MRI-based Texture Analysis in Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Vertebral Compression Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis and characterization of vertebral compression fractures are very important for clinical management. In this evaluation, which is usually performed with diagnostic (conventional) imaging, the findings are not always typical or diagnostic. Therefore, it is important to have new information to support imaging findings. Texture analysis is a method that can evaluate information contained in diagnostic images and is not visually noticeable. This study aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance images of cases diagnosed with vertebral compression fractures by the texture analysis method, compare them with histopathological data, and investigate the effectiveness of this method in the differentiation of benign and malignant vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with a total of 56 vertebral compression fractures were included in the study. Magnetic resonance images were examined and segmented using Local Image Feature Extraction (LIFEx) software, which is an open-source program for texture analysis. The results were compared with the histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: The application of the Decision Tree algorithm to the dataset yielded impressively accurate predictions (≈95% in accuracy, precision, and recall). CONCLUSION: Interpreting tissue analysis parameters together with conventional magnetic resonance imaging findings can improve the abilities of radiologists, lead to accurate diagnoses, and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Further prospective trials in larger populations are needed to verify the role and performance of texture analysis in patients with vertebral compression fractures.

Effects of Pterional and Osteoplastic Craniotomy on Temporalis Muscle and Calvarial Bone Graft Atrophy.

This study aims to compare the effects of osteoplastic craniotomy on temporalis muscle and bone graft atrophy in patients operated on with a pterional approach to the standard technique. Patients operated on for an intracranial aneurysm with a pterional approach between 2014 and 2018 were studied. Following the exclusion criteria, 36 patients were included in this retrospective study. Temporalis muscle volume and bone graft volume were calculated. The volumes were compared from preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images for temporalis muscle and from early and late postoperative computed tomography images for the bone graft. The osteoplastic craniotomy group (group I) had 17 patients, and the standard craniotomy group had 19 patients (group II). Temporalis muscle volume and bone graft volume decreased statistically significantly in group II after surgery. However, no significant volume difference was found in group I measurements. When compared with the standard technique, osteoplastic craniotomy reduces the likelihood of postoperative temporalis muscle and bone graft atrophy in patients undergoing pterional craniotomy. As a result, the patients' cosmetic and functional well-being is improved.

Experimental Study of the Prevention and Treatment of Lymphoedema in a Rat Hindlimb Model by Applying Cardioperitoneal Catheters and Lacrimal Intubation Tubes in the Inguinoperitoneal Region.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary lymphoedema (LE) is a chronic condition with limited surgical treatment options for restoring extremity form and function. This study aimed to establish a reproducible model of secondary LE and evaluate the preventive and corrective effects of fenestrated catheters (FC) and capillary tubes (CT). METHODS: Thirty-five rats underwent left hindlimb inguinal and popliteal lymph node dissection, followed by radiotherapy after two weeks. The right hindlimb served as the control. The rats were divided into five groups: sham, two preventive (Group 2 - EFC, Group 3 - ECT), and two corrective (Group 4 - LFC, Group 5 - LCT). Measurements of ankle circumference (AC) and paw thickness (PT) were taken weekly, and imaging modalities were performed. After a 16 week follow up, rats were euthanised for histological examination. RESULTS: Data include paw thickness (PT) and ankle circumference (AC) ratios for hindlimbs. In the sham group, AC ratio was 1.08 (p = .002) and PT ratio was 1.11 (p = .020), confirming successful lymphoedema model establishment. Early catheter and tube placement in Groups 2 and 3 prevented AC and PT increase until the 16th week. Group 2: the AC ratio was 0.98 (p = .93), and the PT ratio was 0.98 (p = .61). Group 3: the AC ratio was 0.98 (p = .94) and the PT ratio was 0.99 (p = .11). From the 10th to the 16th week, Groups 4 and 5 exhibited reduced measurements after insertion of catheters and tubes. Computed tomography imaging as an objective examination supported the results obtained from the measurements. The histological findings confirmed the benefits of both FC and CT. CONCLUSION: The insights gained from the present study provide a basis for further exploration and refinement of drainage system designs, ultimately leading to improved treatment approaches for individuals suffering from lymphoedema in the future.

Reduced Cortical Thicknesses of Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder and Relationship with Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor.

Background: Cortical thickness (CT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were widely investigated in bipolar disorder (BD). Previous studies focused on the association between the volume of subcortical regions and neurotrophic factor levels. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of the CT in youth with early-onset BD with BDNF levels as a potential peripheral marker of neuronal integrity. Method: Twenty-three euthymic patients having a clinical diagnosis of BD and 17 healthy subjects as an age-matched control group with neuroimaging and blood BDNF levels were found eligible for CT measurement. A structural magnetic resonance scan (MRI) and timely blood samples were drawn. Results: Youth with BD exhibited lower cortical thickness in caudal part of left (L) middle frontal gyrus, right (R) paracentral gyrus, triangular part of R inferior frontal gyrus, R pericalcarine region, R precentral gyrus, L precentral gyrus, R superior frontal gyrus and L superior frontal gyrus when compared to healthy controls. The effect sizes of these differences were moderate to large (d=0.67-0.98) There was a significant correlation between BDNF levels with caudal part of the R anterior cingulate gyrus (CPRACG) in adolescents with BD (r=0.49, p=0.023). Conclusion: As a special region for mood regulation, the CT of the caudal part of the R anterior cingulate gyrus had a positive correlation with BDNF. Regarding the key role of CPRACG for affective regulation skills, our results should be replicated in future follow-up studies, investigating a predictive neuroimaging biomarker for the early-onset BD.

Optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to reveal whether the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) increases in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patients, and to determine ONSD is associated with the poor prognosis of patients with HE. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In this retrospective case-control study, HE patients who underwent cranial computerized tomography (CT) were included in the case group; and the patients who underwent CT for other reasons for the same age and gender and were normally interpreted were included in the control group. ONSD measurements in the case and control groups and clinical grades of HE with in-hospital mortality and ONSD measurements were compared in the case group. RESULTS: This study was done with 74 acute HE patients and 74 control patients. The mean age was 62.9 ± 11.0 years and 67.6% of patients were male in both groups. The ONSD in the case group was higher than the control group (5.27-mm ± 0.82 vs 4.73 mm ± 0.57, p <0.001). In the case group, the ONSD was 5.30 mm ± 0.87 in survivors, and 5.21 ± 0.65 in non-survivors (P = 0.670). There was no significant difference between the West Haven HE grade (P = 0.348) and Child-Pugh Score (P = 0.505) with ONSD measurements. CONCLUSION: We have shown that ONSD increases in HE patients compared to the control group. ONSD was not related to the Child-Pugh Score, HE grade, and in-hospital mortality.

Shoulder Kinesio Taping Does Not Change Biomechanical Deficits Associated With Scapular Dyskinesis.

Observable scapular dyskinesis is associated with biomechanical deficits. Preventative interventions aimed at correcting these deficits may aid in preventing the development and resolution of shoulder pain. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on common biomechanical deficits associated with scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain. Participants (n = 51) with observable scapular dyskinesis, and without shoulder pain were randomized to KT, KT-placebo, or a no-treatment control group. Measurements taken before, immediately after taping, and 3 days later included pectoralis minor muscle length, lower trapezius muscle strength, scapular upward rotation angle at 0° to 120° in scapular plane humeral elevation and acromiohumeral distance. There were no changes in scapular upward rotation, lower trapezius strength, and acromiohumeral distance immediately after taping or 3 days later compared to baseline (P > .05). The pectoralis minor increased in length in the KT group on day 3 compared to directly after taping (P = .03), but no difference between groups or interaction between time and group were determined (P > .05). Scapular dyskinesis prevalence did not change over time in any group (P > .05). In people with scapular dyskinesis free from shoulder pain, KT applied to the shoulder cannot be recommended to ameliorate the biomechanical deficits associated with shoulder pain.

Microsurgical endoscopy-assisted presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach with mastoid bone drilling: an anatomical laboratory investigation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the applicability of the endoscopy-assisted presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach, advantages, disadvantages, and the applicability of surgery with pre-op radiological parameters; identify important landmarks; and to reveal their relationships with important structures in the surgical field with objective data. Also, we aim to improve the surgical technique for increasing reachable anatomic structure. METHODS: Mastoid drilling and endoscopy-assisted presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach were performed and endoscopic instruments were used to obtain the three-dimensional pictures. Computed tomography images were evaluated to correlate to the anatomic data. RESULTS: In terms of pre-operative radiological evaluation of the applicability of the presigmoid approach were investigated with selected radiological parameters. The endoscopy-assisted presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach applied to cadavers the relationship, distances between important anatomical landmarks, and anatomical structures in the surgical field recorded. The anatomical structures that could reach with the application of the procedure were recorded. The relationship between pre-operative measured radiological parameters and surgical results was evaluated with objective data. Additional combinations to improve this surgical method discussed and the results of our combination were recorded with photographs. CONCLUSION: Although the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach has facilitated with the assistance of endoscope, it has observed that there are still some difficulties, and it has been concluded that the radiological parameters are useful in evaluating the applicability of this surgery. It observed that this surgery can be performed more effectively with combinations.

The correlations between dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemical data in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can in vivo characterize tumor microvascular environment. The aim of the present study was to reveal the DCE-MRI findings and to determine the correlation between these findings and immunohistochemical data in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with primary HNSCC were evaluated retrospectively. DCE-MRI was conducted in all cases. CD34, CD105, and ki-67 expressions were analyzed with immunohistochemistry in tissue sections to determine micro-vessel density and proliferative activity. RESULTS: The DCE-MRI is a successful technique in distinguishing tumor tissue from normal tissue. It was determined that Ve, Ktrans, and ki-67 values were significantly higher in high-stage tumors and there were positive correlations between the Ktrans value (by standard ROI) and CD34 MVDmax and CD34 MVDmean values. No statistically significant correlation was determined between other parameters in DCE-MRI and immunohistochemical data, and T stage. DISCUSSION: DCE-MRI could successfully differentiate tumor tissue in HNSCC. Furthermore, it was observed that DCE-MRI had the potential to reveal certain immunohistochemical information in vivo.

Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Sugammadex Following a Head Trauma in an Experimental Study.

ABSTRACT: To compare the efficacy of mannitol, the first choice of treatment in daily clinical practice for head trauma, and sugammadex, a frequently used neuroanesthesia in recent years. A total of 35 male rats were randomly selected and were divided into 5 groups, each comprising 7 rats. The groups were divided into Group I, sham (n = 7); Group II, control (head trauma, n = 7); Group III, treated with mannitol (head trauma, mannitol 20% 1 g/kg, n = 7); Group IV, treated with sugammadex (head trauma, sugammadex 100 mg/ kg, n = 7); and Group V, treated with mannitol and sugammadex (head trauma, mannitol 20% 1 g/kg and sugammadex 100 mg/kg, n = 7). After the sacrification, histological examination and immu-nohistochemical staining were performed in the brain of all subjects. Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the significance between neuronal density, neuronal nuclei, and activated caspase-3 immunohistochemistry results measured from the prefrontal cortex. Neuronal density showing neuronal viability was observed to significantly increase in Group III compared to Group IV. However, neuronal nuclei immunohistochemistry showing apoptotic neurons also significantly increased. The present study has shown that sugammadex, an agent reversing the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents, has neuroprotective effects and is as effective as mannitol.

Relationships Between DCE-MRI, DWI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters with Tumor Grade and Stage in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives: Properties of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) such as cellularity, vascularity, and glucose metabolism interact with each other. This study aimed to investigate the associations between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with HNSCC. Methods: Fourteen patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC were investigated using DCE-MRI, DCE, and 18fluoride-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and evaluated retrospectively. Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and initial area under the curve (iAUC) parameters from DCE-MRI, ADCmax, ADCmean, and ADCmin parameters from DWI, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) parameters from PET were obtained. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze associations between these parameters. In addition, these parameters were grouped according to tumor grade and T and N stages, and the difference between the groups was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Correlations at varying degrees were observed in the parameters investigated. ADCmean moderately correlated with Ve (p=0.035; r=0.566). Ktrans inversely correlated with SUVmax (p=0.017; r=-0.626). iAUC inversely correlated with SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, and MTV (p<0.05, r≤-0.700). MTV (40% threshold) was significantly higher in T4 tumors than in T1-3 tumors (p=0.020). No significant difference was found in the grouping made according to tumor grade and N stage in terms of these parameters. Conclusion: Tumor cellularity, vascular permeability, and glucose metabolism had significant correlations at different degrees. Furthermore, MTV may be useful in predicting T4 tumors.

Interrater reliability of emergency medicine residents in measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter with computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have recently been conducted on measuring optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) with computed tomography (CT). However, no studies focused on the interrater reliability in ONSD measurements with CT yet. Our first aim was to investigate the interrater reliability of the emergency medicine residents in the measurement of the ONSD with CT. Our secondary aim was to evaluate the interrater reliability and agreement of the emergency medicine residents and neuroradiologist measurements, which is the gold standard. METHODS: Twelve residents (six seniors and six juniors) and a neuroradiologist measured ONSD in twenty different CTs in axial and sagittal planes. The interrater reliability was calculated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the level of agreement in categorical variables was calculated by kappa (ĸ) analysis. RESULTS: We found that the interrater reliability level of all residents was "good" (ICC: 0.824), for seniors was "good" (ICC: 0.824), and for juniors was "moderate" (ICC: 0.748) in the measurement of ONSD. ICC was 0.812 for axial, and 0.783 for sagittal plane measurements. The interrater reliability between residents and the neuroradiologist measurements was "good" (ICC 0.891), and the agreement was found to be "good" (ĸ: 0.688; P < 0.001). The sensitivity of residents in detecting increased ONSD was 78%, and specificity was 90.8%. CONCLUSION: The ONSD measurements with CT performed by the residents are reliable in themselves, and they are compatible with the gold standard measurements.

3.0 Tesla MRI scanner evaluation of supratentorial major white matter tracts and central core anatomical structures of postmortem human brain hemispheres fixed by Klingler method.

Background: As an advanced imaging technique for the human brain, the importance of magnetic resonance imaging technique (MRI) is indisputable. The study aims to contribute to the literature by imaging post-mortem human brain hemispheres fixed with the Klinger method through the a 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner and by defining the supratentorial major white matter tracts and central core anatomical structures.Methods: In our study, 10 post-mortem human brain hemisphere specimens were placed in 10% formalin solution for at least two months according to the Klingler method. The images were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner. Anatomical structures were described on the T1-T2 axial, coronal, and sagittal MRI sections and compared with control images obtained from healthy humans.Results: Our examination revealed major association fibers, the basal cores and nuclei were denser, and the connections between them were clearly visible. The basal nuclei particularly were visualized more clearly compared with the normal MRI examinations. The claustrum, putamen, lateral and medial part of globus pallidus, and the caudolenticular bridges of the caudate nucleus could be clearly distinguished. The optic radiation line toward the occipital area as well as the forceps major and minor were distinct in the axial sections. Meanwhile, the imaging emphasized the importance of temporal stem, and the fibers it contained were clearly observed in the coronal sections.Conclusion: The use of hemispheres fixed using the Klinger method in post-mortem MRI examinations on brain hemispheres showed a clear separation of white matter fibers and nuclear structures.

The importance of brain banking for dementia practice: the first experience of Turkey.

This study reports the results of the first brain tissue banking experience of Turkey in the Unit for Aging Brain and Dementia at Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Izmir. Here, we have briefly described our efforts on brain banking in our country, which consist of six brains from autopsies that had at least two years of clinical follow-up in the 2015-2017 period. The evaluation led to the diagnosis of two Alzheimer's disease (AD) with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, one AD with dementia with Lewy bodies, one corticobasal degeneration, one multiple system atrophy, one vascular dementia. We believe that the study is of a special importance because of its potential of becoming a brain banking center in the region and because of its contributing to the international knowledge of the neuropathological features of dementia, while characterizing the epidemiology of these diseases in the region.

Endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to the ventral brainstem: Radiologic, anatomic feasibility and nuances, surgical limitations and future directions.

The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) is less invasive than traditional open approaches; however, there is currently limited data on the pre-operative features that may predict success of the EETA. Surgical landmarks and exposure of the EETA and expanded EETA are assessed. We retrospectively measured multiple anatomic features in 154 adult dry skulls, 22 C1 and C2 dry bone vertebrae, and 500 paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. We also dissected 13 formalin-fixed, silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads. Relevant qualitative and quantitative data were obtained with CT (n = 10) and cadaveric dissection (n = 13). They are expressed as mean (SD), as appropriate and compared with unpaired t tests. Categorical variables were compared with χ2 tests. We determined the prevalence of clival and sphenoid sinus anatomic variations and assessed potential exposure of the craniovertebral region, based on the relative position of the nasal bone tip, posterior point of the hard palate, and their relation to the position of C1 and C2. Depending on anatomic features, EETA should allow visualization of the ventral brainstem. The mean (SD) dimensions of the surgical window for EETA were 43.2 (5.1) × 18.3 (1.1) mm, in the craniocaudad and horizontal dimensions, respectively. The craniocaudad dimension enlarged to 60.2 (4.7) mm with expanded EETA. The EETA allowed satisfactory exposure for odontoid and C1 anterior arch resection (expanded EETA) in all specimens, regardless of the orientation of the palate. The combination of preoperative radiographic assessment and intraoperative considerations allows safe and effective application and facilitate selection of the most appropriate approach.

Our Experience in the Management of CSF Otorrhea: A Transmastoid Approach with Middle Ear Cavity Obliteration and a Middle Cranial Fossa Approach.

In this report, we present two cases of patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea who underwent surgical repair through either a transmastoid or middle cranial fossa approach. In our first case, a 34-year-old male after head trauma with conductive hearing loss and a House-Brackmann grade 2 facial palsy was found to have a soft tissue mass protruding through his right tympanic membrane. Radiological examination revealed a wide tegmen tympani defect. He underwent surgery via a transmastoid approach with repair of the defect and blind sac closure of the external auditory canal after middle ear cavity obliteration. Our second case involved a 50-year-old female who had developed chronic clear otorrhea following tympanostomy tube placement. Radiological evaluation revealed a tegmen tympani defect and CSF fistula. She underwent a middle cranial fossa approach in which a multilayer closure technique was performed. These two cases illustrate that the type of surgical approach for the CSF otorrhea repair depends on the location and size of the defect and hearing status. We recommend a multilayer closure to ensure proper resolution of the defect.

Radiological and Surgical Anatomy of Ventral C1-C2 Complex.

AIM: To evaluate anatomical data of the bony structures during exploration of the C1-C2 complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included six formalin-fixed cadaveric head and neck specimens. Radiological images and anatomical measurements included: C1-C2 distance, bony distance between C1 anterior tubercle-nares and superior incisors, height of C1 anterior arch, and height and width of odontoid articular surface. RESULTS: The mean distance between C1 anterior tubercle-nares and superior incisors on maxilla were 96.16 ± 8.07 mm and 84.14 ± 9.16 mm, respectively. The mean height of C1 anterior arch was 13.89 mm. The meandistance between medial borders of right-left C1 lateral masses was 19.10 ± 1.80 mm. The mean distance between medial border of lateral midline on mass right and left sides were 9.43 ± 0.88 mm and 9.68 ± 0.97 mm, respectively. The mean height of C1 anterior arch at midline was 13.89 ± 2.48 mm, and the mean distance between ventral surface of anterior arch and ventral joint of odontoid at midline was 6.43 ± 1.29 mm. The anteroposterior, horizontal diameters of odontoid on its base were 12.12 ± 0.38 mm, and 11.12 ± 0.94 mm, respectively. The angles of transoral and transnasal approaches to C1 were 32.67 ± 4.59° and 32.00 ± 2.10°, respectively. CONCLUSION: A safe transoral or transnasal odontoidectomy requires accurate measurements and imaging regarding ventral C1-C2 relationships, distances of odontoid, lateral mass and midline.

An elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus and traumatic brain injury: presented with behavioral symptoms similar to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is nondegenerative insult to brain from external mechanical forces. It may cause cognitive impairment, psychological problems in the long period. Besides traumatic brain injury also induces neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration process, and increases risk of dementia. It may cause various psychiatric complications such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other cognitive and behavioral sequela according to site of involvement in the brain. METHODS: We report a patient who has behavioral symptoms, amnesia and gait apraxy after TBI. Patient's symptoms were similar to behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bv FTD). RESULTS: After detailed neurocognitive and radiologic evaluation he was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) following TBI. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including detailed radiological examinations, if it is necessary, is recommended for the optimum management of elderly patients with cognitive and psychosocial problems in order to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Success Rate and Complications of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Treated With a Transcranial Approach.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in patients treated with transcranial surgery. Here, we retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with CSF rhinorrhea between 2008 and 2015 at our university hospital. Nine (39.1%) patients were treated conservatively, whereas 12 (52.2%) patients were treated with a transcranial approach. Our results showed that 7 (30.4%), 11 (47.8%), and 5 (21.7%) patients had spontaneous, traumatic, and iatrogenic CSF leakage, respectively. In our study, the cribriform plate was the most common site of leakage, and it was found to be involved in 5 (21.7%) patients. The mean diameter defect of the fistula was 130.40 ±â€Š190.47 mm and there was no significant difference between this defect and the different etiology types. In our study, meningitis, third nerve palsy, and vasospasm were the main complications that arose during the treatment of CSF rhinorrhea. Moreover, 6 (26.1%) of 7 (30.4%) patients had spontaneous CSF leaks that were treated with surgery. Notably, spontaneous CSF leaks did not stop when treated with conservative measures. In addition, there were no significant differences between etiology types and CSF leaks. The primary surgical repair rate was 78.3% and the secondary surgery repair rate was 91.6%. Importantly, as we preferred using this type of transcranial surgery in our clinic, there has been a higher success rate with endoscopic treatments and fewer major complications from CSF rhinorrhea in the literature.

Pneumocephalus in a patient with multiple stab wounds.

Pneumocephalus is a complication of trauma to the chest and many iatrogenic interventions. It may arise due to systemic air embolism or retrograde cerebral venous air embolism which is an extremely rare complication. We report a 26-years-old female patient who presented to the Emergency Department suffering of multiple stab wounds. She was in a state of shock and after first aid and evaluation she was operated successfully. In the early postoperative period generalized tonic clonic convulsions were observed following cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Brain computerized tomography demonstrated free air in intracranial and extracranial venous structures. Pneumocephalus was diagnosed which may be due to a wide spectrum of etiologies including thorax or spinal stab wounds, tube thoracostomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or even central venous catheterization. Unfortunately, the patient ended up with brain death despite all effort. In conclusion, we recommend physicians to be aware of this catastrophic complication while taking care of patients with stab wounds.

Computed Tomographic Analysis: The Effects of Frontal Recess Morphology and the Presence of Anatomical Variations on Frontal Sinus Pneumatization.

The aim of this study is to describe the morphology of frontal recess area with its anatomical variations and to reveal if frontal recess morphology and the anatomical variations related to that region have effects on the pneumatization of the frontal sinuses. The frontal sinus and recess morphometry of 136 sides of 68 dry skulls were evaluated on multislice high-resolution computed tomography. The relationships between frontal sinus and frontal recess measurements were analyzed by correlation and linear regression analysis. The variables between the groups of anatomical variations were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and χ test or Fisher exact test. A positive relationship between the sagittal length of spina nasalis interna and morphometric measurements of frontal sinus was revealed (P <0.05). Agger nasi cells were present in 64.2% of sides, supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOECs) in 19.6%, type 3 frontal cells (FCs) in 18.9%, suprabullar cells in 24.3%, and frontal bulla was noted in 5.4%. Intersinus septal cells were observed in 16.2% of the skulls. There were statistically different increases in the measurements of frontal sinus morphometry in the presences of SOECs and type 3 FCs (P <0.05). The diameter of frontal sinus ostium was decreased in the presences of AN, SOEC, type 3 FC, and supraorbital ethmoid cell statistically (P = 0.049, P = 0.029, P = 0.043, P <0.001 respectively). In conclusion, frontal sinus pneumatization was affected by the spina nasalis interna and the presence of anatomical variations related to frontal recess or ostium region instead of the morphology of that area.