Morbidity and mortality associated with fracture of the sternum due to blunt trauma, by fracture type and location.

Objective: To examine the relationship that the types and locations of fractures of the sternum have with mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 115 patients diagnosed with fracture of the sternum, due to blunt trauma, between 2007 and 2018. Records of computed tomography studies were obtained from the radiology archive of a tertiary teaching hospital. The type of fracture was classified as linear, displaced, or comminuted, whereas the fracture location was classified as the manubrium, body, or xiphoid process. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Of those patients, 92 (85.2%) were male and 16 (14.8%) were female. The etiology was a traffic accident in 72 cases (62.6%) and a fall from height in 36 (31.3%). The mean age was 42.1 ± 17.7 years for males and 53.9 ± 20.0 years for females. The mortality rate was 11.1%. Among the 12 deceased patients, the mean age was 44.4 ± 18.3 years. The fracture was located exclusively in the manubrium in 64 patients (59.3%), exclusively in the body of the sternum in 41 (38.0%), and in both locations in three (2.7%), whereas none were located in the xiphoid process. Morbidity rates were higher in the patients with fractures of the manubrium than in those with fractures of the body of the sternum, as was the incidence of accompanying bone fractures and organ injuries. The fracture was linear in 44 patients (40.7%), displaced in 62 (57.4%), and comminuted in 30 (27.8%). The mortality was significantly higher for comminuted fractures than for the other fracture types (p = 0.045; ß = 4.40). Conclusion: Fracture of the manubrium can be indicative of the severity of trauma and has a poor prognosis.

Objetivo: Examinar a relação entre o tipo e a localização da fratura de esterno com mortalidade e morbidade. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários de 115 pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura de esterno por trauma contuso entre 2007 e 2018. Os registros de estudos de tomografia computadorizada foram obtidos do arquivo de radiologia de um hospital universitário terciário. O tipo de fratura foi classificado como linear, deslocado ou cominutivo, enquanto o local da fratura foi classificado como no manúbrio, no corpo ou no processo xifoide. Resultados: Cento e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Desses, 92 (85,2%) eram do sexo masculino e 16 (14,8%) eram do sexo feminino. As causas foram acidente de trânsito em 72 casos (62,6%) e queda de altura em 36 (31,3%). A média de idade foi de 42,1 ± 17,7 anos para os homens e de 53,9 ± 20,0 anos para as mulheres. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 11,1%. Entre os 12 pacientes que faleceram, a média de idade foi de 44,4 ± 18,3 anos. A fratura localizou-se apenas no manúbrio em 64 pacientes (59,3%), somente no corpo do esterno em 41 (38,0%) e em ambas as localizações em três pacientes (2,7%), e nenhuma ocorreu no apêndice xifoide. As taxas de morbidade foram maiores nos pacientes com fraturas no manúbrio do que nos com fraturas no corpo do esterno, assim como a incidência de fraturas ósseas e lesões de órgãos adjacentes. A fratura foi linear em 44 pacientes (40,7%), deslocada em 62 (57,4%) e cominutiva em 30 (27,8%). A mortalidade foi significativamente maior nos casos de fraturas cominutivas do que em outros tipos de fratura (p = 0,045; ß = 4,40). Conclusão: A fratura do manúbrio pode ser um indicativo da gravidade do trauma e de mau prognóstico.

Morbidity and mortality associated with fracture of the sternum due to blunt trauma, by fracture type and location / Morbidade e mortalidade associadas a fraturas de esterno decorrentes de traumas contusos, por tipos de fratura e localização

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship that the types and locations of fractures of the sternum have with mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 115 patients diagnosed with fracture of the sternum, due to blunt trauma, between 2007 and 2018. Records of computed tomography studies were obtained from the radiology archive of a tertiary teaching hospital. The type of fracture was classified as linear, displaced, or comminuted, whereas the fracture location was classified as the manubrium, body, or xiphoid process. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Of those patients, 92 (85.2%) were male and 16 (14.8%) were female. The etiology was a traffic accident in 72 cases (62.6%) and a fall from height in 36 (31.3%). The mean age was 42.1 ± 17.7 years for males and 53.9 ± 20.0 years for females. The mortality rate was 11.1%. Among the 12 deceased patients, the mean age was 44.4 ± 18.3 years. The fracture was located exclusively in the manubrium in 64 patients (59.3%), exclusively in the body of the sternum in 41 (38.0%), and in both locations in three (2.7%), whereas none were located in the xiphoid process. Morbidity rates were higher in the patients with fractures of the manubrium than in those with fractures of the body of the sternum, as was the incidence of accompanying bone fractures and organ injuries. The fracture was linear in 44 patients (40.7%), displaced in 62 (57.4%), and comminuted in 30 (27.8%). The mortality was significantly higher for comminuted fractures than for the other fracture types (p = 0.045; β = 4.40). Conclusion: Fracture of the manubrium can be indicative of the severity of trauma and has a poor prognosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Examinar a relação entre o tipo e a localização da fratura de esterno com mortalidade e morbidade. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários de 115 pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura de esterno por trauma contuso entre 2007 e 2018. Os registros de estudos de tomografia computadorizada foram obtidos do arquivo de radiologia de um hospital universitário terciário. O tipo de fratura foi classificado como linear, deslocado ou cominutivo, enquanto o local da fratura foi classificado como no manúbrio, no corpo ou no processo xifoide. Resultados: Cento e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Desses, 92 (85,2%) eram do sexo masculino e 16 (14,8%) eram do sexo feminino. As causas foram acidente de trânsito em 72 casos (62,6%) e queda de altura em 36 (31,3%). A média de idade foi de 42,1 ± 17,7 anos para os homens e de 53,9 ± 20,0 anos para as mulheres. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 11,1%. Entre os 12 pacientes que faleceram, a média de idade foi de 44,4 ± 18,3 anos. A fratura localizou-se apenas no manúbrio em 64 pacientes (59,3%), somente no corpo do esterno em 41 (38,0%) e em ambas as localizações em três pacientes (2,7%), e nenhuma ocorreu no apêndice xifoide. As taxas de morbidade foram maiores nos pacientes com fraturas no manúbrio do que nos com fraturas no corpo do esterno, assim como a incidência de fraturas ósseas e lesões de órgãos adjacentes. A fratura foi linear em 44 pacientes (40,7%), deslocada em 62 (57,4%) e cominutiva em 30 (27,8%). A mortalidade foi significativamente maior nos casos de fraturas cominutivas do que em outros tipos de fratura (p = 0,045; β = 4,40). Conclusão: A fratura do manúbrio pode ser um indicativo da gravidade do trauma e de mau prognóstico.

Unusual imaging characteristics of thoracic hydatid disease.

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a zoonotic parasitic disease, caused by ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs, that can result in cyst formation anywhere on the body. Hydatid disease is frequently seen in regions where there is human-animal contact and poor socioeconomic development. The prevalence of the disease ranges from 0 to 79 cases/100,000 population. Hydatid cysts are typically found in the liver and lungs, being less common in other parts of the body. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often used in order to clarify the sites affected by a hydatid cyst, such as the cranial and thoracic regions, which also facilitates the surgical evaluation and minimizes complications. Although rare, hydatid cysts in atypical locations can provoke unusual complications, with unpredictable findings and symptoms. This essay discusses the radiological aspects of rare thoracic hydatid cysts.

A equinococose cística (doença hidática) é uma doença parasitária zoonótica causada pela ingestão de ovos de Echinococcus granulosus, que pode resultar na formação de cistos em qualquer parte do corpo. A doença hidática é frequentemente vista em regiões onde há contato humano-animal e baixo desenvolvimento socioeconômico. A prevalência da doença varia de 0 a 79 casos/100.000 habitantes. Os cistos hidáticos são normalmente encontrados no fígado e nos pulmões, sendo menos comuns em outras partes do corpo. A tomografia computadorizada ou a ressonância magnética são frequentemente utilizadas para indicar os locais afetados por um cisto hidático, como as regiões craniana e torácica, o que também facilita a avaliação cirúrgica e minimiza complicações. Embora raros, os cistos hidáticos em locais atípicos podem provocar complicações incomuns, com achados e sintomas imprevisíveis. Este ensaio discute os aspectos radiológicos dos raros cistos hidáticos no tórax.

Unusual imaging characteristics of thoracic hydatid disease / Características incomuns de imagem da doença hidática torácica

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a zoonotic parasitic disease, caused by ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs, that can result in cyst formation anywhere on the body. Hydatid disease is frequently seen in regions where there is human-animal contact and poor socioeconomic development. The prevalence of the disease ranges from 0 to 79 cases/100,000 population. Hydatid cysts are typically found in the liver and lungs, being less common in other parts of the body. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often used in order to clarify the sites affected by a hydatid cyst, such as the cranial and thoracic regions, which also facilitates the surgical evaluation and minimizes complications. Although rare, hydatid cysts in atypical locations can provoke unusual complications, with unpredictable findings and symptoms. This essay discusses the radiological aspects of rare thoracic hydatid cysts.

Resumo A equinococose cística (doença hidática) é uma doença parasitária zoonótica causada pela ingestão de ovos de Echinococcus granulosus, que pode resultar na formação de cistos em qualquer parte do corpo. A doença hidática é frequentemente vista em regiões onde há contato humano-animal e baixo desenvolvimento socioeconômico. A prevalência da doença varia de 0 a 79 casos/100.000 habitantes. Os cistos hidáticos são normalmente encontrados no fígado e nos pulmões, sendo menos comuns em outras partes do corpo. A tomografia computadorizada ou a ressonância magnética são frequentemente utilizadas para indicar os locais afetados por um cisto hidático, como as regiões craniana e torácica, o que também facilita a avaliação cirúrgica e minimiza complicações. Embora raros, os cistos hidáticos em locais atípicos podem provocar complicações incomuns, com achados e sintomas imprevisíveis. Este ensaio discute os aspectos radiológicos dos raros cistos hidáticos no tórax.

Utility of the Vidian Canal in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Detailed Anatomy and Relationship to the Internal Carotid Artery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate key anatomic features of the vidian canal that have a critical role in planning and performing endoscopic skull base surgeries. METHODS: We reviewed skull base computed tomographic images of 640 consecutive subjects. Studies were analyzed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) length of the vidian canal was 15.4 ± 2.0 mm in female subjects and 16.6 ± 1.7 mm in male subjects, and the difference between genders was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The most common rostral-caudal course of the vidian canal was medial to lateral and was followed by the straight course, tortuous course, and lateral-to-medial course. The frequency of pneumatization pattern from most common to least common was types 0, III, II and I. Of 342 evaluated sides, the vidian canal was located below the level of the anterior genu of petrous ICA in 303 (89%) sides, at same level with the anterior genu of petrous ICA in twenty-five(7%) sides, and above the level of the anterior genu of petrous ICA in fourteen(4.1%) sides. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of previously undefined features of the vidian canal that can alter the course of surgical procedure were defined. The position of the vidian canal with respect to the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) was extensively described. From a surgical standpoint, a working room inferior and medial to the vidian canal might not always be a safe approach, because the vidian canal could be located superior to the level of the anterior genu of petrous ICA according to our findings in the present study.

Variations in the vascular and biliary structures of the liver: a comprehensive anatomical study.

PURPOSE: Vascular structures of the liver and the bile ducts are crucial during liver transplantation or liver resection surgery. Here, we report on variations in the vascular structures and bile ducts of 200 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatographic and multiple-detector computed tomographic data. RESULTS: Michels type 1 was detected in 54% of the patients. The other most common variations were, respectively, Michels type 5 (13%) and type 2 (11%). Unclassified variations were defined as Michels type 11; 5% of patients were in this group. Type 1 variations in the hepatic portal vein were detected in 76% of our study group. Other common variations were type 2 (9%) and type 3 (8.5%). The left and intermediate hepatic veins united to become a single vein and then joined the inferior vena cava in 64% of the patients. The right, intermediate, and left hepatic veins joined the inferior vena cava separately in 36% of the patients. Type A, which represents the classic anatomy of the bile duct, was observed in 51.5% of our patients. Type C1 and type B were detected in 15% and 12% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We describe vascular and biliary variations in the livers of our patients.

Evaluation of the multi-slice computed tomography outcomes in diaphragmatic injuries related to penetrating and blunt trauma.

PURPOSE: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a diagnostic challenge for both surgeons and radiologists and generally occurs secondary to blunt and penetrating trauma of thoracoabdominal region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 56 patients who underwent surgical procedure due to blunt or penetrating trauma were included to the study. RESULTS: There were 37 diaphragmatic ruptures in the left side and 19 patients in the right side. The most common radiological finding was "the direct monitoring of defect" (54,3%). CONCLUSION: Findings suggestive of diaphragmatic rupture must be carefully evaluated in patients with blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma.

Radiologic findings of thoracic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Chest trauma may be blunt or penetrating and the chest is the third most common trauma region. It is a significant cause of mortality. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has been an increasingly used method to evaluate chest trauma because of its high success in detecting tissue and organ injuries. Herein, we aimed to present MDCT findings in patients with blunt and penetrating chest trauma admitted to our department. METHODS: A total of 240 patients admitted to the emergency department of our hospital between April 2012 and July 2013 with a diagnosis of chest trauma who underwent MDCT evaluations were included. Most of the patients were male (83.3%) and victims of a blunt chest trauma. The images were analyzed with respect to the presence of fractures of bony structures, hemothorax, pneumothorax, mediastinal organ injury, and pulmonary and vascular injuries. RESULTS: MDCT images of the 240 patients yielded a prevalence of 41.7% rib fractures, 11.2% scapular fractures, and 7.5% clavicle fractures. The prevalence of thoracic vertebral fracture was 13.8% and that of sternal fracture was 3.8%. The prevalence of hemothorax, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema was 34.6%, 62.1%, 9.6%, and 35.4%, respectively. The prevalence of rib, clavicle, and thoracic vertebral fractures and pulmonary contusion was higher in the blunt trauma group, whereas the prevalence of hemothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, diaphragmatic injury, and other vascular lacerations was significantly higher in the penetrating trauma group than in the blunt trauma group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MDCT images may yield a high prevalence of fracture of bony structures, soft tissue lacerations, and vascular lesions, which should be well understood by radiologists dealing with trauma.

The role of mediastinoscopy in the diagnosis of non-lung cancer diseases.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinoscopy is a good method to evaluate mediastinal lesions. We sought to determine the current role of mediastinoscopy in the investigation of non-lung cancer patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical parameters (age, gender, histological diagnosis, morbidity, mortality) of all patients without lung cancer who consecutively underwent mediastinoscopy in Hospital of Faculty of Medicine of Dicle University between June 2003 and December 2016. RESULTS: Two-hundred twenty nine patients without lung cancer who underwent mediastinoscopy for the pathological evaluation of mediastinum during the study period were included. There were 156 female (68%) and 73 male (32%) patients. Mean age was 52.6 years (range, 16 to 85 years). Mean operative time was 41 minutes (range, 25 to 90 minutes). Mean number of biopsies was 9.3 (range, 5 to 24). Totally, 45 patients (19.6%) had previously undergone a nondiagnostic bronchoscopic biopsy such as transbronchial needle aspiration or endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Mediastinoscopy was diagnostic for all patients. Diagnosis included sarcoidosis (n=100), tuberculous lymphadenitis (n=66), anthracosis lymphadenitis (n=44), lymphoma (n=11) metastatic carcinoma (n=5), and Castleman's disease (n=1); there was a diagnosis of silicosis in one patient and tymoma in one patient. Neither operative mortality nor major complication developed. The only minor complication was wound infection which was detected in three patients. CONCLUSION: Although newer diagnostic modalities are being increasingly used to diagnose mediastinal diseases, mediastinoscopy continues to be a reliable method for the investigation of mediastinal lesions.

Computed Tomography (CT) Findings of Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts in Children and the Factors Related to Cyst Rupture.

BACKGROUND The lungs are the most common site of hydatid cysts in children. Rupture is the main complication of cysts causing morbidity and mortality. In this study we aimed to comprehensively describe the CT signs for cysts and analyze the relationship of cyst ruptures to the diameter and location of cyst. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 145 cysts from 102 patients, aged 17 years or younger, who underwent a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) evaluation and had surgically proven pulmonary hydatid disease were included retrospectively. The CT images were analyzed for radiologic findings and signs of cyst rupture. RESULTS The cysts had a mean diameter of 5.45±3.03 cm. Most of the patients had a solitary cyst (70.6%). The most common lobes involved were the lower lobes (58.6%). Peripherally located cysts were more common than central cysts. The overall number of ruptured cysts was 69 (47.5%). The most common sign was the waterlily sign with a prevalence of 24.6%. After exclusion of cysts of 1 cm, the mean cyst diameter was 6.23±2.83 cm in the unruptured group and 5.02±2.80 cm in the complete ruptured group (p=0.020). The mean cyst diameter was 6.38±3.11 cm for centrally located cysts, and 4.31±2.37 cm for peripherally located cysts (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary hydatid cysts commonly presents as solitary cysts with a predilection for lower lobes and the peripheral regions of the lung. Peripherally located cysts are more common but smaller than centrally located cysts. Radiologists should also be aware of atypical imaging findings of cyst rupture, and radiologic signs should be explored during radiologic evaluation.

Skeletal Dysplasias That Cause Thoracic Insufficiency in Neonates: Illustrative Case Reports.

Skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of conditions associated with various abnormalities of the skeleton. Some of them are perinatally lethal and can be diagnosed at birth. Lethality is usually due to thoracic underdevelopment and lung hypoplasia. A correct diagnosis and typing of the skeletal disorder is essential for the prognosis as is genetic counseling of the family. A retrospective review of 12 cases of clinico-radiologic diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia, leading to thoracic insufficiency, was conducted.We aimed to make differential diagnosis with special emphasis on radiological findings, and to emphasize the importance of parental counseling.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome associated with pneumonia: a case report of a 16-year-old male patient.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy loss in the presence of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. It is evaluated as APS when it develops associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases or primary APS if there is no concomitant disorder. In this study, we present a case of a 16-year-old male patient with primary APS. The patient was admitted with presumptive diagnosis of pneumonia, but multiple pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was observed on computerized tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography. APL antibodies positivity and thrombocytopenia developed in our patient. The patient was evaluated as primary APS since another etiology that could explain PTE was not found. Primary APS is a rare disease in children along with adolescents, compared with APS associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases. We present here a young male patient with primary APS and PTE to contribute to the literature. The patient initially had pneumonia but later developed PTE and thrombocytopenia.

Cytogenetic and clinical features of a 13 year old male with trisomy 8.

Trisomy 8 is a relatively rare chromosomal abnormality. The majority of cases present with the mosaic form. Regular trisomy 8 is usually lethal and frequently results in miscarriage, while those with "trisomy 8 mosaicism" are more likely to survive. We report clinical observations and cytogenetic studies of a 13-year-old male with regular trisomy 8 and compared with those of other known cases of trisomy 8. The most discriminating findings for this condition are skeletal anomalies, restricted articular function, and speech problems. Our results are in agreement with those of previous studies for trisomy 8.

An evaluation of preoperative computed tomography on patients with chronic otitis media.

This study aimed to compare the veracity of computed tomography findings on patients undergoing surgery for chronic otitis media (COM) with the surgical findings, and to determine to what extent the preoperative computerized tomography (CT) findings are useful to the surgeon. A series of 56 patients with COM undergoing preoperative CT scanning followed by surgical exploration of the middle ear and mastoid. Operative notes were recorded and data collected on the nature of soft tissue masses, the status of the ossicles, presence or absence of facial canal dehiscence and semicircular canal (SCC) dehiscence and the presence or absence of dural plate erosion, and sigmoid sinus thrombosis. Fifty-six patients were recruited in the study, 30 males and 26 females. The age range was from 16 to 67 years with a mean of 26.51 ± 1.4 years. The preoperative CT scan imaging in cases of cholesteatoma, ossicular chain erosion and SCC dehiscence have good correlation with the intraoperative findings. The specificity of preoperative CT scan in detecting facial canal dehiscence, dural plate erosion and sigmoid sinus thrombosis in patient of COM were weak. Preoperative computed tomography evaluation is fairly useful especially in cases of cholesteatoma. According to the results of this study, CT is of value particularly in the definition of cholesteatoma, and in determining ossicular chain erosion and semicircular canal fistula.

Quality of life, depression and anxiety in young male patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting.

The aim of this study was to estimate the quality of life, depression and anxiety in patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting. This study was conducted on 50 young male patients with silicosis and 30 controls. A socio-demographic data form, Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) were used to determine quality of life, depression and anxiety. The mean scores of SF-36, BDI and BAI were higher in the patients than in the controls. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between all scales of SF-36 and BDI scores. Additionally, there was strong negative correlation between five scales of SF-36 and BAI scores. We suggest that silicosis might be detrimental to the quality of life and increase depression and anxiety in patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting.

The frequency of intracranial arterial fenestrations: a study with 64-detector CT-angiography.

Fenestration is a vascular variation that begins with a common origin, then splits into two parallel luminal channels and rejoins distally. Potential association between anomalies of cerebral circulation and increased occurrence of aneurysm makes intracranial arterial fenestrations important. The planning of intracranial arterial interventions may be complicated if a fenestration occurs proximal to the site of intended treatment. This study is planned to determine the frequency of fenestrations on CT angiography and to search whether there is relationship between aneurysms and fenestrations. CT angiographies of 395 consecutive patients, performed by 64-detector CT, were retrospectively reviewed for aneurysms and fenestrations. Overall fenestration frequency, fenestration frequency in patients with and without aneurysm, and aneurysm frequency in patients with and without fenestration were searched. Demographic characteristics of patients were also compared. Overall fenestration frequency was 12.9%. Vertebrobasilar system (5.56%) and anterior communicating region (5.32%) were the two most frequent sites of fenestration. The rate of fenestrations was not significantly different between patients who had and did not have aneurysms. Mean age was significantly higher, and females were predominant in patients with aneurysms. However our results did not show significant difference in age and sex of patients with fenestrations. The frequency of fenestrations in this study is higher than in previously published radiological studies, suggesting that fenestrations are relatively common. There is no significant relationship between the frequency of aneurysms and fenestrations.

Resection of intercostal hemangioma with involved chest wall and ribs: in an 11-year-old girl.

We report a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with a slowly enlarging mass in the right posterolateral chest wall. Computed tomography showed a soft-tissue mass 8.5 × 7.5 × 5.5 cm in size, arising from the right posterolateral 9th, 10th, and 11th intercostal spaces. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a vascular mass. The patient underwent complete resection of the tumor, together with the right 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs and their intercostal muscles. Reconstruction of the chest wall was performed with methyl methacrylate and Marlex mesh. Histopathologic examination of the tumor confirmed an intercostal cavernous hemangioma. At last examination, 6 months after the operation, the child was doing well, with no evidence of recurrence.

[A rare cause of dysphagia: Forestier's disease]. / Disfajinin nadir bir nedeni: Forestier hastaligi.

Forestier's disease is a rare rheumatologic disease characterized by ossification in various spinal and extraspinal ligaments especially the anterior longitudinal ligament. The hypertrophic bone proliferations seen in cervical involvement may be so extensive causing dysphagia. We present Forestier's disease as a rare cause of dysphagia with clinical and radiological findings. An 80-year-old male was admitted for 2-3 months' increasing dysphagia and sore throat. Examination of the oropharynx revealed a 3 cm painless, hard swelling posterior to the epiglottis. A large area of ossification was detected in the anterior portion of the C2-7 vertebrae on lateral cervical roentgenogram. Neck computed tomography revealed bridging hyperosseous changes in the anterior longitudinal ligament between the C2-7 vertebrae and narrowing of the pharyngeal passage. A lesion with similar intensity to adjacent vertebrae and heterogeneous appearance lying along the anterior longitudinal ligament was seen on cervical magnetic resonance imaging. We interpreted the large osseous lesion to be an ossified anterior longitudinal ligament causing dysphagia, and a diagnosis of Forestier's disease was based on these findings. Forestier's disease must be kept in mind as a rare etiology in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia.

MDCT findings of denim-sandblasting-induced silicosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Denim sandblasting is as a novel cause of silicosis in Turkey, with reports of a recent increase in cases and fatal outcomes. We aimed to describe the radiological features of patients exposed to silica during denim sandblasting and define factors related to the development of silicosis. METHODS: Sixty consecutive men with a history of exposure to silica during denim sandblasting were recruited. All CT examinations were performed using a 64-row multi-detector CT (MDCT). The nodules were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively analyzed by grading nodular profusion (NP) on CT images. RESULTS: Silicosis was diagnosed radiologically in 73.3% of patients (44 of 60). The latency period (the time between initial exposure and radiological imaging) and duration of silica exposure was longer in patients diagnosed with silicosis than in those without silicosis (p < 0.05). Nodules were present in all cases with centrilobular type as the commonest (63.6%). All cases of silicosis were clinically classified as accelerated and 11.4% had progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Mild NP lesions were the most prevalent in all six zones of the lung. The NP score was significantly correlated with the duration of silica exposure, the latency period, presence of PMF, and pleural thickening. Enlarged lymphadenopathy was present in 45.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of exposure and the latency period are important for development of silicosis in denim sandblasters. MDCT is a useful tool in detecting findings of silicosis in workers who has silica exposure.