 3.54) was statistically higher than other anti-HT medication group (mean±SD, 4.40 ± 1.89) (p < .001). Likewise, severe-critical clinical type's TSS (mean±SD, 9.17 ± 3.44) was statistically higher than common type (mean±SD, 5.76 ± 3.07) (p < .001). Excellent agreement was established between the two blinded observers in the TSS measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative evaluation of CT and TSS score can give an idea about the clinical classification of the patient. TSS is higher in ACEI/ARB group than non-ACEIs/ARBs group.

Predictive value of fine needle aspiration biopsy of axillary lymph nodes in preoperative breast cancer staging.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of axillary nodal involvement is significant in the management of breast cancer as well as in predicting prognosis. In this prospective study, we evaluated the efficiency of US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in preoperative axillary staging of early breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and July 2013, 46 women were prospectively enrolled in the study. Ultrasound guided-FNABs for axillary assessment were performed preoperatively. Cytology results were compared with histopathology reports to determine its sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value and accuracy. RESULTS: Nineteen cases that had malignant cytology on FNAB also had axillary involvement in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) without any false-positive results. The sensitivity and specificity of US-guided FNAB were 63.3% and 100%, respectively. US-guided FNAB was accurate in predicting the status of the axilla in 76.1% of patients. CONCLUSION: Although this technique is favorable due to its minimally invasive nature, it is not as effective as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in terms of detecting axillary metastasis preoperatively. The low sensitivity and low accuracy rates decrease the usefulness of the technique. Therefore, it seems that US-guided FNAB alone could not replace SLNB. Nevertheless, combining some other molecular studies may be useful in increasing the technique's sensitivity. These issues should be determined by comprehensive clinical trials.

Outcomes of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed using image-guided core needle biopsy: results from a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The clinical management of high-risk lesions using image-guided biopsy is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the rates at which such lesions were upgraded to malignancy and identify possible predictive factors for upgrading high-risk lesions. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter analysis included 1.343 patients diagnosed with high-risk lesions using an image-guided core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Only patients managed using an excisional biopsy or with at least one year of documented radiological follow-up were included. For each, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, number of samples, needle thickness, and lesion size were correlated with malignancy upgrade rates in different histologic subtypes. Pearson's chi-squared test, the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The overall upgrade rate was 20.6%, with the highest rates in the subtypes of intraductal papilloma (IP) with atypia (44.7%; 55/123), followed by atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (38.4%; 144/375), lobular neoplasia (LN) (12.7%; 7/55), papilloma without atypia (9.4%; 58/611), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) (8.7%; 10/114), and radial scars (RSs) (4.6%; 3/65). There was a significant relationship between the upgrade rate and BI-RADS category, number of samples, and lesion size Lesion size was the most predictive factor for an upgrade in all subtypes. CONCLUSION: ADH and atypical IP showed considerable upgrade rates to malignancy, requiring surgical excision. The LN, IP without atypia, pure FEA, and RS subtypes showed lower malignancy rates when the BI-RADS category was lower and in smaller lesions that had been adequately sampled using VAB. After being discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, these cases could be managed with follow-up instead of excision.

Comparison of color doppler US and CT portography in evaluating portal hypertension in children.

OBJECTIVES: To compare grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) findings to that of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) portography in the evaluation of portal hypertension in children. METHODS: Thirty children (mean age, 11.4 years) with definitive clinical and laboratory diagnoses of portal hypertension were included in the study. Liver parenchymal changes, portal vein thrombosis, cavernous transformation, splenomegaly, recanalization of the paraumbilical vein, ascites collateral vessels, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: Liver parenchymal heterogeneity (n = 21) was detected more often by CDUS than MDCT (P = 0.002). CDUS and MDCT established similar results for increased right/left lobe ratio, lobulation of the liver contour, ascites, and splenomegaly. Portal vein thrombosis, cavernous transformation, and recanalization of the paraumbilical vein were comparable between CDUS and MDCT (κ = 1, P < 0.01). Collaterals were detected more by MDCT portography than by CDUS. Esophageal collaterals and azygous vein dilatation were seen only by MDCT portography (P < 0.01, P = 0.024; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CDUS was superior to MDCT in identifying parenchymal changes and hemodynamic parameters. MDCT was superior in detecting abnormal collateral circulation. The combination of these two modalities provides more comprehensive information than either alone in the diagnosis and follow-up of portal hypertension.

The use of Onyx for embolization of peripheral vascular malformations in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: The management of congenital peripheral vascular malformations (VMs) can present a difficult therapeutic challenge. Endovascular transcatheter embolization of peripheral VMs is widely accepted as a first therapeutic option for many VMs. However, data describing the use of Onyx are limited in children with peripheral VMs. Our aim is to retrospectively evaluate the results of transcatheter arterial embolization with Onyx for peripheral VMs in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical and imaging records of 16 patients who underwent 25 embolization procedures by using Onyx for peripheral VMs. In eight cases, embolization procedures were performed once; in seven cases, twice; and in one case, thrice. RESULTS: Embolization was technically complete in 4 patients and incomplete in 12 patients. Clinically, complete success was achieved in nine patients, and partial success was achieved in six patients. In one patient, reflux to the anterior and posterior tibial arteries caused peripheral ischemia, and the patient was referred to undergo plastic surgery. There were no complications in the other 15 patients. CONCLUSION: With future studies to better characterize the safety profile of this agent in peripheral vasculature, embolization with Onyx may become a valuable treatment option for peripheral VMs in pediatric patients.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of peripheral venous malformations in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of percutaneous puncture and sclerosis using polidocanol in the treatment of venous malformations (VMs) in pediatric patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: Between March 2007 and February 2011, a series of 19 patients with VMs on the upper and lower extremities had undergone a total of 89 sessions of intralesional sclerotherapy using polidocanol. All the procedures were performed in an angiographic suite under general anesthesia in order to maintain sedation for facilitating the procedure. For each injection, approximately 1 ml of 2% polidocanol was injected for each centimeter of the diameter of the lesion, with a maximum of 6 ml. Injection of the sclerosant was guided by real-time sonography and fluoroscopy. RESULTS: After the treatment, the symptoms completely resolved in four patients (21%). Clinical symptoms, such as bulging and pain were improved in 12 out of 19 patients (63%). They remained unchanged in three patients (16%). During the procedures, no major complications were encountered. The minor complications (65%) encountered were swelling and pain after treatment which were resolved by taking NSAID within a few days. CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients, sonographically guided percutaneous puncture and fluoroscopically guided sclerosis using 2% polidocanol is effective, less invasive and safe for the treatment of VMs, with a high success rate and minimal complications.

Silicone Granuloma Associated with Pectoral Muscle Involvement after Ruptured Breast Implant: a Novel case report.

In this study, an unusual case of a patient who was previously operated on a ruptured breast implant following silicone granuloma associated with pectoral muscle involvement is reported. A 72-year-old woman had undergone breast augmentation surgery when she was 52-year-old and silicone implant rupture 10 years later. After 10 years of ruptured silicone implant, her mammography showed diffuse, multiple high-density nodules in the left breast. The pectoral muscle was significantly hypertrophic. The magnetic resonance imaging showed that the pectoral muscle was quite hypertrophic and had heterogeneous enhancement. In clinical consideration and the presence of the suspected malignancy, a biopsy was performed. The histological analysis identified pectoral muscle and breast tissue, which had been mainly replaced by giant cells, along with an apparent foreign body response. Silicone granuloma can present itself as a soft tissue mass. Malignancy is the most important differential diagnosis. Meticulous follow-up is recommended for these patients.

OHVIRA syndrome presenting with acute abdomen: a case report and review of the literature.

Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) or Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare congenital urogenital anomaly. A 13-year-old female presented with acute abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed uterus didelphys, hematometrocolpos, obstructed hemivagina, and right renal agenesis. Hemivaginal septal resection and anastomosis between the obstructed hemivagina and the normal vagina was tried, but it was not possible. Unilateral hysterectomy was performed. HWW syndrome may present with acute abdomen and is usually treated with vaginal septum resection and drainage of the hematometrocolpos.

Bifid mandibular condyle: CT and MRI appearance.

Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare asymptomatic morphological alteration with no predilection for age group or gender. Its morphology varies from a shallow groove to two condylar heads with separate necks, oriented mediolaterally or anteroposteriorly. This report describes an unusual case of bilateral mediolateral bifid condyle in a 24-year-old female patient with the main complaint of mouth-opening limitation. MRI and CT findings revealed bilateral bifid condyle.