Radiological management and challenges of the twin earthquakes of February 6th.

Two major earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Turkey and Northern Syria on February 6, claiming more than 50,000 lives. In such an unprecedented disaster, radiologists were confronted with very critical tasks of stepping out of the routine reporting process, performing radiological triage, managing acute adverse events, and optimizing imaging protocols. In our experience, radiologists can take three different positions in such disasters: (1) in the scene of the disaster, (2) serving in teleradiology, and (3) working in tertiary hospital for transported patients. With this article, we aimed to describe the challenges radiologists face on the three main fronts and how we manage these challenges.

The radiological findings of COVID-19

Background/aim: Available information on the radiological findings of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is constantly updated. Ground glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidation with bilateral and peripheral distribution have been reported as the most common CT findings, but less typical features can also be identified. According to the reported studies, SARS-CoV-2 infection is not limited to the respiratory system, and it can also affect other organs. Renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal complications, liver dysfunction, cardiac manifestations, and neurological abnormalities are among the reported extrapulmonary features. This review aims to provide updated information for radiologists and all clinicians to better understand the radiological manifestations of COVID-19. Materials and methods: Radiological findings observed in SARS-CoV-2 virus infections were explored in detail in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Results: The typical pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia were determined as GGOs and accompanying consolidations that primarily involve the periphery of the bilateral lower lobes. The most common extrapulmonary findings were increased resistance to flow in the kidneys, thickening of vascular walls, fatty liver, pancreas, and heart inflammation findings. However, these findings were not specific and significantly overlapped those caused by other viral diseases, and therefore alternative diagnoses should be considered in patients with negative diagnostic tests. Conclusion: Radiological imaging plays a supportive role in the care of patients with COVID-19. Both clinicians and radiologists need to know associated pulmonary and extrapulmonary findings and imaging features to help diagnose and manage the possible complications of the disease at an early stage. They should also be familiar with CT findings in patients with COVID-19 since the disease can be incidentally detected during imaging performed with other indications.

Evaluation of initial chest computed tomography (CT) findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in 117 deceased patients: a retrospective study

Background/aim: There is no study in the literature in which only chest computed tomography (CT) findings of deceased cases obtained at admission were examined, and the relationship between these findings and mortality was evaluated. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 117 deceased patients with COVID-19 infection confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction and undergone chest CT were enrolled. We evaluated initial chest CT findings and their relationship, location, prevalence, and the frequency with mortality. Results: The mean age of patients was 73 ±18 years; 71 of all patients were male and 46 were female. The predominant feature was pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesion (82.0%), and 59.8% of cases had pure consolidation. There was no cavitation or architectural distorsion. Pericardial effusion was found in 9.4% the patients, and pleural effusions were found in 15.3% of them. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was only 11.9% in total. Conclusion: In deceased patients, on admission CTs, pure consolidation, pleural and pericardial effusion, mediastinal LAP were more common than ordinary cases. It was these findings that should also raise the concern when they were seen on chest CT; therefore, these radiologic features have the potential to represent prognostic imaging markers in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with covid-19 in Sakarya, Turkey: a single centre cohort study

Background/aim: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Turkey on March 10, 2020 and the number of the patients are increasing day by day. Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has high mortality rates in intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to describe the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes among the critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of our hospital. Materials and methods: This cohort study included 103 consecutive patients who had laboratory confirmed Covid-19 and admitted to ICU of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between March 19 and April 13, 2020. The final date of the follow-up was April 18. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.6 ± 14.1 years. Most of the patients had increased CRP (99%), serum ferritin (73.8%), d-dimer (82.5%), and hs-troponin levels (38.8%). 34 patients (33%) had lymphocytopenia, 24 patients (23.3%) had thrombocytopenia. 63 patients (61.2%) developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 31 patients (30.1%) had acute kidney injury, and 52 patients (50.5%) had multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during follow-up. Sixty-two patients (60.2%) received mechanical ventilation. As of April 18, of the 103 patients, 52 (50.5%) had died, 30 (29.1%) had been discharged from the ICU, 21 (20.4%) were still in the ICU. Conclusions: Covid-19 has high mortality rates in ICU. Patients with elevated procalcitonin, hs-troponin, d-dimer, and CRP levels and lower platelet count at admission have higher mortality.

The usual course of thorax CT findings of COVID-19 infection and when to perform control thorax CT scan

COVID-19 infection, a highly contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV virus, and the World Health Organization declared this increasingly spreading disease as a global public health emergency (pandemic). In the diagnosis of COVID-19, the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is considered as the reference standard test. In the early stages, thorax CT findings could be present even before the onset of symptoms, thorax CT has quite high sensitivity in COVID-19 patients with false negative RT-PCR results, and it has a great importance not only in diagnosis but also in follow up. We think that it might be beneficial for our radiologist colleagues in the early diagnosis of the imaging features of this disease, by sharing the experiences we have gained by evaluating the typical and relatively atypical CT findings regarding the natural course of the tomographic findings of COVID-19 and when to control CT.

A back and forth manual aspiration technique using a SOFIA Plus catheter for acute ischemic stroke: technical note.

PURPOSE: We describe a new modification of thromboaspiration to facilitate recanalization, referred to as the "back and forth" manual aspiration technique. METHODS: In this technique, the aspiration catheter (SOFIA Plus catheter, MicroVentionInc, Tustin, CA, USA) is positioned adjacent to the occluded segment and then advanced over the thrombus during manual aspiration with a 50-cc syringe. RESULTS: We evaluated this technique in 15 patients who presented to our institution with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Final mTICI 2b/3 was achieved in 86.6% of the patients with the sole use of this new aspiration technique. No dissection, rupture, or downstream emboli were associated with the procedure. The mean time from puncture to revascularization was 35 min. CONCLUSION: This modified technique with back and forth movements of the SOFIA Plus catheter over the thrombus during aspiration may facilitate thrombectomy in AIS. However, further studies in larger groups are necessary to elucidate its efficacy and to compare with current techniques.

Endovascular embolization in the management of traumatic and postoperative abdominopelvic bleeding: a single-center experience

Background/aim: Endovascular embolization is widely used instead of surgery in the treatment of traumatic and postoperative abdominopelvic bleeding. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of computed tomography in the determination of active bleeding and the efficiency of endovascular embolization in traumatic and postoperative abdominopelvic bleeding. Materials and methods: Thirty-one patients admitted to our hospital with traumatic and postoperative abdominopelvic bleeding between January 2006 and September 2012 and treated with endovascular embolization were retrospectively enrolled in the study. In 15 hemodynamically stable patients, abdominal computed tomography was performed to detect the presence and/or localization of the hemorrhage. All 31 patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and endovascular embolization. Results: Active hemorrhage was detected in all patients evaluated by computed tomography. Thirty-two embolization procedures were performed in 31 patients. Embolization was successful in all procedures. Two patients needed retreatment because of recurrent bleeding. One patient died 2 days after embolization as a result of concomitant multiorgan injury. Conclusion: Computed tomography is able to detect active bleeding, allowing it to take the place of diagnostic DSA. If careful patient selection is carried out, endovascular embolization may be the final treatment, despite high-grade visceral organ injury.

Can Chest Computed Tomography Findings of Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients Upon Admission Indicate Disease Prognosis and Clinical Outcome?

AIM: This study aimed to investigate whether initial chest Computed Tomography (CT) findings of COVID-19 patients could predict clinical outcomes, prognoses, and mortality rates associated with the infection. BACKGROUND: Published studies on chest CT in COVID-19 infection do not go beyond describing the characteristics of the current period. Comparative analysis of chest CT findings upon hospital admission among patients with different clinical outcomes is scarce. OBJECTIVE: We sought to retrospectively evaluate and compare clinical outcomes, prognoses, and mortality rates based upon the initial chest CT findings of 198 consecutive symptomatic patients with COVID-19 confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). METHODS: Patients (N = 198) were divided into three groups according to their clinical outcomes as follows: group 1 (n = 62) included patients discharged from the service, group 2 (n= 60) included patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, and group 3 (n = 76) included patients who died despite treatment. RESULTS: Predictors of poor prognosis and mortality with regard to chest CT findings included mediastinal lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion, and clinical characteristics of age, dyspnea, and hypertension. The halo sign on chest CT was a good prognosis predictor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Some CT findings, such as discharge, intensive care unit hospitalization, and death as the worst consequence, significantly correlated with endpoints. These findings support the role of CT imaging for potentially predicting clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19.

A comparison of computerized tomography findings of COVID-19 infection by gender and age groups.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the computed tomography (CT) imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by gender and age groups. METHODS: The patients with COVID-19 (n=1,024) were divided into nine age groups (0-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and 80 years and above). The CT findings were retrospectively analyzed according to the age groups and gender. RESULTS: Under 20 years of age, except for the ground-glass opacity and consolidation, no other finding was observed. Airway changes and crazy-paving pattern were more common over 80 years. While the tree-in-bud pattern was more common in the 20-29 age group than in other age groups, the halo sign was mostly seen at the age of 30-39 years. Unlike other groups, the thin reticular pattern was more common in patients aged 60-79 years. When the findings were compared by gender, the rates of centrilobular nodules (p=0.006), airway changes (p=0.004), and tree-in-bud pattern (p=0.050) were significantly higher in males than in females. CONCLUSION: The chest CT findings of COVID-19 show significant changes according to age and gender. The findings that are more common in elderly and male patients should be carefully evaluated in terms of the prognosis of the disease.

Is It Rational to Perform Liver Resection for Patients with Intermediate and Advanced Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

This study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma and the outcome of our aggressive treatment policy which follows the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidance. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data of 102 patients who were treated for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2007 and October 2016. Male predominance (81.4%) and a median age of 61 years were observed. Cirrhosis was evident in 88.2 per cent of patients. Viral hepatitis (77.5%) was the most common underlying etiology. The majority of our patients (71.6%) were in BCLC B and C stages. Liver resection was performed in 53.4 per cent of patients in those stages. Transarterial chemoembolization was the leading interventional treatment. Overall survival rates at three and five years were 75 per cent and 75 per cent in BCLC 0, 69 per cent and 58 per cent in BCLC A, 50 per cent and 41 per cent in BCLC B, and 11 per cent and 11 per cent in BCLC C, respectively. The BCLC treatment algorithm should consider the role of liver resection also for intermediate stages.

Image-guided percutaneous bone biopsy with a simulated van sonnenberg removable hub system.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively examine the success and complication rates associated with image-guided percutaneous bone biopsy with a simulated Van Sonnenberg removable hub system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 3.5-year period, 27 bone lesions at different anatomic locations with an indication for biopsy based on plain film, computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were determined, and a total of 28 image-guided (fluoroscopy or CT) percutaneous biopsies were performed using a simulated Van Sonnenberg -removable hub system. This technique entailed the use of a cut-out Chiba needle hub that performed as a guide for the insertion of a larger needle. Either core and aspiration biopsy or core biopsy alone was utilized. RESULTS: The procedure yielded diagnostic material 89% of the cases (48% infection, 22% benign lesions, and 19% malignant lesions). Combined use of core and aspiration biopsy resulted in a higher diagnostic accuracy as compared to core biopsy alone. No false positive or false negative diagnoses were observed. No serious complications such as neurological deficits, bleeding, or organ injury were observed. CONCLUSION: The simulated Van Sonnenberg removable hub system provides a useful technique for percutaneous bone biopsies and is particulary suitable for deep seated (such as vertebral) lesions with its ability to facilitate the accessibility of the lesion with its built-in guidance needle. The procedure is safe in light of the literature data.

Synchronous occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in both lobes of the liver.

Occurrence of synchronous double primary liver cancer is a very rare condition. A 48-year-old man underwent lateral sectorectomy and tumor resection from segment (S) 7 and S5 for 3 separate liver tumors. Pathological examination revealed intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in the lateral sector and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in S7 and S5. This report presents the second case in the literature describing the resection of synchronous double cancers of HCC and ICC localized in both lobes of the liver. We also reviewed the clinical and pathological aspects of this coincidental situation.

Evaluation of the relationship between renal function and renal volume-vascular indices using 3D power Doppler ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between renal function and total renal volume-vascular indices using 3D power Doppler ultrasound (3DPDUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred six patients with hypertensive proteinuric nephropathy (HPN) (49 male, 57 female) and 65 healthy controls (32 male, 33 female) were evaluated prospectively using 3DPDUS. Total renal volume (RV), vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated using Virtual Organ Computer-aided Analysis (VOCAL). The estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) of the patients with HPN and the control group were calculated. The patients with HPN were divided into two groups on the basis of GFR, normal (≥90) or reduced (<90). Differences between groups were compared using ANOVA. Correlations between GFR, renal volume and vascular indices were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean total RV, VI, FI and VFI values in the reduced GFR, normal GFR and control groups were RV (ml): 234.7, 280.7 and 294.6; VI: 17.6, 27.6 and 46.8; FI: 79.1, 88.7 and 93.9 and VFI: 7.1, 12.7 and 23.8. There were statistically significant differences between the groups (p<0.001). Total RVs and vascular indices exhibited significant correlations with estimated GFR (r=0.53-0.59, p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound is a reliable predictive technique in renal function analysis.

Diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasonography and MDCT angiography in complications of hemodialysis fistulas and grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography against that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or surgery in the evaluation of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CDUS and MDCT angiography were performed with 41 patients (24 men, 17 women; mean age 55.8) with dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas. The presence of stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm and seroma were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and accuracy of CDUS and MDCT angiography were calculated both individually and in combination for the detection of vascular segments with significant stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, perivascular complications and stenosis subgroups. RESULTS: Sixty-four segmental lesions were diagnosed by DSA or surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of CDUS for all vascular tree lesions were 85.9%, 99.2%, 96.4%, 96.7% and 94.5%, respectively. For MDCT angiography the figures were 96.8%, 99.6%, 98.4%, 99.2% and 98.5%, respectively. When both tests were used in combination, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for all vascular tree lesions rose to 100%. CONCLUSION: Combined use of MDCT and CDUS for diagnosis of AVF dysfunctions is of equivalent value to surgery or DSA, a gold standard technique.

Improvement of renal functions after embolization of renal AVF in a patient who had been on dialysis for 5 years.

Recently, ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy has been used in the diagnosis of renal diseases. Development of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which is one of the post-biopsy complications, is not frequently encountered. AVFs are usually asymptomatic; however, they may lead to serious outcomes. We report a 21-year-old patient, who had been on dialysis for 5 years. Due to high blood pressure (230/160 mmHg) and a thrill in the lumbar area detected on physical examination, Doppler examination was performed and a renal AVF was detected. Because the patient had a history of renal biopsy 5 years previously, the fistula was thought to be secondary to the biopsy. After embolization of the AVF, renal functions improved enough to terminate dialysis treatment.

Materials in embolotherapy of high-flow priapism: results and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with embolic materials used in the selective arterial embolization of high-flow priapism and present the results of long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with traumatic high-flow priapism were reviewed. The patients were evaluated with clinical findings, laboratory examinations, and imaging findings including color Doppler ultrasonography and angiography. Diagnostic angiography demonstrated a connection between the cavernosal artery and the corpus cavernosum. Fistulas were embolized using autologous blood clot, polyvinyl alcohol particles, detachable coils, or acrylic glue. One or more procedures per patient were needed to achieve success. RESULTS: Eleven embolization procedures were performed in eight patients. Immediate resolution of priapism was obtained after the procedures. Three patients (37.5%) had recurrence of priapism in the subsequent 1-3 weeks and required a repeat procedure. After the final procedures, all patients had complete resolution of priapism. Normal recurrence of erectile function was obtained in six of the patients (75%) after the final embolization. CONCLUSION: Selective arterial embolization is a useful therapeutic option in the management of patients with high-flow priapism. Various materials can be used successfully as embolizing agents in the procedures according to the patient's status.