Comparison of intrahepatic vein-to-liver parenchyma and intercostal muscle-to-liver parenchyma strain ratios in the assessment of liver fibrosis: which one should we use?

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to investigate whether there is a difference in diagnostic value between vein to parenchyma strain ratio (VPSR) and muscle to parenchyma strain ratio (MPSR). METHODS: VPSR and MPSR were calculated via sonoelastography, and were recorded for comparison with histopathology. ROC analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study included 59 cases of individuals who underwent biopsy (29 women, 30 men). When the threshold value for VPSR was set at 3.23, the sensitivity was 96.2% and the specificity was 83.3% (p < 0.001, F ≥ 1). When the threshold value was set at 3.01 for MPR, the sensitivity was 88.7% and the specificity was 83.3% (p < 0.001, F ≥ 1). The areas under the curve values were VPSR 0.95 and MPSR 0.92 for F ≥ 1, VPSR 0.94 and MPSR 0.92 for F ≥ 2, and VPSR 1.00 and MPSR 0.76 for F = 3 (p < 0.001). The Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.75, and a high positive concordance was found between VPSR and MPSR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a high positive correlation was observed between two strain ratios, and VPSR was found to be more reliable than MPSR in determining liver fibrosis.

Evaluation of treatment response by multiparametric MR imaging in locally advanced rectal tumors following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of multiparametric MRI examination in determining tumor response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal tumors. METHODS: 46 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma were included and were divided into two groups as complete responders and nonresponders based on Mandard score. On MRI, relative T2w signal intensity and ADC values obtained before and after treatment and tumour volumes in dynamic contrast enhanced images (DCI) were used to determine complete response to treatment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between mean ADC values obtained by single slice ADC and three circular ROI methods. There were significant differences between two groups in terms of Post-CRT ADC value, ΔADC and %ΔADC obtained by whole tumour volume ADC method (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between Pre-CRT and Post-CRT volume values. ΔV DCI and %ΔV DCI, ΔV ADC and T2w volume values were significantly lower in complete responders (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 88.9% and 91.9% (AUC = 0.943) when Post-CRT mean ADC value and Post-CRT DCI volume values were used together, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 88.9% and 94.6% (AUC = 0.949) when ΔADC and Post-CRT DCI volume values were used together. CONCLUSION: Whole tumour volume mean ADC value is the most useful method to determine treatment response. Post-CRT DCI volume measurement stands out as the most useful method in assessing complete response alone. The highest diagnostic values are achieved when the post-CRT DCI volume is combined with the ADC change value of the whole tumor volume.

Evaluation of abdominal computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and interrogate the relationship between abdominal CT findings and patient demographic features, clinical findings, and laboratory test results as well as the CT atherosclerosis score in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicenter retrospective study. The abdominal CT findings of 1.181 patients with positive abdominal symptoms from 26 tertiary medical centers with a positive polymerase chain-reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were reviewed. The frequency of ischemic and non-ischemic CT findings as well as the association between CT findings, clinical features, and abdominal aortic calcific atherosclerosis score (AA-CAS) were recorded. RESULTS: Ischemic and non-ischemic abdominal CT findings were detected in 240 (20.3%) and 328 (27.7%) patients, respectively. In 147 patients (12.4%), intra-abdominal malignancy was present. The most frequent ischemic abdominal CT findings were bowel wall thickening (n = 120; 10.2%) and perivascular infiltration (n = 40; 3.4%). As for non-ischemic findings, colitis (n = 91; 7.7%) and small bowel inflammation (n = 73; 6.2%) constituted the most frequent disease processes. The duration of hospital stay was found to be higher in patients with abdominal CT findings than in patients without any positive findings (13.8 ± 13 vs. 10.4 ± 12.8 days, P < 0.001). The frequency of abdominal CT findings was significantly higher in patients who did not survive the infection than in patients who were discharged after recovery (41.7% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). Increased AA-CAS was found to be associated with a higher risk of ischemic conditions in abdominal CT examinations. CONCLUSION: Abdominal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 are usually associated with positive CT findings. The presence of ischemic findings on CT correlates with poor COVID-19 outcomes. A high AA-CAS is associated with abdominal ischemic findings in patients with COVID-19.

Simplified gyral pattern with cerebellar hypoplasia in Sedaghatian type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia: a clinical report and review of the literature.

We report on a patient with Sedaghatian type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SSMD) who presented with metaphyseal dysplasia, congenital atrioventricular block, simplified gyral pattern, hypogenesis of corpus callosum, and severe cerebellar hypoplasia. We want to emphasize that in this rare congenital lethal skeletal dysplasia with unknown etiology, central nervous system malformations might be a major component of the disorder and should be evaluated in detail to possibly uncover the underlying pathophysiology.

Ultrasonography in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: comparison of cross-sectional area and swelling ratio with electrophysiological severity.

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic measurements in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) and to assess the relationship between the measurements and the electrophysiological severity. The largest anteroposterior diameter (LAPD) and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the ulnar nerve were noted at multiple levels along the arm, and the distal-to-proximal ratios were calculated. Almost all of the measurements and swelling ratios between patients and controls showed statistically significant differences. The largest CSA, distal/largest CSA ratio, CSA at the epicondyle, and proximal LAPD had larger areas under the curve than other measurements. The sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing UNE were 95% and 71% for the largest CSA, 83% and 85% for the distal/largest CSA ratio, 83% and 81% for the CSA at the epicondyle, and 93% and 43% for the proximal LAPD, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the electrophysiological severity scale score (ESSS) and the largest CSA, the CSA at the epicondyle and 2 cm proximal to the epicondyle, and the LAPD at the level of the epicondyle (P < 0.05). None of the swelling ratios showed a significant correlation with the ESSS. The largest CSA measurement is the most valuable ultrasonographic measurement both for diagnosis and determining the severity of UNE.

Discrimination of papillary renal cell carcinoma from benign proteinaceous cyst based on iodine and water content on rapid kV-switching dual-energy CT.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate whether rapid kV-switching dual energy CT (rsDECT) can discriminate between papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and benign proteinaceous cysts (BPCs) based on iodine and water content. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with histopathologically proven papillary RCC and 38 patients with 41 BPCs were retrospectively included. Patients with BPCs were eligible for inclusion when the cysts were stable in size and appearance for at least 2 years or proved to be a cyst on ultrasound or MRI. All patients underwent delayed phase (70-90 s) rsDECT. Iodine and water content of each lesion was measured on the workstation. RESULTS: Of papillary RCC patients, 4 (16%) were female and 20 (84%) were male. Mean tumor size was 39±20 mm. Mean iodine and water content was 2.08±0.7 mg/mL and 1021±14 mg/mL, respectively. Of BPC patients, 9 were female and 29 were male. Mean cyst size was 20±7 mm. Mean iodine and water content was 0.82±0.4 mg/mL and 1012±14 mg/mL, respectively. There were significant differences between iodine and water contents of papillary RCCs and BPCs (P < 0.001). The best cutoff of iodine content for differentiating papillary RCC from BPC was 1.21 mg/mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.97, P < 0.001, sensitivity 96%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value [PPV] 82%, negative predictive value [NPV] 97%, accuracy 91%,); the best cutoff of water content was 1015.5 mg/mL (AUC=0.68, P = 0.016, sensitivity 83%, specificity 56%, PPV 52%, NPV 85%, accuracy 66%). CONCLUSION: An iodine content threshold of 1.21 mg/mL accurately differentiates papillary RCC from BPCs on a single postcontrast rsDECT. Despite having a high sensitivity, water content has inferior diagnostic accuracy.

CT features of asymptomatic heterotopic pancreas in jejunal mesentery.

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is localized pancreatic tissue that has no relation to orthotopic pancreas and has its own channel and vascular structures. Usually, the submucosa is located in the upper gastrointestinal tract; mesenteric placement is rarely reported. It is frequently asymptomatic and is detected incidentally in imaging, laparotomies, or autopsies. Rarely, pancreatitis may be the cause of small bowel obstruction, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignant transformation. However, this has usually been reported in localized submucosal HP cases. The imaging findings are typical, and the diagnosis can be verified without the need for a histopathological diagnosis. In this case report, we aimed to present the imaging findings of asymptomatic HP located in the proximal jejunum mesentery of a 44-year-old woman. To avoid unnecessary surgical procedures, the characteristic imaging findings of HP are understood and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses seen in the mesentery.

Lower energy levels and iodine-based material decomposition images increase pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma conspicuity on rapid kV-switching dual-energy CT.

PURPOSE: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is used in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but it may be inadequate in some cases. Tumor detection can be improved using rapid kV-switching dual-energy CT (rsDECT) and iodine maps. Our aim this study is to evaluate tumor conspicuity in PDAC cases using rsDECT and iodine maps. METHODS: Ninety cases with PDAC were evaluated rsDECT. Tumor contrast (HU) differences, tumor size, CNR (contrast-noise ratio), and noise were measured at 70 keV, individual CNR-energy level, and 45 keV, respectively. Quantitative differences in contrast gain ∆70-CNR and ∆CNR-45 were compared. On iodine maps, the iodine concentration measured in the tumor and parenchyma was normalized to the aorta as normalized iodine concentration (NIC) and compared. RESULTS: The median optimized viewing energy level was 51 keV. The mean ± SD tumor contrast values were 62 ± 20, 115 ± 48, and 152 ± 48 HU (p < 0.001); the largest axial diameters were 36.6 ± 5.1, 37.9 ± 4.2, and 38.3 ± 3.7 mm (p = 0.015); the CNRs were 1.83 ± 0.72, 3.37 ± 0.93, and 2.36 ± 0.56; and the image noise levels were 23.7 ± 6.8, 39.3 ± 11.6, and 59.5 ± 17.2 (p < 0.001) (p < 0.001) for 70 keV, optimized energy level, and 45 keV, respectively. The mean ± SD contrast gain ∆70-CNR was 63 ± 12; and ∆CNR-45 was 31 ± 26 HU (p < 0.001). NICtumor and NICparenchyma values were 0.62 ± 0.03 and 1.36 ± 0.05 mg/mL, respectively (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The use of low energy levels on rsDECT and iodine maps improves tumor conspicuity. This situation may be help better detection of pancreatic tumors.

Efficacy of perfusion CT in differentiating of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from mass-forming chronic pancreatitis and characterization of isoattenuating pancreatic lesions.

PURPOSE: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is routinely used in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but it may be inadequate in some cases, especially mass-forming chronic pancreatitis (MFCP) and isoattenuating pancreatic lesions. Perfusion CT (pCT) may help resolve this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pCT could help differentiating PDAC from MFCP and in characterization of isoattenuating pancreatic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 89 cases of pancreatic lesions detected by MDCT and further analyzed with pCT. Sixty-one cases with final pathological diagnosis PDAC and 12 cases with MFCP were included from the study. Blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface area product (PS) maps were obtained. Perfusion values obtained from the lesions and normal parenchyma were compared. RESULTS: Compared with normal parenchyma, BV, BF, PS were lower and MTT was longer in PDAC and MFCP (p < 0.05). Compared with MFCP, BV, BF, PS were lower and MTT was longer in PDAC (p < 0.001). Compared with normal parenchyma, BV, BF, PS were lower and MTT was longer in isoattenuating lesions, (p < 0.001). Cutoff values of 7.60 mL/100 mL, 64.43 mL/100 mL/min, 28.08 mL/100 mL/min for BV, BF, PS, respectively, provided 100% sensitivity and specificity and 7.47 s for MTT provided 98.3% sensitivity, 80% specificity for distinguishing PDAC from MFCP. CONCLUSION: pCT is a useful technology that can be helpful in overcoming the limitations of routine MDCT in diagnosing PDAC and characterization of isoattenuating lesions.

Usefulness of rapid kV-switching dual energy CT in renal tumor characterization.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether iodine content can discriminate between benign or malignant renal tumors, malign tumor subtypes, low-grade and high-grade tumors on rapid kv-switching dual-energy CT (rsDECT). METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 95 patients with renal tumors who underwent rsDECT for tumor characterization between 2016 and 2018. Attenuation on true and virtual unenhanced images, absolute enhancement and enhancement ratio and iodine content of each lesion on nephrographic phase iodine density images were measured. Histopathological diagnosis was obtained following either surgery or core biopsy. RESULTS: Eighty-five tumors were renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (56 clear cell, 20 papillary, 9 chromophobe) and 10 were benign (6 angiomyolipoma,4 oncocytoma). 46 tumors were low-grade and 23 high-grade. There was significant difference between iodine content of clear cell and non-clear cell (papillary + chromophobe) RCC (p < 0.001). However, no significant iodine content differences were found between papillary and chromophobe RCC, benign and malignant tumors, low-grade and high-grade tumors. The best cut-off iodine content for differentiating clear cell from non-clear cell RCC was 3.2 mg/ml and clear cell from papillary RCC was 2.9 mg/ml with a high sensitivity and specificity. Also, significant difference was found between attenuation values of true and virtual unenhanced images (p = 0.007). Mean iodine content, absolute enhancement and enhancement ratio were highly correlated. CONCLUSION: rsDECT contributes to renal tumor characterization by showing higher iodine content in clear cell RCCs compared with non-clear cell RCCs.

Focal liver lesions: whether a standard dose (0.05 mmol/kg) gadobenate dimeglumine can provide the same diagnostic data as the 0.1 mmol/kg dose.

OBJECTIVE: Gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) is a liver-specific contrast agent also showing a distribution in the extracellular compartment which is recommended to be used at standard dose (0.05 mmol/kg) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of liver lesions. However, its use at 0. 1mmol/kg is gradually increasing in recent clinical practice. Which dose should we use in routine MRI of liver lesions from now on? This study investigated the efficacy of Gd-BOPTA at a standard dose versus 0.1 mmol/kg dose in demonstrating diagnostic data in MRI of focal liver lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 47 patients with focal liver lesions. Twenty-two patients received standard dose and 25 patients received 0.1 mmol/kg dose Gd-BOPTA intravenously. MRI of both groups was carried out with T1-A FLASH-2D and T2-A TURBO spin echo before contrast injection and T1-A FLASH-2D sequences in dynamic and late phase (90th minute) after the contrast injection. The lesion conspicuity for each image was evaluated qualitatively. Liver signal to noise ratio (SNR), absolute lesion-liver contrast to noise ratio (CNR), mean lesion-liver CNR and contrast enhancement rate of the liver obtained from both groups were compared quantitatively. RESULTS: While liver contrast enhancement rate in the group receiving standard dose Gd-BOPTA were 41%+/-42 in the arterial phase, 66%+/-58 in the portal phase, 45%+/-45 in the venous phase and 42%+/-88 in the late phase, these values were 43%+/-59, 86%+/-73, 63%+/-75 and 61%+/-105, respectively, in the group receiving the dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. There were no statistically significant differences between the means of both groups. While the absolute lesion-liver CNR values were 18+/-15 precontrast, 22+/-18 in the arterial phase, 19+/-17 in the portal phase, 15+/-10 in the venous phase and 24+/-26 in the late phase in the group receiving the standard dose Gd-BOPTA, these values were 13+/-11, 18+/-15, 15+/-15, 13+/-13 and 19+/-21, respectively, in the group receiving the 0.1 mmol/kg dose. There were no statistically significant differences between the means of both groups (p>0.05). However, when the mean lesion-liver CNR values were compared, there was statistically significant difference between each arterial and portal phases of metastases in both groups (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference found in other lesions. When lesion conspicuity scores were compared, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In liver lesions, similar diagnostic data are obtained in dynamic and late phase MRI with either standard dose Gd-BOPTA or with a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. Because there was a difference in only metastases in both groups, in oncological patients who are being investigated for liver metastasis, it is expedient to use a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg.

A comparison of low-dose and normal-dose gadobutrol in MR renography and renal angiography.

OBJECTIVE: It has been advocated that a reduced injection volume with highly concentrated (1 M) contrast material can produce a sharper bolus peak and an increased intravascular first-pass gadolinium concentration when compared with the use of a lower concentration (0.5 M). A higher concentration would also cause a reduction in dose. The purpose of our study was to test the use of a low dose (0.05 mmol/kg) of gadobutrol in magnetic resonance renography and angiography and compare the findings with a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-thirty-four patients referred for magnetic resonance angiography for suspected renovascular disease participated in the study. Contrast enhanced MR renography and angiography were performed after administration of a bolus of 0.1 mmol/kg or 0.05 mmol/kg gadobutrol in randomized patients. The relative signal intensity-time curves of the aorta, peripheral cortex and parenchyma, were obtained. Two radiologists evaluated the angiographic images and evaluated the quality of angiography. RESULTS: The signal intensity with a low dose of gadobutrol was significantly lower in early phases, in the peripheral cortex (for 36, 54, 72 and 90 seconds), the parenchyma (for 36, 54, 72 seconds) and the aorta (for 18, 36, 54, 72 seconds). The decreases in the early phase obtained with a low dose of gadobutrol caused blunter time intensity curves. The difference in the quality scores of the readers for the angiographic images for the use of the two different doses was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A lower dose of gadobutrol can be used for MR renal angiography, but for MR renography the normal dose should be used.

Idiopathic isolated laryngotracheobronchial cartilage calcification in a child.

Laryngeal, tracheal, and bronchial cartilage calcification is quite rare in children. It was reported to occur in congenital cardiovascular diseases, Keutel syndrome, chondroplasia punctata, warfarin embryopathy, and warfarin sodium therapy. It can occur idiopathically as well. Laryngotracheobronchial cartilage calcification is demonstrated in this report by chest radiography and multiplanar three-dimensional CT examination in a 2.5-year-old boy with nonspecific cough.

Lung parenchymal injury and its frequency in blunt thoracic trauma: the diagnostic value of chest radiography and thoracic CT.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine the value of chest radiography in diagnosing lung parenchymal injury in patients with thoracic trauma, and to evaluate the frequency of lung parenchymal injury by using thoracic computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and June 2006, we retrospectively evaluated the anteroposterior chest radiographs and thoracic CTs of 60 patients that presented to our emergency department and were hospitalized due to multi-organ trauma. RESULTS: Chest radiography revealed parenchymal injury in 32 of the patients, while thoracic CT confirmed parenchymal injury in only 27 of these 32 patients. Chest radiographs did not reveal any parenchymal injury in 28 of the patients, whereas thoracic CT detected parenchymal injury in 12 of these 28 patients. Thoracic CT results were accepted as the gold standard in the evaluation of patients with chest trauma and showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of chest radiography in determining parenchymal injury were 69%, 76%, 84%, and 57%, respectively. In addition, thoracic CT revealed that 65% of the patients with blunt thoracic trauma suffered parenchymal injury. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of anteroposterior chest radiography in identifying lung parenchymal injury was low, with a high false negative rate; therefore, we think that early evaluation with thoracic CT is extremely helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with thoracic trauma, adding to the cooperative work that exists between radiologists and emergency physicians.

A rare cause of acute abdomen in the ED: Chemotherapy-induced pneumatosis intestinalis.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) and portomesenteric venous gas (PVG) refers to the presence of air within the intestinal wall and portomesenteric vessels. Most of the time, it is associated with mesenteric ischemia that requires immediate surgical intervention as it has high mortality rate. It may also be seen secondary to various conditions, including infections, surgeries, and some chemotherapeutic drugs. A 61-year old-male was admitted to our emergency department complaining of abdominal pain after chemotherapy. Radiological evaluation of the patient demonstrated massive PVG and PI. Patient underwent urgent surgery due to the possibility of intestinal ischemia and infarction, but no necrosis was identified Chemotherapeutic drug-induced PI and PVG was the final diagnosis. Although PI and PVG are signs of mesenteric ischemia and intestinal necrosis most the of time, chemotherapeutic drugs may also cause PI and PVG rarely. Recent history of chemotheraphy and absence of any mesenteric vascular occlusion may be the diagnostic clue.

Kozlowski type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia: a case report with literature review.

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia is a type of bone dysplasia characterized by vertebral and metaphyseal changes of varying severity. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult because the severity of bone involvement differs and symptoms change according to the age of the patient. In this study, radiographic findings of a 16 month-old male patient diagnosed as Kozlowski type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia is reported.

Embryonal Testicular Cancer with Duodenal Metastasis: Could Nausea and Vomiting be Alarm Symptoms?

AIM: Duodenal metastasis of testicular cancer is an uncommon condition in clinical practice. Here, we have reported a case of this nature. BACKGROUND: Testicular cancers are among the most seen cancer types among young men. Metastasis of testicular cancer generally occurs through hematogenous and lymphatic drainage. Gastrointestinal (GI) metastasis of testicular cancer has been reported rarely. CASE REPORT: A duodenal mass was seen in esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination in a man who was admitted into hospital for medical treatment of resistant nausea and vomiting. He was previously diagnosed with testicular cancer. Computed tomography (CT) views were compatible with primary duodenal tumor. The duodenal mass was compatible with germ cell neoplasm metastasis. He received chemotherapy regime which includes cisplatin, paclitaxel, and ifosfamid. Nausea and vomiting symptoms decreased and metastatic mass and lymph nodes were regressed. CONCLUSION: Duodenum metastasis of testicular cancer can be treated with a chemotherapy regimen, and patients can improve radiologically and symptomatically without the need of any surgery. Physicians should keep in mind that GI metastasis of testicular cancer may present with nausea and vomiting symptoms. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Duygulu ME, Kaymazli M, Goren I, Yildirim B, Sullu Y, Nural MS, Bektas A. Embryonal Testicular Cancer with Duodenal Metastasis: Could Nausea and Vomiting be Alarm Symptoms? Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(2):198-201.

Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome without mental retardation (Smith-McCort dysplasia).

Radiographic features of a 15-year-old boy with Smith-McCort dysplasia are presented. Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome without mental retardation has clinical and radiographic findings similar to those of Smith-McCort dysplasia. Both of these syndromes are rare autosomal recessive disorders affecting skeletal development. The radiographic appearance of generalized platyspondyly with double-humped end-plates, and the lace-like appearance of iliac crests are pathognomonic and distinctive of these syndromes. Diagnostic features of these diseases are compared with others like Morquio's disease and spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, which may have similar vertebral changes, and are discussed in the light of the literature.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) in detecting intraabdominal injuries in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blunt trauma patients admitted to the emergency department from January 2002 to August 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 454 patients with blunt abdominal trauma who underwent US examination were included. Ultrasonography results were compared with findings of CT, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, laparotomy and clinical course. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of US in detecting free fluid, intraabdominal parenchymal organ injury or both were calculated. RESULTS: Computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage and laparotomy results showed that intraabdominal organ injury was present in 37 of 454 patients. Ultrasonography examinations were positive in 51 patients. True-positive findings were seen in 32 of these patients. In these 32 patients, US examination showed free fluid in 19, fluid and abdominal organ injury in 11 and only abdominal organ injury in 2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of US in detecting intraabdominal injury were 86.5%, 95.4%, 62.7%, 98.7% and 94.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography has high diagnostic performance in the screening of patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Abdominal US is a useful and valuable diagnostic tool after clinical evaluation in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Because of its high negative predictive value, we recommend that clinical follow up is adequate for patients whose US results are negative for intraabdomial organ injury.

Cholangiocarcinoma Arising from a Type VI Biliary Cyst: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Cystic dilatations of the cystic duct which are suggested as type VI biliary cysts are very rare and many of them go unrecognized or are confused with other cysts until the operation although they are obvious on imaging studies. They can present with fusiform or saccular dilatations and can be accompanied by common bile duct dilatations. It is important to identify these cysts as they share the same characteristics as the other biliary cyst types and can be complicated with malignancy. We herein present a very unusual case of a cholangiocarcinoma arising from a type VI biliary cyst in a 58-year-old female patient and review the literature. The patient presented with jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. On imaging, the cystic duct and common bile duct were fusiformly dilated and had a wide communication. There was a mass filling the distal parts of both ducts. The patient was urgently operated on after perforation following ERCP. Histopathology was compatible with a type VI biliary cyst and an associated cholangiocarcinoma.