Outcomes of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed using image-guided core needle biopsy: results from a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The clinical management of high-risk lesions using image-guided biopsy is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the rates at which such lesions were upgraded to malignancy and identify possible predictive factors for upgrading high-risk lesions. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter analysis included 1.343 patients diagnosed with high-risk lesions using an image-guided core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Only patients managed using an excisional biopsy or with at least one year of documented radiological follow-up were included. For each, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, number of samples, needle thickness, and lesion size were correlated with malignancy upgrade rates in different histologic subtypes. Pearson's chi-squared test, the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The overall upgrade rate was 20.6%, with the highest rates in the subtypes of intraductal papilloma (IP) with atypia (44.7%; 55/123), followed by atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (38.4%; 144/375), lobular neoplasia (LN) (12.7%; 7/55), papilloma without atypia (9.4%; 58/611), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) (8.7%; 10/114), and radial scars (RSs) (4.6%; 3/65). There was a significant relationship between the upgrade rate and BI-RADS category, number of samples, and lesion size Lesion size was the most predictive factor for an upgrade in all subtypes. CONCLUSION: ADH and atypical IP showed considerable upgrade rates to malignancy, requiring surgical excision. The LN, IP without atypia, pure FEA, and RS subtypes showed lower malignancy rates when the BI-RADS category was lower and in smaller lesions that had been adequately sampled using VAB. After being discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, these cases could be managed with follow-up instead of excision.

Quantitative T2 mapping of the sacroiliac joint cartilage at 3T in patients with axial spondyloarthropathies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of T2 mapping of sacroiliac joint cartilage in patients with axial spondyloarthropathies (SpA). METHODS: Thirty-seven SpA patients and 43 controls (mean age: 36.5 ± 8.2; 20 men) prospectively underwent conventional MRI and T2 mapping of the sacroiliac joints at 3 T. SpA patients and their sacroiliac joints were categorized into active and inactive based on the presence of bone marrow edema on the conventional MRI. T2-relaxation times were measured by drawing six manual ROIs on the cartilaginous part of the joints. T2 values of the bilateral iliac and sacral joint cartilages for each patient (T2subject), iliac and sacral cartilages for each sacroiliac joint (T2joint), iliac cartilage (T2iliac), and sacral cartilage (T2sacral) were calculated and compared between SpA patients and controls, and active and inactive joints. RESULTS: The T2subject of SpA patients (50.48 ± 5.32 ms) was significantly higher than the T2subject of the controls (46.33 ± 3.30 ms, p < 0.001). Selecting an optimal T2subject cut-off value of 48.77 to differentiate SpA patients from controls revealed a sensitivity and a specificity of 62.2% and 81.4% respectively (AUC = 0.739). In SpA patients, T2joint, T2iliac, and T2sacral values of the inactive joints were not significantly different from those of the active joints (p = 0.088, p = 0.179, and p = 0.069). T2joint, T2iliac, and T2sacral values of the inactive joints of SpA patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p = 0.012, p = 0.029, and p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: T2 values of both active and inactive sacroiliac joint cartilages of SpA patients were increased. Thus, T2 mapping may be used in the diagnosis of SpA. KEY POINTS: • Sacroiliac cartilage T2 values of SpA patients increase compared to those of the non-SpA controls. • Sacroiliac cartilage T2 values of active and inactive joints of SpA patients increase compared to those of the non-SpA controls. • Sacroiliac cartilage T2 values of active and inactive joints of SpA patients do not show statistically significant difference.

Ultrasound assessment of diaphragm thickness in athletes / Evaluación por ultrasonido del grosor del diafragma en atletas

SUMMARY: The main purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the aerobic and anaerobic performance of diaphragm thickness in athletes. That study was conducted with 15 team athletes (TA) (age 21.80 ± 2.40 years), 15 individual athletes (IA) (age 18.93 ± 2.31 years) and the control group (CON) 10 people living sedentary lifestyles (age 23.60 ± 2.91 years). In this study, diaphragm muscle thickness (B-mode ultrasonography), respiratory function (spirometry and maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), aerobic capacity yo-yo intermittent endurance Test 1 (YYIET-1), and anaerobic power by Monark 834 E were assessed. The diaphragm thickness was determined from the intercostalspace between the 8th and 9th ribs at the expiration time by ultrasound and from the intercostal space between the 10th and 11th ribs at inspiration and then, the thickness of the diaphragm was measured from the diaphragm is seen best. There was a positive correlation between DiTins (r= 0.477) and DiTins-ex (r= 0.473) parameters of TA. In IA, there was a significant correlation between DiTins and DiTins-ex parameters and Peak Power (r= 0.495 and 0.435, respectively) and average power (r= 0.483 and 0.446, respectively). No significant correlation in all parameters of the CON group (p<0.05). As a result, it was determined that athletes with high diaphragm thickness had higher anaerobic performance, and athletes with thinner diaphragm thickness had better VO2Max capacity. The diaphragm thickness of the athletes in individual branches was thicker than the team athletes, and their anaerobic performance was also higher.

RESUMEN: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue examinar la correlación entre el rendimiento aeróbico y anaeróbico del grosor del diaframa en atletas. Dicho estudio se realizó con 15 deportistas de equipo (TA) (edad 21,80 ± 2,40 años), 15 deportistas individuales (IA) (edad 18,93 ± 2,31 años) y el grupo control (CON) 10 personas con sedentarismo (edad 23,60 ± 2,91 años). Se midió, el grosor del diaframa (ultrasonografía en modo B), la función respiratoria (espirometría y presiones máximas inspiratorias (MIP) y espiratorias (MEP), prueba de resistencia intermitente yo- yo de capacidad aeróbica 1 (YYIET-1) y resistencia anaeróbica potencia por Monark 834 E. El grosor del diafragma se determinó a partir del espacio intercostal entre las costillas 8 y 9 en el momento de la espiración por ultrasonido y del espacio intercostal entre las costillas 10 y 11 en la inspiración. Hubo una correlación positiva entre los parámetros DiT ins (r= 0,477) y DiTins-ex (r= 0,473) de TA. En IA, hubo una correlación significativa entre los parámetros DiTins y DiTins-ex y el pico Potencia (r= 0,495 y 0,435, respectivamente) y potencia media (r= 0,483 y 0,446, respectivamente). No hubo correlación significativa en todos los parámetros del grupo CON (p<0,05). Como resultado, se determinó que los atletas con mayor espesor del diaframa tenían un mayor rendimiento anaeróbico, y los atletas con menor espesor del diaframa tenían una mejor capacidad de VO2Max. El grosor del diafragma de los atletas en ramas individuales fue mayor que el de los atletas de equipo, y su rendimiento anaeróbico también fue mayor.

The Effect of Breast Size and Density in Turkish Women on Radiation Dose in Full-Field Digital Mammography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to look into the relationship between breast size and mammographic breast density in women and breast radiation dose on full-field digital mammography (FFDM), as well as the factors that influence radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 2,060 FFDM images from 515 consecutive participants. The participants were divided into two groups: those exposed to high doses (>3 mGy) and those exposed to low doses (<3 mGy). Moreover, the researchers analyzed the relationship between mean glandular dose (MGD) of the breast and patient age, compressed breast thickness, compression force, mammographic breast composition, and mammographic breast size. RESULTS: The mean mammographic breast volume was 936.2 ± 425.2 (114.5-3,018) mL, and the mean compressed breast tissue thickness was 56.75 ± 10.44 mm. Moreover, the mean MGD in the high-dose group was 3.51 ± 0.48 mGy and 1.92 ± 0.56 mGy in the low-dose group. The high-dose group had greater breast thickness, diameters, volume, compression pressure, and surgical rate. However, the high-dose group was younger and had less dense breasts. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the most important predictors of dose determination were breast thickness [odds ratio (OR): 1.178, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.156-1.200, p<0.001], history of previous surgery (OR: 2.210, 95% CI: 1.417-3.447, p<0.001), compression force (OR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.004-1.013, p<0.001), and breast density (OR: 1.873, 95% CI: 1.359-2.580, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Women with larger breast volumes are subjected to higher doses of radiation. Therefore, breast-screening programs can be individualized to young women with larger breast volumes and women who have had breast-conserving surgery.

Whole-lesion ADC histogram analysis versus single-slice ADC measurement for the differentiation of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performances of whole-lesion apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis and single-slice ADC measurement in the differentiation of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. METHODS: Fifty-three patients (mean age: 48.5 ± 21.4) with soft tissue tumors (27 benign and 26 malignant) were evaluated with diffusion-weighted MRI. Whole-lesion ADC histogram parameters (mean, median, 10th percentile, 90th percentile, minimum, maximum, range, mean absolute deviation, interquartile range, kurtosis, skewness, root mean squared, variance and inhomogeneity) of the lesions were measured using the whole solid tumor volume region of interest (ROI). In other sessions, five ROIs were manually drawn on the tumor slices, and mean ADC and minimum ADC of the measurements were calculated. Diagnostic accuracies of the two methods were assessed and compared. RESULTS: Mean, median, minimum, 10th percentile, 90th percentile, range, root mean squared and inhomogeneity of ADC histogram analysis, and mean ADC and minimum ADC of single-slice ADC measurement were significantly different between malignant and benign lesions (p < 0.001 - p = 0.002). Among the ADC histogram parameters, 10th percentile had the highest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.825) followed by mean (AUC = 0.792) and median (AUC = 0.789). For the single-slice ADC measurement, the AUC of mean ADC and minimum ADC were 0.842 and 0.786, respectively. Mean ADC of single-slice measurement had a similar diagnostic performance with the 10th percentile, mean, and median of ADC histogram analysis (p = 0.070-1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Both whole-lesion ADC histogram analysis and single-slice ADC measurement can differentiate benign and malignant soft tissue tumors with similar diagnostic performances.

Does the SUVmax of FDG-PET/CT Correlate with the ADC Values of DWI in Musculoskeletal Malignancies?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation of maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in musculoskeletal malignancies. METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approved this retrospective study. Twenty-seven patients (mean age: 44.85 ± 24.07; 17 men and 10 women) with a total of 29 musculoskeletal tumors underwent both FDG-PET/CT and DWI between January 2017 and March 2020. Region-of-interest (ROI)-based maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the tumors were measured on FDG-PET/CT images. Two radiologists measured lesions' mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean and ADCmin) using five distinct ROIs on DWI images. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between SUVmax and ADC values. RESULTS: There were 18 soft tissue tumors (62.1%) and 11 bone tumors (37.9%) with a mean maximum diameter of 9.4 ± 6.2 cm. The mean SUVmax, ADCmean and ADCmin of the whole lesions were 12.93 ± 9.63, 0.85 ± 0.28 × 10-3mm2/s and 0.61 ± 0.27 × 10-3mm2/s, respectively. SUVmax had a weak correlation with tumor maximum diameter (r = 0.378, p = 0.043), whereas ADCmean and ADCmin had none. There was strong inverse correlation between SUVmax and both ADCmean (r = -0.616, p < 0.001) and ADCmin (r = -0.638, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In musculoskeletal tumors, quantitative markers of FDG uptake and diffusion restriction strongly correlate.

The diagnostic value of ultrasound and shear wave elastography in the differentiation of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in the differentiation of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and nine patients (mean age 43.3 ± 20.5, range 0-85; 64 men and 45 women) diagnosed with soft tissue tumors between August 2016 and January 2020 were evaluated with US and SWE. The stiffness of the lesions was measured as mean and maximum shear wave velocity (SWVmean and SWVmax) in meters/second (m/s). Two radiologists evaluated the US images independently and then reached a final consensus. Final diagnosis was obtained either by histopathological examination (core needle biopsy or surgery) or by follow-up. The diagnostic value of US and SWE in the differentiation of malignant and benign lesions was assessed. RESULTS: Pathology results revealed 37 malignant and 43 benign lesions. Twenty-nine lesions were benign based on follow-up criteria. Consensus US reading revealed 91.9% sensitivity and 72.2% specificity with almost perfect inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.802). Larger lesion size, male gender, advanced patient age, deep location, hypoechoic and hypervascular appearance, ill-defined margins, and presence of cystic area were associated with malignant diagnosis (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.011, respectively). Median SWVmean and median SWVmax of malignant lesions (2.87 and 2.68) were not significantly different than those of the benign lesions (3.30 and 3.05; p = 0.271 and p = 0.402, respectively). CONCLUSION: US features can differentiate malignant and benign soft tissue tumors, whereas SWE did not contribute to the differentiation of soft tissue tumors.

Efficacy of Ultrasound and Shear Wave Elastography for the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: Forty-one patients with a history of unilateral breast surgery and axillary dissection or sentinel lymph node excision were included in this prospective study. The patients were classified as having normal findings, latent lymphedema, and clinical lymphedema on the basis of a physical examination, lymphedema index scores, and limb circumference measurements. The thickness and stiffness of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the forearm and arm were measured by ultrasound and SWE. The thickness and stiffness of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the affected limb and contralateral limbs of the normal, latent lymphedema, and clinical lymphedema groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of the 41 patients was 55.42 ± 10.12 years. There were 15 patients with normal findings, 10 with latent lymphedema, and 16 with clinical lymphedema. In the latent lymphedema group, the thickness measurements of the cutaneous tissue of the affected forearm and the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the affected arm were significantly greater than those of the contralateral forearm and arm (P = .034; P = .022; and P = .002, respectively), and the stiffness measurements of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the affected forearm were significantly greater than those of the contralateral forearm (P = .011; and P = .002). In the clinical lymphedema group, the thickness and stiffness measurements of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the affected forearm and arm were significantly greater than those of the contralateral limb (P < .001-P = .032). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound and SWE are effective for diagnosing breast cancer-related lymphedema even at a latent stage.

Subperiosteal hemorrhage due to a distal femoral physeal fracture in a neonate.

Femoral physeal fractures have been rarely reported as a birth-related injury. As the plain radiograph findings are variable, the diagnosis may be challenging. In this case report, we describe a male neonate presenting with periosteal elevation at the left distal femur. A radiological evaluation demonstrated posteromedial displacement of the distal femoral epiphysis. The final diagnosis was subperiosteal hemorrhage due to a distal femoral physeal fracture.

Shear wave versus strain elastography in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions

Background/aim: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performances of shear wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography (SE) in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions. Materials and methods: The current study included 87 breast lesions in 84 patients. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) categories were determined with ultrasound features. The maximum shear wave velocity (SWV), mean SWV, maximum SWV to fat SWV ratio, and mean SWV to fat SWV ratio were measured using SWE. The strain ratio (SR) was calculated as the ratio of lesion strain to the adjacent fat strain using SE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess and compare the diagnostic performances of each parameter. Results: Forty-five benign and 42 malignant lesions were diagnosed. The sensitivity and specificity of the BIRADS classification was 100% and 35.6%, respectively. Selecting a cutoff SR value of 3.22 led to an 88.1% sensitivity and an 88.4% specificity (AUC: 0.913 [95% CI: 0.854­0.971], P < 0.001). Selecting cutoff maximum SWV value of 3.41 m/s led to an 88.1% sensitivity and an 86.7% specificity (AUC: 0.918 [95% CI: 0.858­0.978], P< 0.001). The diagnostic performance of the maximum SWV, mean SWV, and maximum SWV to fat SWV ratio were similar to the diagnostic performance of the SR (P = 1.00, P= 1.00, P= 0.629, respectively). Conclusion: SE and SWE are both feasible imaging modalities in the differentiation of malignant and benign breast lesions with similar diagnostic performances.

Assessment of the association between pre-treatment and post-treatment left atrium size and severity of disease in patients with acute pulmonary embolism by using computed tomography pulmonary angiography.

INTRODUCTION: As far as we know, left atrium (LA) imaging findings of pre-treatment and post-treatment nonmassive, submassive and massive acute pulmonary embolism (APE) have not been reported in literature. The aim of this study is to assess LA sizes of nonmassive, submassive and massive APE before and after treatment with computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and to research whether there are differences between groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty two adult APE patients (21 nonmassive, 31 submassive and 10 massive) who were diagnosed with CTPA and who had post-treatment follow-up images and recorded clinical information were included in the study. Pre-treatment and post-treatment LA sizes of all groups were measured by two radiologists independently. RESULT: The lowest pre-treatment LA size was found in massive APE and this difference was found to be statistically significant when compared with submassive (p= 0.001) and nonmassive (p< 0.001) groups. In addition, submassive APE patients were found to have lower LA size when compared with nonmassive APE patients (p= 0.006). In massive and submassive APE, post-treatment LA sizes were found to be statistically significantly higher when compared with pre-treatment (p< 0.001 for both groups). However, in nonmassive APE patients, pre-treatment and post-treatment LA size difference was not found to be statistically significant (p= 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: As the severity of APE increases, LA size decreases. Thus, a decrease LA size during APE can show increased APE severity. This study reported that LA size increased statistically in post-treatment massive and submassive APE patients when compared with pre-treatment. These results suggest that in APE patients, as a response to treatment, LA size can be an additional parameter reflecting the changes in cardiac morphology.

Is gynecomastia related to the disease characteristics and prognosis in testicular germ cell tumor patients?

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the relationship between gynecomastia and tumor markers, histologic subtypes, and prognosis in patients with testicular germ cell tumors. METHODS: This study included 73 testicular germ cell cancer patients with pretreatment chest, abdomen and pelvis computed tomography (CT) scans and tumor markers (ß-human chorionic gonadotropin [ß-hCG], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], α-fetoprotein [AFP]). The volumetric analysis of the breast glandular tissue, the presence of gynecomastia and metastatic disease were determined using CT scans. Patients were classified according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) prognostic classification. The association between gynecomastia, breast glandular tissue volume, tumor markers, metastatic disease, and disease prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four of the patients (46.6%) had gynecomastia. A breast volume cutoff value of 0.78 cm3 to diagnose gynecomastia led to 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Serum ß-hCG level correlated with the breast glandular tissue volume weakly (r=0.242, P = 0.039). Gynecomastia was more common in patients with elevated ß-hCG levels (P = 0.047), and was not associated with pulmonary, nonpulmonary distant, or nodal metastases (P = 0.378, P = 0.884, P = 0.333, respectively). No significant association was found between the disease prognosis and gynecomastia (P = 0.556). CONCLUSION: Gynecomastia was common among testicular germ cell cancer patients with elevated ß-hCG. However, it was not associated with metastatic disease and prognosis.

"T2-hypointense dot sign": A novel and highly suggestive clue for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe "T2-hypointense dot sign" for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion and compare its diagnostic capability with whirlpool sign. METHODS: Pelvic MRIs of 31 patients with surgically proven ovarian torsion were used for the analysis. The control group was comprised of 30 patients with adnexal neoplasm and 15 patients with tubo-ovarian abscess. The MRIs of all 76 patients were retrospectively evaluated by two independent radiologists for the presence of T2-hypointense dot sign and whirlpool sign using a three-point scale. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy values for the T2-hypointense dot sign for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion for observer 1 and observer 2 were 0.90, 1, 1, 0.93, and 0.96 and 0.87, 1, 1, 0.91, and 0.94, respectively. These same values for the whirlpool sign for observer 1 and observer 2 were 0.58, 1, 1, 0.77, and 0.82 and 0.42, 1, 1, 0.71, and 0.76, respectively. Both signs were definitely negative in patients with adnexal neoplasm and tubo-ovarian abscess. Interobserver agreement was excellent for the T2-hypointense dot sign (κ = 0.83), but poor for the whirlpool sign (κ = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of T2-hypointense dot sign could be a valuable clue for the accurate and early diagnosis of ovarian torsion in non-contrast MRI scans.

The diagnostic value of 4D MRI at 3T for the localization of parathyroid adenomas.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D MRI) at 3 T for the localization of parathyroid adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative 4D MRI scans, encompassing dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences and non-contrast enhanced (non-CE) sequences, including a T2-weighted multipoint Dixon (T2-mDixon) sequence, with in-phase, out-phase, and water-only images, were evaluated retrospectively in 41 patients with surgically proven parathyroid lesions. Two readers who were blinded to the surgical findings independently reviewed the images in two sessions (non-CE sequences alone and non-CE + DCE sequences). The MRI localization of the suspected adenoma in each session and the consensus interpretation of the MRI images, were compared with the surgical results and interobserver agreement was assessed. RESULTS: By interpreting the non-CE sequences alone, reader 1 correctly localized 34 parathyroid lesions (sensitivity 81.0%, positive predictive value (PPV) 87.2%), and reader 2 correctly localized 34 parathyroid lesions (sensitivity 81.0%, PPV 91.9%). With the addition of DCE sequences, reader 1 correctly identified 35 parathyroid lesions (sensitivity 83.3%, PPV 87.5%), while reader 2 correctly identified 36 parathyroid lesions (sensitivity 85.7%, PPV 92.3%). Overall, MRI detected 38 parathyroid lesions (sensitivity 90.5%, PPV 95.0%). Interobserver agreement was slightly superior in non-CE + DCE sequences compared to non-CE sequences alone (ĸ = 0.796 vs. ĸ = 0.738). CONCLUSION: 4D MRI with DCE sequencing is a reliable method for the localization of parathyroid adenomas.

Calcification of breast artery as detected by mammography: association with coronary and aortic calcification

Background/aim: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9740-3580 Materials and methods: A total of 404 female patients above 40 years of age who, within a 6-month period, had undergone thoracic computed tomography and mammography for various reasons were screened retrospectively at our clinic. Mammographies were assessed for BAC and thoracic CT investigations were assessed for CAC and AC. Patients included in the study were scored as 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe) depending on the number and shape of CAC, AC, and BAC lesions observed. Results: Four hundred and four females were enrolled in the study. While BAC was detected in 123 patients, no BAC was observed in the other 281 patients. In the BAC-positive patients, the rates of CAC (45.5% vs. 19.9%, P < 0.001) and AC (67.5% vs. 32.4%, P < 0.001) were notably higher than in the BAC-negative patients. In addition, multivariate regression analysis detected the presence of BAC as an independent variable for both CAC and AC. Conclusion: The presence of BAC appeared to be a significant risk factor for CAC and AC, and the BAC grade was considered an independent risk factor for CAC.

Bedside ultrasonography for the confirmation of gastric tube placement in the neonate.

BACKGROUND: Naso/Orogastric tube (NOGT) misplacement can lead to significant complications. Therefore, the assessment of tube position is essential to ensure patient safety. Although radiography is considered the gold standard for determining NOGT location, new methods may be helpful in reducing repetitive radiation exposure, especially for neonates. In this study, we sought to investigate if bedside ultrasonography (BUSG) can be used to verify NOGT placement in neonatal intensive care patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infants requiring NOGT placement were enrolled. After insertion of the NOGT, the location was first identified using BUSG and then confirmed using abdominal radiography for comparison. RESULTS: The study cohort included 51 infants with an average gestational age of 34 ± 4.9 weeks. BUSG determined the NOGT location correctly with a sensitivity of 92.2%. The location of the NOGT could not be determined by BUSG in four neonates (7.8%). In one infant, the NOGT was positioned in the esophagus, as determined both by BUSG and radiography. CONCLUSION: BUSG is a promising diagnostic tool for determining NOGT location in neonates, thereby eliminating the need for abdominal radiography.

Contribution of 3-T Susceptibility-Weighted MRI to Detection of Intraarticular Hemosiderin Accumulation in Patients With Hemophilia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of 3-T susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting intraarticular hemosiderin accumulation in patients with hemophilia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one joints in 24 patients with hemophilia were imaged with conventional MRI and SWI sequences. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists and one general radiologist (reader 3) interpreted the images for hemosiderin accumulation. The final decision was determined in consensus by readers 1 and 2 using both conventional MRI and SWI sequences. The diagnostic consistencies of each MRI sequence with the reference and pairwise agreements between interpreters were assessed. RESULTS: For conventional MRI sequences, the diagnostic consistencies of the two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists with the reference were substantial (κ = 0.63 and 0.62), whereas the consistency of the general radiologist with the reference was moderate (κ = 0.47). The SWI interpretations of all readers had almost perfect agreement with the reference (κ = 1, κ = 1, κ = 0.97). Interobserver agreement also improved at SWI interpretations. CONCLUSION: SWI contributes to more accurate grading of intraarticular hemosiderin accumulation than is achieved with conventional MRI sequences.

The Effect of Unfocused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Bone Defect Healing in Diabetics.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the unfocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on healing of mandible ramus defects in diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty male Wistar albino rats were used in the experiment. All animals were randomly divided into 2 main groups, nondiabetic and diabetic. Critical-sized defects were created on ramus in all rats. ESWT was performed to half of rats in each group at 3 sessions after surgery. Animals were euthanized at either fourth or eighth week. Stereological and radiologic examination was performed. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way variance analysis and Tukey post-hoc test. RESULTS: Hounsfield Unit values were higher in DE group than DE group in both 8-week and 4-week groups (P > 0.05). In both 4-week and 8-week diabetic groups, higher value was observed when compared with nondiabetic groups (P > 0.05). According to stereological results, in 4-week groups, there was a higher new bone, connective tissue, and neovascularization volume in DE group than DE group and in DE group than DE group. These results are similar for the 8-week groups except NV volume. CONCLUSION: It was found that ESWT application has no positive effect on the healing of critical-sized bone defects in nondiabetics whereas promising effects in diabetics were observed.

Should venous doppler ultrasonography be routinely applied before lower extremity major orthopedic surgery?

BACKGROUND: Hip-knee arthroplasty and knee arthroscopy (KA) is frequently applied in the orthopaedic surgery. The approach does not exist related with the preoperative asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In this study, the patients who would undergo surgery lower extremity were screened for asymptomatic DVT, using the venous Doppler ultrasonography (USG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: DVT was screened by venous Doppler USG in the patients who would undergo hip-knee arthroplasty and KA between the dates of November 2013 and September 2015. The patients were investigated regarding the age, gender, and the planned operation. The cases were separated to the following three groups: group I (<49 years), Group II (49-69 years), and Group III (≥70 years). RESULTS: The study included 222 patients; of these, 174 were female and 48 were male. Group I, Group II, and Group III included 45, 115, and 62 patients, respectively. Of the six patients determined to exist with DVT, 2 (1.73%) were in Group II, and 4 (6.45%) were in Group III. CONCLUSION: Although the differences were not found to be statistically significant, it may be useful to screen asymptomatic DVT by Doppler USG in the preoperative period in the 70-year-old male patients, and in those over 70.

The diagnostic value of shear wave elastography for parathyroid lesions and comparison with cervical lymph nodes.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility of the Virtual Touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) method of shear wave elastography (SWE) for the discrimination of parathyroid lesions and to compare the lesions' stiffness with that of cervical lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SWE using VTIQ was performed on 66 patients with 87 histopathologically proven parathyroid lesions (54 parathyroid adenomas and 33 parathyroid hyperplasia) and 29 patients with 31 inflammatory cervical lymph nodes. The mean SWVs of the lesions were compared and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. RESULTS: The mean SWV of parathyroid adenomas (2.16±0.33 m/s) differed significantly from those of parathyroid hyperplasia and lymph nodes (1.75±0.28 m/s and 1.86±0.37 m/s respectively, p<0.001). Selecting a cutoff value of 1.92 m/s for diagnosing adenoma led to 80% sensitivity and 82% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.832 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.742-0.921], p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The VTIQ method of SWE can contribute to the differentiation of parathyroid adenoma from parathyroid hyperplasia and cervical lymphnodes.