Effects of Apple Vinegar Addition on Aerobic Deterioration of Fermented High Moisture Maize Using Infrared Thermography as an Indicator.

This study was carried out to determine the effects of apple vinegar and sodium diacetate addition on the aerobic stability of fermented high moisture maize grain (HMM) silage after opening. In the study, the effect of three different levels (0%, 0.5% and 1%) of apple vinegar (AV) and sodium diacetate (SDA) supplementation to fermented HMM at two different storage conditions (27-29 °C, 48% Humidity; 35-37 °C, 26% Humidity) were investigated. The material of the study was fermented rolled maize grain with 62% moisture content stored for about 120 days. Silage samples were subjected to aerobic stability test with three replicates for each treatment group. Wendee and microbiological analyses were made at 0, 2, 4, 7, and 12 days. Meanwhile, samples were displayed in the T200 IR brand thermal camera. According to the thermogram results, 1% SDA addition positively affected HMM silages at the second and fourth days of aerobic stability at both storage conditions (p < 0.05). Aerobic stability and infrared thermography analysis indicated that 1% AV, 0.5%, and 1% SDA additions to HMM silages had promising effects. Due to our results, we concluded that thermal camera images might be used as an alternative quality indicator for silages in laboratory conditions.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF FEMORAL CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

The aim of the study was to investigate knee cartilage thickness in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients using ultrasonography and to assess the effects of sex steroids on osteoarthritis development. A total of 90 female patients were enrolled in the study, including 47 patients diagnosed with PCOS as study group and 43 patients admitted to our hospital for any other complaints as control group. Ultrasonographic evaluation of both knees was performed in all patients. The knee cartilage thickness was measured at lateral condyle, intercondylar area and medial condyle. The measurements were averaged for each region. The mean femoral cartilage thickness was greater in the study group compared with control group in all regions, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.005). In conclusion, we found PCOS patients to have greater mean cartilage thickness, supporting the possible effects of sex steroids on osteoarthritis development.

Value of dynamic MRI using the Ktrans technique for assessment of native kidneys in pre-emptive renal transplantation.

Background Different non-invasive imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasonography and renal scintigraphy are commonly employed to assess allograft function and associated complications. However, all such methods lack sufficient specificity to discriminate between residual renal function of native kidneys. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) evaluates signal dynamics during the passage of contrast material through the renal cortex, medulla, and collecting system. Purpose To investigate the value of DCE 3T MRI using a quantitative pharmacokinetic parameter (Ktrans) for the assessment of native kidneys before and after pre-emptive renal transplantation. Material and Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease underwent DCE MRI before and 6 months after kidney transplantation. MRI was performed using a 3T scanner. Regions of interests were drawn over each kidney, encompassing the cortex and medulla but excluding the collecting system and any coexisting cysts. Parametric Ktrans values were automatically generated. Results In the pre-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values for the right and left kidneys were 0.55 ± 0.09 min-1 and 0.44 ± 0.15 min-1, respectively. In the post-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values of the right and left kidneys were 0.27 ± 0.07 min-1 and 0.25 ± 0.10 min-1, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between right and left kidneys in terms of mean Ktrans values in the pre- and post-transplantation groups ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Our preliminary results show that native kidneys were still functioning 6 months after transplantation. MR perfusion using Ktrans may constitute a non-invasive means of determination of the viability of native kidneys after renal transplantation.

Usefulness of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Primary Solid and Cystic Renal Masses.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for distinguishing between benign and malignant renal masses. MATERIAL/METHODS: Seventy-five patients with 75 unilateral renal lesions were included, and 75 normal contralateral kidneys served as controls. The lesions were categorized into four groups as malignant cystic, malignant solid, benign cystic and benign solid. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were evaluated for two different b values (b=600 s/mm2 and b=1000 s/mm2). Receiving operating characteristic analysis was performed to identify threshold ADCs. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were 67% and 77% (p=0.003) at the cutoff value of 1.5 for b=600 s/mm2, and 79% and 62% (p=0.004) at the cutoff value of 1.99 for b=1000 s/mm2 as regards the differentiation between solid benign and malignant renal lesions. Sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 79% (p=0.001) at the cutoff value of 3.1 for b=600 s/mm2, and 86% and 61% (p=0.003) at the cutoff value of 2.9 for b=1000 s/mm2 as regrads the differentiation between benign and malignant cystic renal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: DWI can be an effective diagnostic method for distinguishing between benign and malignant renal masses.

The Comparison of Computed Tomography Perfusion, Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography and Positron-Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Detection of Primary Esophageal Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of computed tomography perfusion (CTP), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 33 patients with pathologically confirmed esophageal cancer, 2 of whom had an esophageal abscess. All the patients underwent CTP, CECT and PET/CT imaging and the imaging findings were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each of the 3 imaging modalities relative to the histological diagnosis. RESULTS: Thirty-three tumors were visualized on CTP, 29 on CECT and 27 on PET/CT. Six tumors were stage 1, and 2 and 4 of these tumors were missed on CECT and PET/CT, respectively. Significant differences between CTP and CECT (p = 0.02), and between CTP and PET/CT (p = 0.04) were found for stage 1 tumors. Values for the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values on CTP were 100, 100, 100 and 100%, respectively. Corresponding values on CECT were 93.94, 0, 93.94 and 0%, respectively, and those on PET/CT were 87.88, 0, 93.55 and 0%, respectively. Hence, the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of CTP were better than those of CECT and PET/CT. CONCLUSION: CTP had an advantage over CECT and PET/CT in detecting small lesions. CTP was valuable, especially in detecting stage 1 tumors.

An Extremely Rare Anatomical Variation: Abnormal Drainage of the Anterior Interventricular Coronary Vein.

UNLABELLED: Variation of anterior interventricular vein draining into the left atrium is an extremely rare occurrence. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography has recently become the gold standard for depicting anatomical variations and anomalies of coronary arteries and veins. We herein have reported the case of a 36-year-old male whose anterior interventricular vein draining into the left atrium was demonstrated by MDCT coronary angiography. KEY WORDS: Angiography • Computed tomography • Coronary vein • Variation.

Multislice Computed Tomography Angiography of an Extremely Uncommon Variation of Hepatic Arteries: Michel's Type XI.

Variations of hepatic vascular system have been more important with improvements in some clinical procedures such as hepatic transplantation or radiologic chemoembolization of hepatic tumors. Multidetector computed tomography is a useful noninvasive imaging tool for differentiating such variations.

Feasibility study of CT perfusion imaging for prostate carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this feasibility study was to obtain initial data with which to assess the efficiency of perfusion CT imaging (CTpI) and to compare this with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study involved 25 patients with prostate carcinoma undergoing MRI and CTpI. All analyses were performed on T2-weighted images (T2WI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, diffusion-weighted images (DWI) and CTp images. We compared the performance of T2WI combined with DWI and CTp alone. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. RESULTS: Tumours were present in 87 areas according to the histopathological results. The diagnostic performance of the T2WI+DWI+CTpI combination was significantly better than that of T2WI alone for prostate carcinoma (P < 0.001). The diagnostic value of CTpI was similar to that of T2WI+DWI in combination. There were statistically significant differences in the blood flow and permeability surface values between prostate carcinoma and background prostate on CTp images. CONCLUSION: CTp may be a valuable tool for detecting prostate carcinoma and may be preferred in cases where MRI is contraindicated. If this technique is combined with T2WI and DWI, its diagnostic value is enhanced. KEY POINTS: Perfusion CT is a helpful technique for prostate carcinoma diagnosis. •Colour maps allow easy and rapid visual assessment of the functional changes. Colour maps of prostate carcinoma provide information about in vivo tumoral vascularity. CTp images may be added into routine radiological examinations. CTp provides guidance for histopathological correlation if biopsy is scheduled.

Extra-articular contrast material leaks into locations unrelated to the injection path in shoulder MR arthrography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the localisation, frequency and amount of extravasation in patients with extra-articular contrast material leak into locations unrelated to the injection path in shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography and associated shoulder disorders. METHODS: The sites of extravasation were determined on the shoulder MR arthrography of 40 patients. The extravasations were measured on three vertical planes of the MR arthrography. Sufficient joint distension was assessed according to the transverse diameters of the axillary recess on coronal MR images. RESULTS: Extravasation of the contrast material occurred through the subscapular recess, the synovium of the biceps, and the axillary recess. In four cases, extravasations were observed in more than one anatomic location. The most common site of extravasation was along the subscapularis muscle. Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions were found to be most frequently associated with extravasations. The amount of extravasation was significantly higher in patients with adhesive capsulitis compared with the patients with a different diagnosis (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The extravasations adjacent to the axillary recess do not always indicate glenohumeral ligament pathology. Massive subscapular extravasations were most frequently associated with adhesive capsulitis and SLAP lesions, and might be considered in the MR arthrography report. KEY POINTS: • Contrast material extravasation may reduce the diagnostic value of shoulder MR arthrography. • The extravasations may occur into locations unrelated to the injection path. • The extravasations adjacent to axillary recess can be misleading for HAGL lesion. • Massive subscapular extravasations were frequently associated with adhesive capsulitis and SLAP lesions.

The efficiency of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography in living donor liver transplantation: a preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate utility of gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for the detection of biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A total of 18 patients with suspected biliary complications underwent MRC. T2-weighted MRC and contrast-enhanced MRC (CE-MRC) were used to identify the biliary complications. MRC included routine breath-hold T2-weighted MRC using half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequences and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences. Before confirming the biliary complications, one observer reviewed the MRC images and the CE-MRC images separately. The verification procedures and MRC findings were compared, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both techniques were calculated for the identification of biliary complications. The observer found six of seven biliary complications using CE-MRC. The sensitivity was 85.7% and the accuracy was 94.4%. Using MRC alone, sensitivity was 57.1% and accuracy was 55.5%. The accuracy of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC was superior to MRC in locating biliary leaks (p < 0.05). The usage of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC yields information that complements the MRC findings that improve the identification of biliary complications. We recommend the use of MRC in addition to Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRC to increase the preoperative accuracy when assessing the biliary complications after LDLT.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with migraine.

Evidence suggests that migraine is associated with metabolic syndrome, which is also implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Reported for the first time, we aimed to investigate the relationship between migraine and NAFLD in patients with migraine. A total of 90 consecutive migraine patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of migraine was determined according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on abdominal ultrasonography findings. Anthropometric indices and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated, and serum insulin level measurements and other biochemical analyses were performed for each subject. The measurements of body mass index and waist circumference were significantly higher in migraine patients with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (p < 0.001). Regarding the laboratory results, insulin (p = 0.024), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.027), and triglyceride levels (p = 0.001) and the HOMA-IR (p = 0.039) were higher in migraineurs with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD. Among the headache characteristics, the presence of aura was higher, and disease and attack durations were significantly longer in migraineurs with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (p = 0.005, p = 0.024, and p = 0.023; respectively). However, the headache characteristics did not correlate with either the hepatosteatosis grade or HOMA-IR in migraine patients (p > 0.05). Our results show that NAFLD may present in migraine patients with higher frequency of auras and longer disease and attack durations.

Impaired aortic elasticity and diastolic functions are associated with findings of coronary computed tomographic angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Aortic elasticity and diastolic functions are helpful parameters in assessment of CAD. In this study we aimed to learn whether diastolic function and aortic elastic properties measured by echocardiography are associated with coronary calcium score (CACS), epicardial fat volume (EFV), and plaque area measured by coronary tomographic angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 106 consecutive patients suspected of CAD undergoing coronary CTA and transthoracic echocardiography in this prospective study. Total CACS, plaque area, and EFV were calculated via CTA. Aortic stiffness index (ASI) and aortic distensibility (AD) were measured via echocardiography. RESULTS: The patients with diastolic dysfunctions of any degree had significantly higher ASI, higher CACS, higher plaque area, and EFV. We found that as the ASI increases, the CACS and total coronary plaque area both increase, showing that there is a strong positive correlation between ASI, CACS, and total coronary plaque area. There was a significant correlation between ASI and EFV, but with a lower statistical value. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic elasticity was correlated with CACS and plaque area. Diastolic dysfunction was observed more commonly among patients with higher CACS and EFV. Epicardial fat volume was not as strong as CACS in reflecting aortic elasticity.

Massive thrombosis of bilateral superior and inferior ophthalmic veins secondary to ethmoidal rhinosunisitis: imaging findings.

Ophthalmic vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare condition occurring secondary to varied etiologies that commonly presents with proptosis, globe dystopia, ophthalmoplegia, periorbital edema, and occasionally diminished visual acuity. It may be related to inflammation of the orbit or paranasal sinuses. We herein report imaging findings of thrombosed superior and inferior ophthalmic veins in bilateral involvement in a 20-year-old male patient without cavernous sinus thrombosis. He presented with pain, swelling, and blurred vision in both eyes. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, cerebral MR angiography, and susceptibility weighted imaging were performed. Bilateral superior and inferior OVT due to a complication of ethmoidal sinusitis was diagnosed in the patient. Anticoagulant and systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was started. His symptoms were recorded at the end of 14 days of the treatment.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the intracerebral alveolar echinococcosis.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic infestation produced by Echinococcus multilocularis. The parasite is a rare human infestation with a wide geographic distribution. It primarily affects the liver, and may spread hematogenously to produce metastatic foci in the distant organs. AE can metastise to the lungs, brain and bones. Cerebral involvement is rare but may be lethal. Cerebral AE is a rare but life-threatening parasitic disease. Here we report a 52-year-old man with cerebellar involvement of Echinococcus multilocularis.

Relationship between kidney volume and body indexes in the Turkish population determined using ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the kidney volume of the healthy Turkish population using ultrasound and to evaluate the relationship between kidney volume and body indexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kidney ultrasound evaluation was performed on 152 patients (mean age: 42 ± 13.7 years). Kidney length, width and thickness were measured using ultrasound. Mean total and parenchymal volume were also calculated. Patients' age, sex, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²) were recorded. RESULTS: According to ultrasound, kidney lengths were 10.3 ± 7.8 cm for the right and 10.4 ± 9 cm for the left. Volumes were 158 ± 39 cm3 for the right and 168 ± 40 cm3 for the left. Volumes in women were 151.8 ± 39 cm3 for the right and 159.8 ± 37 cm3 for the left, and 164.3 ± 38 cm3 for the right and 175.8 ± 41 cm3 for the left in men. Kidney measurements correlated with body height and weight. A strong correlation with total kidney volume and kidney measurements was determined for body weight for both kidneys (p<0.001). A significant correlation with kidney volume and width was determined for both kidneys (p<0.001). A positive correlation was also found between parenchymal and total kidney volume for both kidneys (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The most significant factors associated with kidney volume for both kidneys in the Turkish population are kidney width and body weight. Measuring kidney volume with ultrasound is a feasible modality and is widely available for daily clinical practice.

Is there a relationship between symptoms of patients and tomographic characteristics of styloid process?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the angulations and length of the styloid process (SP) on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images between the patients having elongated SP complaints and those without any stylalgia symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients underwent 3D-CT evaluation of the bilateral temporomandibular joints to investigate for symptomatic elongated styloid process (ESP) at our institution. The differences between the mean angulations and lengths of the SP and comparisons between patient and control groups were analyzed by student t test. RESULTS: In study group, mean length of styloid processes was 40.7 ± 10.8 mm on the right and 40.3 ± 10.9 mm on the left. Mean medial angles of SP were measured as 22.60 ± 4.0 on the right side and 22.60 ± 4.5 on the left side. In the same group, mean anterior angles of SP were 16.10 ± 6.9 on the right and 16.70 ± 7.1 on the left side. The "in-group" comparisons of lengths, medial and anterior angles did not produce statistically significant results. The comparison of medial angulations between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was the only statistically meaningful result in our study. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT has several advantages according to conventional tomography for visualization of head and neck anatomy. The increase of medial angulation of SP may be responsible for the development of complaints in ESP.

Catamenial hemoptysis: a case report.

Herein we present a 25-year-old female patient who was admitted with recurrent hemoptysis in menstrual period. At the thorax computed tomography taken during menstruation of patient, diffuse ground glass density and acinar nodules at superior segment of lower lobe at left lung were detected. There was no this findings at the thorax tomography taken in non-menstruation period. Therefore, patient was considered catamenial hemoptysis with clinical and radiological findings. Pulmonary endometriosis is rarely seen disease of the lung, so we are presenting it in the light of the literature knowledge.

[Forestier's syndrome: a rare cause of dysphagia]. / Forestier sendromu: Nadir bir disfaji nedeni.

Forestier's syndrome (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) is characterized by ossification of the anterolateral aspect of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies. The exact etiology is unclear. Diagnosis is made by radiologic examinations. In this report, we present a case of Forestier's syndrome who admitted with complaints of dysphagia, cervical pain and dyspnea. The diagnosis was based on radiological examinations. Clinic and radiological characteristics of our case were discussed in the light of literature data.

Recurrent pulmonary embolism in an asthmatic patient who had interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation.

A 45-year-old woman with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism was admitted to the emergency clinic with dyspnea, wheezing and tachypnea. Partial deep vein thrombosis of the popliteal vein was seen on Doppler sonography. On the contrast-enhanced thorax computed tomography (CT) scan, a clot was detected in the right main pulmonary artery and its major descending branch. Moreover, the azygos vein was prominently dilated. Abdominal multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scan revealed absence of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with continuation of the IVC as a dilated right-sided azygos vein. The hepatic veins were draining directly into the right atrium. Thus, we discuss herein this rare anatomic variant presented with recurrent pulmonary embolism, together with the findings on MSCT.

The effect of nasal septal deviation on maxillary sinus volumes and development of maxillary sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the possible role of nasal septal deviation on volume of maxillary sinuses and its relationship with development of maxillary sinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2010 and September 2012, paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) findings of 825 patients (470 males, 355 females), who admitted to Ear Nose and Throat Department of Bozok University Medical Faculty were retrospectively analyzed. By excluding the other co-existent sino nasal pathologies, 109 consecutive patients (47 males, 62 females mean age 36 ± 13.4 years; range 18-71 years) with isolated nasal septal deviations were recruited for the study. The convex side of the septal curvature was accepted as the direction of deviation. The findings were grouped according to the radiologically measured angle of nasal septal deviations. The deviation angle of the nasal septum was described as; mild (<9°), moderate (the angle between 9° and 15°), or severe (15° and up). The volume of each maxillary sinus (ipsi- and contralateral to the deviation side) was also calculated using the computer program. Sinusitis was defined as any evident thickening of the maxillary sinus mucosa. RESULTS: There were 62 females and 47 males with a mean age of 36 ± 13.4. Nasal septal deviation angles were found to range between 5° and 27.2° (mean 13° ± 3.4°). The right sided deviations included 19 mild (<9°, Group I), 16 moderate (9°-15°, Group II), and 16 severe (15° and up, Group III) cases. The left sided deviations included 19 mild (<9°, Group I), 19 moderate (9°-15°, Group II), and 20 severe (15° and up, Group III) subjects. Maxillary sinus volumes were compared between right and left sided deviation groups. We could not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the right maxillary sinus volumes of Groups I and II in left sided deviation cases (p = 0.77). In the same side, comparison of Groups I-III and Groups II-III, the maxillary sinus volume differences were found to be significantly meaningful (p = 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). Identical results were yielded in the right sided septal deviation group related to the maxillary sinus volumes of Groups I and II and Groups I-III and Groups II-III compartments (p = 0.99, p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). In both right and left deviation groups, ipsi and contralateral maxillary sinus volume comparements produced statistically significant results (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04, respectively). The presence of maxillary sinusitis findings were significantly increased in both group (p = 0.00). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that maxillary sinus volumes tend to be higher at the contralateral side of the severe septum deviations. In addition, the chance of finding maxillary sinusitis findings on ipsilateral to the severe septum deviation was significantly increased.