Is condyle morphology a factor for anterior temporomandibular disc displacement?

BACKGROUND: To investigate morphological features of the mandibular condyle and its association with anterior temporomandibular disc displacement on sagittal oblique MRI plane. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with temporomandibular MRI examination were retrospectively involved in the study. Patients aged less than 18 years and those with severe osteoarthritis, posterior disk displacement, tumor, abscess, history of a rheumatic disease, facial trauma, and motion artifacts on images were excluded. Three radiologists evaluated all images in consensus. Temporomandibular disc locations were classified as normal, anteriorly displaced with reduction (ADr), and anteriorly displaced without reduction (ADwr) on sagittal oblique T1-weighted images. Condylar shapes were classified as flat, rounded, and angled, and condyle anteroposterior width (c-APW) was measured on these images in closed-mouth position. RESULTS: Ninety six discs were in normal position (40%), 70 discs were ADr (29%), and 74 discs were ADwr (31%). Eighty-four condyles were flat (35%), 100 condyles were rounded (42%), and 56 condyles were angled (23%). Mean c-APW was 7 mm in normal joints, 5.9 mm in ADr, and 5.8 mm in ADwr joints, and it was smaller in joints with anterior disc displacement (p < 0.001). In normal joints, flat and rounded type condylar shape was more common and almost equally prevalent (44% and 43%); however, rounded type was more common among ADr (%47) and angled type was more common among ADwr joints (36%) (p = 0.008). Patients with anterior disc displacement were significantly younger from normal cases and anterior disc displacement was more common among female sex. DISCUSSION: Mandibular condyle shape alterations and condyle size on sagittal oblique MRI plane are associated with anterior disc displacement. Angled shape was more common among ADwr joints. Joints with anterior disc displacement had smaller c-APW than normal joints.

Relationship between acute phase reactants and prognosis in patients with or without COVID-19 pneumonia.

In December 2019, several cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported in the city of Wuhan, province of Hubei, China. The pathogen was named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Acute phase reactans (APRs) are critical in the early diagnosis, treatment, and for monitoring the progression of COVID-19. Seventy two patients were included in the study and infections confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical parameters, the level of APFs and D-dimer were assessed and results were retrived from the patients' medical records. Chest computed tomography (CT) findings were described for each patient and they were divided into two groups, with or without COVID-19 pneumonia. The correlation between APRs and CT findings and the patients' prognosis were evaluated. Twenty eight (38.8%) of the 72 patients were female and 44 (61.2%) were male. The most common symptom was cough (43%) and the most common associated chronic disease was hypertension (12.5%). Thirty (41.6%) patients had completely normal chest CT, while 42 (58.4%) patients had typical findings in terms of COVID-19 pneumonia. C reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, procalcitonin and D-Dimer levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with pneumonia than in those without pneumonia and these parameters were also statistically significantly higher in patients with severe illness. In conclusion, CRP, LDH, ESR, ferritin, and D-Dimer were associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. These biomarkers can be used to evaluate the prognosis to predict the clinical course of disease, allowing a proper management and treatment of the patients.

Frequency of complications and risk factors associated with computed tomography guided core needle lung biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Although transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) is an effective method for diagnosis of lung tumors, it has some complications. It is crucial to know the frequency and severity of the complications of TTNB and its risk factors in order to avoid them. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the complications and risk factors of computed tomography guided core needle lung biopsies (CT-CNLB). DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of complications. SETTING: Single center in Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For CT-CNLBs performed between October 2017 and March 2018, the complications of biopsies were noted and classified as major and minor based on guidelines of the Society of Interventional Radiology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The complications and risk factors for complications were evaluated. SAMPLE SIZE: 123 adult patients. RESULTS: The most common complications were pulmonary hemorrhage (30.9%) and pneumothorax (22%). Increased overall pulmonary hemorrhage was observed with underlying emphysema (P=.022), non-peripheral location of the lesion (P<.001), increased needle pathway (P<.001), fissure penetration (P=.011), increased number of pleura penetrations (P=.024), prolonged needle time across pleura (P=.037), and decreased lesion size (P=.033). The pneumothorax rate increased with non-peripheral location of the lesion (P<.007), fissure penetration (P=.021), prolonged needle time across the pleura (P=.013), and decreased lesion size (P=.002). In the logistic regression analyses for he two most common complications, the only risk factor for both alveolar hemorrhage and pneumothorax was a non-peripheral location of the lesion (P<.001, OR=14.7, 95% CI=3.9-55.4 for alveolar hemorrhage) and (P=.001, OR=156.2, 95% CI =7.34-3324.7 for pneumothorax). CONCLUSION: Most common complications of CT-CNLB were pneumothorax and pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage with a 5.7% major complication rate. Choosing the shortest possible trans-pulmonary needle pathway minimizes the risk of complications. LIMITATIONS: Limited number of patients, absence of rare complications as death, air embolism, and needle tract seeding. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Microstructural white matter abnormalities in hypothyroidism evaluation with diffusion tensor imaging tract-based spatial statistical analysis.

PURPOSE: Hypothyroidism is presented in a wide range from neuropsychiatric problems including depression, memory and cognitive disorders to poor motor coordination. Against the background of morphologic, functional and molecular changes on the white and grey matter of the brain, we aimed to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on white matter (WM) integrity using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). METHODS: Eighteen patients with hyperthyroidism and 14 age-sex-matched healthy control subjects were included in this study. TBSS was used in the diffusion tensor imaging study for whole-brain voxel wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) of WM. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the whole brain TBSS revealed extensive reductions of FA in the supratentorial WM including corticospinal tract, posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), uncinate fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus (p < 0.005). The ROI analyses showed RD increment of superior longitudinal fasciculus, AD decrement of cingulum (CIN), external capsule, PLIC and corpus callosum (CC) in patients with hypothyroidism (p < 0.005). Autoimmune and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism patient subgroups showed a significant difference in terms of hippocampus FA, CIN MD, CC MD, CC AD, CIN RD, SLF RD, CC RD (p < 0.005). CIN FA values showed a negative correlation with the Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.007, r = - 852). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results of TBSS analyses represented FA and AD decrement, and RD increment in several WM tracts and indicates the demyelination process underlying pathophysiology of clinical aspects of hypothyroidism.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit: Computed tomography and histopathological findings.

A solitary fibrous tumor is a rare spindle cell neoplasm originating from the mesenchyme. This type of tumor of the orbit is very uncommon and can be misdiagnosed as a hemangiopericytoma, fibrous histiocytoma, meningioma, or neurofibroma. We report an orbital solitary fibrous tumor in an 18-year-old male, with slow-growing swelling in the right orbital region. An orbital contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed heterogeneously enhancing right extraconal inferomedial mass, with no evidence of calcification or bone destruction. The lesion was surgically excised without complications. Based on microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, the mass was finally diagnosed as a solitary fibrous tumor. These tumors should be preoperatively differentiated from other spindle cell tumors of the orbit, and radiological imaging methods are useful in the differential diagnosis but are nonspecific. Therefore, histopathological and immunohistochemical staining features are more useful for the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumors, especially CD34 staining.

Hypoplastic Left Circumflex Coronary Artery: Imaging Findings with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Hypoplastic coronary artery disease is a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. It is often detected incidentally, and its true incidence in the general population is not known. DISCUSSION: Symptoms of HCAD are syncope, palpitations, dyspnea, and chest pain. Also, arrhythmia and myocardial infarction can be seen; these can cause sudden death, especially in athletes and young people. Diagnosis is often made at autopsy. CONCLUSION: Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old male with isolated hypoplasia of the left circumflex artery detected by coronary Computed Tomography (CT) angiography who complained of palpitation.

Multimodality imaging of a rare type of coronary cameral fistula.

Coronary artery fistulas are defined as abnormal vascular connections between one or more coronary arteries and the cardiac chamber [coronary cameral fistula (CCF)] or a great thoracic vessel. Here, we present multimodality imaging findings of a rare case with CCF between the sinoatrial nodal artery and the left atrium.

A Rare Concha Variation: Coronal Cleft.

Nasal turbinates are embryologically derived from a series of outgrowths from the foetal lateral nasal wall. These outgrowths form a series of ridges, referred to as "ethmoturbinals" and have several vital functions. Several different turbinate variations have been reported so far. The authors presented 3 patients of coronal clefted concha who were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography scans and nasal endoscopic examinations are also performed subsequently. These patients are the first coronal clefted concha cases in the literature and also the first radiological study defining concha cleft. This shows paucity of data documenting variations in the lateral nasal wall. Understanding the anatomy and the anatomic variations of the nasal cavity and nasal turbinates is critical to guide the procedure due to its close proximity to vital structures such as orbita and skull base, especially for functional endoscopic sinus surgery that is a widely used technique nowadays.

Imaging of unilateral adrenal hemorrhages in patients after blunt abdominal trauma: Report of two cases.

Adrenal hemorrhage following blunt abdominal trauma is extremely rare. Most of the lesions are unilateral and right sided. Although often asymptomatic, life-threatening adrenal insufficiency may develop in the bilateral adrenal gland hemorrhage. Isolated adrenal injuries are very rare. They are often associated with other organ injuries. The mortality rates of patients range from 7% to 32%. In this report, we present the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of unilateral adrenal hemorrhages in two patients with a history of fall from a height.

Open Dislocation of Ankle without Fracture Treated with an External Fixator.

Ankle dislocations are orthopedic emergencies that require immediate treatment to avoid neurovascular impairment. They are usually accompanied by one or more comminuted fractures of the ankle mortis. In rare circumstances, such as high-energy trauma, the ankle dislocations may not be accompanied by concomitant malleolar fractures and, thus, are named "pure ankle dislocations". We presented a very rare and interesting case of an open medial dislocation of the ankle without associated fracture in an 18-year-old man with no known predisposing risk factors. The patient was admitted to the emergency department after sustaining a catastrophic trampoline accident resulting in severe inversion of the right ankle. The patient was treated with an external fixator and was mobilized early in the post-surgical course. Despite initial presentation that revealed lack of posterior tibial pulse, the post-surgical course was uneventful, with full functional recovery and joint mobility. The primary goals of treatment are immediate reduction of the joint and relief of neurovascular stress. External fixation is a prompt, fairly easy treatment that one should keep in mind in pure ankle dislocations. Nonetheless, ligamentous restoration and early mobilization were the key elements as seen in our case for full functional recovery.

Evaluation of the Posterior Tibial Slope in Noncontact ACL Injuries Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

This study investigated whether an increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) was a risk factor for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. We retrospectively evaluated the Magnetic Resonance (MR) images of 60 patients with noncontact complete ruptures of the ACL and 60 age-matched, healthy individuals with normal knee MR images. We measured the medial and lateral PTS on the sagittal T1W images separately in both the patients with complete ACL ruptures and the control group, as described by Hudek et al. Medial and lateral PTS were investigated between two groups .The patients with complete ACL ruptures had a statistically significantly (p<0.01) larger PTS on the lateral tibial condyle than the control group (4.5° and 3.8°, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups' medial PTS. Also, the lateral PTS was greater in the complete ACL group than the control group in both females and males (p<0.01).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence of Varicella Zoster Virus Polyneuropathy: Involvement of the Glossopharyngeal and Vagus Nerves Associated With Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

The involvement of lower cranial nerve palsies is less frequent in Ramsay Hunt syndrome caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). The authors report 1 of extremely rare patients of radiologically proven polyneuropathy of VZV infection with magnetic resonance imaging findings of VII, IX, and X cranial nerve involvement is a 62-year-old female patient, who initially presented with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Varicella zoster virus infection should be considered even in patients who show unilateral palsy of the lower cranial nerves associated with laryngeal paralysis. Thin-section T2W and T1W images with a contrast agent should be added to the imaging protocol to show the subtle involvement.

The impact of the cochlear-carotid interval on tinnitus perception.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the cochlear-carotid interval (CCI), which is defined as the smallest distance along the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery and basal turn of cochlea, may be associated with direct stimulation of hair cells, thereby affecting tinnitus perception. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the CCI, tinnitus perception, and accompanying hearing loss in patients with tinnitus. METHODS: The CCI on both sides was measured independently by two observers from the temporal 3D b-FFE MR images of 25 patients with tinnitus and 20 age/gender matched control subjects. The relationships between CCI, tinnitus visual analog scale (VAS), and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) were investigated. RESULTS: CCI ranged 0.2-5.6 mm (1.9 ± 1.5) on the right and 0.1-5.4 mm (2.2 ± 1.6) on the left side in the patient group and 0.5-5.4 (1.9 ± 1.4) mm on the right and 0.3-6.7 (2.3 ± 1.7) on the left side in the control group. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CCI showed a strong negative correlation with THI and VAS scores on both sides. Correlation of audiologic findings with CCI revealed a significant negative correlation with pure tone average of the ipsilateral ear most affectedly at high frequencies. CONCLUSION: The strong negative correlation of CCI with tinnitus-related distress and accompanying sensorineural hearing loss predominantly at high frequencies suggests that further studies on patients with tinnitus that focus on this small area may help to improve the knowledge of tinnitus pathophysiology.

Emphysematous Cholecystitis in 24-Year-old Male Without Predisposing Factors.

Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is a life threatening condition characterized by gangrene of the gallbladder due to an infection with gas-forming organisms. It is more common in elderly men and has been associated with systemic disease, especially diabetes and vascular disease. Computed tomography is the most important and accurate imaging modality for the diagnosis of EC. EC should be thought of when the radiographic presence of gas is detected within the gallbladder wall or lumen. Emergency surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment for the gas-forming organism should be initiated after the diagnosis of the EC. Here, we present the imaging and pathologic findings of a 24-year-old male with EC without any predisposing factors, successfully treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Is the Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Acute Cholecystitis an Inflammatory Marker?

INTRODUCTION: Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder. Ultrasonography (US) is the initial and the most valuable method in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Also, laboratory findings are used to support the diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet (PLT) counts in patients with acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January to August 2014, the medical records of patients were reviewed for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. The study included 60 age-matched patients with acute cholecystitis and 60 healthy individuals as a control group. Patients with a chronic disease were excluded from the study. Over all, patients with acute cholecystitis and patients in the control group were evaluated for their MPV, PLT count, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit (PCT) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a complete blood count (CBC). RESULTS: The MPV values were found to be significantly lower in the acute cholecystitis group when compared to the control group. The PDW and PCT were found to be significantly higher in the acute cholecystitis group when compered to the control group. When a correlation test was performed, MPV was negatively correlated with PLT and PCT counts. CONCLUSION: US is the initial and the most important imaging method for diagnosing and evaluating the biliary system. Also, laboratory findings such as WBC, ESR and CRP support the diagnosis but may have some undesirable limitations. However, MPV is an acute phase reactant that does not require an additional cost because it is already worked in the CBC. Therefore, MPV can be used as a marker in diagnosing inflammatory diseases.