Association of anti-Mullerian hormone and small-dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and small-dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDL) with hepatosteatosis among young, lean, polycystic ovary patients. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, case control study was carried out including 79 young lean women. Fifty-eight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 21 age-and BMI-matched healthy controls were recruited. Anthropometric variables, biochemical and hormonal parameters, insulin-resistance indices, lipid profiles including sd-LDL levels and serum AMH levels were determined. Hepatic lipid content was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography (USG). Determining the best predictor(s) which discriminate normal USG and hepatosteatosis was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. RESULTS: PCOS patients had an increased prevalence of hepatosteatosis by 41.4% (P = 0.006) and they had significantly higher levels of sd-LDL and AMH when compared with the control group (P < 0.001). AMH and sd-LDL levels were positively and significantly associated with hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without PCOS (OR: 2.877, 95%CI: 1.453-5.699, P: 0.02 and OR: 1.336, 95%CI: 1.083-1.648, P: 0.007, respectively). AMH and sd-LDL levels were positively correlated in PCOS patients (r = 0.626, P < 0.001). Both sd-LDL and AMH levels were the most predictive parameters for the determination of hepatosteatosis within the PCOS group. (OR: 3.347, 95%CI: 1.348-8.313, P = 0.009 and OR: 1.375, 95%CI: 1.072-1.764, P = 0.012, respectively). Statistically significant higher levels of AMH were associated with hepatosteatosis both in insulin resistance (IR) positive and IR negative PCOS patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hepatosteatosis is common in young lean PCOS patients. Increased AMH and sd-LDL levels may independently predict hepatosteatosis in young lean women with and without PCOS.

Clinical diagnosis and complications of paratubal cysts: review of the literature and report of uncommon presentations.

INTRODUCTION: Paraovarian or paratubal cysts (PTCs) constitute about 10 % of adnexial masses. Although they are not uncommon; they rarely cause symptoms and are usually incidentally found. Actual incidence is not known. The symptoms occur when they grow excessively, or in case of hemorrhage, rupture or torsion. METHODS: Here, literature review reporting the incidence, presentation and complications of PTCs is performed. Uncommon presentations of PTCs in three different cases, a giant PTC, torsion of PTC and borderline paratubal tumor, are also reported and discussed. RESULTS: Ultrasonography, CT or MRI may be performed in preoperative evaluation; but none of these imaging techniques have specific criteria for diagnosis. So, in most cases misdiagnosis as an ovarian mass remains to be a problem. CONCLUSION: Paratubal cysts can become extremely big before causing symptoms. Torsion is another urgent issue regarding PTCs, necessiating urgent surgery for preservation of the ovary and the tube. Although malignancy is rare, borderline paratubal tumors have been reported in the literature.

Supraclavicular thoracic duct cyst.

The thoracic duct cysts located in the supraclavicular region are very rare masses, the etiology of which is not completely known. This article presents the clinical follow-up of a 35-year-old male patient diagnosed with throracic duct cyst situated in the left supraclavicular region and the patient's condition is discussed in line with literature. The patient admitted to our clinic with a complaint of a mass in the left supraclavicular region that had appeared six months ago and that had been increasingly growing. A cyst excision under general anesthesia was performed to the patient who was pre-diagnosed with thoracic duct cyst following the radiological evaluation and the needle aspiration biopsy. There were no complications or a recurrence during the six months of postoperative follow-up.

Congenital hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas: case report and extensive review of the literature.

Congenital hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas (C1), a developmental failure of chondrogenesis, is a rare anomaly and may range from partial clefts to total agenesis of the posterior arch. Ossification of the posterior arch usually occurs between the 3rd and 5th years of life. The incidence of posterior arch anomalies of the atlas is between 0.69% and 2.95%. For the evaluation of the patient, cervical lateral plain radiography, 2D or 3D reconstructed CT and MRI are very useful and important tools in initial diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice in symptomatic compression. Excision of the posterior arch is performed. during surgery. After the surgery, patients may be followed up for instability and treated as necessary. A patient, admitted to the emergency department with head and neck trauma after a traffic accident is presented in this article. C1 hypoplasia was determined after detailed imagining studies and the radiology department consulted. When upper cervical anomalies are found in a young patient, the patient should be evaluated in detail with advanced radiological studies to avoid misinterpretation as fractures, luxation, osteolysis or instability. Consulting a radiologist could help making an accurate diagnosis and deciding on current therapeutic interventions.

The association of urinary albumin excretion and metabolic complications in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to screen polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women for albuminuria and to evaluate the association between urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and metabolic disturbances of PCOS. In addition, this is the first study in the literature evaluating the association between UAE and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in PCOS cases. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 65 PCOS women. The study was prospectively designed and performed in a university hospital. The diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria: exclusion criteria were hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and pregnancy. Blood samples were collected in the follicular phase of a menstrual cycle and serum samples were analyzed for fasting glucose, insulin, and hormone and lipid profiles. Twenty-four hour urine specimens were collected for the detection of UAE. CIMT was estimated by visual assessment of the distance between the lumen-intima and intima-adventitia interfaces. RESULTS: The mean age and BMI were 23 years and 23 kg/m(2), respectively. The median UAE was 7 mg/day (range: 0.3-154 mg/day). The median UAE as micrograms of albumin per milligram of creatinine (uACR) was 5.6 (0.28-159). Regarding the uACR cutoff value (>6.93 µg/mg), significantly higher levels of triglycerides, 17 OH-progesterone, insulin resistance (HOMA index > 2.1) and increased CIMT were present in these cases. Microalbuminuria (uACR > 25 µg/mg) was present in 6.2%. In the regression analyses serum HDL-C levels were found to be independent predictor for uACR > 2 µg/mg (OR: 0.85) and estradiol levels were the independent predicting factor for uACR > 6.93 µg/mg even after adjustments for age and BMI were performed (OR:1.02). CONCLUSIONS: UAE, expressed as uACR > 6.93 µg/mg, seems to be an associated sign of metabolic problems which might help in discriminating PCOS at risk of future CVD. Further studies are needed before routine use of albuminuria in PCOS cases for the detection of CVD risk.

Ischemia-modified albumin and cardiovascular risk markers in polycystic ovary syndrome with or without insulin resistance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate ischemia-modified albumin levels (IMA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases with and without insulin resistance and the correlation of IMA with carotid intima media thickness, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Significantly higher levels of IMA in young lean PCOS cases, more relevant in insulin resistant cases, indicates chronic hypoxia and oxidative stress which might play a role in the metabolic consequences in PCOS.

A rare cause of nasal obstruction: giant invasive nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

Nasal obstruction is a very rare symptom caused by a pituitary adenoma. A 57-year-old man admitted to our clinic with bilateral nasal obstruction for the last six months. Endoscopic examination revealed soft pinkish pulsatile tissues in both nasal cavities. Radiologic investigation revealed a suprasellar mass extending to the frontal lobes, spheno-ethmoidal sinuses and nasal cavities. He had bitemporal superior quadrant hemianopsia. Pituitary hormone levels were normal. Biopsies were taken from the patient endonasally. Pathological evaluations and laboratory findings were compatible with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

[Diagnostic value of anterior cruciate ligament-tibial medial plateau angle in anterior cruciate ligament tears]. / On çapraz bag yirtiklarinda ön çapraz bag-medial tibial plato açisinin tanisal degeri.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the diagnostic value of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-medial tibial plateau angle in ACL tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten male patients (mean age 34.6+/-11.3 years; range 21 to 51 years) who were diagnosed with ACL rupture and operated on in our clinic between October 2007 and May 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients had preoperative 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy. Ten male controls (mean age 40.2+/-13.0 years; range 21 to 56 years) were chosen from among the other patients who had routine MRI and arthroscopy but whose ACL was healthy. Magnetic resonance images of the patients and controls were evaluated by two radiologists. The ACL-medial tibial plateau angle was measured for each patient and control subject. RESULTS: The mean value of the ACL-medial tibial plateau angle for the torn ACL patients (59.5+/-1.3 degrees ) was significantly lower than the mean value of the control group (68.1+/-3.5 degrees ). CONCLUSION: The ACL- medial tibial plateau angle measurement in both total and partial ACL tears decreases below the normal values and is helpful for diagnosis especially in clinically doubtful patients.

Leiomyoma in a female urethral diverticulum.

Neoplasms arising within urethral diverticula are rare. It is important to know if a diverticulum is filled by tumor, but traditional diagnostic methods, such as voiding cystourethrography, cannot detect a tumor or diverticulum, as in our case. We report an unusual case of leiomyoma developing in a female urethra diverticulum and review the literature.

Evaluation of the two bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament with 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on the anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have shown that the normal ACL consists of two functional bundles named as anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles. In this study, we evaluated the AM and PL bundles of the ACL using 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is routinely used in clinical practice. METHODS: The study included 150 patients (96 females, 54 males; mean age 33.4+/-11.6 years; range 18 to 59 years) who did not have any signs of ACL insufficiency and whose knees were examined by MRI for other reasons. Standard magnetic resonance images (77 right, 73 left) were evaluated independently by an orthopedist and a radiologist in terms of distinguishable ACL bundles. The angle between the ACL (and each bundle) and the tibial plateau was measured on sagittal and coronal sections. Arthroscopic surgery was performed in 64 patients (42.7%) for primary diagnoses and arthroscopic and MRI findings were compared. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intact ACL in all the patients. The ACL was assessed as a single bundle in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes in 93 patients (62%). A double-bundle appearance was noted in 57 patients (38%), involving all three planes in 14 patients (9.3%), axial and coronal planes in 41 patients (27.3%), coronal and sagittal planes in one patient (0.7%), and only coronal plane in one patient (0.7%). On MRI sections showing a single bundle ACL, the mean angle between the ACL and the tibial plateau was found as 55.3 degrees in the sagittal plane, and 70.3 degrees in the coronal plane. On sections with a double-bundle appearance, the mean angles between the AM bundle and the tibial plateau were 70.1 degrees and 55.1 degrees in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. The corresponding angles for the PL bundle were 81 degrees and 53.5 degrees . The incidence of double bundle ACL appearance in coronal, sagittal, and axial MRI sections was not influenced by sex and side (p>0.05). The number of bundles identified in each plane did not show a significant difference between the two observers (p>0.05). During arthroscopic surgery, both bundles were identified with normal integrity and function of the ACL in all the patients. Of these, MRI could depict a double-bundle appearance in one or more planes in only 42.2% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Even though standard 1.5 tesla MRI, routinely used in clinical practice, has a very high success rate in demonstrating the ACL, it can visualize the two-bundle structure only in about one-third of the patients.

Discrete supravalvular aortic stenosis in children: Is it necessary to reconstruct the whole aortic root?

OBJECTIVE: Discrete supravalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is known to involve the whole aortic root. Some surgeons have therefore changed their approach from relief of obstruction using a single-patch to symmetric reconstruction of the whole aortic root - three-patch technique. The advantages are said to be preserved long-term aortic valve function and allowance for growth. This is unproven. We compare growth and aortic root geometry in patients who have undergone relief of discrete SAS using either single-or three-patch technique. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (14 male, 11 female, mean age of 11+/-4 years, range 4-18) underwent surgery for discrete SAS. No patients with diffuse SAS were included in this retrospective analysis. Twelve patients had features of Williams syndrome. Five patients had other concomitant procedures. A single-patch was inserted into the longitudinal incision, which passed across the stenosis into the non-coronary sinus in 14. A three-patch technique was used in 11 patients. Changes in aortic root following repair were documented in patients using both echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: There were no operative deaths. The mean preoperative gradient was 66+/-17 mmHg (range 50-100 mmHg), which decreased to 14+/-7 mmHg (range 4-18 mmHg) early postoperatively. The late mean gradient was 15+/-5 mmHg. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative aortic regurgitation or gradient across the repair between two techniques according to the echocardiograms and MRI findings. CONCLUSION: According to our study, we cannot demonstrate any benefit in reconstructing the whole aortic root for discrete SAS. A single-patch technique is easy, safe and appears durable.

Post-traumatic pneumocele of the frontal sinus.

A pneumocele is an abnormal dilatation of a paranasal sinus, most commonly affecting the frontal sinus. Although the etiology of pneumocele is not entirely known, several causative factors have been suggested including trauma, surgery, tumor and infection. We report here a case of post-traumatic pneumocele of the frontal sinus following a head trauma.

Bilateral narrow duplicated internal auditory canal.

Internal auditory canal (IAC) anomalies are rare malformations that may include alterations of shape, size or orientation of the IAC. Bilateral duplication of IAC is a very rare malformation and only one case has been described in literature. We report a case of bilateral duplicated IAC together with other inner ear anomalies.

Diffusion tensor imaging in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is characterised by benign hamartomatous lesions in many organs. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect microstructural changes in pathological processes. OBJECTIVE: To determine apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps in children with TS and to investigate the diffusion properties in cortical tubers, white-matter lesions, perilesional white matter, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter, and to compare the results with ADC and FA maps of normal age- and sex-matched volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven children and adolescents (age range 2-20 years) suffering from TS were included. MRI was performed on a 1.5-T scanner using a transmit/receive coil with T1-W and T2-W spin-echo and FLAIR sequences. DT images were acquired by using a single-shot echo-planar pulse sequence. Diffusion gradients were applied in six different directions with a b value of 1,000 s/mm(2). RESULTS: ADC was higher in cortical tubers than in the corresponding cortical location of controls. ADC values were higher and FA values were lower in white-matter lesions and perilesional white matter than in both the contralateral normal-appearing white matter of patients and in controls. There were no significant differences for both ADC and FA values in the normal-appearing white matter of patients with TS compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: DTI provides important information about cortical tubers, white-matter abnormalities, and perilesional white matter in patients with TS.

MR imaging of a ruptured intraspinal dermoid tumour with fat droplets in the central spinal canal.

We report a patient with intramedullary ruptured spinal dermoid tumour. The MR imaging revealed an intra-medullary lumbar mass heterogenous in intensity in all sequences. Fat droplets were observed in the subarachnoid space as well as in the dilated central spinal canal. Fat droplets in the subarachnoid space are frequently seen in the rupture of intraspinal dermoid tumours; however, fat droplets within the central canal is quite rare and was unexpected. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool in the determination of spinal pathologies before they become large enough to cause severe symptoms and/or morbidity.

Trigeminal nerve involvement in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: value of MR imaging.

A 30-year-old male with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with facial numbness. Neurological examination revealed paresthesia of the left trigeminal nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology showed no atypical cells. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated enlargement and enhancement of intracranial portions of the left trigeminal nerve. The abnormal MR imaging findings almost completely resolved after the chemotherapy. Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging is not only a useful procedure for the early diagnosis of cranial nerve invasion by leukemia but it might be helpful to follow the changes after the treatment.

Sneddon's syndrome: MR imaging findings.

Sneddon's syndrome is a systemic disease characterized by generalized livedo racemosa and cerebrovascular disease. We present a case of Sneddon's syndrome which has typical dermatological lesions and occipital infarct demonstrated by both CT and MRI.