Long-term follow-up of young denim sandblasters in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Denim sandblasting-induced silicosis is a recently identified occupational disease. AIMS: In this study, we aimed to evaluate pulmonary and radiological changes in the long-term follow-up of former denim sandblasters. METHODS: Ninety former denim sandblasters were followed from 2007 to 2018. Chest X-rays were evaluated according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) classification. Baseline and final data were compared. Silicosis prevalence, radiological progression and pulmonary dysfunction were evaluated. RESULTS: All of the sandblasters were men. Their mean age was 34 ± 5 years, mean follow-up time was 9 ± 2 years (mean time since initial exposure: 17 ± 2 years) and mean duration of exposure was 34 ± 25 months. Rates of radiological progression and decline in pulmonary during follow-up were 63% and 39%, respectively. During follow-up, all patients were diagnosed with silicosis. All workers who were ILO category 0 at baseline (n = 26, 29%) progressed to higher categories. The number of patients in Category 2 doubled and the number of patients in Category 3 increased by 2.5-fold. Eleven patients developed new large opacities and the number of patients with category C opacity increased from 4 to 13. Exposure time was an independent determinant of radiological progression (OR: 1.0, P = 0.036) and decline in pulmonary function (OR: 1.3, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of silicosis in denim sandblasters increases steadily even after exposure is discontinued. Radiological progression was observed in a higher proportion of workers than a decline in lung function. Duration of exposure was the major determinant of disease progression in our study.

Evaluation of lung densitometric and volumetric changes in silicosis patients using three-dimensional software for multidetector CT and the relationship with profusion scores.

AIM: To evaluate the density and volume changes in the lungs of silicosis patients and their relationship with the disease severity classification of the International Labor Organization (ILO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multidetector computed tomography (CT) images of 44 patients diagnosed with silicosis and 32 controls that underwent thoracic CT due to trauma were evaluated. Patients with silicosis were divided into three categories according to the ILO classification. Data related to the total lung volume, total lung mean density, lung opacity score, percentage of lung high opacity, and mean density in the lower and upper lobes were obtained using three-dimensional (3D) software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the total lung mean densities of the silicosis and control groups (p=0.213); however, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the total lung volume (p<0.0001). According to the ILO classification, there was a significant difference between the disease severity categories in relation to the percentage of lung high opacity (p=0.000005). A strong correlation was detected between disease severity and high opacity percentage (p<0.0001, r=0.804). According to the ILO classification, there was also a significant difference between disease severity categories in terms of the lung opacity score (p=0.000144), as well as a moderate correlation between disease severity and opacity score (p<0.0001, r=0.580). CONCLUSION: Total lung volume is a CT finding that shows variation in exposure to crystalline silica. The percentage of high opacity determined using multidetector CT is an effective parameter in evaluating disease severity.

Relationship of vascular variations with liver remnant volume in living liver transplant donors.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the portal vein and hepatic artery variations and the remaining liver volume in living donors in liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, triphasic abdominal computed tomography images of 180 live liver donor candidates were analysed retrospectively. Portal veins were divided into four groups according to the Nakamura classification and seven groups according to the Michels classification. The relationship between vascular variations and remnant liver volume was compared statistically. RESULTS: According to the Nakamura classification, there were 143 (79.4%) type A, 23 (12.7%) type B, 7 (3.9%) type C and 7 (3.9%) type D cases. Using the Michels classification, 129 (71%) type 1, 12 (6.7%) type 2, 24 (13%) type 3, 2 (2.2%) type 4, 10 (5.6%) type 5, 1 (0.6%) type 6, and 2 (1.1%) type 7 cases were detected. There was no significant difference in the percentage of the remaining volume of the left liver lobe between the groups (p = 0.055, p = 0.207, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the hepatic artery and portal vein do not affect the remaining liver volume in liver transplantation donors.

Female workers' silicosis diagnosis delayed due to gender bias.

After excluding alternative explanations, a silicosis diagnosis is based on the combination of appropriate silica exposure history and compatible clinical, radiological and occasionally pathological findings. Not taking appropriate occupational history by a physician may cause a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of silicosis. Herein, we present a female worker in a small-scale sandblasting factory who worked as a controller. Her silicosis diagnosis was established 10 years after her first symptoms, and she underwent invasive procedures due to a lack of inquiry about her occupational history. Gender bias may be one of the reasons that her occupational history was not taken.

Interruption of the inferior vena cava and azygos continuation in a child with partial atrioventricular septal defect.

Congenital pathologies of the inferior vena cava are uncommon. Isolated congenital interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos vein continuation could be considered part of the group of venous return anomalies. The major significance of this anomaly is its association with complex cardiac defects and the associated technical difficulties at the time of cardiac catheterization and abdominal surgery or interventional procedures. In our case, we describe a common atrium and partial atrioventricular septal defect in an 8-year-old girl with infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava and azygos continuation without polysplenia. Magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography, together with a clinical awareness of this pathology, can be used to diagnose this entity.

An epidemic of silicosis among former denim sandblasters.

Sandblasting denim using silica has emerged as a new cause of silicosis in Turkey. Following the discovery of several cases of silicosis in (young) workers who used this process, the frequency and main occupational risk factors of silicosis among former denim sandblasters in the region of Erzurum (Turkey) were evaluated. Demographic characteristics and information on working conditions were obtained by questionnaire and interview. In addition, spirometry testing was performed and chest radiographs were evaluated according to International Labour Office (ILO) classification of pneumoconioses in 157 former denim sandblasters. All subjects were male, with a mean (range) age of 23 (15-44) yrs. They had worked for a mean (range) of 36 (1-120) months, starting employment at a 17 (10-38) yrs of age. Most subjects (83%) had respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnoea (52%) but also chest pain (46%). Radiological evidence of silicosis (ILO score 1/0 or higher) was present in 77 (53%) out of 145 subjects with interpretable chest radiographs. These subjects had lower forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. The risk of silicosis correlated with seniority (i.e. working as a foreman), exposure duration and number of places of work. Considering the high prevalence rate of silicosis in such workplaces, further problems are inevitable in the future unless effective measures are taken.

Intussusception in adults.

To review clinical, radiological and histopathological findings of adult intussusception and its management, 18 adult patients who had been treated surgically because of intussusception were reviewed. Of the patients, 5 (27.8%) had idiopathic intussusceptions, while the other 13 (72.2%) had a definable intraluminal pathology. The site of the intussusception was more common in the small bowel (83.3%) than the colon (16.7%). Ultrasonography and computed tomography were successful in demonstrating "target lesion" in 80% and 75% respectively. Patients with idiopathic intussusception were treated with simple reduction, while the others underwent segmental resection because of the possibility of malignant tumour. In contrast to intussusception in childhood, intussusception in adults usually has a definable lead point and resection of the involved bowel, rather than simple reduction, is indicated.

Diagnostic difficulties in peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report.

Peripancreatic tuberculosis involving the lymph node is rarely seen. In this paper, a case is presented and the literature reviewed. A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of pain in the epigastric region, weakness and malaise. Ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed a mass near the head of the pancreas. The patient was explored for diagnosis. A peripancreatic mass was found adherent to the pancreatic capsule and the frozen section of the mass was reported as lymphadenopathy. The mass was resected totally. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis. She was prescribed antituberculous drugs for one year.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of brainstem volumes, plaques, and surface area in the occipital regions of patients with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To determine brainstem volumes, number of plaques, and surface areas in the occipital lobes of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), and to investigate whether there is any correlation between brainstem volume and the number/surface areas of plaque in the occipital lobes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging was obtained on 14 relapsing-remitting (RR) and 13 secondary progressive (SP) MS patients and 26 female control subjects. The Cavalieri method was used by modern design stereology to measure brainstem volume. The point-counting grid was used to evaluate sclerotic plaque surface areas in the occipital lobe. The number of plaques in the imaging section was calculated. RESULTS: Brainstem volumes for RR and SP with multiple sclerosis and control subjects were 3647 mm3, 3515 mm3, and 4517 mm3, respectively. Mean number of plaques in the right-left occipital lobe was found to be 2.7-3.4 in RR-MS and 5.2-2.8 in SP-MS. Mean plaque surface area in the right-left occipital lobe was determined to be 58.52-88.24 mm2 in RR MS and 124.3-64.82 mm2 in SP MS. Brainstem volumes were significantly reduced in both groups of patients with MS compared to controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Magnetic-resonance-estimated volume and surface area values in multiple sclerosis may facilitate our understanding of the clinical situation of patients and provide a simple index for evaluating therapeutic efficiency.

Determination of Brain Volumes Using Quantitative MR Imaging in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of atrophy occurring in the cerebrum of patients with multiple sclerosis compared with controls, and to show the relationship between clinical status and distribution of atrophy. MR images were obtained on 12 relapsing-remitting (RR) and 11 secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis patients and 24 control subjects (all patients and controls were female). The Cavalieri method by modern design stereology was used to measure the cerebral volume. It was found that volumes for RR and SP with multiple sclerosis and control subjects were 757242 mm(3), 716867 mm(3) and 912499 mm(3) respectively. Mean estimates of volume loss in RR and SP were 20.5% and 27.2% respectively compared to controls for the cerebrum. In addition the volume difference between RR and SP was 5.6%. There were statistically significant differences between both RR (P<0.05) and SP (P<0.05) compared with control subjects but no differences between RR and SP volumes. MRI-estimated cerebrum volumes may be help to evaluate patients' clinical status and provide a simple index to assess the efficiency of therapy.

Unbiased estimation of tumor regression rates during chemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma using CT and stereology.

SUMMARY. The purpose of the present study is to estimate tumor volumes of 10 patients with esophageal carcinoma on serial CT images that are obtained before and after chemoradiotherapy using a stereological method. In this study, tumor volume was measured using the Cavalieri method of modern design stereology with a combination of three separate stages. Firstly, detailed systematic series of axial CT images of 1-cm thickness were obtained throughout the whole tumor area of each subject and to magnify them all CT images were projected on a screen by overhead projector and then were marked by manually tracing the outline of areas with tumor on serial CT images that are projected onto the screen. Secondly these images were drawn on paper. Finally the images on paper were evaluated with a point-counting method. It was shown in a pilot study analyzed that 100 test points counted on about 6--8 serial slices through for esophagus wall, lumen and wall + lumen are sufficient to secure coefficient of error (CE) on the estimates of volumes as in this study. It was found that tumor volumes before and after radiotherapy for esophagus wall, lumen and wall + lumen was 10.34 cm(3), 1.15 cm(3) and 11.75 cm(3) before and 5.93 cm(3), 1.43 cm(3) and 7.65 cm(3) after radiotherapy, respectively. When only esophagus wall and lumen volumes or wall + lumen volumes before and after radiotherapy were statistically compared, the difference between either esophagus wall (P<0.01) and lumen (P<0.01) volumes or total volumes (P<.1) were significant. It is concluded that CT estimated tumor volumes may be helpful in both evaluating the clinical situation of patients and providing a simple index to assess the efficiency of therapy, prediction of tumor regression rate and minimizing the risk of chemoradiotherapy damage.

Thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator for superior vena cava thrombosis in an infant with sepsis.

Superior vena cava syndrome is rare in infants, and rarely responds to conservative treatment. We report a 22-mo-old girl with superior vena cava syndrome due to the use of a central venous line and/or sepsis. Doppler study and computed tomography angiography of the neck showed thrombosis within the superior vena cava and jugular veins. She was admitted to a monitored setting and received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for 2 d. The clinical features of superior vena cava syndrome disappeared completely 3 d after treatment. No complications were observed and radiological investigations showed blood flow through the thrombus after treatment. Systemic recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may be useful in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome in children.

Trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

We describe a 9-year-old child with a history of trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma and we present the CT and MRI findings of the teratoma. A heterogeneous mass containing cystic and solid elements was detected on both CT and MRI scans. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma. Teratomas arising from lung parenchyma, as in this case, are extremely rare in childhood. In the thoracic region, the most common localization of teratomas is the anterior mediastinal compartment. We also discuss the CT and MRI findings and the differential diagnosis of teratomas.

Angulation, length, and morphology of the styloid process of the temporal bone analyzed by multidetector computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate the angulation, length, and structural variations of the styloid process (SP) by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: MDCT scans were performed in 283 cases (127 M and 156 F, age range 18-77 years). The length of the SP and its angulation on the transverse and sagittal planes were measured. Structural variations of the SP were observed by means of three-dimensional (3D) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images. RESULTS: The length of the bony SP on both sides varied from 0 to 62 mm (mean 26.8 +/- 10.0 mm). Angulation ranged between 55 degrees and 90.5 degrees (7 2.7 +/- 6.6) in the transversal plane and between 76 degrees and 110 degrees (93.5 +/- 6.9) in the sagittal plane. Morphologically, the SP showed a considerable amount of variation. A solitary SP was present in 168 individuals (59.4%). In 9 individuals (3.1%), the SP was duplicated (4 unilateral and 5 bilateral). Sixty-one persons (21.6%) showed an incomplete ossified SP (42 unilateral and 19 bilateral), whereas in 7 individuals (2.5%) a bony SP was absent entirely (7 unilateral). In 38 individuals (13.4%), the stylohyoid ligament was ossified (16 entirely, 22 partial). In all individuals, 3D and MPR images showed the SP in its entire length. CONCLUSION: MDCT with 3D CT and MPR of SP may show further detailed information related to SP. Not only the length of the SP, but also its 3D orientation, should be in focus in anatomical and clinical studies.

Comparison of CT and MRI for the diagnosis recurrent esophageal carcinoma after operation.

Despite an increase in radical surgery for esophageal carcinoma, many patients continue to develop recurrent disease. Some reports have suggested that recurrent tumors should be treated aggressively with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the comparative utility of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of recurrence after curative resection of cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. To maximize survival benefit, detection of tumor recurrence as early and accurately as possible is important. Twenty-three patients who developed recurrent tumors after curative transthoracic esophagogastrectomy for esophageal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. The CT and MRI findings were correlated with pathology or with endoscopic and clinical follow-up. Primary tumor recurrence was detected at the anastomosis side in 19 patients (intraluminal mass in 13 and as diffuse or focal wall thickening in six). Distant recurrence was seen in the liver (n = 5), lung (n = 4), bone (n = 3), abdominal lymph node (n = 4), pleural effusion (n = 2) and pericardial effusion (n = 1). CT and MRI were found equal in showing the intraluminal mass, liver metastasis, pleural and pericardial effusion. Thickening of esophageal wall was demonstrated in nine patients using CT, but only seven of these tumor recurrences were confirmed by MRI, the remaining two were related to secondary fibrosis. Both CT and MRI showed diffuse gastric wall thickening determined as false tumor recurrence due to severe gastritis in one case. There were two (50%) false negatives for lung metastasis in MRI and one bone metastasis (33%) false negative in CT. CT was found superior in the demonstration of lung metastasis and MRI was superior in the evaluation of wall thickening and bone metastasis.

Gorlin's syndrome with a thin corpus callosum and a third ventricular cyst.

Gorlin's syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma) is an autosomal dominant tumor-predisposition syndrome, classically consists of multiple basal cell carcinomas of the skin, odontogenic keratocyst of the jaw, various skeletal abnormalities, and lamellar falx calcifications. Many associated lesions have been reported. We report a case of Gorlin's syndrome in a 22-year-old man in whom CT and MR images showed unusual findings of the thin corpus callosum and third ventricular cyst. We present a case of this syndrome with special emphasis on its unusual neuroradiological findings and radiological management.

Sliding hernia simulating esophageal tumor on computed tomography.

Diaphragmatic hernias are the most common abnormalities of gastrointestinal system especially in elderly patients. The radiographic findings of diaphragmatic hernias on esophagram are well known, but when incidentally found in an asymptomatic patient on axial computed tomography (CT) sections, the appearance of diaphragmatic hernia may mimic many other conditions. Our purpose is to present the CT findings of sliding hernia in an incidentally found asymptomatic patient, and to differentiate it from the other abnormalities that can be located in the distal paraesophageal area with the same appearance characteristics.