Duplex ultrasound evaluation of endoluminally treated aortic aneurysms with emphasis on diameter measurement: A comparison with computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) for endoleak detection and measurement of the aneurysm diameter after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. METHODS: Forty-eight CDUS and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) examinations performed concurrently on 29 patients who were treated with endovascular stent grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms were included in the study. CTA and CDUS findings were retrospectively compared for aneurysm diameter, patency of the graft, and the presence of leaks in the aneurysm's lumen (the so-called "endoleaks"). RESULTS: The stent graft was patent in all patients. Including the follow-up examinations, endoleaks were detected in a total of 17 CTA studies. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for CDUS compared with CTA as the gold standard were 100%, 96%, 94.4%, and 100%, respectively. Kappa statistics showed a high level of agreement between CDUS ant CTA examinations (χ = 0.95). The aneurysm diameters measured with CDUS and CTA were significantly different, but within 5 mm of each other in 83% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Provided that a strict CDUS protocol including spectral analysis of perigraft flow is used, CDUS is comparable to CTA for endoleak detection and measurement of the aneurysm diameter.

Multiseptate gallbladder in a child with recurrent abdominal pain.

Multiseptate gallbladder, a rare congenital anomaly, can present with recurrent abdominal pain. Ultrasonography is the preferred imaging technique in patients with abdominal pain, especially for the evaluation of the gallbladder. We present the sonographic appearance of a multiseptate gallbladder.

Hypothyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis with scintigraphic and color flow doppler sonography features mimicking a hot nodule.

We report a 59-year-old woman who had Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with hypothyroidism. A solid hypervascularized nodule in the right lobe was detected by color flow doppler sonography (CFDS). Thyroid (99m)Tc pertechnetate scintigraphy revealed a hot area in the right lobe. After three months, thyroid function tests also revealed hypothyroidism and (131)I scintigraphy was similar to the previous scintigraphy. No nodular or hypervascularized lesion in the right lobe could be identified at the sixth month of L-T4 substitution therapy. In conclusion, HT may present as a single hot nodule and hypothyroidism. Imaging findings of HT should be carefully evaluated for the precise diagnosis.

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation: a rare manifestation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

We present Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography and angiography findings of a rare pancreatic arteriovenous malformation associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Role of contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance portography in evaluating portal venous system compared with color Doppler ultrasonography.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) MR portography in detecting abnormal findings associated with the portal venous system compared with the results of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR portography findings were retrospectively compared with the results of CDUS examinations in 161 patients, who were suspected of having portal venous system abnormalities. Portal venous vessels were divided into main 5 groups including the main portal vein, its left and right intrahepatic branches, splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein. Imaging findings were classified as normal, occluded, or partially thrombosed. Results of clinical and imaging follow-up examinations including CDUS, MR portography or angiography, if available, were used as a proof of final diagnosis. The potential sites of varicose veins and collateral vessels were also examined by both imaging methods. RESULTS: Vascular abnormalities were identified in 79 of 161 patients. There was a statistically significant agreement between the results of MR portography and CDUS in evaluating portal venous system (kappa = 0.871, P < 0.05). The sensitivity of MR portography was slightly superior to CDUS in detecting partially thrombosis and occlusion in the main portal venous vessels. In addition, MR portograms were superior to CDUS in the management of patients with portal hypertension by identifying portosystemic collaterals more adequately, and clearly demonstrated portal venous vessels that cannot be visualized at CDUS. CONCLUSION: Results of present study indicates that contrast-enhanced 3D MR portography is well suited and superior to CDUS in the management of patients with portal hypertension.

Ultrasound evaluation of fetal chromosome disorders.

Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders requires an invasive test in women regarded as being at high risk after screening. There is extensive evidence that effective screening for major chromosomal abnormalities can be provided in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. With the association of some biochemical markers, it is possible to identify about 90% of chromosomal abnormalities. In this article, we aimed to review the important ultrasonographic markers of chromosomal abnormalities, including nuchal translucency, nasal bone, and nuchal skinfold thickness, based on the data available in the literature.

Comparison between allogenic and autologous vascular conduits in the drainage of anterior sector in right living donor liver transplantation.

Congestion of the anterior sector may lead to graft failure in right lobe grafts. Selective drainage of the prominent segment 5 and/or 8 veins is proposed to overcome this problem. Different vascular conduits may be used during drainage of the anterior sector. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of the vascular conduits. Between June 1999 and December 2005, 190 patients underwent living donor right lobe liver transplantation and reconstruction of segment 5 and/or 8 veins was performed in 48 patients (25.2%). Two groups were formed according to the types of vascular conduits. Cryopreserved cadaveric iliac artery (n = 28) and cryopreserved cadaveric iliac vein (n = 8) were used in group A. In group B, recipient saphenous vein (n = 6), recipient umbilical vein (n = 5) and recipient collateral omental vein (n = 1) were used for reconstruction. The graft-recipient weight ratio, mean duration of anhepatic phase and MELD scores between two groups were not significantly different. All of the conduits were found to be patent just after reperfusion and in the early postoperative period by Doppler ultrasonography. In follow-up period of 1 year, four (11%) patients died in group A, two patients (16%) in group B. One of these patients died because of sepsis started from the saphenous vein incision site. None of the patients dying in the two groups were lost due to venous outflow problems. This study proves the efficacy of drainage of segment 5 and/or 8 veins using cryopreserved cadaveric vascular conduits. Every effort should be employed to store cadaveric iliac vessels, otherwise, whole other additive surgical intervention to ensure vascular conduit may lead uninvited serious complication.

Vascular complications after liver transplantation: evaluation with Doppler US.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the spectral and color Doppler ultrasonography (US) findings that would indicate vascular complications after liver transplantation and to report our single center results of vascular complications detected in liver transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was consisted of 326 patients who underwent liver transplantation procedures between November 1997 and May 2004. The records of all patients were reviewed retrospectively for the details of each patient's post-transplant Doppler US examinations, visceral angiographic examinations, and/or surgical procedures. Doppler US findings were correlated with angiographic results or surgery. Sensitivity and specificity of Doppler US parameters for the diagnosis of vascular complications of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic veins were calculated. RESULTS: Vascular complications occurred in 47 patients (14%). Eight instances of vascular complications were detected intraoperatively by Doppler US at the time of transplantation. For hepatic artery complications, use of a Doppler US criteria resulted in a sensitivity and a specificity of 92% and 97%, respectively. Doppler US parameters also resulted in a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% in detecting portal vein complications, and resulted in a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 100% in detecting hepatic vein complications. CONCLUSION: Although it is clear that Doppler US evaluation is an effective choice for diagnosing vascular complications after liver transplantation, we also observed that Doppler US examination plays an important role in detecting vascular complications intraoperatively and improving the patient's chance for a successful outcome.

A rare case of granulomatous prostatitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We report a rare case of infective granulomatous prostatitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that may be mistaken for prostatic carcinoma, both on clinical examination and transrectal sonography (TRUS). A large hypoechoic mass was detected in the prostate of a 46-year-old man during TRUS and histopathologic examination after TRUS-guided biopsies reported the diagnosis of tuberculous prostatitis. We herein describe the clinical and TRUS findings of this case.

Experience with mesocaval shunt with autologous jugular vein interposition in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In the present era of interventional radiology and liver transplantation, the role of mesocaval shunt surgery for portal hypertension in Budd-Chiari syndrome is reviewed. METHODOLOGY: This study analyzed the management of 35 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome between June 1994 and June 2004 in our institution. During this 10-year interval, 31 of the 35 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome underwent shunt procedures and four patients underwent liver transplantation. Mesocaval shunts were preferred in 27 patients and seven of these patients required prior caval stenting. One portocaval shunt was performed in a patient having a thrombosed mesocaval shunt. In all mesoaval shunt procedures the patient's internal jugular vein was used as an interposition graft between the superior mesenteric vein and inferior vena cava. In four patients with thrombosed vena cava a mesoatrial shunt was performed using polytetrafluoroethylene graft while four patients with established cirrhosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. RESULTS: In the group of mesocaval shunts, 3 patients were lost in the early postoperative period with a mortality rate of 11%, 2 of them due to thrombosed shunts and one of them due to pneumonia. The median follow-up was 42 months (6-120 months) and one patient experienced shunt thrombosis and died afterwards due to the complications of portal hypertension. In the whole series the patency rate of the mesocaval shunt was 89%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome can be managed by a combination o f shuntsurgery, interventional radiology and liver transplantation. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of mesocaval shunt procedure with autologous jugular vein interposition to maintain long-term patency and survival.

[Primary hepatic actinomycosis: a case of inflammatory pseudotumor (case report)]. / Primer hepatik aktinomikoz: inflamatuar psödotümör olgusu.

Actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic infection in which primary liver involvement accounts for 5% of all actinomycotic infections. Abdominal actinomycosis is a severe and progressive peritoneal infection due to an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium, Actinomyces israelii. The presence of a long-standing intrauterine device (IUD) is a well-known risk factor in young women. Although hepatic lesions are present in 15% of cases of abdominal actinomycotic infection, liver involvement in the majority of these cases is attributable to metastatic spread from other evident intraabdominal sites. Hepatic actinomycosis presents most commonly as a single abscess. However, hepatic actinomycosis can closely mimic a malignant tumor on clinical and radiological examination. Such lesions have been termed inflammatory pseudotumors. Tissue specimens for microscopic examination are necessary for diagnosis. We report a rare case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver caused by actinomycotic infection.

[Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of lower extremity deep vein insufficiency: Valsalva maneuver or pneumatic cuff?]. / Alt ekstremite venöz yetmezliginde Doppler US: Valsalva manevrasi mi, pnömatik kompresyon mu?

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of Valsalva maneuver and pneumatic compression techniques in detecting lower extremity deep venous and saphenofemoral insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one extremities evaluated in 43 patients who had undergone Doppler ultrasound examination of the lower extremity venous system were included in the study. Valsalva maneuver and pneumatic cuff techniques were used to elicit reflux in the standing position. Reflux was investigated with spectral Doppler in the superficial femoral vein, popliteal vein, the proximal segment of the great saphenous vein close to its junction with the femoral vein and in its caudal segment at the medial aspect of the knee. The same measurements were repeated after rapid deflation of the pneumatic cuff, which was applied to the calf and was initially inflated to 200 mmHg. Retrograde flow exceeding 1000 msec was regarded as insufficiency. The results of the two techniques at each venous segment were compared with the McNemar test. RESULTS: Deep venous and/or saphenofemoral insufficiency were detected in 61 of the 81 extremities. The cuff deflation technique was superior at the popliteal vein and caudal segment of the great saphenous vein. The Valsalva maneuver was superior at the superficial femoral vein. The statistical results did not change when the McNemar test was repeated for reflux exceeding 2000 msec. CONCLUSION: Combined application of Valsalva maneuver and pneumatic cuff techniques will lead to more accurate evaluation and increased detection of lower extremity venous insufficiency.

[Temporal bone CT and MRI in cochlear implant candidates]. / Kohlear implant adaylarinda temporal kemik BT ve MRG.

PURPOSE: Hearing can be restored by cochlear implantation in patients with sensorineural hearing loss, who have a normal seventh cranial nerve. The aim of imaging in cochlear implant candidates is to determine the etiology of the hearing loss, congenital malformations and variations that may cause difficulty during the operation, patency of the cochlea and the presence of the seventh, cranial nerve. The aim of this study is to review the literature and to discuss the imaging findings that may affect the type and success of the operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 33 cochlear implant candidates, who underwent high resolution computed tomography, were included in the study. High resolution fast spin echo T2 weighted and constructive interference in steady state sequences were performed in 23 patients with a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance unit. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal in 16 patients. Unilateral or bilateral labyrinthine ossification was detected in 4 patients. Variations of the temporal bone, congenital malformations, sequelae of chronic otitis and trauma were detected in 13 patients. Cochlear implantation was performed in 5 patients. Operative difficulty, complications and postoperative outcome were noted in these 5 patients. CONCLUSION: High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance images obtained by high resolution T2 weighted fast spin echo sequence and constructive interference in steady state sequence help the surgeon in planning the operation and predict potential complications in cochlear implant candidates.

Reliability of intrarenal Doppler sonographic parameters of renal artery stenosis.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate false-negative results of Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis (RAS) using intrarenal criteria. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data and Doppler sonographic data for all patients in whom a diagnosis of RAS had been confirmed angiographically between November 1992 and January 2001. Mean intrarenal acceleration and acceleration time values-data obtained directly from color Doppler sonography-and findings of angiographic examination of the kidneys and stenotic renal arteries were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 55 cases of RAS had been angiographically confirmed in 46 patients (25 male and 21 female; mean age, 50 +/- 19 years [+/- standard deviation]). Intrarenal arterial acceleration, acceleration time values, or both were abnormal in 42 kidneys (76%) (group A) and normal in 13 kidneys (24%) (group B). The mean age +/- standard deviation was significantly higher for patients in group B (60 +/- 12 years) than for those in group A (47 +/- 20 years) (p > 0.05). In group B, most of the stenotic lesions were atherosclerotic, and in all kidneys but 1, the lesions were located at the renal ostium or the proximal half of the artery. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated use of intrarenal Doppler sonographic criteria for RAS may lead to an unacceptably high incidence of false-negative results in the diagnosis of this condition, especially in elderly patients.

Stromal predominant type mesenchymal hamartoma of liver: CT and MR features.

Mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare pediatric liver tumor. The tumor is mainly cystic but occasionally a solid component is seen. Therefore the tumor can be divided into two forms: (a) cystic predominant, and (b) stromal predominant. In this report, CT and MR features of stromal predominant type mesenchymal hamartoma are presented.