The effect of ulnar variance on the pisotriquetral joint.

BACKGROUND: Pisotriquetral joint (PTJ) disorders are an important cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain but are often underrecognized. Ulnar variance (UV) has been associated with several wrist pathologies. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of UV on PTJ in patients with trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients (77 men, 66 women; mean age=41.64 ± 18.07 years) were included. Patients with fractures, severe and high-energy trauma, arthritic conditions, avascular necrosis, congenital deformity, bone and soft-tissue tumors, suboptimal image quality, and incorrect joint position were excluded. UV and the amount of PTJ subluxation were evaluated using coronal and sagittal computed tomography images. RESULTS: PTJ subluxation was divided into five grades. A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of PTJ subluxation and sex (P = 0.045). PTJ subluxation was more common in men (46.8%) than in women (30.3%). There was no significant difference between the presence of PTJ subluxation and age (P = 0.758). The patients were also divided into three groups as positive, neutral, and negative UV. A statistically significant relationship was found between the UV and presence of PTJ subluxation (P = 0.01). PTJ subluxation was significantly less in the neutral (none=51.1%, present=48.9%; P < 0.05) and negative (none=77.8%, present=22.2%; P < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION: PTJ subluxation was found to be less among the groups with neutral and negative UV in our study population. PTJ subluxation is more common in men while there is no relationship with age. UV and gender may be risk factors for PTJ subluxation by affecting force dynamics at the wrist joint.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma mimicking granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Upper respiratory tract involvement is common in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), but malignancies should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis. A 68-year-old man was referred to rheumatology to investigate for GPA after nasal excisional biopsy. After careful radiologic and pathologic assessment, he was diagnosed with peripheral T­cell lymphoma, nasal type. This is a rare case of T­cell lymphoma in a patient who was referred as GPA.

Selective venous sampling in primary hyperparathyroidism: Is it worth doing?

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative localization of the culprit gland is the key point for the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Conventional imaging techniques (ultrasound and Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy) are usually adequate for preoperative localization. However, in some patient groups, additional imaging modalities may be required since noninvasive techniques may fail. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of selective parathyroid venous sampling in patients with unclear noninvasive localization tests. METHODS: Among 513 cases who underwent parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism, twelve cases (2.3%) were undergone selective parathyroid venous sampling and were included in the study. Age, sex, presenting symptom, presence of a genetic disease, medical and surgical history, serum calcium (Ca)-parathormone (PTH) levels (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative), imaging reports (US, SM, and SVS), surgery reports, pathology reports, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seven cases (58.3%) had persistent primary hyperparathyroidism and one patient (8.3%) had past surgical history of total thyroidectomy. The remaining four patients (33.3%) had no previous neck surgery. T he sensitivity of selective venous sampling was 75%. According to the medical history, accurate localization was achieved in 85.7% of persistent cases and 60% of primary cases. Eight cases (66.6%) underwent unilateral neck exploration and four cases (33.3%) underwent four gland exploration. A single adenoma was detected in ten cases (90.9%) while one patient (9.1%) had double adenoma.

Prevertebral space invasion in head and neck cancer: negative predictive value of imaging techniques.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in prevertebral space invasion in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 197 patients with advanced primary laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent laryngectomy and neck dissection at our institution. The MRI and CT findings were compared with the surgical findings and postoperative pathology. RESULTS: In 191 patients, the macro- and microscopic margins of the surgical specimens were tumor-free. In the remaining 6 patients, prevertebral space involvement was observed intraoperatively. MRI predicted the absence of prevertebral fascia invasion in 40 of 42 patients with a negative predictive value of 100% and specificity of 95.2%, while the negative predictive value and specificity of CT were 99.2% and 88.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preservation of the retropharyngeal fat plane on MRI reliably predicts the absence of prevertebral space fixation in patients with advanced HNSCC.

Searching for the cheese: does ethmoid pneumatization affect the location of the anterior ethmoid artery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a widely used technique in otolaryngologic practice. To avoid complications, the locations of important anatomical structures, such as the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA), should be determined preoperatively. We want to evaluate the effect of ethmoid cavity pneumatization on the location of the AEA and to determine consistent landmark(s) for locating the AEA. 524 consecutive patients undergoing sinus CT scans between February and October 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. After the exclusion criteria were applied, 150 CT scans (300 sides) were selected for the study. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between ethmoid pneumatization and the distance of the AEA to the attachment of the inferior turbinate to the lateral nasal wall (Spearman's rho = 0.305; p < 0.001). Likewise, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between ethmoid pneumatization and the distance between the AEA and the frontonasal junction (Spearman's rho = 0.219; p < 0.001). We found that the artery was located mostly between the second and third lamellae [n 211 (71 %) cases]. There was no statistically significant correlation between ethmoid pneumatization and AEA location in terms of the lamellae. Increased ethmoid volume increases the distance of the AEA from the frontonasal junction and the lateral attachment of the inferior turbinate. However, increased pneumatization of the ethmoid cavity did not affect AEA localization in terms of the lamellae. Based on our findings, we suggest that using the lamellae to locate the AEA is reliable.

Isolated tympanic plate fracture frequency and its relationship to mandibular trauma.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the prevalence of isolated tympanic fractures and their correlation with mandibular fractures by using maxillofacial computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the maxillofacial CT of 1590 patients who presented to our emergency department with maxillofacial trauma between December 2010 and December 2012. Maxillofacial CT was used as the criterion standard for evaluating patients with maxillofacial fractures. The CT images were evaluated by using an electronic picture archiving and communications system and interpreted independently by 2 radiologists. RESULTS: The maxillofacial CT images revealed mandibular fractures in 167 of the patients and isolated tympanic plate fractures in 35 of these 167 patients. Four patients (11%) had a bilateral tympanic plate fracture, and 31 patients (89%) had unilateral tympanic plate fracture. Of all the tympanic plate fractures, 19 (54%) were on the right side and 16 (46%) were on the left side (P > .05). In our results, a significant correlation between the presence of a right-sided tympanic plate fracture and fracture of the ipsilateral condylar process was found (P = .036). However, a statistically significant difference between the presence of a tympanic plate fracture and other mandible fractures, additional soft-tissue findings, or the number of fractures was not determined (P > .05). Sex had no impact on the presence of tympanic plate fracture (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The frequency of isolated tympanic plate fractures in maxillofacial trauma is low, but it is an important anatomic location. Condyle fractures are significantly associated with isolated tympanic plate fractures. The presence of these injuries should raise suspicion of a concomitant isolated tympanic plate fracture.

MRI assessment of internal acoustic canal variations using 3D-FIESTA sequences.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the internal acoustic canal is the standard diagnostic tool for a wide range of indications in patients. This study aims to investigate the vascular variations and compression of the cranial nerves (CNs) VII and VIII at the cerebellopontine angle in patients with neuro-otologic symptoms using 3D-fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) MR imaging. One hundred and eighty-seven patients (374 temporal bones) were examined on a 1.5-T MRI. In addition to conventional MR sequences, a 3D-FIESTA MR imaging was acquired. Magnetic resonance images thus obtained were evaluated with special regard to the presence of vascular contact to the CNs VII and VIII, as well as the presence of the vascular variations of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) causing the compression of CNs. The Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. No statistically significant differences were found between the presence and absence of the AICA loop and/or vascular contact for the clinical symptoms of patients (P > 0.05). The cisternal and canalicular segments of CNs VII and VIII and adjacent vascular variations are well identified using 3D-FIESTA, especially by determining the relationship of the AICA variations between CNs.

Orbital apex syndrome as a sign of unsuspected breast carcinoma.

Breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among women, rarely metastasizes to the paranasal sinuses and skull base. The disease usually proceeds insidiously, remaining asymptomatic until ocular symptoms appear. Orbital involvement is frequently seen in metastatic disease of the paranasal sinuses and skull base, but orbital apex syndrome is rare. Early presentation with clinical features of acute ethmoiditis can delay the diagnosis of metastatic disease. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old woman with breast cancer who presented with orbital apex syndrome secondary to the skull base and paranasal sinus metastasis.

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma: a rare nasopharyngeal mass lesion.

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is a rare and nonneoplastic lesion of upper respiratory tract characterized by an abnormal mixture of tissues which are peculiar to the involved anatomic region. The most common site reported is nasal cavity and its nasopharyngeal origin is extremely rare. The lesion can be confused with a variety of benign and malignant entities. In this article, we report a 22-year-old female case of REAH of posterior nasopharyngeal wall. The clinical and radiological features of the lesion are discussed in the light of literature data.

Synovial sarcoma of the infratemporal fossa with intracranial extension.

Synovial sarcomas (SS) account for 7-8% of soft-tissue cancers and 3-5% of all cases with head and neck involvement. Synovial sarcoma of the infratemporal fossa is very rare In this article, we report the fourth case of SS of infratemporal fossa and the first case with intracranial extension via the foramen ovale. A 31-year-old man admitted with a one-year history of intense pain in his right jaw. On physical examination, there was only hyperesthesia over the right mandible side. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass in the infratemporal fossa and intracranial extension from the foramen ovale. The mass was surgically removed en bloc. Postoperative pathological examination reported the mass as a biphasic-type synovial sarcoma. The patient who received postoperative chemoradiotherapy had no recurrent disease for one year. The patient is still being followed in our clinic.

Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Clinical and Imaging Findings.

Objectives: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disease. Ectopic adenomas may cause a failed surgery which results in persistence or recurrence. Intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma (ITPA) is a rare reason for PHPT and site of ectopia. Herein, we aimed to investigate the clinical and imaging features of patients with ITPAs and the effectiveness of radiological tools for localization at a tertiary reference center. Methods: The files of 708 consecutive patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT in our department between January 2007 and December 2021 were investigated retrospectively. PHPT patients with ITPA were included in the study. Patients with missing data were excluded from the study. Clinicopathological features of the patients and radiological evaluation findings were investigated. Results: Twenty-eight (28/708: 3.9%) patients were included in the study. The complete intrathyroidal gland and subcapsular parathyroid gland were observed in 8 (1.1%) and 20 (2.8%) patients, respectively. The ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy revealed the accurate localization of ITPA in 25 (89.3%) and 18 (64.3%) patients, respectively. Additional imaging modalities were applied for 10 patients in which conventional localization studies were discordant or inconclusive. ITPAs were most commonly found in the lower gland (n=20) localization. All patients had a successful parathyroidectomy and neither persistence nor recurrence was occurred in the study group. Conclusion: The ITPAs are rare in PHPT. The ultrasound has a high diagnostic rate in experienced hands. The second-line imaging methods may be favorable in the presence of negative or discordant scans. The pre-operative localization studies can detect the ITPAs in most patients, so blind thyroidectomy should be avoided.

[Evaluation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence in patients with vertigo and tinnitus]. / Vertigo ve tinnituslu hastalarda süperior semisirküler kanal dehissansinin arastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSC) in patients with unknown etilogy of vertigo/tinnitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was performed prospectively between December 2007 and March 2008. Fifty five patients (23 males, 32 females; mean age 44.5; range 36 to 74 year) with complaints of vertigo and/or tinnitus, of which we couldn,t establish the etiologies, were included in the study. Control group was consisted of 15 patients who didn,t have complaints of vertigo and/or tinnitus. A high resolution temporal bone computed tomograpy (CT) scan (1 mm slice thickness) was performed in all study groups (patients and controls). RESULTS: Thirty nine subjects (72%) had normal odiometric findings. Mild conductive hearing loss was present in 12 (22%) subjects. Two (3%) of the patients had moderate conductive hearing loss and the other two subjects (3%) had mixed type hearing loss. High resolution temporal bone CT scan revealed that 35 (65%) subjects had dehissence around SSC otic capsule whereas 20 (35%) remaining patients yielded no dehissence. Twenty one of 35 patients (60%) with dehissence at SSC had minimum defect and 14 patients (40%) had significant defect. Bilateral defect was present in nine (64%) of 14 patients with significant defect but none of the subjects with minimum defect showed bilateral involvement. None of the control subjects exhibited SSC dehissence with CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Semicircular canal dehissence was found in 65% of the patients with unknown etiology of the vertigo and tinnitus. Physicians should evaluate the SSC dehissence in patients with vertigo and tinnitus as an etiologic factor.

[The importance of computed tomography examination of temporal bone in detecting tympanosclerosis]. / Timpanosklerozun saptanmasinda temporal kemik bilgisayarli tomografi incelemenin yeri ve önemi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to show detectability of tympanosclerotic plaques with computed tomography (CT) which has an important role in the evaluation of temporal bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study group included 19 tympanoplasty cases (12 females, 7 males; mean age 31 years; range 12 to 57 years) who were operated on for hearing restoration due to chronic otitis media and conductive hearing loss between January 2006 and May 2006 at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. The tympanosclerotic plaques obtained from surgical specimens were sent for pathological confirmation and temporal bone CT scans which were obtained preoperatively were reevaluated by a blinded radiologist who was dealing with head and neck radiology. RESULTS: All histopathological specimens obtained from tympanosclerotic plaques showed hyaline degeneration and increased collagen formation, resulting in increased epithelial thickness, calcification and in some cases ossification. Tympanosclerosis was identified in CT scans as ossified or calcified high density regions in the soft tissue in middle ear cavity, leading to ovoid, linear or weblike forms. Of those 19 cases, who were unilaterally operated on, eight cases had findings suggestive of tympanosclerosis in CT only in tympanic membrane (42.1%), two in only middle ear (10.5%) and eight in both middle ear and tympanic membrane (42.1%). In only one case (5.2%), tympanosclerosis was not identified radiologically. CONCLUSION: This study shows that temporal bone CT scan is a valuable method to diagnose the etiology of hearing loss and to detect the localization of the tympanosclerosis, in patients with chronic otitis media and conductive hearing loss. When combined with clinical findings, CT scans can be an informative guide to otolaryngologists for preoperative evaluation of tympanosclerosis.

Histopathological and Tumor Characteristics Associated with False Negative Axillary Ultrasonography Results in Breast Cancer.

AIMS: As the false-negative rates of axillary ultrasonography (AUS) (21%-48%) are not optimal, the demand for axillary surgery remains even if AUS is negative. The aim of this study is to determine the histopathological and tumor characteristics associated with false-negative AUS results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with normal AUS were divided into two groups as true-negative and false-negative according to the histopathology results of axillary lymph nodes. Two groups were compared in terms of age, histological grade of the primary tumor, histological size of the primary tumor, histological type, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and ultrasonography BI-RADS classification of the primary tumor. The number of metastatic lymph nodes, size of the largest metastatic lymph node and the number of micrometastatic lymph nodes were also noted in the false-negative group. RESULTS: There were 152 patients with normal preoperative AUS in the study group. The false-negative AUS rate was 20.4%. The incidence of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and the mean tumor size was significantly greater in the false-negative group. Micrometastasis was present in 3 patients (3/31, 9.6%), the mean of the largest metastatic lymph nodes was 12.5 mm, the mean total number of malignant lymph nodes was 1.9 in the false-negative group. In 25/31 (80.6%) of the patients, there were less than or equal to 2 metastatic lymph nodes. The presence of LVI was higher in the false-negative group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the other parameters. CONCLUSION: Before stating that the axilla is normal on ultrasonography, a careful evaluation should be made in patients with a mass >2 cm in size and/ or ILC diagnosis.

The association of patellar maltracking with infrapatellar fat pad edema and chondromalacia patella: A quantitative morphological magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the relationship of patellofemoral joint morphology with infrapatellar fat pad edema and chondromalacia patella (CP) using patellar maltracking parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2013, 50 patients with edema in the superolateral portion of the infrapatellar fat pad (the study group) and control group (n=50) with a normal infrapatellar fat pad were identified on MRI to compare with regard to five patellar maltracking parameters retrospectively. These parameters were trochlear depth, the trochlear sulcus angle (TSA), patellar translation, the lateral patellofemoral angle (PFA), and the Insall-Salvati ratio. The relationship between patellar maltracking and the CP was also evaluated using the same parameters. RESULTS: In the study group, the Insall-Salvati index and TSA were significantly higher (p=0.001), and the trochlear depth and PFA were low (p=0.001, p=0.01), while patellar translation showed no difference (p=0.957). In the CP group, the Insall-Salvati index and TSA were significantly high (p=0.001), the trochlear depth was low (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in PFA and patellar translation (p=0.292, p=0.446). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that edema in the superolateral portion of infrapatellar fat pad and CP are associated with patellar maltracking.

Is T-tube treatment effective in Meyer-Cotton grade 3 tracheal stenosis: long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To present retrospective experience in Meyer-Cotton grade 3 tracheal stenosis of 17 patients treated by T-tube, considering the characteristics of the treated stenosis, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative outcomes and complications. METHODS: All demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Chest and neck computed tomography scans were performed to assess the stenosis, including length, location, and glottic involvement. The stenotic area was evaluated endoscopically according to an adapted Meyer and Cotton grading scale. RESULTS: The aetiology of the tracheal stenosis was intubation-related in all cases. The duration of intubation ranged between 1 hour to 40 days. According to the Myers-Cotton classification, all patients were at stage 3. Mean length of the stenosis was 26.58 ± 12.02 (range =15-70) mm. Mean follow-up for the study group was 60.16 ± 34.10 (range =18-137) months. Two patients died during follow-up, one due to stroke, one due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia; no deaths were attributable to TS. The remaining 15 patients could be evaluated up to the present time. Post-operative decannulation was achieved in three of 15 patients (20%), and decannulation was not achieved in 12 of 15 patients (80%). CONCLUSION: T-tube is not an effective treatment of tracheal stenosis.

Intra- and interobserver variability of Kleerekoper's method in vertebral fracture assessment.

Radiographically detected vertebral fractures (VF) are a hallmark of osteoporosis. Several approaches to describe VF have been proposed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intra- and interobserver variability of semiquantitative Kleerekoper's method in osteoporotic VF assessment. Sixty-seven postmenopausal osteoporotic (L2-4 T-score < or =-2.5) women with a mean age of 65.2+/-7.51 years were included into the study. Lateral radiographs of thoracic and lumbar spine were evaluated in all patients. Kleerekoper's method was used to define VF. Two observers evaluated all radiographs independently. To investigate intraobserver reproducibility, the first observer reevaluated all radiographs a month later on a separate occasion. Intra- and interobserver agreement was calculated using the kappa statistic. The agreement between two readings for the first observer was 86.3% with a corresponding kappa score of 0.573 (95% confidence limits of kappa score were 0.505-0.642). Interobserver agreement was 87.7% with a corresponding kappa score of 0.660 (95% confidence limits were 0.602-0.718). We observed a moderate agreement for Kleerekoper's method in vertebral fracture assessment. There is no gold standard or standardized measurement or description for VF. Quantitative assessment of VF is essential in epidemiologic studies and in clinical drug trials, but a semiquantitative technique, which is done by experienced observers, should also be added to evaluate the entire spectrum of visible features that are helpful in identifying deformities.

Traumatic posterior fossa hematomas.

PURPOSE: Posterior fossa epidural hematomas are much less common than supratentorial epidural hematomas. The incidence of posterior fossa epidural hematomas among intracranial epidural hematomas has been reported to be 4% to 7%. Seven cases of posttraumatic posterior fossa epidural hematomas diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) are reported with radiological and clinical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 7 posterior fossa epidural hematoma cases, out of 585 severe head trauma patients admitted and hospitalized in an 18-month period. The patients were evaluated regarding age, gender, type of trauma, cranial CT and Glasgow coma score in admittance, treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: Average age was 24.2 years and 85.7% of the cases were male. All cases had occipital fracture. Fifty-seven percent of the cases had only occipital fracture and posterior fossa epidural hematoma. All of the cases in this group were neurologically intact except for one who had a Glasgow coma score of 9 in admission. Two cases of this group were conservatively treated. In the others posterior fossa epidural hematomas got larger and they were treated surgically; these two cases recovered after surgery. Three of the 7 cases had the supratentorial region lesions; one of these cases died before operation. Two of them were treated surgically, one of them died and the other showed recovery after surgery. CONCLUSION: Acute posterior fossa epidural hematomas are usually symptom-free initially. After this silent period, clinical deterioration is quick to become fatal in most of patients. Surgery can be life-saving when performed in a timely manner. Therefore, CT should always be performed when an occipital trauma is diagnosed.

[An unusual lingual cyst lined by respiratory epithelium]. / Brons epiteliyle döseli nadir bir lingual kist.

Apart from several well-established types of developmental cysts in the tongue such as dermoid cyst, lymphoepithelial cyst, and thyroglossal cyst, there are two rare lingual cysts known as lingual cyst of foregut origin and lingual alimentary cyst. In this report, a lingual cyst with a wide involvement of the tongue is presented in a nine-year-old boy with findings of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative histopathologic examination showed a lingual cyst of foregut origin lined by respiratory epithelium.

Value of Echo-Planar Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detecting Tympanomastoid Cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of echo-planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (EP-DWI) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the detection and localization of cholesteatoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients were prospectively included in this study. Patients with suspected primary or residual cholesteatoma were evaluated by EP-DWI and HRCT before tympanomastoid surgery. Radiological findings were correlated with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: EP-DWI and HRCT accurately predicted the presence or absence of cholesteatoma in 49 of 54 (90.7%) and 37 of 54 (68.5%) patients, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EP-DWI were 88.4%, 92.8%, 92%, and 89.6%, respectively. However, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of HRCT were 69%, 67.8%, 66.6%, and 73.07%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that EP-DWI is more reliable in predicting the presence and localization of cholesteatoma compared with HRCT, before tympanomastoid surgery.