PET/CT Imaging in Treatment Planning and Surveillance of Sinonasal Neoplasms.

Sinonasal cancers are uncommon malignancies with a generally unfavorable prognosis, often presenting at an advanced stage. Their high rate of recurrence supports close imaging surveillance and the utilization of functional imaging techniques. Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT has very high sensitivity for the diagnosis of sinonasal malignancies and can also be used as a "metabolic biopsy" in the characterization of some of the more common subgroups of these tumors, though due to overlap in uptake, histological confirmation is still needed. For certain tumor types, radiotracers, such as 11C-choline, and radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, including 68Ga-DOTATATE/DOTATOC, have proven useful in treatment planning and surveillance. Although serial scans for posttreatment surveillance allow the detection of subclinical lesions, the optimal schedule and efficacy in terms of survival are yet to be determined. Pitfalls of 18F-FDG, such as post-surgical and post-radiotherapy crusting and inflammation, may cause false-positive hypermetabolism in the absence of relapse.

Significance of detectable hepatitis B virus DNA in liver allograft tissue in long-term follow-up of liver transplant recipients.

Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver grafts of liver transplant patients who received hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) plus oral antiviral hepatitis B virus prophylaxis and had negative HBV serum markers. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older who underwent liver transplantation for HBV-related liver disease, had negative serum viral markers, and had a liver biopsy at least 3 years after liver transplantation were eligible for this study. Clinical, serological, and pathological data were retrospectively obtained from medical records. The HBV DNA of liver biopsy specimens was assessed using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: A total of 150 patients were included. A positive HBV DNA result was seen in 18 (12%) of the liver biopsies. The presence of intrahepatic HBV DNA was not associated with pre-transplantation serum viral markers, type of pre- or post-transplantation antiviral treatment, or post-transplantation immunosuppressive treatment. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while treatment with HBIg plus oral antiviral as post-transplantation HBV prophylaxis may result in a percentage of patients with persistent HBV DNA in the graft, the presence of HBV DNA in the liver graft may not be related to clinical HBV recurrence.

The cognitive fusion prostate biopsy using a smart phone in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. / Biopsia de próstata cognitiva utilizando un dispositivo móvil.

OBJECTIVES: In this research, we designed a cognitive fusion(CF) prostate biopsy(PB) (CFPB) technique by examining the multiparametric MRI of prostate (MP_MRI-P) images in a smart-phone near the trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) device, and examined the results. METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2017, a total of 344 men who had PB enrolled in this study. Group 1 had a minimum of a 12-core standard TRUS PB (TRUSPB). Group 2 had CFPB while examining the MP_ MRI-P images in a smartphone near the TRUS device. A minimum 12 cores + cognitive targeted 1-3 biopsy were taken. The detection of Pca and significant Pca in group 1 and 2 were evaluated and compared. Then, the effect of MP_MRI-P findings on the detection of prostate cancer (Pca) and significant Pca were evaluated. RESULTS: Group 1 and 2 included 138 and 206 patients. After the PB, 45(32.8%) and 33(23%) patients ingroup 1, and 74(35.9%) and 60(29%) patients in-group 2 were detected to have Pca and significant Pca, respectively (p=0.001 for both). Higher PIRADS caused significant detection of Pca and significant Pca (p=0.004 and 0.002). Nodule in MP_MRI-P caused significant detection of Pca and significant Pca (p=0.001 and 0.001). Especially, when PSA was <10ng/ml, higher PIRADS and nodule in MP_MRI-P caused significant detection of Pca and significant Pca (p=0.02 and 0.019 for PIRADS, and p=0.01 and 0.042 for nodules). CONCLUSIONS: In the advanced hands with our new technique, the CFPB using prebiopsy MP_MRI-P seems to be an effective method to detect Pca and significant Pca.

OBJETIVOS: En este estudio de investigación diseñamos una técnica de biopsia de próstata (BxP) con fusión cognitiva (FC) (BxPFC) mediante el examen de la RMN multiparamétrica (RMNmp) de la próstata en un dispositivo móvil cerca del aparato de ecografía transrectal (ETR) y examinamos los resultados.MÉTODOS: Entre enero de 2011 y enero del 2017 se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 344 varones sometidos a BxP. El Grupo 1 hizo una BxP guiada por ecografía transrectal estándar que tenía un mínimo de 12 muestras. El Grupo 2 fue sometido a BxPFC utilizando un dispositivo móvil para evaluar las imágenes de la RMNmp de próstata cerca del aparato de ecografía transrectal. Se tomaron un mínimo de 12 muestras + 1-3 dirigidas de forma cognitiva. Se evaluaron y compararon la detección de CaP y de CaP significativo entre los grupos. También se evaluó el efecto de los hallazgos de la RMNmp de próstata sobre la detección de cáncer de próstata y CaP significativo. RESULTADOS: Los grupos 1 y 2 incluyeron 138 y 206 pacientes respectivamente. Después de la BxP, se detectaron 45(32,8%) pacientes con CaP y 33(23%) con CaP significativo en el grupo 1, y 74(35,9%) y 60(29%) pacientes en el Grupo 2, respectivamente (p=0,001 para ambos). Los valores más altos de PIRADS se asociaron con una detección significativa de CaP y CaP significativo (p=0,004 y 0,002). La presencia de un nódulo en la RMNmp se asocia con una detección significativa de CaP y CaP significativo (p=0,001 y 0,001). Especialmente, cuando el valor del PSA era <10 ng/ml, el PIRADS más alto y existía un nódulo en la RMN mp el diagnóstico de CaP y CaP significativo era significativamente mayor (p=0,02 y 0,019 para PIRADS, y p=0,01 y 0,042 para nódulos). CONCLUSIONES: Con nuestra nueva técnica en manos expertas, la BxP con fusión cognitiva utilizando las imágenes de RMNmp previa parece ser un método efectivo para detectar CaP y CaP significativo.

Is visceral obesity associated with colorectal cancer? The first volumetric study using all CT slices.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the possible relationship between abdominal adiposity parameters and the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and between these adiposity parameters and various histopathologic findings of the tumor. METHODS: A total of 60 control subjects and 111 CRC patients, 63 with early-stage and 48 with advanced-stage disease, were enrolled. Medical data and abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations of each study group were retrospectively reviewed. Abdominal adiposity parameters, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume, and total adipose tissue (TAT) volume, were calculated on all slices of the CT examinations with specialized software, and results for each study group were compared. Adiposity parameters were also compared with tumor histopathologic findings. RESULTS: We found lower VAT and higher SAT volumes in advanced-stage CRC patients, compared with the early-stage group. However, this relationship was not statistically significant (P = 0.721 for VAT and P = 0.432 for SAT volumes). We detected significantly lower VAT and SAT volumes in the early-stage CRC group compared with the control group (P = 0.014 for both). There was no significant relationship between TAT volumes and the study groups (P = 0.06). No statistically significant relationship was detected between adipose tissue parameters and histopathologic features of the CRC group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found statistically significant lower VAT and SAT volumes in patients with early-stage CRC compared with the control group. Volumetric adipose tissue measurements may be more accurate than area measurements and can easily be performed on abdominopelvic CT examination, which is the routine imaging modality for CRC patients.

Distribution characteristics of combat-related shrapnel and relationship to weapon type and conflict location: Experience of an operational field hospital.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of shrapnel distribution in the body and a possible relationship to the type of weapon and type of location of the conflict. METHODS: The records of 246 patients admitted to a level-III trauma center with any kind of firearm injury were examined retrospectively. Ninety patients who had at least 1 radiologically-proven piece of shrapnel in their body were included in the study. For the purposes of the study, the body was divided into 5 regions (head/neck, thorax/back, abdomen/pelvis/waist, upper extremities, and lower extremities) and shrapnel distribution was noted according to these divisions. Medical data and detailed information regarding the weapon type (long-barreled weapon, rocket-propelled grenade [RPG], or improvised explosive device [IED]), conflict location (residential or rural area), and all radiological examinations (radiography and/or computed tomography) were carefully reviewed. The relationship between these variables and the shrapnel distribution in the body was investigated. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were seen between weapon type and shrapnel distribution (p<0.05), except a significantly higher percentage of head/neck region shrapnel injuries as a result of RPG and IED injuries (p=0.002). There was no statistically significant relationship between the shrapnel distribution characteristics and conflict location, classified as either residential or rural (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Secondary blast injuries induced by penetrating shrapnel are the most common type of explosion- and combatrelated injuries. In the current study, a significantly higher rate of head/neck region shrapnel injuries was observed in RPG and IED injuries compared with long-barreled weapon-induced injuries. The prim.

Analyses of combat-related injuries to the maxillofacial and cervical regions and experiences in an operational field hospital.

BACKGROUND: With the changing conditions of war, maxillofacial injuries are observed more frequently. Particularly in urban areas, high-energy explosive devices (HEEDs), such as improvised explosive devices, are often used alongside long-barreled weapons (LBWs). It is important to use trauma scoring systems and a multidisciplinary approach for medically and accurately responding to the trauma patient in a timely manner. This study aimed to compare the Military Combat Injury Scale (MCIS) and Military Functional Incapacity Scale (MFIS) between injuries sustained by LBWs or HEEDs and to share experiences of an operational field hospital. METHODS: Medical data of 84 patients admitted to an operational field hospital with maxillofacial and cervical injuries sustained by LBWs and HEEDs between July 27, 2015, and July 22, 2016 were reviewed. MCIS and MFIS scores were calculated for all patients; records of the qualifying patients were studied for the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and injury sites. The patients were divided into two groups according to the device/weapon causing the injury: injuries sustained by LBWs in group I and those sustained by HEEDs in group II. RESULTS: All patients were males, with a mean age of 28.75 (range 20-58) years. The average GCS score was 13.4, but it was lower than 15 in 16 (19%) of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference in MCIS scores between the LBW and HEED groups (p=0.206). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in MFIS scores between the LBW and HEED groups (p=0.238). CONCLUSION: Maxillofacial and cervical region injuries are increasing in modern conflicts that are usually located in urban areas. Injuries sustained by HEEDs as well as those sustained by LBWs in the maxillofacial area are morbid and mortal. Rapid and comprehensive intervention is life-saving and helping the patient to further trauma treatment.

Efficiency of instant messaging applications in coordination of emergency calls for combat injuries: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Coordination of an emergency response team is an important determinant of prompt treatment for combat injuries in hospitals. The authors hypothesized that instant messaging applications for smartphones could be appropriate tools for notifying emergency response team members. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a commercial instant messaging application (WhatsApp, Mountain View, CA) as a communication tool for the emergency team in a level-I trauma center. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the messages in the instant messaging application group that was formed to coordinate responses to patients who suffered from combat injuries and who were transported to our hospital via helicopter during an 8-week period. We evaluated the response times, response time periods during or outside of work hours, and the differences in the response times of doctors, nurses, and technicians among the members of the emergency team to the team leader's initial message about the patients. RESULTS: A total of 510 emergency call messages pertaining to 17 combat injury emergency cases were logged. The median time of emergency response was 4.1 minutes, 6 minutes, and 5.3 minutes for doctors, nurses, and the other team members, respectively. The differences in these response times between the groups were statistically significant (p=0.03), with subgroup analyses revealing significant differences between doctors and nurses (p=0.038). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the doctors and the technicians (p=0.19) or the nurses and the technicians (p=1.0). From the team leader's perspective, using this application reduced the workload and the time loss, and also encouraged the team. CONCLUSION: Instant messaging applications for smartphones can be efficient, easy-to-operate, and time-saving communication tools in the transfer of medical information and the coordination of emergency response team members in hospitals.

Apparent diffusion coefficient value in invasive ductal carcinoma at 3.0 Tesla: is it correlated with prognostic factors?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and prognostic factors in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). METHODS: 48 lesions belonging to 47 patients with histopathologically proven IDC were examined using conventional MR and diffusion-weighted imaging at a 3.0-T system. All of the patients had modified radical mastectomies or breast-sparing surgery plus axillary lymph node dissection. The ADC values acquired from the ADC maps consisted of six different b-values (0, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 1500 s mm(-2)) and were compared with the patients' ages, tumour size, histological grade of the lesions, tumour localization, lesions' distance to skin surface and nipples, the existence of axillary lymph node involvement, the number of involved axillary lymph nodes, oestrogen/progesterone receptor status, peritumoral lymphovascular invasion status and the existence of human epidermal growth factor 2 (c-erbB-2) overexpression. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was found regarding axillary lymph node involvement (p = 0.027), and oestrogen/progesterone receptor status (p = 0.013). No significant relationship was detected regarding other prognostic factors (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among various prognostic factors, ADC values were significantly correlated with only axillary lymph node positivity and oestrogen/progesterone receptor status. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: In the present study, the relationship between ADC values of IDC lesions that are acquired at a high magnetic field (3.0 T) system by using multiple b-values and some specific prognostic factors that were not evaluated before in the medical literature was investigated.

Diagnostic accuracy of whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with 3.0 T in detection of primary and metastatic neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: To discuss the accuracy of the whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging with background body signal suppression (WB-DWIBS) technique performed in the 3.0-T system. METHODS: We studied 17 patients who underwent positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and WB-DWIBS examinations for staging their diseases. The DWIBS pulse and echo-planar imaging-short T1 inversion recovery single-shot pulse sequences were performed for WB-DWIBS. A PET/CT scan was performed with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose. The lesions were localised and counted in both of the examinations, and WB-DWIBS was evaluated for the neoplastic tissue detection rate, while PET/CT was accepted as the reference standard modality. RESULTS: The WB-DWIBS scan had a room occupation time of 32-35 min. All of the metastasis positive patients (n = 12) detected with PET/CT were also detected with WB-DWIBS (100%). In our patient group, there were a total of 109 bone metastases on PET/CT scans, and 93 of them (85.3%) were demonstrated with WB-DWIBS. We detected 128 metastatic lymph nodes on PET/CT, and 123 of them (96.3%) were demonstrated with WB-DWIBS. There were a total of 17 liver metastases on PET/CT, and 15 of them (88.2%) were detected with WB-DWIBS. There was no statistically significant difference between the two imaging modalities in detecting bone, lymph node and liver metastases (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: WB-DWIBS is a non-invasive technique that may successfully detect the spreading of the tumoural tissue in cancer patients when compared with PET/CT.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression and MIF gene -173 G/C polymorphism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM: To investigate the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression and -173 G/C polymorphism of the MIF gene in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHOD: Ninety-one patients with diagnosis of NAFLD and 104 healthy controls were included in the study. MIF -173 G/C polymorphism was detected using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism based method. NAFLD was stratified as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), probable NASH and steatosis, respectively in groups 1, 2 and 3, according to NAFLD Activity Score. MIF expression was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 50.1+/-9.6 years, and 54 of them were male. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were 50/83, 42/63 and 31/32, respectively in groups 1, 2 and 3, (P<0.05). Both the MIF expression of hepatocytes and mononuclear cells were more prominent in groups 1 and 2 than group 3. There was no correlation between MIF expression of hepatocytes and fibrosis stage. However, MIF expression of mononuclear cells significantly increased according to fibrosis stage (P<0.05, R : 0.2). There was no significant correlation between MIF genotype and MIF expression in the liver. CONCLUSION: MIF expression is significantly increased especially by mononuclear cells in liver tissue of patients with NASH secondary to inflammation. Thus, it should be considered as a consequence not a causal factor.

Patients with bulbar papilla and choledocholithiasis and their endoscopic management.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study presents the endoscopic management of twenty-one patients with biliary stones, deformity at the duodenal bulb, and a flat shaped papilla ectopically located at duodenal bulb. METHODOLOGY: Most of the patients were male with a mean age of 53.9 +/- 9.6 years. In four (19%) of the 21 patients stenotic parts in the bulbus were dilated with TTS balloons, thus allowing ectopic papillae to be reached in all of the cases. Papillary orifice and distal CBD were dilated with balloons from 4 mm diameter and increasing the diameter of the balloons stepwise to 6 to 15 mm. RESULTS: In 20 (95%) the patients, the stones could be extracted in either the first or subsequent endoscopy session as the cholangiography. In one patient, retroperitoneal perforation in the intrapancreatic segment of the CBD occured after dilatation of CBD with a 15 mm balloon, and an operation was necessary. CONCLUSION: The shared features which may constitute a unique clinical entity of the presented cases are 1) male gender, 2) bulbar papilla, 3) flat appearance of the major papilla endoscopically 4) deformed bulbus, and 5) presence of stones in the CBD. Bile duct stones can be treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation of the distal CBD and papilla.

Reabsorption of ascites and the factors that affect this process in cirrhosis.

Ascites is one of the main features of liver decompensation in cirrhosis, and it is considered to be a dynamic process. In this study, we aimed to (1) measure the reabsorption rate of ascites; (2) evaluate whether these findings were related to features of ascites, hemodynamics, and serum measurements; and (3) examine morphologic changes in the diaphragm of cirrhotic patients. In all, 42 cirrhotic patients with ascites were enrolled in the study to comprise our study group. Using the dextran 70 test, patient ascites volumes and reabsorption rates were measured. Biopsies from the peritoneal side of the diaphragm were also processed for scanning electron microscopy and lymphatic immunohistochemical studies from the cirrhotic patients and control cadavers. The mean ascites reabsorption rate was 4.5 +/- 4.5 (0.18-14.6) mL/min, which correlated significantly with the calculated ascites volume (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). The mean ascites viscosity was 1.07 +/- 0.07 (0.99-1.17) centipoise, which demonstrated a high degree of negative correlation with the ascites reabsorption rate (r = -0.77, P < 0.001). Patients with a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis had significantly lesser ascites reabsorption rates than patients without this particular history. The size of lymphatic stomata in scanning electron microscopy depictions was increased, and lymphatic lacunae were dilated in immunohistochemical studies in the cirrhotic patients with ascites. However, these findings were not uniform in every cirrhotic patient with ascites. The volume and viscosity of ascites seem to influence its reabsorption rate. Additionally, previous episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may be responsible for the decreased ascites reabsorption rates observed in certain patient populations.

Liver biopsy: is the pain for real or is it only the fear of it?

Although percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) has very low mortality and morbidity rates, it often is considered painful and frightening by the patients. This study was designed to grade the intensity of pain expected before the procedure and experienced during the procedure, and whether there is any correlation between pain and the emotional state of the patient. A total of 118 consecutive patients (aged 19-68 (mean, 44) years), who were undergoing PLB for the first time, were included in the study. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used before the procedure, after the procedure to grade the degree of pain expected, and the degree of the pain experienced respectively. All the patients were evaluated by a questionnaire for their personality and emotional situation by using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Somatization Sub-scale (MMPI-SS). Mean VAS score for expected pain before the procedure was 60+/-20 and for the pain experienced during the procedure was 22+/-16 (P < 0.0001). Although the expected pain scores of female patients were significantly higher than males (66+/-22 vs. 55+/-17; P=0.003), there was no difference between female and male patients in the experienced pain scores. The procedure of PLB is expected to be more painful than it really is by the patients, especially by females. Calming the patients by informing them about the procedure and their diseases will probably diminish the expected pain.

Results of endoscopic management of anastomotic biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Anastomotic biliary strictures are common biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation. We assessed the success of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography (ERCP) in the treatment and outcome of post-liver transplantation anastomotic biliary strictures in a university hospital, retrospectively. METHODS: Thirty-three ERCPs were performed in 20 of 162 adult liver transplant recipients with duct to duct anastomosis. RESULTS: In five patients, ERCP failed because the stricture could not be passed with guidewire. Four patients were treated with balloon dilatation only; two of them are recurrence-free with a follow-up of 24 and 8 months. Eleven patients had balloon dilatation and plastic stent placement as their primary treatment modality. In six of them, the anastomosis remained patent for the rest of the follow-up (22+/-13 months). Five patients had stricture recurrence after first stenting which necessitated re-stenting; four of them required a third, and three had a fourth stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilatation and stenting are safe and effective means of treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures following liver transplantation.

Fulminant Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with polycythemia rubra vera and factor V Leiden mutation.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a severe disorder characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. Hypercoagulable states are the major etiological factors for the development of BCS and can be identified in about 75% of patients. Multiple etiological factors can be found in the same patient. Hematologic abnormalities, especially myeloproliferative disorders, are the most common causes of BCS. Furthermore, the prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation is three times greater in patients with BCS. Although the clinical course tends to be chronic, BCS may, on rare occasions, cause acute liver failure. Herein, we report a patient who had factor V Leiden mutation and polycythemia rubra vera, presented as fulminant BCS.

Liver penetration of duodenal ulcer.

Liver penetration is a rare complication of peptic ulcer disease. Histopathological examination of endoscopic biopsy is essential for diagnosis as well as sonographic and computerized tomography imaging. Endoscopic examination could not exclude tumor without pathologic examination. Herein, we report a patient diagnosed as duodenal ulcer penetration into liver by endoscopic biopsy.