Pressure ulcer development in patients treated for acute ischaemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in patients treated for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and to evaluate comorbid/confounding factors. METHOD: The study included patients treated for AIS who were divided into three treatment groups: those receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator therapy (tPA); patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT); and those receiving both tPA and MT. PUs were classified according to the international classification system and factors that may influence their development were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 242 patients were included in this study. The incidence of PUs in patients treated for AIS was 7.4%. Most PUs were located on the sacrum (3.7%), followed by the gluteus (3.3%) and trochanter (2.9%). With regards to PU classification: 29% were stage I; 34% were stage II; and the remainder were stage III. Age was not a significant factor in the development of PUs (p=0.172). Patients in the tPA group had a lower PU incidence (2.3%) than patients in the tPA+MT group (15.7%) and MT group (12.1%) (p=0.001). Patients with PUs had a longer period of hospitalisation (18.5±11.92 days) than patients without a PU (8.0±8.52 days) (p=0.000). National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission were higher in patients with PUs than in patients without a PU (14.33±4.38 versus 11.08±5.68, respectively; p=0.010). The difference in presence of comorbidities between patients with and without PUs (p=0.922) and between treatment groups (p=0.677) were not statistically significant. The incidence of PUs was higher in patients requiring intensive care, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.089). CONCLUSION: In this study, patients treated for AIS with high NIHSS scores at admission and/or receiving MT were at higher risk for PUs, and so particular attention should be given to these patients in order to prevent PU development.

Choosing the right artificial intelligence solutions for your radiology department: key factors to consider.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in deep learning, has significantly impacted radiology, introducing an array of AI solutions for interpretative tasks. This paper provides radiology departments with a practical guide for selecting and integrating AI solutions, focusing on interpretative tasks that require the active involvement of radiologists. Our approach is not to list available applications or review scientific evidence, as this information is readily available in previous studies; instead, we concentrate on the essential factors radiology departments must consider when choosing AI solutions. These factors include clinical relevance, performance and validation, implementation and integration, clinical usability, costs and return on investment, and regulations, security, and privacy. We illustrate each factor with hypothetical scenarios to provide a clearer understanding and practical relevance. Through our experience and literature review, we provide insights and a practical roadmap for radiologists to navigate the complex landscape of AI in radiology. We aim to assist in making informed decisions that enhance diagnostic precision, improve patient outcomes, and streamline workflows, thus contributing to the advancement of radiological practices and patient care.

Percutaneous treatment of simple renal cysts with 24-h-interval ethanol sclerotherapy.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 24-h interval multiple-session ethanol sclerotherapy for the treatment of simple renal cysts. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 58 patients (mean age, 65.37 ± 11.95 years). We included 76 simple renal cysts that were treated with percutaneous aspiration with a minimum of two sessions of 95% ethanol sclerotherapy in a 24-h interval between sessions. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention for the efficacy of the treatment. Treatment success was defined as a complete regression of a cyst or a > 50% reduction in its volume, with no recurrence of symptoms. Results: The mean preprocedural cyst size was 72.98 ± 25.14 mm, and the mean preprocedural cyst volume was 205.76 ± 244.15 mL. The mean volume of ethanol used in the first sclerotherapy session was 62.76 ± 30.71 mL. The mean fluid accumulation in the cysts at the end of the first 24-h interval was 4.66 ± 7.13 mL. The mean quantity of ethanol used in the second sclerotherapy session was 26.48 ± 22.2 mL. A third sclerotherapy session was required in only 10 (13.2%) of the cysts. The mean follow-up period was 52.84 ± 37.83 months. The rate of complete regression was 97.4% for the whole sample at the end of the follow-up. Conclusion: Ethanol ablation with 24-h intervals is a safe and effective treatment option in the minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of simple renal cysts.

Objetivo: Demonstrar a eficácia da escleroterapia com etanol em sessões múltiplas em intervalos de 24 horas no tratamento de cistos renais simples. Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliados 76 cistos renais simples de 58 pacientes (média de idade: 65,37 ± 11,95 anos) submetidos a aspiração percutânea e ao menos duas sessões de escleroterapia com etanol 95% num intervalo de 24 horas. Considerou- se sucesso de tratamento a regressão completa ou uma redução > 50% do volume do cisto, sem recorrência dos sintomas. Os pacientes foram reavaliados 1, 3 e 6 meses após o procedimento. Resultados: Antes do procedimento, a média do tamanho dos cistos foi de 72,98 ± 25,14 mm e a média do volume dos cistos foi de 205,76 ± 244,15 mL. A quantidade média de etanol utilizada na primeira sessão de escleroterapia foi de 62,76 ± 30,71 mL. A média de acúmulo de líquido ao final do intervalo de 24 horas foi de 4,66 ± 7,13 mL, sendo utilizada uma média de quantidade de etanol de 26,48 ± 22,2 mL na segunda sessão de escleroterapia. Uma terceira sessão de escleroterapia foi necessária em apenas 10 (13,2%) dos cistos. Na amostra geral, a taxa de regressão completa foi de 97,4%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 52,84 ± 37,83 meses. Conclusão: A ablação com etanol em intervalo de 24 horas é uma opção de tratamento segura, eficaz e minimamente invasiva no tratamento percutâneo de cistos renais simples.

Percutaneous treatment of simple renal cysts with 24-h-interval ethanol sclerotherapy / Tratamento percutâneo de cistos renais simples por escleroterapia com etanol em intervalo de 24 horas

Abstract Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 24-h interval multiple-session ethanol sclerotherapy for the treatment of simple renal cysts. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 58 patients (mean age, 65.37 ± 11.95 years). We included 76 simple renal cysts that were treated with percutaneous aspiration with a minimum of two sessions of 95% ethanol sclerotherapy in a 24-h interval between sessions. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention for the efficacy of the treatment. Treatment success was defined as a complete regression of a cyst or a > 50% reduction in its volume, with no recurrence of symptoms. Results: The mean preprocedural cyst size was 72.98 ± 25.14 mm, and the mean preprocedural cyst volume was 205.76 ± 244.15 mL. The mean volume of ethanol used in the first sclerotherapy session was 62.76 ± 30.71 mL. The mean fluid accumulation in the cysts at the end of the first 24-h interval was 4.66 ± 7.13 mL. The mean quantity of ethanol used in the second sclerotherapy session was 26.48 ± 22.2 mL. A third sclerotherapy session was required in only 10 (13.2%) of the cysts. The mean follow-up period was 52.84 ± 37.83 months. The rate of complete regression was 97.4% for the whole sample at the end of the follow-up. Conclusion: Ethanol ablation with 24-h intervals is a safe and effective treatment option in the minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of simple renal cysts.

Resumo Objetivo: Demonstrar a eficácia da escleroterapia com etanol em sessões múltiplas em intervalos de 24 horas no tratamento de cistos renais simples. Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliados 76 cistos renais simples de 58 pacientes (média de idade: 65,37 ± 11,95 anos) submetidos a aspiração percutânea e ao menos duas sessões de escleroterapia com etanol 95% num intervalo de 24 horas. Considerou- se sucesso de tratamento a regressão completa ou uma redução > 50% do volume do cisto, sem recorrência dos sintomas. Os pacientes foram reavaliados 1, 3 e 6 meses após o procedimento. Resultados: Antes do procedimento, a média do tamanho dos cistos foi de 72,98 ± 25,14 mm e a média do volume dos cistos foi de 205,76 ± 244,15 mL. A quantidade média de etanol utilizada na primeira sessão de escleroterapia foi de 62,76 ± 30,71 mL. A média de acúmulo de líquido ao final do intervalo de 24 horas foi de 4,66 ± 7,13 mL, sendo utilizada uma média de quantidade de etanol de 26,48 ± 22,2 mL na segunda sessão de escleroterapia. Uma terceira sessão de escleroterapia foi necessária em apenas 10 (13,2%) dos cistos. Na amostra geral, a taxa de regressão completa foi de 97,4%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 52,84 ± 37,83 meses. Conclusão: A ablação com etanol em intervalo de 24 horas é uma opção de tratamento segura, eficaz e minimamente invasiva no tratamento percutâneo de cistos renais simples.

Uncooled microwave ablation of osteoid osteoma: New approaches to an old problem.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the technical and clinical success of uncooled microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of osteoid osteoma with two-dimensional fluoroscopy guidance in the operating room. METHODS: The clinical and imaging data of 9 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Mean patient age was 14.55 years. The mean size and volume of the lesions were 17.2 × 10.8 × 8.0 mm and the mean nidus size was 6.86±2.05 mm on computed tomography. MWA was performed with uncooled probe in operating room and in sterile conditions. Numerical pain score was recorded before the procedure, the day after, and at 1, 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Clinical and technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. The mean volume of MWA-induced necrosis was 20.8 × 12.8 × 10.7 mm, peripheral scar thickness was 3.5±0.75 mm, and none of the patients had nidus enhancement on first month follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Fluoroscopic guidance was conducted under digital c-arm. Patients received four to 12 spot films (mean: 6.6 kVp, 2.66 mAs) over the lower extremity. Mean radiation exposure to the skin due to imaging was 0.02 mGy per patient per procedure. The dose area product-the total amount of radiation deliverable to the patient was 0.75±0.32 Gy.cm2. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the effectiveness and the safety of the uncooled MWA in osteoid osteoma. The technique may effectively be used in operating room under c-arm fluoroscopy. Such hybrid approach may ensure sterility, anesthetic safety, and lower radiation dose to patients.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous endobilliary radiofrequency ablation with a novel temperature-controlled catheter in malignant biliary strictures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temperature-controlled endobilliary radio-frequency ablation (EB-RFA) followed by metal stent placement for nonresectable malignant biliary strictures. Material and methods: From May 2017 to March 2021, 18 patients with malignant biliary obstruction who had undergone percutaneous EB-RFA and stent placement (n = 9) or stent placement only (n = 9) were included in this retrospective study. Outcomes were stent patency, technical and clinical success, overall survival, and 30-day complication rate. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship of EB-RFA with stent patency and overall survival. Results: The clinical and technical success rate for each group was 100%. The median stent patency was 128 days (95% CI: 122.2-133.8) in the EB-RFA group and 86 days (95% CI: 1.2-170.7) in the control group. It was significantly longer in the study group (p = 0.012). The mean overall survival was 267.7 ± 68.5 days (95% CI: 133.3-402.2) in the study group and 239.6 ± 33.9 days (95% CI: 173.1-306.2) in the control group. Log-rank test showed there was not a statistically significant difference in overall survival rates (p = 0.302). There were no major complications and no statistically significant difference in cholangitis rates (p = 0.620). Conclusions: Percutaneous temperature-controlled EB-RFA combined with biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction can be safe and feasible, and effectively increase stent patency.

Uncooled Microwave Ablation as a Treatment Option to Preserve Thyroid Function in Patients with Benign Thyroid Nodules.

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of uncooled MWA for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and its long-term effect on thyroid functions. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 40 patients with 40 nodules. They were treated between September 2019 and December 2020. Nodules' volumes, thyroid functions (triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin) and anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were measured before treatment and at 3rd, 6th and 12th month following the treatment. Volume reduction rates and changes in clinical findings were evaluated. Results: The mean volume reduction rate was 49.88, 65.3, and 79.06% at 3rd, 6th, and 12th month, respectively. Antibody levels and thyroid function tests have remained within normal limits and were not exhibited significant change during follow-ups (p > 0.05), except for a significant increase in free thyroxin level at 12th-month (p = 0.007). Subjective symptoms and cosmetic scores were significantly improved all follow-up (p < 0.0001). The only complication was a first-degree skin burn in a patient. Conclusion: In conclusion, uncooled microwave ablation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and preserves thyroid function.

Minimally Invasive Excision of Breast Masses under Ultrasound Guidance: A Single Center's Five-Year Experience on the Breast Lesion Excision System.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) excision system (BLES) as a primary method of diagnosis and removal of small breast masses. Methods: Ninety-six lesions in 95 patients with 50.5 ± 8.4 years of age were treated in a five-year period by a single operator. Inclusion criteria were as follows: size (<20 mm), depth (>10 mm), and indeterminate or suspicious radiological features (74 BI-RADS 3 and 22 BI-RADS 4). The procedure was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance using 6 G retriever probes with 12-, 15-, and 20-mm baskets. Results: Lesions were between 5 and 20 (12.3 ± 3.8) mm in length. They were removed at the first attempt in all but one case. The technical success rate was 98.95%, and the diagnostic success rate was 100%. Ninety-one lesions were histologically benign and five were neoplastic. Two lesions that were previously classified as BI-RADS 3 were diagnosed as neoplasia (atypical lobular hyperplasia), and nineteen lesions that were previously classified as BI-RADS 4a were diagnosed as benign. The complete excision rate (presence of tumor-free negative surgical margin) was 40% in neoplastic lesions. There were no major complications. The minor complication rate was 1.58%. No recurrence was observed during 18 months of follow-up. Conclusion: BLES delivers surgical quality specimens for confident histopathological examination and is a safe alternative to surgical resection in lesions with suitable size.

Artery-first microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. The MWA causes progressive nodule shrinkage as well as the improvement of the symptoms and cosmesis. Some basic techniques have been described to further increase the efficacy and safety of this procedure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of artery-first MWA as an advanced technique in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients treated with MWA were enrolled in the study. Nineteen patients who underwent artery-first MWA were selected for the study group and 21 patients who underwent MWA alone were included in the control group. Nodular vascularization was assessed using a new Doppler technique (Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI)) and characterized using a 3-point scale. All patients were evaluated in terms of volume, symptoms, cosmetic scores, and laboratory findings before the procedure as well as 3 months (early-term follow-up) and 6 months (intermediate-term follow-up) after the procedure. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with respect to the baseline volume (p = 0.135). Nevertheless, the nodular volume reduction rate was significantly different at 3-month follow-up (study group: 56.97 ±11.39%, control group: 47.07 ±7.93%; p = 0.003) and 6-month follow-up (study group: 78.38 ±8.91%, control group: 69.54 ±9.41%; p = 0.004). In both groups, cosmetic and symptom scores decreased progressively (p < 0.005) and there were no major complications. Thyroid hormones and antibodies were within normal limits before the procedure, and no significant change was observed during follow-up after the ablation. CONCLUSIONS: The artery-first MWA technique can be used in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules as a method of increasing the effectiveness of MWA.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy: An update for the 2020s.

Cholecystectomy is the standard treatment of acute cholecystitis. Surgery, however, poses significant risks for patients with advanced age and/or comorbid conditions. For such patients, percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is the only option. This interventional procedure does not have any absolute contraindications because of the life-threatening nature of the disease, in which other treatment options cannot be offered due to their risks. Nonetheless, these risk factors necessitate performing PC under urgent, rapid, and in many cases suboptimal conditions. In this article, PC was revisited in the light of our extensive experience in addition to the most current literature. Pre-procedural evaluation including the risk assessment and procedural steps was presented in detail. If conducted properly, PC provides significant clinical improvement in the short term and is life-saving, especially in the elderly and in patients with comorbid diseases or high surgical risk. It may also be the definitive treatment method for acute cholecystitis.

The reliability of low-dose chest CT for the initial imaging of COVID-19: comparison of structured findings, categorical diagnoses and dose levels.

PURPOSE: The widespread use of computed tomography (CT) in COVID-19 may cause adverse biological effects. Many recommend to minimize radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. This study was designed to evaluate the difference between findings of COVID-19 pneumonia on standard and low-dose protocols to provide data on the utility of the latter during initial imaging of COVID-19. METHODS: Patients suspected of having COVID-19 were scanned with a 128-slices scanner using two consecutive protocols in the same session (standard-dose scan: 120 kV and 300 mA; low-dose scan: 80 kV and 40 mA). Dose data acquisition and analysis was performed using an automated software. High and low-dose examinations were anonymized, shuffled and read by two radiologist with consensus according to a highly structured reporting format that was primarily based on the consensus statement of the RSNA. Accordingly, 8 typical, 2 indeterminate, and 7 atypical findings were investigated. Cases were then assigned to one of the categories: (i) Cov19Typ, typical COVID-19; (ii) Cov19Ind, indeterminate COVID-19; (iii) Cov19Aty, atypical COVID-19; (iv) Cov19Neg, not COVID-19. McNemar test was used to analyze the number of disagreements between standard and low-dose scans regarding paired proportions of structured findings. Inter- test reliability was tested using kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The study included 740 patients with a mean age of 44.05±16.59 years. The median (minimum-maximum) dose level for standard protocol was 189.98 mGy•cm (98.20-493.54 mGy•cm) and for low-dose protocol was 15.59 mGy•cm (11.59-32.37 mGy•cm) differing by -80 and -254 mGy•cm from pan-European diagnostic reference levels. Only two findings for typical, one finding for indeterminate, and three findings for atypical categories were statistically similar (p > 0.05). The difference in other categories resulted in significantly different final diagnosis for COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Overall, 626 patients received matching diagnoses with the two protocols. According to intertest reliability analysis, kappa value was found to be 0.669 (p < 0.001) to indicate substantial match. CT with standard-dose had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 72%, while CT with low-dose had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 81%. CONCLUSION: Low kV and mA scans, as used in this study according to scanner manufacturer's global recommendations, may significantly lower exposure levels. However, these scans are significantly inferior in the detection of several individual CT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia, particularly the ones with GGO. Therefore, they should not be used as the protocol of choice in the initial imaging of COVID-19 patients during which higher sensitivity is required.

Points to consider when evaluating three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography of intracranial aneurysms and their effects on treatment

Background/aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate what should be regarded as potential determinants of treatment strategies when evaluating 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. Material and methods: Our inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) presence of at least one intracranial aneurysm demonstrated by conventional angiography, (2) having both 2D and 3D images, and (3) being over 18 years old. First, two-dimensional (2D) and then 3D angiography images of 226 aneurysms of 150 patients were scanned. Morphological characteristics such as size, configurations, relationship with parent artery, baby counts, and other incidental findings were determined. Results: Of the 226 aneurysms, 11 (4.9%) were only detected on 3D images. Four of these 11 additional aneurysms were believed to be babies of other aneurysms seen in 2D images. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment was the most common localization in terms of missed aneurysms. Of the 28 aneurysms located in the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery, the absolute locations of 7 (25%) could not be detected in 2D images or detected in the wrong location. Of the 24 aneurysms located in the ophthalmic segment, the origin of 8 (33%) could not be clearly identified in 2D images. Truncus relationships of MCAs bifurcation/trifurcation aneurysms were seen in 41 of 63 aneurysms (65%) on 2D images, whereas all were confirmed on 3D images. Fenestrations not seen in 2D images were identified in 3D images of 4 patients (3%). Conclusion: The superiority of 3D images compared to 2D images in determining the morphologic characteristics of intracranial aneurysms has been known for a long time. The contribution of 3D images to the treatment can be summarized as evaluating the parent artery relationship, revealing the number and shapes of aneurysm babies more clearly, detecting fenestrations, and shortening procedure time by finding the correct working angle.

Clinical approach to patients admitted to the emergency room due to acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic and percutaneous cholecystostomy experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis (AC), a common complication of gallstones, is responsible for a significant part of emergency applications, and cholecystectomy is the only definitive treatment method for AC. Early cholecystectomy has many reported advantages. Operation-related morbidity and mortality have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, our aim is to present our general clinical approach to patients who were diagnosed with AC during the pandemic and our percutaneous cholecystostomy experience during this period. METHODS: This study included 72 patients who were presented to our hospital's emergency room between March 11 and May 31, 2020, with AC. Patients were divided into three groups based on their treatment: outpatients (Group 1), inpatients (Group 2) and patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy (Group 3). These three groups were compared by their demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: There were 36 (50%) patients in Group 1, 25 (34.7%) patients in Group 2, and 11 (15.3%) patients in Group 3. The demographic characteristics of the patients were similar. The CRP and WBC levels of the patients in Group 3 were significantly higher compared to the other groups. Moreover, the wall of the gallbladder was thicker and the size of the gallbladder was larger in Group 3. Patients had percutaneous cholecystostomy at the median of 3.5 days and the length of hospital stay was longer compared to Group 2 (3.9 days versus 9.2 days, p=0.00). The rate of re-hospitalization after discharge was similar in Group 2 and Group 3, but none of the patients in Group 1 required hospitalization. None of 72 patients developed an emergency condition requiring surgery, and there was no death. CONCLUSION: Although many publications emphasize that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be performed with low morbidity at the first admission in acute cholecystitis, it is a clinical condition that can be delayed in the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar emergencies. Thus, percutaneous cholecystostomy should be effectively employed, and its indications should be extended if necessary (e.g., younger patients, patients with lower CCI or ASA). This approach may enable us to protect both patients and healthcare professionals that perform the operation from the risk of COVID-19.

The antimicrobial efficacy of shielded ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in CT rooms with intense human circulation.

PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) premises are one of the strategic points in the spread of hospital-acquired infections. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is an effective method that could potentially be used to purify the ambient air in them. However, it cannot be directly used in the presence of humans and, therefore, it is not operationally suitable in such units with continuous human circulation. Newer devices have been developed to purify air with more efficient and shielded UV-C sources. This study aims to assess the microbial air contamination in CT scanning rooms and investigates the efficacy and technical considerations of shielded UV-C arrays. METHODS: Two shielded UVGI systems, each equipped with 15 Watt UV-C LED arrays, were tested in a very busy CT unit. Initially, a pilot study was performed to determine ambient microorganisms under routine conditions before UVGI installation, followed by three basic scenarios of UVGI use under normal and abnormal conditions: A, UVGI, with both air-conditioning (AC) and ventilation on; B, UVGI, with AC on and ventilation off; C, UVGI, with both AC and ventilation off. Ambient air was sampled in various time points before and after the initialization of UV irradiation and analyzed for colony formation. RESULTS: The mean total colony count in the pilot study was 1360±450 CFU/m3. Pre-UVGI colony count was 3510 CFU/m3 for Scenario A, ~10000 CFU/m3 for Scenario B and 990 CFU/m3 for Scenario C. Thirty minutes after UVGI, total colony counts in all three scenarios dropped to 30 to 70 CFU/m3. Under normal operating conditions and UVGI, the mean colony count was found as 21.4±13.5 CFU/m3 and the average efficacy of the UVGI was found as 99.39%. CONCLUSION: This study identified substantial microbial air contamination in CT scanning rooms during normal and abnormal operating conditions. UV-C LED arrays effectively eliminate these microbiological contaminants. This effect is also observed under abnormal operating conditions where no other means of ventilation or air conditioning exists.

Initial experience with the CatchView thrombectomy device for acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: We report our initial experience with the CatchView (CV) thrombectomy device in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 53 of 284 AIS patients (mean age 66.6±14.8 years, range 37-94) treated with a CV device between January 2019 and February 2020 was performed. The baseline characteristics (gender, age, comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) administration, and occlusion localization) of these subjects were recorded. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) scores of 2b and 3 were considered to indicate successful recanalization, and subjects with a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 on day 90 was considered a good clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The mean NIHSS score was 12.3±3. Successful recanalization was achieved in 45 subjects (84.90%), and the rate of good clinical outcomes on day 90 was 43.39%. The secondary distal embolus rate was 5.66%. Symptomatic hemorrhage was observed in 3.77% of the subjects, and the mortality rate was 13.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy devices include a wide array of endovascular tools for removing clots in AIS patients. In terms of successful recanalization and good clinical outcomes on day 90, our initial experience with the CV devices was encouraging.

The Assessment of Hepatosteatosis in Living-Donor Liver Transplant: Comparison of Liver Attenuation Index and Histopathologic Results.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of computed tomography densitometry in the quantification of hepatosteatosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one potential liver donors, ranging in age from 19 to 52 years (mean age: 32.4 years ± 10.2), participated in the study. The mean hepatic attenuation and mean splenic attenuation were determined using regions of interest measurements. The difference between the mean hepatic attenuation and mean splenic attenuation (or liver attenuation index), with liver attenuation index = mean hepatic attenuation - mean splenic attenuation were calculated. Computed tomography densitometric parameters were correlated with histopathologic results. RESULTS: From the histopathologic analysis, the degree of macrovesicular hepatosteatosis was 0% to 8% (mean: 1.1% ± 2%). Seven donors (13.7%) had a degree of macrovesicular steatosis of > 5%, and 12 donors (23.5%) had ≥ 2%. Of the 29 normal donors with histopathologic verification, computed tomography densitometry predicted ≤ 5% of the hepatosteatosis in 27 donors, and ≤ 2% hepatosteatosis in 2 subjects. The liver attenuation index was significantly correlated to the histopathologic results. The mathematical relation between liver attenuation index and the degree of histopathologic hepatosteatosis was calculated using the least-squares methods, which provided quadratic polynomials. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography densitometry is a rapid, robust, noninvasive technique for the assessment of hepatosteatosis. When used in conjunction with clinically stable reference measurements of spleen, the density measurements of liver correctly predicted the presence of fatty infiltration with significant sensitivity (77%) and specificity (75%). This technique, which was refined during the course of our liver transplant program, minimizes the need for highly invasive percutaneous liver biopsies.

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging and Doppler ultrasonography in the evaluation of renal parenchyma in acute ureteral obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and Doppler ultrasonography (US) by using quantitative markers in acute unilateral obstruction due to renal stones. METHODS: This prospective study included 28 patients with unilateral ureteral obstruction and 18 healthy control subjects. In Doppler US and DW MR imaging, resistive index (RI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured respectively. The results were compared in patients and in control subjects. Paired samples test, two-tailed unpaired Student's t test and Spearman analysis were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean RI in the 28 obstructed kidneys was significantly higher than the mean RI in unobstructed kidneys and in control subjects (P < 0.05). The ADC of obstructed kidneys in the cortex was significantly lower than the ADC of the contralateral unobstructed kidneys (P < 0.05). The ADC of unobstructed kidneys was significantly higher than the ADC of control subjects in the cortex (P < 0.05). RI and ADC values yielded no significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Doppler US and DW MR imaging provide accurate and noninvasive diagnosis, Doppler US may be preferred as it is a more practical technique compared to DW MR imaging in the evaluation of acute ureteral obstruction due to renal stones.

Functional MRI compliance in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PURPOSE: We aimed to test the effect of prescan training and orientation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to investigate whether fMRI compliance was modified by state anxiety. METHODS: Subjects included 77 males aged 6-12 years; there were 53 patients in the ADHD group and 24 participants in the healthy control group. Exclusion criteria included neurological and/or psychiatric comorbidities (other than ADHD), the use of psychoactive drugs, and an intelligence quotient outside the normal range. Children were individually subjected to prescan orientation and training. Data were acquired using a 1.5 Tesla scanner and an 8-channel head coil. Functional scans were performed using a standard neurocognitive task. RESULTS: The neurocognitive task led to reliable fMRI maps. Compliance was not significantly different between ADHD and control groups based on success, failure, and repetition rates of fMRI. Compliance of ADHD patients with extreme levels of anxiety was also not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The fMRI compliance of ADHD children is typically lower than that of healthy children. However, compliance can be increased to the level of age-matched healthy control children by addressing concerns about the technical and procedural aspects of fMRI, providing orientation programs, and performing on-task training. In patients thus trained, compliance does not change with the level of state anxiety suggesting that the anxiety hypothesis of fMRI compliance is not supported.

The role of multi-parametric MR imaging in the detection of early inflammatory sacroiliitis according to ASAS criteria.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of multi-parametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging including fat saturated (FS) T2-weighted, short-tau inversion recovery (STIR), diffusion-weighted (DW-MR), and dynamic-contrast-enhanced MR (DCE-MR) imaging techniques in the diagnosis of early inflammatory sacroiliitis and determine the additional value of DW-MR and DCE-MR images according to recently defined 'Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society' criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 45 patients with back pain. Two radiologists estimated the likelihood of osteitis in 4 independent viewing sessions including FS T2-weighted, STIR, DW-MR and DCE-MR images. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients, 31 had inflammatory back pain. Of 31, 28 (90.3%) patients had inflammatory sacroiliitis diagnosed by clinical and laboratory analysis. FS T2-weighted MR images had the highest sensitivity (42.8% for both radiologists) for detecting osteitis in patients with inflammaory sacroiliitis when compared to other imaging sequences. For specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and AUC levels there were no statistically significant difference between image viewing settings. However, adding STIR, DW-MR and DCE-MR images to the FS T2-weighted MR images did not improve the above stated indices. CONCLUSION: FS T2-weighted MR imaging had the highest sensitivity when compared to other imaging sequences. The addition of DW-MR and DCE-MR images did not significantly improve the diagnostic value of MR imaging in the diagnosis of osteitis for both experienced and less experienced radiologists.

The subpubic angle in sex determination: anthropometric measurements and analyses on Anatolian Caucasians using multidetector computed tomography datasets.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The investigation of new anatomical criteria and revalidation of existing ones in sex determination for different populations are among main research foci of forensic anthropometry. In that context, the pelvis is the most extensively studied bone. A number of qualitative classifications, dimensional measurements and indices have been proposed for investigative anthropometry and forensic studies. Independent use of these parameters generally provided an accuracy rate of 70-75%. In this study, the accuracy rate of the subpubic angle in sex determination was investigated in living Anatolian Caucasians. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The subpubic angle was identified and measured on three-dimensional computed tomographic images of pelves. Data were obtained using 64-detector computed tomography (MDCT) with an isotrophic resolution of 500 µm. The sample included 66 males (41.6 ± 14.9 years of age) and 43 females (41.1 ± 14.2 years of age). Measurements were taken on a dedicated three-dimensional image analysis workstation. The subpubic angle was electronically measured. The technique and methodology was validated on a standard skeletal model. Intraobserver agreement was analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficient, and intraobserver variability was evaluated with technical error of measurement (inter- and intra-observer TEM), relative technical error of measurement (rTEM) and coefficient of reliability (R) measures. The subpubic angle for the study group and for both sexes was reported as minimum-maximum (mean ± SD). Independent-Samples T Test for equality of means was used to determine the difference between the two sexes regarding the subpubic angle. The correlation between the subpubic angle and the age of subjects were using Pearson Correlation Coefficients in males and in females. Logistic regression model was used to classify subjects according to their sex. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine a cut-off value for further studies and to test the performance of the binary classification test. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation for the subpubic angle (0.990), TEM (1082), rTEM (1.492), and R (0.990) represented almost complete reliability and accuracy of the measurement method. The subpubic angle was between 48° and 81° (65.9° ± 7.2°) in males and was between 64° and 100° (82.6° ± 7.7°) in females. Statistically significant difference was found between males and females regarding the subpubic angle (p < 0.0001). The subpubic angle was not significantly correlated with age in males (p = 0.953), or in females (r = 0.975). The accuracy of the subpubic angle in sex determination was 90.8%. With a cut-off value of 74°, sensitivity of subpubic angle to detect female phenotype was 88% and its specificity was 95%. CONCLUSION: The subpubic angle is an accurate parameter in sex determination with high sensitivity and specificity.