Effects of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate on acute radiation proctitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate combination (HA/CS) on a model of acute radiation proctitis. METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups: SHAM; irradiation (IR) + saline (1 mL for 5th and 10th day); IR + HA/CS (1 mL for 5th and 10th day). A single fraction of 17.5 Gy was delivered to each rat. HA/CS was administered rectally each day after irradiation. Each rat was observed daily for signs of proctitis. Irradiated rats were euthanized on days 5 and 10. The mucosal changes were evaluated macroscopically and pathologically. RESULTS: According to the clinical findings, five rats in the irradiation + saline group showed grade 3-4 symptoms on the 10th day. No significant difference in the macroscopic finding scores on the 5th day was observed between the irradiation + saline and irradiation + HA/CS groups. In the pathological examination, radiation-induced mucosal damage was the most prominent finding 10 days after irradiation in saline-treated rats. On the 10th day, the irradiation + HA/CS group showed mild inflammation and slight crypt changes, which corresponded to grade 1-2 pathological findings. CONCLUSION: We think that HA/CS used in radiation cystitis can be beneficial for radiation proctitis.

A rare manifestation of achalasia: huge esophagus causing tracheal compression and progressive dyspnea.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by the absence of primary peristalsis and a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, resulting in a dilated esophagus. Dysphagia is the classic and most common symptom. Respiratory obstruction due to tracheal compression caused by a massively dilated esophagus is a very rare but fatal complication. Herein, we report a case of a patient with long-standing achalasia who had tracheal compression secondary to a markedly dilated, giant esophagus. These findings are documented with CT scans. His symptoms regressed after a Heller myotomy and fundoplication operation.

The role of diffusion-weighted examination in non-polyploid gallbladder malignancies: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in gallbladder malignancies, which are typically diagnosed during surgery because the radiologic findings are similar to those of cholecystitis-caused diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients with gallbladder malignancies and nine patients with benign gallbladder pathology were included in this study. In one of the patients with a malignancy, a lesion was determined on the porcelain gallbladder; in another patient, acute myeloblastic leukemia had infiltrated the gallbladder, causing the diffuse wall thickening. Five subjects had a primary malignant gallbladder. The view of the bladder wall was evaluated visually in increasing b values. Apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were obtained from at least three sites of the bladder wall in each patient, and the results of the measurements were analyzed after comparing the malignant and benign groups. In the malignant group, the results of the radiological outcomes were compared with histological examinations. In the benign group, cholecystitis was diagnosed by observing normalization of the bladder wall thickening via surgery or medical treatment. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in apparent diffusion coefficient levels between the malignant group, which caused diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall, and the benign group (Student t test, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: According to this preliminary study, observation of distinct brightness of the gallbladder wall in diffusion-weighted examination with a high b value is a significant finding in terms of diffuse gallbladder malignancy. A value below the 0.86 mm 2 /sn cut-off was significant for malignancy in apparent diffusion coefficient mapping.

The value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis in diffuse bowel wall thickening.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to investigate the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation of benign-malignant diffuse bowel wall thickening (scirrhous colon carcinoma) and to discuss the diagnostic importance and potential use of apparent diffusion coefficient measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients (32 males, 9 females; mean age, 57 years) with diffuse bowel wall thickening diagnosed on computed tomography were included in this study. The magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 1.5 T scanner (Siemens-Espree). Changes in the signal intensity of the lesions were determined by their appearance in images at b800 s/mm 2 , and apparent diffusion coefficient values were also calculated. Lesions were classified in two groups according to the presence of hyperintensity on b800 images and results of endoscopic biopsies. The differences in mean apparent diffusion coefficient values between the two groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test, and threshold values were determined with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The difference between the mean apparent diffusion coefficient values of benign and malignant groups was statistically significant, and the apparent diffusion coefficient values of benign lesions were significantly higher than of malignant lesions (p<0.05). By using a cut-off value of 1.21 x 10-3mm2 /s, apparent diffusion coefficient had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 87.3%, and accuracy of 89.3% in the discrimination of malignant colorectal pathologies. With the visual assessment of the diffusion weighted images and the measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient values, malignant and benign lesions could be differentiated, with 100% sensitivity, 89.2% specificity, and 90.4% accuracy. Although some benign lesions were interpreted as malignant,no malignant lesion was determined as benign in the visual assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values together can successfully differentiate malignant from benign diffuse bowel wall thickening.

A horseshoe kidney from a live donor as a renal transplant: case report.

OBJECTIVES: This case report presents our experience regarding a horseshoe kidney from live donor to be used as a renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recipient was a 48-year-old man with chronic renal failure owing to hypertension who had been on hemodialysis for 2 years. The donor was his 43-year-old sister who had an uncomplicated horseshoe kidney with negative results on a urinalysis. An aortogram showed that the arterial supply to the kidney consisted of 2 superior arteries (1 on each side) and 1 inferior accessory artery that was divided to feed the lower fused parenchyma of the kidney. RESULTS: Surgery was performed via a retroperitoneal lumbotomy incision; the left half of the kidney was mobilized. The left kidney was procured by clamping the inferior accessory renal artery, transecting the parenchyma within the demarcation boundary. The transplant kidney was placed in the recipient's contralateral iliac fossa. The graft vein was anastomosed to the recipient's external iliac vein, the artery to the external iliac artery, and the ureter to the bladder. After perfusing the graft, no urine leakage was detected from the transacted surfaces, and the graft began producing urine. There were no complications after surgery. The patient was discharged on the 10th day after surgery with a creatinine level of 0.07 µmol/L. Maintenance immunosuppressive treatment included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: We believe using a horseshoe kidney as a renal allograft after a detailed preoperative evaluation may help expand the donor pool.

Abdominal wall endometrioma: ultrasonographic features and correlation with clinical findings.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of abdominal wall endometrioma (AWE) is often confused with other surgical conditions. Certain factors relating to knowledge of the clinical history of the disease make correct diagnosis and treatment difficult. AIMS: To present the clinical findings and ultrasonographic (US) features of AWE with special emphasis on size-related features. STUDY DESIGN: This study reviewed abdominal wall endometriomas during a 2-year period in the Radiology Department of Sifa University Hospital, Izmir. METHODS: Eleven women (mean age 32.6 years) with 12 scar endometriomas (mean diameter 29.2 mm) were consecutively evaluated by US and Colour Doppler examination (CDUS) prior to surgery. Lesions were grouped into large (≥3 cm) and small nodules. Vascularisation was classified as location (central, peripheral and mixed) and severity (absent, moderately vascular and hypervascular). In each patient, the nature of pain (absent, cyclic: associated with menstruation and continuous), historical and clinical data were documented. Four patients underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging and their findings were presented. Fisher's exact test, χ(2) test for categorical data and the unpaired T-test for continuous variables were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all the women, US of the AWE showed the presence of a solid hypoechoic mass (less echogenic than the surrounding hyperechoic fat) within the abdominal wall. There was a significant correlation between AWE sizes with repeated caesareans and the mean time between the last operation and admission to hospital (p<0.05). Large endometriomas showed increased central vascularity (p<0.05). Cyclic pain was more frequent in small lesions, whereas continuous pain was more commonly found in patients with larger lesions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: AWE is often misdiagnosed clinically because endometriosis may occur years after the caesarean section, the pain is often non-cyclic in nature, and there is not always a palpable tender mass. The sonographic and Doppler findings, along with proper correlation with clinical data, may substantially contribute to the correct diagnosis of endometrioma.

Transverse colon diverticulitis with calcified fecalith.

Left colonic diverticula are common in Western populations, whereas right colonic diverticulosis primarily occurs in Oriental populations. Diverticulitis of the transverse colon is very rare, with very few cases reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of transverse colon diverticulitis caused by a calcified stone in a 69-year-old female. This was a solitary diverticulum. The signs and symptoms of the disease are similar to acute pancreatitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the MRI findings of a patient with trans-verse colon diverticulitis caused by a calcified stone.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome: preoperative diagnostic criteria, good clinical outcome with medical treatment and review of the literature.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, or abdominal cocoon syndrome, was described firstly in young adolescent girls. It is characterized by a thick fibrotic peritoneum that wraps the bowel in a concertina-like fashion with some adhesions. We report a man with intermittent intestinal obstruction and an abdominal cocoon encasing the small bowel. Our patient had no history of peritonitisor tuberculosis. We think he had primary abdominal cocoon syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, very few male patients have been reported in the medical literature as developing this condition. We treated the patient with drug therapy, including steroidand mycophenolate mofetil, and a liquid diet program, without surgical operation. He was symptom-free on follow-up over a period of 11 months.

Effects of IgM-enriched immunoglobulin and fluid replacement on nerve conduction velocity in experimental sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular abnormalities in sepsis, termed critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), have been suggested to be induced by inflammatory mechanisms and/or relative hypovolemia. CIP is characterized by early electrophysiological findings before the clinical symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and volume replacement therapies on the possible nerve conduction velocity (NCV) alterations in the early phase of experimental sepsis. METHODS: Forty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Cecal ligation/perforation was performed to induce experimental sepsis. NCV was assessed in the tail nerve. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in NCV levels within and among the Sham-operated, colloid- and IVIG-treated groups. In the sepsis without treatment group, there was a statistically significant decrease in NCV levels. CONCLUSION: NCV is decreased in the early stage of experimental sepsis and it may be accepted as an early electrophysiological sign in CIP. Treatment with either IgM-enriched IVIG or early volume replacement appears to prevent the decrease in NCV in the early phase of experimental sepsis. Results were statistically indistinguishable between the IVIG- and colloid-treated groups. No statistical difference between these groups is noteworthy. There is a need to clarify the mechanisms of action with further randomized, clinical and experimental trials.

Neuromuscular deterioration in the early stage of sepsis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a clinical condition frequently seen in patients being treated in critical care units in the final stage of sepsis. The etiopathology of CIP is still unclear, and the onset time of appearance of the electrophysiological findings has not been elucidated. The very little research that has been carried out on this topic is limited to clinical electrophysiological and histopathological studies. In this study, electrophysiological alterations in the early stage of experimentally induced sepsis were investigated in septic rats. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study in an animal basic science laboratory with 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200 to 250 g. All of the rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the sepsis group (n = 20), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to induce experimental sepsis. In the sham-operated group (n = 10), laparotomy without CLP was performed. Before and 24 hours after CLP and laparotomy, the right sciatic nerve was stimulated from the sciatic notch and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. Recordings of latency, amplitude, and duration of the CMAP were evaluated. RESULTS: CMAP durations before and 24 hours after surgery were 0.45 +/- 0.05 ms and 0.48 +/- 0.05 ms, respectively, in the sham-operated group and 0.46 +/- 0.05 ms and 0.55 +/- 0.01 ms, respectively, in the sepsis group. Latency measurements in the sham-operated group were 0.078 +/- 0.010 ms and 0.080 +/- 0.015 ms, respectively, whereas measurements were found to be prolonged in the sepsis group: 0.094 +/- 0.015 ms and 0.149 +/- 0.054 ms before and 24 hours after surgery, respectively (p < 0.05). CMAP amplitudes in the sham-operated group before and 24 hours after surgery were 8.41 +/- 0.79 mV and 8.28 +/- 1.92 mV, respectively, whereas in the sepsis group the amplitude measurements decreased to 7.60 +/- 1.75 mV and 4.87 +/- 3.44 mV, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that electrophysiological alterations appear in the first 24 hours after experimental sepsis and are characterized by an increase in latency and a decrease in CMAP amplitude. The results also suggest that electrophysiological findings seen in patients with CIP might appear before clinical signs of CIP.

An interesting thinner intoxication case: intrathoracic injection.

Thinners, including aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, and N-hexane, are widely used in industry for the production of plastics, varnish, paint, and glue. Use of these toxic agents frequently leads to chronic intoxication caused by abuse or misuse of solvents, which are usually taken in through inhalation. Thinners may have neurotoxic, myotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic systemic effects. The patient described in this report attempted to commit suicide by injecting 10 cc thinner into the left hemithorax. Acute chemical empyema developed at the left hemithorax. No bacterial growth was noted in empyema liquid and blood samples. Empyema was treated with tube thoracostomy, and full remission was observed after 33 d. No systemic toxic signs were noted, other than a low level of hepatotoxicity. Although pleural effusion, atelectasis, and pleural thickening were observed at the acute phase on computed tomography (CT) of the thorax, only pleural thickening persisted on CT of the thorax after 1 y. Investigators could not find a documented case of parenteral use of thinners in the medical literature.