Magnetic Resonance Angiographic Study of the Anatomical Variations of the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex in a Turkish Population.

AIM: To provide a definition of arterial anomalies in the anterior communicating artery complex (ACoAC), determine their prevalence and investigate their relationship with aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography images of 1,857 adult patients who presented to our hospital between January 2020 and September 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The images of 1,537 cases were subsequently classified according to their ACoAC anatomical variants. The patients were further grouped as those with no pathology, those with ACoAC aneurysms and those with pathologies other than ACoAC, and the relationship between the ACoAC anatomical variants of each group was investigated using statistical methods. Rare variants such as trifurcations of the A2 segments, single A2 segments, fenestrations of the A1 segment and double AComAs were evaluated in separate groups. RESULTS: The results of the classification of the 1,537 cases revealed the classical anatomical variant in 39.2% of the cases without ACoAC pathologies and 53.3% of the cases with ACoAC aneurysms. There was no significant difference between the sexes in terms of variant distribution (p=0.09), and no significant relationship between the presence of ACoAC aneurysms and sex (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: ACoAC anatomical variants of the cerebral arterial system were detected in 60% of the cases. The most common anterior circulation (AC) vascular variants (VV) were A1 segment hypoplasia and aplasia. No clear relationship was found between intracranial aneurysms and anatomical variation.

Evaluation of Arachnoid Granulations in Cranial Dural Sinuses with Contrast-Enhanced 3-Dimensional T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies in the literature have used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to investigate arachnoid granulations protruding into the cranial dural sinuses. The current study aimed to investigate the protrusion of arachnoid granulations into the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus, and confluence of sinuses and determine the frequency of brain herniation into giant arachnoid granulations using contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of 550 patients with intra-sinus arachnoid granulations who underwent contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional T1-weighted thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively re-evaluated. Only 300 patients with at least 1 intra-sinus arachnoid granulation were included in the study. The protrusion of arachnoid granulations into superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus, and confluence of sinuses was investigated. In addition, large arachnoid granulations and brain herniations into arachnoid granulations were also noted. RESULTS: A total of 889 focal filling defects of arachnoid granulations, at least 1 in the dural sinus, were detected. Of the filling defects of arachnoid granulations, 183 were in the right transverse sinus, 222 in the left transverse sinus, 265 in superior sagittal sinus, 185 in straight sinus, and 34 in confluence of sinuses. Brain herniation into arachnoid granulations was detected in 8 (2.7%) of the patients included in the study. All the filling defects detected in the dural sinuses on post-contrast 3-dimensional T1-weighted images were isointense with cerebrospinal fluid and had round, oval, or lobulated contours. A positive weak correla- tion was found between patient age and the size and number of arachnoid granulations (r = 0.181, P < .01 and r=0.207, P < .001, respectively). It was observed that the size and number of arachnoid granulations increased as the age of the patients increased. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution, shape, number, and size of intra-sinus arachnoid granulations can vary considerably. Brain herniation into arachnoid granulation can also be seen. Three-dimensional cranial magnetic resonance imaging sequences can be safely used in the evaluation of arachnoid granulations.

Evaluation of the frequency of tentorial hypoplasia and accompanying gyral herniation using MRI.

Purpose The cerebellar tentorium, the second-largest dural reflection in the brain, separates supratentorial and infratentorial structures. This study aimed to determine the frequency of tentorial hypoplasia (TH) and gyral herniation and their relationship with clinical findings. Methods The standard brain MRIs were examined retrospectively. The presence of TH and laterality were investigated. If hypoplasia was accompanied by a gyrus extending inferior to the line where the tentorium should be located, this was recorded as tentorial hypoplasia-herniated gyrus (TH-HG), while the cases with hypoplasia alone were noted as isolated TH. It was also determined which gyrus or gyri were herniated. The clinical findings of the patients were obtained, and the correlation between HG was explored. Results Standard brain MRIs of the 2051 patients were evaluated. Two hundred ten patients were excluded from the study due to different intracranial disorders, and 1841 patients, 739 (40.1%) males, and 1102 (59.9%) females, were included. Isolated TH or TH-HG was present in 56 patients, resulting in a prevalence of 3.04%. Of the patients with TH or TH-HG, 15 were men, and 41 were women. TH and TH-HG were significantly more common in women (p=0.038). TH-HG was unilateral in 22 (39.2%) patients and bilateral in 21 (37.5%). Left TH was found in 11 (19.6%) patients, left TH-HG in 29 (51.7%), right TH in eight (14.2%), and left TH-HG in 35 (62.5%). Conclusion Hypoplasia of the tentorium is a rare and unknown anomaly that can be easily diagnosed using MRI, and different gyral herniations may accompany TH.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology. METHODS: In all, 29 psoriatic arthritis patients and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed in bilateral common carotid arteries using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in all participants. RESULTS: In psoriatic arthritis patients, the mean carotid intima-media thickness, α and ß stiffness indices, and pulsed wave velocity value were significantly higher than those in the control group (542.3 (81.3) vs. 487.9 (64.1), 9.3 (6.3) vs. 3.9 (0.1), 18.7 (17.7) vs. 8.04 (4.2), and 10.2 (3.8) vs. 6.4 (1.5), p<0.05). The mean distensibility coefficient and compliance coefficient values of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.014 (0.01) vs. 0.03 (0.01) and 0.57 (0.33) vs. 1.02 (0.4), p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between carotid artery hemodynamic parameters and symptom duration, duration of diagnosis and treatment, disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In the results of our study, evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis has been detected in psoriatic arthritis patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease or traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and carotid intima-media thickness in primary Sjögren syndrome.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) level and carotid intima-media thickness in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) as an indicator of atherosclerosis. Patients and methods: Between July 2019 and July 2020, a total of 33 female pSS patients (mean age: 44.5±11.2 years; range, 23 to 60 years) and 37 female age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 40.9±7.2 years; range, 25 to 54 years) were included. Carotid intima-media thickness and serum Lp-PLA2 levels were measured in the patient and control groups. Results: The patients had a higher median serum Lp-PLA2 of 560 (range, 108 to 1,222) ng/mL vs. 328 (range, 0 to 1,280) ng/mL in the controls (p=0.024) and a similar mean intima-media thickness of carotid artery (0.64±0.14 mm vs. 0.62±0.15 mm, respectively; p=0.595). Serum Lp-PLA2 was positively correlated with platelet count (r=0.411, p=0.018) and negatively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=-0.409, p=0.018). The mean value of carotid intima-media thickness was positively correlated with disease duration (r=0.316, p=0.074) and was negatively correlated with the level of leucocyte (r=-0.458, p=0.007). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the patients of pSS have a potential risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease severity.

Frequency of Hypoplasia of the Vertebral Body at L5, and Its Relationship with Degeneration in Patients with Low Back Pain.

AIM: To explain the association between vertebral body hypoplasia and degenerative changes in the discovertebral complex and facet joints, and to assess the incidence of hypoplasia of the vertebral body at the L5 level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 3,100 patients aged 20?50 years who underwent lumbar MRI with a complaint of back pain, of which 55 were identified with vertebral body hypoplasia. Intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated in the study using the Pfirrmann and Modified Pfirrmann classification systems, while degenerative changes in the vertebrae endplate were assessed using the Modic classification system. Osteoarthritis of the facet joint was graded at the L4-5 level, and spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis rates were compared between the control group and the hypoplasic group. RESULTS: The incidence of hypoplasia of the vertebral body at the L5 level was found to be 1.8% in the population with back pain in the 20?50-year age group. In the hypoplasia group, disc degeneration was detected at a higher rate than in the control group (p < 0.001). The distribution of Modic signal changes in the superior and inferior endplates of the vertebrae differed significantly between the hypoplasia and control groups (p < 0.001).The rate of spondylolysis was 7.7% in the control group and 65.5% in the hypoplasia group (p < 0.001), and spondylolisthesis was significantly more common in the hypoplasia group (18.4%, p < 0.001). In addition, facet joint degeneration was identified more frequently in the hypoplasia group. Degenerative findings were detected in 74.5% of the right posterior intervertebral joints, and in 70.9% of the left posterior intervertebral joints in the hypoplasia group. CONCLUSION: Vertebral body hypoplasia is a predisposing factor for disc degeneration, facet osteoarthritis and degeneration in the vertebral endplates, and has also been associated with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.

Normative Measurements and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values of Parotid Lymph Nodes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphological features and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of normal intraparotid lymph nodes (IPLNs) obtained from the MRI examination. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Health Sciences University, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Ankara, Turkey, from January 2018 to December 2021. METHODOLOGY: The study included 232 patients who underwent neck MRI examination. The long axis diameter (LAD) was measured as the largest diameter of the IPLN, and the short axis diameter (SAD) was measured perpendicular to the LAD. ADC measurements were undertaken by placing the largest region of interest suitable for the size of the IPLNs. RESULTS: A total of 394 lymph nodes were evaluated. The median LAD and SAD of the lymph nodes were 5.50 (2.50) mm and 3.50 (2.00) mm, respectively. The LAD was 9 mm or lower in 95.7% of the lymph nodes; the SAD was 6 mm or lower in 94.7%. The ADC map was evaluated in 275 IPLNs, with the median ADC value being calculated as 0.77(0.18)x10-3 mm2/s. The ADC value was 1.05x10-3 mm2/s or lower in 96.3% of the lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: A SAD of 6 mm; and a LAD of 9 mm could be used as normalcy criteria in IPLNs. Normal IPLNs may have an ADC of 1.05x10-3 mm2/s or lower. Considering that benign IPLNs may have low ADC values, those can prevent false-positive results in terms of malignancy. KEY WORDS: Parotid glands, Lymph nodes, Magnetic resonance imaging, Apparent diffusion coefficient.

Frequency of Ipsilateral Axillary Lymphadenopathy After the Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: During COVID-19 vaccine development studies, vaccines' efficacy and safety profiles should be carefully investigated. Only a few studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause axillary lymphadenopathy on the injection arm. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of axillary lymphadenopathy and imaging findings using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography (US) examinations in volunteers who had recently been vaccinated against COVID-19. METHODS: The ipsilateral and contralateral axillae of 101 volunteers who received the COVID-19 vaccine were evaluated using B-mode and Doppler US examinations. The volunteers were asked when and to which arm the vaccine had been applied, and the type and dose of the vaccine were recorded. It was also questioned whether the individual experienced any side effects after vaccination, such as pain, tenderness, fever, and redness at the injection site. In addition, the demographic data of the participants, such as age and gender, were recorded. RESULTS: The B-mode US examinations revealed that the long- and short-axis diameters, size, cortical thickness, and asymmetric cortical thickening of the left axillary lymph nodes were significantly higher compared to the right side in individuals having received the CoronaVac vaccine (p<0.05). When the individuals were evaluated separately according to gender, the frequency of cortical thickness and asymmetric cortical thickening in the left axillary lymph nodes was higher than on the right side in both males and females (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: It should be kept in mind that ipsilateral reactive lymphadenopathy may develop after the COVID-19 vaccine. This knowledge can prevent unnecessary axillary lymph node biopsies.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with psoriatic arthritis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology. METHODS: In all, 29 psoriatic arthritis patients and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed in bilateral common carotid arteries using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in all participants. RESULTS: In psoriatic arthritis patients, the mean carotid intima-media thickness, α and β stiffness indices, and pulsed wave velocity value were significantly higher than those in the control group (542.3 (81.3) vs. 487.9 (64.1), 9.3 (6.3) vs. 3.9 (0.1), 18.7 (17.7) vs. 8.04 (4.2), and 10.2 (3.8) vs. 6.4 (1.5), p<0.05). The mean distensibility coefficient and compliance coefficient values of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.014 (0.01) vs. 0.03 (0.01) and 0.57 (0.33) vs. 1.02 (0.4), p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between carotid artery hemodynamic parameters and symptom duration, duration of diagnosis and treatment, disease activity ındex for psoriatic arthritis scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In the results of our study, evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis has been detected in psoriatic arthritis patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease or traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Fetal posterior cerebral artery duplication, true fetal posterior cerebral artery variation and trifurcation anterior cerebral artery association.

We would like to present a case with fetal posterior cerebral artery duplication and anterior cerebral artery trifurcation, which we detected using magnetic resonance angiography. We believe this is the first case defined in the literature. Embryological explanation of posterior cerebral artery variations is discussed in light of the literature.

An unusual association of ulnar hemimelia with mesoaxial synostotic syndactyly.

Ulnar hemimelia, also referred to as post-axial longitudinal deficiency of the upper limb, is a very rare skeletal anomaly characterized by the partial or complete absence of the ulna. The majority of the reported cases are sporadic and more common in males. The disorder is mostly unilateral, right-sided and incomplete. A slight shortening of the forearm, radial bowing and ulnar-sided hand drift are the anomalies which often accompany ulnar hemimelia. Ulnar hemimelia may also be seen in association with complex wrist and hand anomalies. The absence of post-axial metacarpal and digital bones are frequent findings in patients with this rare disorder. Cases with additional digital abnormalities such as post-axial syndactyly and camptodactyly are also present in the literature. However, a case of ulnar hemimelia in association with mesoaxial synostotic syndactyly has never been reported to date.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with Behçet's disease.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis based on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness measurements in patients with Behçet's disease (BD), using ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) data technology. METHODS: We included 33 BD patients and 33 healthy controls in this study. The participants did not have any primary cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity. All participants were evaluated using Doppler ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness and CIMT measurements were performed in bilateral common carotid arteries using the US RF data technology. RESULTS: The right, left and mean CIMT values were similar between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in the right side α and ß stiffness indices despite higher values in the patient group (P > 0.05). The right, left and mean distensibility coefficient (DC) and compliance coefficient (CC) values of the patient group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The left and mean α- and ß-stiffness indices, and the right, left and mean pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were significantly higher in the patient group (P < 0.05). We found higher mean CIMT and PWV values, and α- and ß-stiffness indices in patients with mucocutaneous involvement compared with those with major organ involvement, while the mean DC and CC values were lower in the former. However, these results did not reach a statistically significant level. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in BD in the absence of major atherosclerotic risk factors.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to identify the cardiovascular risk associated with chronic inflammation and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using noninvasive ultrasonographic radiofrequency data technology. METHODS: In this study, a total of 87 participants, 38 patients with AS and 49 healthy controls, were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness were measured from the bilateral common carotid artery using the radiofrequency method. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the AS patients and healthy controls concerning the right common carotid artery, left common carotid artery, IMT, distensibility coefficient, elasticity coefficient, α and ß stiffness indexes, and pulse wave velocities (P > .05). The symptom duration of the AS patients had a positive correlation that was moderate and was detected with the α stiffness index and pulse wave velocity (P < .05). The duration of diagnosis and treatment of the AS patients had a positive correlation that was moderate, was detected with the α stiffness index, the ß stiffness index, and pulse wave velocity (P < .05). The mean IMT and elasticity coefficient values of the AS patients whose Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score was 4 and above, were substantially higher than the values in the patients with scores lower than 4 (P = .038 and P = .33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical atherosclerosis is not accelerated in AS patients with low disease activity, although insufficiently controlled disease activity may result in increased carotid IMT and atheromatosis. Radiofrequency data technology provides a noninvasive method for accurately and quantitatively demonstrating CCA-IMT elevation and the decrease in vascular elasticity in patients with AS.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by ultrasound radiofrequency data technology in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, and inflammation is highly associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness measurements are commonly used to detect subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to non-invasively demonstrate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with pSS through these measurements, using ultrasound (US) radiofrequency (RF) data technology. 30 pSS patients as the study group and 30 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers as the control group were included in this study. The age of the participants in the entire sample ranged from 18 to 60 years, and no primary cardiovascular risk factors were present, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obesity. The participants in the study and control groups were evaluated with doppler ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness and CIMT measurements were made from the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) using US RF data technology. No statistically significant difference was identified between the patients with pSS and the controls in terms of the right, left, and mean CCA IMT; the right side distensibility coefficient (DC) and compliance coefficient (CC); or the right- and left-side α and ß stiffness indices values (p > 0.05). Compared to the control subjects, the pSS patients had higher right and left side pulsed wave velocity (PWV), the mean value of the right and the left sides α stiffness index, ß stiffness index, and PWV (p < 0.05). The pSS patients' left DC, left CC, and the mean value of the right and left sides DC and CC were lower than controls (p < 0,05). It was found that patients with pSS show evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis. To determine this situation in patients with pSS, CIMT and PWV measurements may serve as a guide. Radiofrequency data technology represents a non-invasive approach to the accurate and quantitative measurement of CIMT elevation and decreases in vascular elasticity.

Evaluation of Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Ultrasound Radiofrequency Data Technology in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to noninvasively demonstrate the presence of early risk associated with subclinical inflammatory activity in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) who had stable disease, using ultrasound (US) radiofrequency data technology. METHODS: A total of 110 participants, including 55 patients with FMF and 55 healthy control participants, were evaluated with Doppler US. The intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness were measured from bilateral common carotid arteries (CCAs) by the radiofrequency method. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the patients with FMF and controls in terms of the right and left CCA intima-media thickness, distensibility coefficient, compliance coefficient, α and ß stiffness indices, and pulsed wave velocity (P > .05). Symptom duration and diagnosis and treatment time of the patients with FMF had a negative correlation with the distensibility and compliance measurements obtained by Doppler US (r = -0.324 and -0.303), and a positive (r = 0.380 and 0.339) and statistically significant relationship was detected between the α stiffness index, ß stiffness index, and pulsed wave velocity (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Common carotid artery intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness measurements can aid in early prediction of cardiovascular disease development in patients with FMF. Radiofrequency data technology provides a noninvasive method for accurately and quantitatively showing the CCA intima-media thickness elevation and the decrease in vascular elasticity in patients with FMF.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Nasal Bone and Nasal Pyramid in the Turkish Population.

OBJECTIVE: To classify shapes of the nasal bones in the Turkish population and comparatively evaluate the sizes of nasal bone and piriform apertures. METHODS: Two- and three-dimensional paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 363 patients were evaluated. Upper, intermediate, and inferior thickness of bilateral nasal bones and thickness of medial and lateral osteotomy line were measured. The shapes of the nasal bones were classified. RESULTS: The mean thickness of nasal bone in the study participants was 1.99 ±â€Š0.40 mm, the mean thickness at the level of medial osteotomy line was 1.99 ±â€Š0.40 mm, the mean thickness at the level of lateral osteotomy line was 1.75 ±â€Š0.30 mm, the mean length of nasal bone was 1.75 ±â€Š0.30 mm, maximum width and height of piriform aperture were 23.41 ±â€Š2.68 and 36.76 ±â€Š7.06 mm, respectively. When the patients were classified according to the type of nasal bone, 26.7% had type A, 10.5% had type B, 19.6% had type D, and 15.4% had type E nasal bone. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study provide information about morphological characteristics of nasal bone and piriform aperture in the Turkish population and would therefore reduce postoperative complications after reconstructive surgery and contribute otolaryngology and anthropology.

Flow and Diameter Changes of Forearm Arteries During Temporary Unilateral Reciprocal Occlusion: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Transradial and transulnar artery approaches are commonly used for percutaneous interventions, with considerably low risk of developing hand ischemia, for reasons that have not been fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the diameter, peak systolic flow velocity (PSV), and volume flow (VF) of the radial (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) during unilateral reciprocal temporary occlusion. METHODS: A total of 204 extremity arteries of 102 consecutive patients were evaluated using Doppler ultrasonography. At the level of the wrist, RA and UA were consecutively compressed for 60 seconds. The diameter, PSV, and VF parameters of both arteries were evaluated during unilateral reciprocal compression. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline values, the median (interquartile range) increases in diameter, PSV, and VF were 0.2 (0.1-0.3) mm, 6.8 (1.7-17.5) cm/s, and 1.9 (0.8-10) ml/min, respectively, for RA, and 0.1 (0.1-0.3) mm, 9.4 (2.6-18.0) cm/s, and 10.0 (0.0-20.0) ml/min, respectively, for UA during reciprocal compression (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Reciprocal compression significantly increased the diameter, PSV, and VF of both arteries during reciprocal compression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:197-203, 2017.

Evaluation of anatomy and variations of superficial palmar arch and upper extremity arteries with CT angiography.

AIM: To evaluate the abnormalities and variations of the arterial system of upper extremities and superficial palmar arch with computed tomography angiography and to guide the clinician during this procedure. METHODS: A total of 156 upper extremities of 78 cases were retrospectively analyzed using computed tomography angiography. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the hospital. From the analysis of the computed tomography angiography images, the following information was recorded; the diameters and abnormalities of radial, ulnar and brachial arteries in both upper extremities, the presence of atherosclerotic changes or stenosis in these arteries, whether the superficial palmar arch was complete or incomplete, and arterial dominance. Also, the computed tomography angiography classification of superficial palmar arch distribution and anatomic configuration was performed. RESULTS: The mean baseline diameters of the radial, ulnar and brachial arteries of the cases were; 2.8 ± 0.6, 2.5 ± 0.7, and 4.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. A complete superficial palmar arch was observed in 69.2 % of the right hands and 70.5 % of the left hands. For the superficial palmar arches on the right side, the radial artery was dominant in two and the ulnar artery was dominant in 47 with the remaining showing codominance. On the left side, the radial artery was dominant in one hand, with the ulnar artery being dominant in 49 cases, and in 28 cases, there was codominance. In the superficial palmar arch classification, four of the arches (A-D) were defined as complete and the remaining three (E-G) as incomplete. CONCLUSION: The current study clarified different variations in palmar circulation and forearm arteries to aid the surgeon during trans-radial or trans-ulnar catheterization, hemodialysis, or coronary artery bypass grafting.

A Case Report of Delayed Diagnosed Chronic Aortocaval Fistula: A Rare Complication of Penetrating Trauma to the Abdomen.

Chronic aortocaval fistula (ACP) is a rare complication of penetrating trauma to the abdomen. We report a case of traumatic ACP presenting with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure symptoms 15 years after the initial penetrating injury. Although symptoms of pulmonary hypertension started 5 years ago, it was wrongly diagnosed and treated as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presence of a continuous abdominal bruit and history of penetrating abdominal trauma gave rise to suspicion of a fistula, which was confirmed by computed tomography and angiography. Percutaneous closure of ACP was planned, but the patient died of severe pneumonia. The clinical presentation of chronic ACP can vary from being asymptomatic to symptoms related to pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, and pulmonary embolism; thus, definitive diagnosis can be challenging.

Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Life-Threatening Complication of Liver Transplantation.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious complication following liver transplantation. A 50-year-old male patient with ulcerative colitis, sclerosing cholangitis, and end-stage liver disease underwent right lobe transplantation from a living donor. The patient was hospitalized because of impairment in liver function tests and massive pretibial edema three months after surgery. In color Doppler ultrasound and multidetector computed tomography, a pseudoaneurysm with peripheral large thrombus was detected at the anastomosis site extending anterior to the hepatic artery. The patient died as a result of unstable hemodynamic conditions.