Clinical significance of serum synaptophysin-like 1 protein levels in breast cancer.

Background: Mammography, used for breast cancer (BC) screening, has limitations such as decreased sensitivity in dense breasts. Currently used tumor markers are insufficient in diagnosing breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of synaptophysin-like protein 1 (SYPL1) and BC and compare SYPL1 with other blood tumor markers. Methods: The study group consisted of 80 female patients with a histopathological diagnosis of invasive BC who received no radiotherapy/chemotherapy. The control group was 72 women with no previous history of breast disease and evaluated as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS 1-2) on imaging. Serum SYPL1, cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured in both groups.

Optimizing surgical approaches for anterior communicating artery aneurysms: Development and internal validation of a novel surgical scoring system.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to provide comprehensive preoperative information on both the aneurysm orientation and the side and method of surgical approach for optimal preoperative information and safe clipping using 3D imaging modalities. This was achieved by making an objective risk assessment on the surgical side/method and evaluating its effectiveness with internal validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic data of 61 ACoA aneurysm patients between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A scoring system based on five criteria; ACoA aneurysm dome orientation, A1 symmetry/control, perforating artery control, A2 trace orientation, and A2 fork symmetry was developed. The system is designed to align with the most common surgical approaches in ACoA aneurysm surgery. The patients were categorized into three groups based on the scoring results to determine the most appropriate surgical method. Group I was recommended, Group II was less recommended, and Group III was least recommended. Internal validation was performed to assess the system's effectiveness. Outcomes and complication rates were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: When the scoring system was utilized, the mean score difference between the first group and the other groups was 2.71 and 4.62, respectively. There was a homogeneous distribution among the groups in terms of age, sex, WFNS, and Fisher scores. Complication occurred in three patients in Group I and nine patients each in Group II and Group III. The further the deviation from the first option, the higher the complication rate (p = 0.016), and a significant cause-effect relationship was identified (p = 0.021). The ROC curve established a cut-off value of 12.5 points for complications and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our study introduces a new scoring system for ACoA aneurysms, enhancing the use of 3D CTA in daily practice and providing internal validation for the proposed approach. By evaluating objective criteria, this scoring system helps predict surgical risks, prevent complications, and supports personalized evaluation and selection of the surgical approach based on objective criteria.

Development of a comprehensive and clinically applicable novel projection classification system for anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Various surgical and anatomical classifications have been proposed to date related to ACoA aneurysm projection. Nonetheless, a universally accepted classification system is yet to be established. This study is aimed at establishing a standardized classification system for ACoA aneurysms with utilization 3D technology and defining reference lines for their projections. The goal is to create a simple, understandable, surgically beneficial, and reliable classification system based on neurovascular structures in the region, including safe and hazardous zones. The radiologic data of 96 patients with ACoA aneurysm who were treated in our university hospital between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and a planned classification scale was developed with the data obtained. The classification aimed to create 9 main projection groups in the sagittal plane: superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior in linear orientation, and anterosuperior, posterosuperior, anteroinferior, posteroinferior, and complex in quadrant orientation. The coronal and axial planes included medial, lateral, and midline classifications, resulting in a 3-dimensional classification system with 25 projections. Among the 96 patients, 32 had linear and 64 had quadrant projections. In the sagittal plane, the linear projection breakdown was as follows: superior (28%), inferior (6.25%), anterior (53%), and posterior (12.5%). For the quadrant projection, the distribution was as follows: anterosuperior (53%), posterosuperior (12.5%), anteroinferior (21.87%), posteroinferior (3.12%), and complex (9.37%). Overall, 35.4% aneurysms were anterosuperior, 17.7% anterior, 14.58% anteroinferior, 9.37% superior, 8.3% posterosuperior, 6.25% complex, 4.16% posterior, 2.08% posteroinferior, and 2.08% inferior projection. Our study proposes a projection classification that utilizes 3D technology for safe surgery based on neurovascular structures in the region and thus better reveals safe and hazardous zones, including three plans, three dimensions, and two orientations. The use of this classification system offers valuable guidance for daily practice in the treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

Internal Validation of Two Models Developed for Prognostication of Patients with Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of two models for prognostication of patients with isolated traumatic brain injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The models developed with the data of the patients who applied within ten years were subjected to internal validation with the data of the patients who applied within the following five years. The records of 204 patients with traumatic brain injury admitted into Neurosurgery Department and Intensive Care Units were reviewed. Models were applied to procure estimates of prognosis. The estimates were statistically compared with the actual clinical outcome of patients using discriminant analysis. RESULTS: For Model 1, the correct classification rate was calculated as 87.9%, the specificity as 66.7%, the sensitivity as 94.2%, the positive predictive value as 68.8%, and the negative predictive value as 93.6%. For Model 2 the correct classification rate was evaluated as 90.2%, the specificity as 57.6%, the sensitivity as 96.5%, the positive predictive value as 76%, and the negative predictive value as 92.2%. CONCLUSION: Both of the models had decent correct classification rates and may be efficient estimation tools for the prognostication of unfavourable outcome in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury. These models are good candidates to be used widely following the evaluation of their validity with national and international multicentric studies.

Biliary cysts in adults: Cerrahpasa experience.

Objectives: Biliary cysts are biliary duct dilatations, with 20% of the cysts being diagnosed in adulthood. Abdominal pain, jaundice and palpable abdominal mass are defined as the classical triad. However, nausea, vomiting, fever, itching and weight loss are frequent complaints. There are several treatment options depending on the type of the cyst. This study aimed to share our experience with biliary cysts and contribute to the literature on this subject. Material and Methods: Thirty patients, who received treatment for biliary cyst from January 1981 to December 2018 at our clinic, were studied retrospectively. The patients were analyzed based on age, sex, type of the cyst, diagnosis and treatment methods, post-op follow up and complications. Results: Twenty-seven of the patients were females, and three were males. The patients were aged between 16 and 76 years, and the median age was 41.9 years. All patients presented with abdominal pain, which was accompanied by cholangitis in nine patients, nausea and vomiting in four patients, dyspepsia in three patients and palpable mass in one patient. According to the Todani classification, biliary cyst findings were consistent with Type I in 23 patients, Type V in three patients, Type IV in two patients, Type II in one patient and Type III in one patient. Conclusion: Diagnosis and treatment are complex in biliary cysts due to anatomical proximity and variations. Therefore, it would be beneficial to refer them to referral centers. Choice of treatment should be based on the type of the cyst.

Application Experiences on a GPU-Accelerated Arm-based HPC Testbed.

This paper assesses and reports the experience of ten teams working to port, validate, and benchmark several High Performance Computing applications on a novel GPU-accelerated Arm testbed system. The testbed consists of eight NVIDIA Arm HPC Developer Kit systems, each one equipped with a server-class Arm CPU from Ampere Computing and two data center GPUs from NVIDIA Corp. The systems are connected together using InfiniBand interconnect. The selected applications and mini-apps are written using several programming languages and use multiple accelerator-based programming models for GPUs such as CUDA, OpenACC, and OpenMP offloading. Working on application porting requires a robust and easy-to-access programming environment, including a variety of compilers and optimized scientific libraries. The goal of this work is to evaluate platform readiness and assess the effort required from developers to deploy well-established scientific workloads on current and future generation Arm-based GPU-accelerated HPC systems. The reported case studies demonstrate that the current level of maturity and diversity of software and tools is already adequate for large-scale production deployments.

[The effects of ultra-early clipping on survival and neurological outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage].

Background and purpose: European Stroke Organisation guidelines advise treating aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) as early as possible. However, the optimum timing along with its beneficial effects is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of ultra-early clipping on neurological outcomes and survival in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhages. Methods: This retrospective study included all poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients treated by ultra-early surgical clipping at Trakya University Hospital between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2020. We analysed the outcome and mortality data of these patients. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of ultra-early clipping on outcomes, defined as within six hours of the onset of symptoms. Results: From 813 records, 212 met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 117 (55.2%) were female and 95 (44.8%) male. The mean age was 58.3 ± 13.7 years. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores differed significantly between age groups, subarachnoid haemorrhage grades, those who did and did not rebleed, and those who did or did not suffer from vasospasms. A beneficiary relationship was found between ultra-early clipping and mortality among patients. Furthermore, favourable outcomes were significantly more frequent in the ultra-early clipping group. Conclusion: The aSAH patients treated at our hospital who received ultra-early clipping had significantly lower mortality rates and more favourable outcomes. The difference was significant among those treated during the last decade and among patients younger than 50.

The effects of the early and ultra-early intervention on the outcome in aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of intervention for aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is one of the historically controversial issues in neurosurgery. Although numerous studies investigated the subject, they had many limitations due to the nature of the disease. Early and ultra-early interventions have gained more and more supporters in recent decades. Nevertheless, the effects of the early and ultra-early intervention on the outcome of the disease are far from clarity. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was carried out at Trakya University Medical Faculty Training and Practice Hospital. The study includes data on all patients admitted with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005. Patients were divided into two groups according to their WFNS grade status: Good (I-III) or poor (IV-V) grades. Patients are also classified according to their Glasgow Outcome Scale score: Unfavorable (1-2) or favorable (3-5) outcomes. Data were analyzed statistically, and the effects of the early and ultra-early intervention on the outcome were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 580 patients were admitted in the study period. Among them, 494 were eligible for the study. The median age (interquartile range) was 55 (18) years. While 244 (49.4%) patients were women, 250 (50.6%) patients were men. Three hundred and fourteen (63.6%) patients were operated, and 25 patients (5.1%) were undergone endovascular treatment. The ultra-early intervention was achieved in 60 (12.1%) patients and 142 patients (28.7%, including the previous ultra-early intervention group) early intervention was achieved. A meaningful outcome difference was present between the poor-grade ultra-early treatment group and the rest (p=0.007). Analogously, a meaningful outcome difference was present between the poor-grade early treatment group and the rest (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study supports the growing trend toward early or ultra-early intervention in aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our findings showed that both early and ultra-early interventions have positive effects on the outcome in poor-grade aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Future studies with more homogenized and larger samples should be realized to clarify the optimal timing of intervention for aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Fournier's gangrene: Five years' experience from a single center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Is the present study aims to analyze demographic, clinical and surgical data of all patients with FG (Fournier's gangrene) admitted to a tertiary healthcare hospital in the largest city of Turkey. METHODS: This study included 35 patients with Fournier's gangrene, who were followed by the General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Urology Departments of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine from January 2010 to January 2015. Demographic and clinical data, including gender, age, length of stay at the hospital, the underlying cause(s), number of debridement, predisposing factors, and surgical reconstructive data over 10 years were assessed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 35 patients was 58.14±12.71 years. Diabetes mellitus was present in 20 of the 35 (57.1%) patients. Twelve of the patients (34.2%) were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). Length of stay in the ICU was found to be significantly influenced by age, hematocrit level, FGSI and UFGSI (p=0.013, p=0.030 p=0.025 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant infection with a high mortality rate. Physical examination and anamnesis are quite important for the diagnosis of FG. DM is the most common comorbidity. Age, hematocrit level, FGSI and UFGSI scores affect the patients' length of stay in the ICU.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure is still a high-morbid surgery?

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the outcome of the reversal of Hartmann's procedure based on preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 78 cases, whom we applied the Hartmann's procedure either electively or under emergency conditions in our clinic between the years 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: Of the cases reviewed in this study, 45 patients were males, and 33 patients were females. Of all cases included in this study, 32 cases were operated due to malignancies, 15 cases were operated due to a perforated diverticulum, and 11 cases were operated due to sigmoid volvulus. Reversal of Hartmann's was performed in 32 cases. The morbidity and mortality rates for the reversal of Hartmann's procedure were 37.5% and 0.0%,respectively. CONCLUSION: The reversal of Hartmann's procedure appears to be a safe operation with acceptable morbidity rates. If the correct patient selection, correct operation timing and meticulous surgical preparation are performed, the risk of morbidity and mortality of the reversal of Hartmann's procedure can be minimized.

Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage incidence among hospitalised patients in Edirne, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, no data has been published about the spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (sSAH) incidence in Turkey. We aimed to report the estimation of sSAH incidence in Edirne Province, in Turkey for the first time, using the data acquired from a single medical centre which has the biggest and the most comprehensive emergency department in Edirne and to where a great majority of patients are referred. METHODS: We investigated all the accessible sSAH patients' data obtained from computer-based automation systems and all the written documents in the neurosurgery and the emergency departments. Patients included in the study were diagnosed with sSAH between the dates of January 2007 and December 2011 and were resident in Edirne. We used this data to calculate the crude and age-adjusted incidence rates of sSAH for every decade. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four patients have been diagnosed with sSAH during a 5-year period. Among them, 72 were men (47.8%) and 82 (53.2%) were women. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years and age range was 23-85 years. The overall annual adjusted incidence rate for sSAH was 10.3 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval = 10.2-10.3). Annual adjusted incidence rate was 10 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval = 10-10.1) for men. For women, it was 10.4 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval = 10.4-10.5). For both sexes, after the 6th decade, the annual incidence rate of sSAH was higher than 10 per 100,000, reaching over 20 per 100,000 person-years after the 7th decade. The overall crude incidence rate for sSAH was 10.3 per 100,000 person-years. For men, the crude incidence rate was 9.4 per 100,000 person-years and for women, it was 11.2 per 100,000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: This study showing the first sSAH incidence estimation in Edirne might also be accepted as an estimation of overall epidemiological sSAH aspect in Turkey. Future investigations should be realised in different parts of Turkey to enlighten the epidemiological state of affairs and the course of sSAH in Turkey.

Role of Alvarado score and biological indicators of C-reactive protein, procalicitonin and neopterin in diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The determination of a definitive preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains a challenge; however, delays in diagnosis increase complication rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the Alvarado score (AS) alone and the AS combined with the use of the biological indicators of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and neopterin (NP) in the diagnosis. METHODS: Serum was collected from 100 patients who were admitted to the general surgery clinic of Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty between March 4, 2014 and July 29, 2015 with the pre-diagnosis of AA and who agreed to take part in the study. The serum samples were stored at -70°C. The patients were divided into 2 groups: AA-positive (n=60) and AA-negative (n=40). The AA positive group was divided into subgroups of complicated (n=11), uncomplicated AA (n=49) and the AS, CRP, PCT, NP levels were compared. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 45 men (45%) and 55 women (55%), with a mean age of 32.8+-13.7 years (range: 18-92 years). There was no significant difference between the groups in age and gender. There were 24 patients with an AS ≤4 (3 had surgery), 35 patients with an AS of 5-7 (22 had surgery), and 41 patients with an AS of 8-10 (38 had surgery). Three of the 63 patients who underwent surgery were diagnosed with a normal appendix. The serum CRP, PCT, and NP measures were found to be inadequate to make an AA diagnosis alone, these values increased the sensitivity and specificity of the AS. The biological indicators were also significant in differentiating between the complicated and uncomplicated AA groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the AS is useful, additional testing and clinical approaches are valuable to inform the diagnostic procedure. When considered alone, serum CRP, PCT and NP values are insufficient for a diagnosis of AA. However, they increased the diagnostic value of the AS and can be helpful in distinguishing complicated AA cases.

Inflammatory mediators in the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis: pentraxin-3, procalcitonin and myeloperoxidase.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the third most common gastrointestinal disease at hospital admission. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not completely clear. Our study was intended to determine the systemic levels of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as prognostic parameters in early stages of AP. We also determined the effects of treatment on PTX-3, MPO, PCT and CRP levels in AP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 44 AP patients (22 male, 22 female; age: 49.3 ±16.9 years) referred to our outpatient clinic. Additionally, our investigation included a control group of 30 healthy volunteers (18 male, 12 female; age: 50.8 ±12.6 years). RESULTS: Leukocytes, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST (SGOT)), alanine aminotransferase (ALT (SGPT)), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the AP group (p < 0.05, all). CRP, PTX-3, MPO and PCT were considerably higher in the AP group (p < 0.001, all), and after treatment, CRP, PTX-3, MPO and PCT levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001, all). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that the CRP, PTX-3, MPO and PCT levels increase in patients with AP and hence these indicators can be used as diagnostic factors to predict inflammation severity in AP. It was revealed that after treatment, there were significant reductions in biomarker levels. However, further research is needed in order to understand how these biomarkers can help to monitor inflammatory responses in AP.

Combination Technique Is Superior to Dye Alone in Identification of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Male Breast Cancer.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the main method in staging the axilla. There are insufficient data available regarding the accuracy of an SLN biopsy in male breast cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the combination of dye and radiotracer would improve the detection rate of SLNs versus dye alone in male breast cancer patients. From February 2009 to January 2012, our SLN biopsy database was retrospectively reviewed to identify male breast cancer cases. Of the 890 SLN procedures contained in the database, 10 male breast cancer patients were identified. Patient age, body mass index, SLN biopsy technique, SLN identification, number of SLN excised, and pathology reports were reviewed. Mean age was 57.2 (34-85) years with a mean tumor size was 2.2 (1.0-4.0) cm. SLN detection ratios were two in four with blue dye and six in six with the combination technique. Overall, SLNs were identified in 8 of the 10 patients. SLN biopsy is applicable in male breast cancer cases. The addition of a radiotracer to the dye in SLN biopsy increases the detection rate of sentinel nodes in male breast cancer patients.

Managing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications in patients referred to the surgical emergency unit.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to present our experience in the management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications in patients referred to our surgical emergency unit by various endoscopy centers. METHODS: A retrospective investigation was conducted on the records of the 54 patients who were referred to our surgical emergency unit between October 2005 and January 2014 due to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications. RESULTS: There were 25 and 29 female and male patients, respectively. Pancreatitis was the most common complication (38.8%). Perforation (27.7%), infection (20.3%), and bleeding (12.9%) were the other complications. In 22.2% of cases, patients were died. The mortality rate was the highest in patients with perforation (40%). The mean age of the patients who were died due to complications was 75.9 years (range, 47-94 years). In total, 41.6% of the patients were died within the first week and 33.3% were died within the second week following ERCP. Nearly half of these patients had a cancerous disease (one had metastatic breast cancer, one had a gallbladder cancer, one had a duodenal cancer, and the other three had periampullary cancers) and 50% of the patients who died also had cardiopulmonary and/or cerebrovascular disorders. CONCLUSION: Comprehending and managing the main risk factors can minimize complications; however, they would not be eliminated. Moderate and severe complications may increase the mortality rates, particularly in high-risk patients.

Embolism of a pellet after shotgun injury: From liver to right ventricle.

Bullet embolism to the heart is a rare but serious complication of penetrating trauma. Distant migration of foreign bodies via the vascular system must be taken into consideration following penetrating gunshot trauma. Delays in diagnosis may result in poor management and subsequent complications that may lead to grave prognosis. Presently described was a conservatively managed case of asymptomatic intracardiac pellet embolization. Highlighted was the importance of serial scanning for intravascular migration of pellet following penetrating gunshot injury, in addition to conservative management in asymptomatic patients.

Comparison of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT findings with vascular endothelial growth factors and receptors in colorectal cancer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT findings with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and its receptor (VEGFR) levels in metastatic and nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Fluorine-18 FDG-PET/CT scans were performed for initial staging and restaging of patients with CRC. FDG-PET/CT findings of tumor (such as the presence of a primary tumor, the lymphatic or distance metastases, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor), serum VEGF A-C-D-E levels, and serum VEGF receptor 1-2-3 levels were analyzed. A total of 63 patients were included into the study (35 males, mean age 61.3 ± 11.9 years). Patients were divided into two groups, based on positive and negative PET/CT findings. Patients were also categorized according to the presence of metastasis. All evaluated parameters were significantly higher in the PET/CT-positive group than the PET/CT-negative group (p < 0.001). All those parameters were also positively correlated with each other. The highest correlation for SUVmax of primary tumor was found with VEGFR-3 (p < 0.001, r = 0.665). Patients with metastases had high levels of VEGF-D, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-E, and VEGFR-3 than those without metastases. These parameters had better specificity and sensitivity values than the SUVmax of the primary tumor for detection of metastases. However, VEGF-D was the best indicator of metastasis in all of those parameters (VEGF-D vs SUVmax; sensitivity 100 vs 100 %; specificity 76 vs 76 %; AUC 0.903 vs 0.835; p < 0.001, respectively). Vascular endothelial growth factor family and its receptors were significantly higher in metastatic CRC patients. VEGF-D was the best indicator of metastasis than all VEGF family, VEGFR-3, and primary tumor SUVmax. VEGF family (A-C-D-E) and VEGFR-3 may help to determine the prognosis and management of CRC.

Perianal Fistula With and Without Abscess: Assessment of Fistula Activity Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly accurate for the depiction of both the primary tract of fistula and abscesses, in patients with perianal disease. In addition, MRI can be used to evaluate the activity of fistulas, which is a significant factor for determining the therapeutic strategy. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the usefulness of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI for assessing activity and visibility of perianal fistula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with 56 perianal fistulas were included in the current retrospective study. The T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and DWMRI were performed and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of fistulas were measured. Fistulas were classified into two groups: only perianal fistulas and fistulas accompanied by abscess. Fistulas were also classified into two groups, based on clinical findings: positive inflammatory activity (PIA) and negative inflammatory activity (NIA). RESULTS: Mean ADC value (mm(2)/s) of PIA group was significantly lower than that of NIA group, regarding lesions in patients with abscess-associated fistulas (1.371 × 10(-3) ± 0.168 × 10(-3) vs. 1.586 × 10(-3) ± 0.136 × 10(-3); P = 0.036). No statistically significant difference was found in mean ADC values between PIA and NIA groups, in patients with only perianal fistulas (P = 0.507). Perianal fistula visibility was greater with combined evaluation of T2WI and DWMRI than with T2WI, for two reviewers (P = 0.046 and P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The DWMRI is a useful technique for evaluating activity of fistulas with abscess. Perianal fistula visibility is greater with combined T2WI and DWMRI than T2WI alone.

Laparoscopic surgery in pregnant patients with acute abdomen.

AIM: Notwithstanding the significant advantages compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery was considered to be contraindicated in pregnant patients. Currently, there are opposing views on the safety of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy, especially in last trimester. The aim of this study was to examine feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in pregnant women with acute abdomen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty between January 1995 and January 2013. All clinical data of pregnant patient who underwent laparoscopic surgery were analyzed including inpatient records, operative reports, pathology records, and delivery information. RESULTS: Fourteen pregnant patients (mean gestational age 19.2 weeks, ranged from 9 to 33 weeks) who underwent laparoscopy for appendectomy (n=11), cholecystectomy (n=2), and diagnostic reasons (n=1) were included. Average time of delivery was 37.4 gestational weeks (range 35-40 weeks). Two patients had preterm labor. No complications such as uterine injury, fetal death, or maternal mortality were encountered during laparoscopic procedures CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed at all trimesters of pregnancy. Laparoscopy may be useful in differentiation of acute abdominal pain in pregnancy and may decrease fetal loss due to delay in diagnosis. shorter operative time reduces negative effects of surgery on mother and fetus.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with common variable immunodeficiency.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin disease of unknown etiology. It can be seen on normal skin or secondary to traumas such as injections and biopsies. Half of reported cases are associated with systemic diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, hematological disorders, hepatic disease, and necrotizing vasculitis. These lesions often occur on the trunk and extremities. Abscess drainage, debridement, or necrosectomy are contraindicated in PG, and false management of these indications aggravates the lesion. A diagnosis of PG is based on medical history as well as physical and laboratory examination according to standard criteria. Presented here is a case of a male patient with a medical history of recurrent abscess of injection and splenectomy due to splenic abscess. The patient presented with a subcutaneous abscess which transformed rapidly to an ulcer after abscess drainage. Consequently, the patient received the final diagnosis of PG with common variable immunodeficiency and was treated accordingly.