Comparison of the complications and long-term results of heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated symmetric-tip hemodialysis catheters.

BACKGROUND: Tunneled catheters are effectively used in patients receiving chronic dialysis due to end-stage renal disease. However, the dysfunction of catheters caused by infection or thrombus requires repetitive procedures. In this study, we aimed to compare the long-term results of heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated tunneled dialysis catheters. METHOD: The study included a total of 161 patients who underwent tunneled dialysis catheter placement. Heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated tunneled catheters were placed in 81 and 80 patients, respectively. Of all the patients, 89 (55.3%) were male and 72 (44.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 15.3 years. The patients were followed up for 12 months. RESULTS: Catheter infection developed in 10 (6.2%) of the cases, of which seven (70%) resolved with antibiotic therapy and the remaining three (30%) required catheter replacement. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the catheter infection rate (p = 0.84). Fibrin sheaths developed in nine (5.5%) patients. Fibrin sheath development was found to be significantly higher in the non-heparin-coated catheters (p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in fibrin sheath formation between the patients with and without systemic antiaggregant use (p = 0.864). The mean catheter durability time was determined to be 11 months in both groups (p = 0.704). Catheter survival was similar in heparin-coated and non-heparin coated catheters. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the rate of fibrin sheath development was significantly lower in heparin-coated tunneled catheters than non-heparin-coated catheters. There was no significant difference between the two catheters in terms of the rates of infection and mechanical complications.

Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a single-centre, retrospective study.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia is a predictor of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Material and methods: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy for BC between September 2016 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent digital computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was used to assess sarcopenia using CT images. OS and CSS were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors of CSS and OS were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results: Of the 84 reviewed patients, 45 (53.6%) had sarcopenia. The median follow-up period for survivors was 70 months. Patients with sarcopenia were older and had a lower BMI, but other preoperative clinical and laboratory parameters were similar to those of patients without sarcopenia. During follow-up, 57 (67.9%) patients died, 39 (46.4%) due to BC. In addition, patients with sarcopenia had worse 5-year OS (24.4% vs 41.0%, p = 0.036) and CSS (35.6% vs 61.5%, p = 0.012) than non-sarcopenic patients. The findings indicate that sarcopenia is an independent predictor of increased CSS (HR, 2.841; p = 0.003) and overall mortality (HR, 2.465; p = 0.004) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The results of this study support the view that sarcopenia is an important risk factor for predicting CSS and OS in BC patients undergoing RC.

Can pelvic diameter measurement have an effect on surgical outcomes in radical cystectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of pelvis diameters in determining postoperative outcomes in men who underwent open radical cystectomy + urinary diversion, it is aimed to predict the factors that may affect the operative difficulty and possible surgical outcomes before the operation. METHODS: A total of 79 radical cystectomy patients operated in our institution with preoperative computed tomography (CT) were included the study. Pelvic dimensions; symphysis angle (SA), upper conjugate, lower conjugate, pelvic depth, apical depth (AD), interspinous distance (ISD), bone femoral width and soft tissue width were measured by preoperative CT. ISD index were defined as ISD/AD. Postoperative outcomes and indicators of operative difficulty were recorded. Regression analyses were used to predict perioperative and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Total of 96 complications were observed in 52 of the 79 patients in ninety days (65,8%) with a mean age of 68.25 years. There were significant correlations between SA and body mass index (BMI) with operative time (p = 0.006, p < 0.001; respectively). For estimated blood loss, there were significant correlations between preoperative hematocrit (p = 0,031). Analysis of multivariate logistic regression revealed that higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and BMI were found to be significant predictors for major complications while CCI, pathological T stage and ISD index are prominent predictors for surgical margin positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic dimensions are not significant with minor or major complications. However, operative time may be associated with SA. Also, narrow and deep pelvis may increase the risk of positive surgical margins.

Which sequence should be used in the thorax magnetic resonance imaging of COVID-19: a comparative study.

Background and aim: To evaluate and compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences that could potentially be used in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and methods: Included in the study were 42 patient who underwent thorax computed tomography (CT) for COVID-19 pneumonia and thorax MRI for any reason within 24 h after CT. The T2-weighted fast spin echo periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) (T2W-FSE-P), fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition, T2 fat-saturated FSE, axial T1 liver acquisition with volume acceleration (LAVA) and single-shot FSE images were compared in terms of their ability to show COVID-19 findings. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.2 ± 24 years. Of the patients, 22 were male (52.4%) and 20 (47.6%) were female. The interobserver intraclass coefficient (ICC) for the image quality score was the highest in the T2W-FSE-P sequence and lowest in the T1 LAVA sequence. All of the lesion-based evaluations of the interobserver agreement were statistically significant, with the kappa value varying between 0.798 and 0.998. Conclusion: All 5 sequences evaluated in the study were successful in showing the parenchymal findings of COVID-19. Since the T2W-FSE-P sequence had the best scores in both interobserver agreement and ICC for the image quality score, it was considered that it can be included in thorax MRI examinations to assist the diagnosis of COVID-19.

The Relationship between Extracellular Volume Compartments and Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 in Left Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction. / A Relação entre Compartimentos de Volume Extracelular e Matriz Metaloproteinase 2 na Remodelação do Ventrículo Esquerdo após o Infarto do Miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can affect myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) and its compartments, and this can provide more detailed information about the mechanism of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling (AR) after acute myocardial infarction (MI). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of changes (Δ) in ECV compartments (matrix volume (MVi) and cell volume (CVi)) in the development of AR after MI, and their relationship with MMP-2 expressions. METHODS: Ninety-two first MI patients who underwent 3 Tesla cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging performed 2 weeks (baseline) and 6 months post-MI. We measured T1 mapping with MOLLI sequences. ECV was performed post-gadolinium enhancement. ECV and LV mass were used to calculate MVi and CVi. AR was defined as an increase of ≥ 12% in LV end-diastolic volume in 6 months. MMPs were measured using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay system at first day (baseline) and 2 weeks post-MI. P <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean ECV and mean MVi baseline levels were higher in AR group compared to without AR group (42.9±6.4 vs 39.3±8.2%, p= 0.037; 65.2±13.7 vs 56.7±14.7 mL/m2, p=0.010; respectively). CVi levels was similar between groups. A positive correlation was found between baseline levels of MMP-2 and baseline levels of ECV (r=0.535, p<0.001) and MVi (r=0.549, p<0.001). Increased ΔMVi levels was independently predictor of AR (OR=1.03, p=0.010). ΔMVi had superior diagnostic performance compared to ΔECV in predicting AR (ΔAUC: 0.215±0.07, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: High MVi levels are associated with AR, and ΔMVi was independently predictor of AR. This may be associated with MMP-2 release due to increased inflammatory response.

FUNDAMENTO: As matrizes metaloproteinases (MMPs) podem afetar o volume extracelular (VEC) e seus compartimentos, e isso pode oferecer informações mais detalhadas sobre o mecanismo de remodelação adversa (RA) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IM). OBJETIVOS: Investigar o papel que as alterações (Δ) nos compartimentos de VEC (volume matriz (MVi) e volume celular (CVi)) desempenham no desenvolvimento de RA após o IM, e sua relação com as expressões de MMP-2. MÉTODOS: Um total de noventa e dois pacientes com primeiro IM passaram por exames de imagens por ressonância magnética cardiovascular 3 Tesla realizados 2 semanas (linha de base) e 6 meses após o IM. Medimos o mapeamento T1 com sequências MOLLI. O VEC foi obtido após o realce pelo gadolínio. O VEC e a massa do VE foram usados para calcular o MVi e o CVi. A RA foi definida como um aumento de ≥ 12% no volume diastólico final do VE em 6 meses. As MMPs foram medidas usando-se um sistema de imunoensaio multiplex em grânulos no primeiro dia (linha de base) e 2 semanas após o IM. Um P valor <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de linha de base de MVi média e VEC médio foram mais altos no grupo com RA em comparação com o grupo sem RA (42,9±6,4 vs. 39,3±8,2 %, p= 0,037; 65,2±13,7 vs. 56,7±14,7 mL/m2, p=0,010; respectivamente). Os níveis de CVi eram semelhantes entre os grupos. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de linha de base de MMP-2 e os níveis de linha de base de VEC (r=0,535, p<0,001) e MVi (r=0,549, p<0,001). O aumento dos níveis de ΔMVi foi um preditor independente da RA (RC=1,03, p=0,010). O ΔMVi teve um desempenho diagnóstico superior quando comparado ao ΔVEC na previsão do (ΔAUC: 0,215±0,07, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Níveis altos de MVi estão associados à RA, e o ΔMVi foi um preditor independente de RA. Isso pode estar associado à liberação de MMP-2 devido ao aumento da resposta inflamatória.

A Relação entre Compartimentos de Volume Extracelular e Matriz Metaloproteinase 2 na Remodelação do Ventrículo Esquerdo após o Infarto do Miocárdio / The Relationship between Extracellular Volume Compartments and Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 in Left Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

Resumo Fundamento: As matrizes metaloproteinases (MMPs) podem afetar o volume extracelular (VEC) e seus compartimentos, e isso pode oferecer informações mais detalhadas sobre o mecanismo de remodelação adversa (RA) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IM). Objetivos: Investigar o papel que as alterações (Δ) nos compartimentos de VEC (volume matriz (MVi) e volume celular (CVi)) desempenham no desenvolvimento de RA após o IM, e sua relação com as expressões de MMP-2. Métodos: Um total de noventa e dois pacientes com primeiro IM passaram por exames de imagens por ressonância magnética cardiovascular 3 Tesla realizados 2 semanas (linha de base) e 6 meses após o IM. Medimos o mapeamento T1 com sequências MOLLI. O VEC foi obtido após o realce pelo gadolínio. O VEC e a massa do VE foram usados para calcular o MVi e o CVi. A RA foi definida como um aumento de ≥ 12% no volume diastólico final do VE em 6 meses. As MMPs foram medidas usando-se um sistema de imunoensaio multiplex em grânulos no primeiro dia (linha de base) e 2 semanas após o IM. Um P valor <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de linha de base de MVi média e VEC médio foram mais altos no grupo com RA em comparação com o grupo sem RA (42,9±6,4 vs. 39,3±8,2 %, p= 0,037; 65,2±13,7 vs. 56,7±14,7 mL/m2, p=0,010; respectivamente). Os níveis de CVi eram semelhantes entre os grupos. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de linha de base de MMP-2 e os níveis de linha de base de VEC (r=0,535, p<0,001) e MVi (r=0,549, p<0,001). O aumento dos níveis de ΔMVi foi um preditor independente da RA (RC=1,03, p=0,010). O ΔMVi teve um desempenho diagnóstico superior quando comparado ao ΔVEC na previsão do (ΔAUC: 0,215±0,07, p<0,001). Conclusão: Níveis altos de MVi estão associados à RA, e o ΔMVi foi um preditor independente de RA. Isso pode estar associado à liberação de MMP-2 devido ao aumento da resposta inflamatória.

Abstract Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can affect myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) and its compartments, and this can provide more detailed information about the mechanism of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling (AR) after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Objectives: To investigate the role of changes (Δ) in ECV compartments (matrix volume (MVi) and cell volume (CVi)) in the development of AR after MI, and their relationship with MMP-2 expressions. Methods: Ninety-two first MI patients who underwent 3 Tesla cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging performed 2 weeks (baseline) and 6 months post-MI. We measured T1 mapping with MOLLI sequences. ECV was performed post-gadolinium enhancement. ECV and LV mass were used to calculate MVi and CVi. AR was defined as an increase of ≥ 12% in LV end-diastolic volume in 6 months. MMPs were measured using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay system at first day (baseline) and 2 weeks post-MI. P <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Mean ECV and mean MVi baseline levels were higher in AR group compared to without AR group (42.9±6.4 vs 39.3±8.2%, p= 0.037; 65.2±13.7 vs 56.7±14.7 mL/m2, p=0.010; respectively). CVi levels was similar between groups. A positive correlation was found between baseline levels of MMP-2 and baseline levels of ECV (r=0.535, p<0.001) and MVi (r=0.549, p<0.001). Increased ΔMVi levels was independently predictor of AR (OR=1.03, p=0.010). ΔMVi had superior diagnostic performance compared to ΔECV in predicting AR (ΔAUC: 0.215±0.07, p<0.001). Conclusion: High MVi levels are associated with AR, and ΔMVi was independently predictor of AR. This may be associated with MMP-2 release due to increased inflammatory response.

Retrograde Guidewire-Assisted Remodeling Technique: A Novel Technique for Endovascular Recanalization of Occluded Arterial Origins in Critical Limb Ischemia.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study is to describe the retrograde guidewire-assisted remodeling technique (REGART), a novel technique, and assess its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness in the recanalization of ostial arterial occlusions without a visible stump in the critical limb ischemia (CLI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 387 patients who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease between January 2020 and June 2021 was performed. Among these, 23 patients (14 males [60.8%]) with a mean age of 64.2 (range: 55-72) years who underwent REGART were included. Patient demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were noted. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 95.6% (22/23). The angiographic success rate was 86.3% (19/22). The procedure-related complication rate was 21.7% (5/23), with 4 (17.4%) major complications and 1 (4.3%) minor complication. CONCLUSION: In the CLI, results of this trial suggest that REGART is feasible, effective, and with acceptable safety in the catheterization of occluded artery origins without a visible stump when conventional anterograde and retrograde techniques fail. Thus, the target occluded artery can be recanalized while preserving other arterial origins by minimizing dissection risk through subintimal balloon angioplasty at the bi-trifurcation level.

Modified lyse and wait technique for the treatment of dialysis fistula thrombosis: Percutaneous thrombolytic therapy with a 27-G dental needle.

BACKGROUND: The lyse and wait technique is a percutaneous endovascular technique in the treatment of thrombosed dialysis fistulas. In this study, our aim was to introduce a more easily applicable modification of the lyse and wait technique and present our results. METHODS: A total of 84 patients (56 male; 66.6%), with a mean age of 61 years, were included in the study. The treatment was performed in patients presenting with dialysis fistula thrombosis no more than 1 week before the procedure, whose thrombosed segment length was less than 10 cm. A 27-G dental needle was inserted into the thrombosed segment under ultrasonography guidance, and 5 mg of alteplase was injected in a controlled manner. After about 6 to 12 h, the patients were taken to the angiography unit, and balloon angioplasty was performed. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success of the procedure was 98.8%. Technical and clinical failure occurred in only one patient. The median primary patency duration was 13.5 months. None of the patients had major complications. At the end of 12 months, the primary patency rate was 66.6%, and the secondary patency rate was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique has shown to have high technical and clinical success and patency.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of radial and ulnar artery diameters and blood flow, before and after percutaneous coronary interventions.

AIM: Although the transforearm approach is considered a safe and effective option for percutaneous coronary intervention, the different characteristics of the radial and ulnar arteries deserve attention. This study aimed to evaluate radial (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) diameter and blood flow parameters changes after catheterization. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 328 patients were enrolled. Their artery (171 RA and 157 UA) diameter and flow parameters [peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and pulsatility index (PI)] were evaluated before and after catheterisation. RESULTS: After RA catheterization, the diameters and PSV decreased in the RA (from 2.71±0.66 to 2.47±0.51, p=0.007; from 44.7±8.3 to 33.9±9.5, p=0.021) and increased in the UA (from 2.49±0.83 to 2.59±0.58, p=0.033; from 48.3±11.9 to 59.6±11.0, p.

The role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of adverse cardiac remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Introduction: Increasing evidence supports the view that pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI). It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-12p40, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, can induce interferon γ (IFN-γ) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). However, the role of IL-12p40 in adverse cardiac remodeling (AR) after ST-elevation MI (STEMI) is unclear. Aim: To examine the role of temporal changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of post-STEMI AR. Material and methods: A total of 43 patients with STEMI for the first time ever were prospectively analyzed. In cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months after STEMI, a decrease of left ventricular end-diastolic volume by ≥ 12% was defined as reverse cardiac remodeling (RR), and a 12% increase was defined as AR. Cytokine concentrations were measured on the first day (baseline) and 2 weeks after STEMI. Results: Mean IL-12p40 (59.1 ±14.5 vs. 46.7 ±9.1 pq/ml, p = 0.001), median IFN-γ (20.4 vs. 16.2 pq/ml, p = 0.048) and median MMP-2 (33866 vs. 20691 pq/ml, p = 0.011) baseline concentrations were higher in AR than RR. In patients with AR, IL-12p40 level was lower at 2 weeks than baseline (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the baseline concentrations of IL-12p40, IFN-γ, MMP-2, C-reactive protein and infarct size (p < 0.05). Increased IL-12p40 and MMP-2 baseline levels were independently associated with AR (OR = 1.14, p = 0.010; OR = 1.08, p = 0.035). Conclusions: In the initial phase of MI, greater release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was associated with increased MMP-2 levels. Elevated expression of IL-12 and MMP-2 had an independent association with AR. This may be related to the excessive inflammatory response in the initial phase of MI.

A comparison of computerized tomography findings of COVID-19 infection by gender and age groups.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the computed tomography (CT) imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by gender and age groups. METHODS: The patients with COVID-19 (n=1,024) were divided into nine age groups (0-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and 80 years and above). The CT findings were retrospectively analyzed according to the age groups and gender. RESULTS: Under 20 years of age, except for the ground-glass opacity and consolidation, no other finding was observed. Airway changes and crazy-paving pattern were more common over 80 years. While the tree-in-bud pattern was more common in the 20-29 age group than in other age groups, the halo sign was mostly seen at the age of 30-39 years. Unlike other groups, the thin reticular pattern was more common in patients aged 60-79 years. When the findings were compared by gender, the rates of centrilobular nodules (p=0.006), airway changes (p=0.004), and tree-in-bud pattern (p=0.050) were significantly higher in males than in females. CONCLUSION: The chest CT findings of COVID-19 show significant changes according to age and gender. The findings that are more common in elderly and male patients should be carefully evaluated in terms of the prognosis of the disease.

A Simple Bone Cyst of the Acromion: Case Report.

Simple bone cysts rarely occur in the scapula, and, to our knowledge, they have not been reported in the acromion. In the present report, we present the case of a 24-year-old female patient who was successfully treated by curettage and grafting using xenografting. No recurrence findings were observed during the follow-up six months postoperatively, the patient had recovered full range of motion, and she was able to perform all routine activities satisfactorily.

Primary retrograde transpedal approach for revascularization of chronic total occlusions of the superficial femoral artery and re-route technique using percutaneous puncture for re-entry.

PURPOSE: We aimed to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of revascularization of chronic total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) using the transpedal approach and describe a new technique called "re-route". METHODS: The study included all consecutive patients who had chronic total occlusions at the level of SFA and underwent retrograde treatment through a pedal artery intervention between September 2017 and October 2019. Balloon angioplasty was applied as the first treatment option. After angioplasty, bailout stenting was performed when necessary in patients with indications. If the common femoral artery lumen could not be reached from the SFA ostium, the re-route technique was used. Technical success was defined as revascularization with residual stenosis of less than 30%. RESULTS: Twenty-five SFAs were revascularized in 23 patients (17 males; mean age, 66±7.3 years) by angioplasty in 5 SFAs and angioplasty and stents in 20 SFAs. While the transpedal approach was applied after the failure of antegrade recanalization in three patients, it was used as the first treatment route in the remaining cases. The re-route technique was applied in 7 patients, with a 100% technical success rate. The mean follow-up was 15.3 months (range, 12-18 months). The primary patency rate was 78% at one year. CONCLUSION: The retrograde transpedal approach is a safe and successful technique for chronic total occlusion recanalization and carries a low risk of complications. In order to increase technical success, the re-route technique can be used as an alternative re-entry method.

Clinical course of COVID-19 disease in immunosuppressed renal transplant patients

Background/aim: We aimed to identify clinical settings of renal transplant patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we included kidney transplant inpatients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 who had been discharged or had died by October 1st, 2020. Characteristics of the patients, including basal and last outpatient biochemical parameters were recorded. Discontinuation or dosage reduction of immunosuppressives and other treatment information was documented. Results: Twenty patients were included in this study, of whom 18 were discharged and 2 died in hospital. The mean duration of hospitalization and follow-up were 9.7 ± 6.4 days and 4.5 ± 2.0 months, respectively. Fourteen patients (70%) were male and mean age was 48.0 ± 10.3 years. At admission, all had immunosuppression withdrawn and were started on methylprednisolone 16 mg/ day (50%) or dexamethasone (50%). Tacrolimus/m-TOR inhibitors were reduced by 50% and all antimetabolites were discontinued. Hemodialysis was needed for 10% of patients. Acute kidney injury was detected in 25% of the patients. With respect to hospitalization time and complications, there was no significant difference between patients who used dexamethasone and those who did not (P > 0.05). The discontinued immunosuppressives were resumed within 2 to 4 weeks after discharge according to the severity of disease. No rehospitalization or acute rejection was detected during the follow-up of the patients. Conclusion: Renal transplant patients are considered a high risk group for COVID-19. It can be said that discontinuation or reducing dosages of immunosuppressives may be effective and safe in kidney transplant patients.

Is radiofrequency ablation safe and effective in treating osteoid osteomas? A prospective single-center study with atypical cases.

PURPOSE: Osteoid osteomas are benign and nonprogressive lesions. The clinical presentation of osteoid osteoma is typical with night pain responsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The typical radiological appearance is lucent nidus and adjacent reactive sclerosis. The most traditional management of osteoid osteoma is surgical removal which is associated with significant morbidity. This article aims to demonstrate our single-center experience of 55 patients with osteoid osteoma treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: Fifty-five symptomatic patients who were seen at our orthopedics outpatient clinics, diagnosed with osteoid osteoma, and referred to interventional radiology department between May 2015 and April 2019 were enrolled. The nidus size, pain numeric rating scale score, and intramedullary edema diameter before and after RFA were compared. Clinical and technical success, intervention-related complications, and need for subsequent ablation were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, including 12 pediatric cases, 6 had atypical locations such as metatarsal, vertebra, and scapula, while 1 case had osteoid osteoma with multiple nidus. The mean age was 18.5 ± 9.6 years. Preintervention maximum nidus diameter, pain score, and edema diameter were significantly lower in postintervention measurements (p < 0.001). Technical success rate was 98.1%, and clinical success was 96.36%. Severe complication occurred in one patient with soft tissue burn and osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest series of osteoid osteoma treated with RFA done in a single center with atypical cases. In conclusion, RFA is safe and effective in both pediatric and adult patients with rare complications even in challenging cases with atypical locations.

A new predictor of bleeding based on ultrasonographic features in percutaneous liver mass biopsy

Background/aim: An ultrasound-guided liver mass biopsy is a method frequently used in determining the diagnosis and treatment plan.The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential new predictors of bleedingbased on ultrasonographic features in liver mass biopsies, which are frequently applied in routine clinical practice. Materials and methods: The images and data of patients aged over 18years,who underwent an imaging-guided percutaneous liver mass biopsy between January 2018 and December 2019 with various indications, were retrospectively reviewed. Liver size, liver steatosis status, parenchyma appearance, and mass vascularity on Doppler ultrasonography before the procedure, and hemoglobin (Hb) values before and after the procedure were recorded. Results: A total of 176 patients were included in the study. Ninety-six patients were male (54.5%) and 80 were female (45.5%). The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 12.3 years. The mean hemoglobin values of the patients were 11.5 ± 1.9 gr/dL before the procedure and 11.4 ± 1.5 gr/dL after the procedure. While 144 of the patients had less than 10% hemoglobin decrease (81.8%), 32 had more than 10% decrease (8.2%). In 56 patients, a heterogeneous and coarse granular pattern was observed in the liver parenchyma (31.8%). The decrease in the Hb rate was significantly higher in patients with heterogeneous and coarse granular liver parenchyma (8.7%) than in patients with normal parenchyma (6.6%) (P = 0.036). Conclusion: In our study, it was shown for the first time in the literature that the ultrasonographic appearance of the liver (heterogeneous and coarse granular parenchyma) may also be one of the parameters that can help to predict the risk of bleeding.

Thorax Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the findings found in thorax computed tomography (CT), which is increasingly used in the diagnosis of the important public health problem of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an important diagnostic alternative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who underwent thorax CT for COVID pneumonia and MRI for any reason within 24 hours after CT were included in the study. The number of lobes affected, number of lobes containing ground-glass opacities and consolidation, number of nodules, distribution of lesions (central, peripheral, or diffuse), lobes with centrilobular nodular pattern, and the presence of pleural effusion were recorded separately for both imaging methods. RESULTS: Seventeen of the patients were female (53%) and 15 were male (47%). The mean age of the patients was 60.5 (range, 20-85) years. A total of 31 patients (96%) had signs of pneumonia on CT. The most common finding in CT was ground-glass opacities in 29 patients (90.6%), followed by consolidation in 14 patients (43.75%). Both consolidation and ground-glass opacities were also observed in MRI in all of these patients. Nodules were detected in 12 patients (37.5%) on CT and 11 patients (34.4%) on MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in nodule detection were calculated as 91.67% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although thorax CT is widely used in the imaging of COVID-19 infection, due to its advantages, MRI can also be used as an alternative diagnostic tool.

ABLATION OF CYSTIC THYROID NODULES WITH N-BUTYL CYANOACRYLATE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY.

Objective: Generally recommended treatment options for cystic nodules with compressive symptoms are simple aspiration, percutaneous ethanol injection, or surgery. N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is a glue-like substance widely used in neurointerventions, mainly for treating arteriovenous malformations. It obstructs and attaches to the vessel walls, preventing recanalization. Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy and safety of NBCA in volume reduction of benign cystic thyroid nodules with compressive symptoms. Methods: Twenty patients with 21 benign pure or partially cystic nodules were enrolled. After simple cyst aspiration, NBCA/lipiodol mixture was injected within the cyst cavity. Success was defined as at least 50% volume reduction after the intervention. Pre- and postintervention longest diameter and volume (calculated with ultrasonography after measuring three dimensions) of the nodules were compared. Posttreatment measurements were made at the 9-month final visit. Results: Median largest diameter of the nodules measured before and after NBCA treatment was 4.8 cm (min-max, 3.1 and 6.3 cm) and 3.4 cm (min-max, 2.4 and 5.6 cm), respectively. Pre-NBCA treatment median volume was 24.8 mL (min-max, 10.9 and 46.1 mL), whereas post-treatment median volume was 5.5 mL (min-max, 2.1 and 29.6 mL). Median volume reduction was 72.6% (min-max, 21.0 and 95.4%). Intervention was successful in 20 of 21 nodules according to the predefined criteria. The changes in pre- and postintervention median longest diameter and volume were statistically significant. Conclusion: For large cystic thyroid nodules, ablation with NBCA may be an effective treatment choice, as it significantly reduces the cyst volume and prevents fluid re-accumulation. There is need for further studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up. Abbreviations: NBCA = N-butyl cyanoacrylate; PEI = percutaneous ethanol injection; US = ultrasonography.

Total endovascular aortic arch repair using chimney and periscope grafts for treatment of ruptured aortic arch pseudoaneurysm.

Aortic arch pseudoaneurysms are rare but quite fatal when ruptured. Owing to its less morbidity and mortality compared with the surgical approach, endovascular and hybrid treatment methods are increasingly preferred. In this report, we present a 58-year-old male patient who has a ruptured saccular aortic arch pseudoaneurysm treated by endovascular approach using parallel grafts.