Paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy in experienced divers.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the increasing popularity in recreational diving long-term health consequences of this sport have aroused interest in the diving community. Although not as important as dysbaric osteonecrosis, ischemic brain lesions, or neurophysiological symptoms, paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy (PSMH) has also been discussed as being more prevalent among divers. In this study, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare asymptomatic divers with control subjects for PSMH. METHODS: We enrolled 79 male divers (34.0 +/- 5.7 yr) and 79 nondiving age- and sex-matched controls (33.8 +/- 6.1 yr). We used a questionnaire to elicit diving history. Divers with a history of sinus barotrauma, subjects with a history of chronic sinusitis or nasal allergies, and those with retention cysts, nasal polyps, or mastoiditis were excluded. T1-, T2-weighted axial and coronal images of the paranasal sinuses were taken with a 1.5-T MRI device. The threshold for PSMH was defined as mucosal thickness above 3 mm. RESULTS: MRI revealed PSMH in 33 (41.8%) divers and 18 (22.8%) controls. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, smoking history, or alcohol consumption. PSMH identified in divers did not show an association with age or diving history. DISCUSSION: The higher rate of PSMH identified in divers suggests that diving may cause changes in the paranasal sinus mucosa.

Sacral spina bifida occulta rare occurrence in Byzantine Belentepe population in Mugla, Turkey: A possible case for adequate folic acid intake.

Spina bifida may occur during the first weeks after conception; folic acid deficiency is strongly related to this anomaly. We argue that the low prevalence rate of spina bifida may indicate a relatively good nutrition state of a population, given that folic acid is found in many food products commonly eaten. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between folic acid intake and spina bifida occulta prevalence in the Belentepe Byzantine population in Anatolian peninsula, and to compare the prevalence rates with various other ancient Anatolian populations by focusing on sacral spina bifida occulta in the Byzantine population. A total of 62 available human sacra were included in the study and compared with other sacra from relevant research using chi-squared test. Four male individuals had sacral spina bifida occulta with a prevalence rate of 6.45%, which is found to be lower in comparison to other ancient populations from western to eastern Anatolia. The present-day ecology of Belentepe indicates that foods rich with folic acid are common in and around the region. While some studies indicate the contrary, a comparison regarding the sacral spina bifida occulta prevalence with other populations in Anatolia shows a correlation between folic acid intake and proximity to a Mediterranean climate.

Cerebral white-matter lesions in asymptomatic military divers.

INTRODUCTION: There is some concern that over a period of years, diving may produce cumulative neurological injury even in divers who have no history of decompression sickness. We evaluated asymptomatic divers and controls for cerebral white-matter lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: The study enrolled 113 male military divers (34.4 +/- 5.6 yr) and 65 non-diving men (33.1 +/- 9.0 yr) in good health. Exclusion criteria included any condition that might be expected to produce neurological effects. Patent foramen ovale was not assessed. A questionnaire was used to elicit diving history. A 1.5-T MRI device was used to acquire T1, T2-weighted, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images of the brain. A lesion was counted if it appeared hyperintense on both T2-weighted and FLAIR images. RESULTS: MRI revealed brain lesions in 26 of 113 divers (23%) and in 7 of 65 (11%) controls, a difference that was statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to blood pressure, smoking history, or alcohol consumption, and no subject reported a history of head trauma or migraine. There was no relationship between MRI findings and age, diving history, or lipid profile in divers. DISCUSSION: The higher incidence of lesions in the cerebral white matter of divers confirms the possibility that cumulative, subclinical injury to the neurological system may affect the long-term health of military and recreational divers.

MRI findings of intracranial tuberculomas.

PURPOSE: Tuberculosis involvement of the central nervous system continues to represent a serious problem, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to characterize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intracranial tuberculoma, a form of neurotuberculosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 27 patients with intracranial tuberculomas. These consisted of 17 women and 10 men with a mean age of 26 years (14-51). MRI was performed on all patients. RESULTS: A total of 64 tuberculomas were found in these patients, of which 41 were distributed in the cerebral hemispheres, 17 in the cerebellar hemispheres, and 6 in the brainstem. Accompanied meningitis was detected in three patients, hydrocephalus in five patients, and hydrocephalus with meningitis in one patient. CONCLUSION: MRI makes a significant contribution to diagnosis of intracranial tuberculomas and can objectively determine accompanying abnormalities.

Sonographic appearances of the normal ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.

PURPOSE: To investigate the sonographic characteristics of the normal ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel, as well as any differences related to age, sex, and dominant arm. METHOD: Two hundred twelve elbows in healthy volunteers were evaluated sonographically. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel was measured with the elbow in extension and in flexion. The presence and number of fascicles was determined. The displacement of the ulnar nerve out of the cubital tunnel in full elbow flexion was also investigated. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD CSA of the ulnar nerve was 6.6 +/- 1.7 mm(2) (6.7 +/- 1.8 mm(2) in men and 6.5 +/- 1.7 mm(2) in women). The mean CSA of the ulnar nerve was highest for subjects aged 50-59 years, and lowest for subjects aged 30-39 years. Forty-two of 212 (19.8%) ulnar nerves had 2 fascicles, and 5 (2.4%) had 3 fascicles. The remaining 165 (77.8%) nerves had 1 fascicle. During elbow flexion, 49 of 212 (23.1%) ulnar nerves showed subluxation, and 18 (8.5%) were dislocated. CONCLUSION: There were differences in the CSA of the ulnar nerve between some age groups, but there was no variation with sex or handedness. Sonography can evaluate the morphologic changes of the nerve during flexion of the elbow.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the tarsal navicular.

A 27-year-old male athlete presented with chronic right dorsal midfoot pain and limitation in midfoot movements. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an nondisplaced osteochondral fragment within the proximal articular surface of the tarsal navicular. Imaging findings of this disease are presented and discussed.

Dysbaric osteonecrosis screening in Turkish Navy divers.

INTRODUCTION: Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is regarded as an occupational disease for caisson workers, commercial, and military divers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggested for the surveillance of military divers for DON. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DON in Turkish Navy divers. METHODS: The shoulder, hip, and knee joints of 106 male divers were screened for DON with MRI. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about subjects' medical history and diving experience. RESULTS: The mean age of divers was 34.3 +/- 5.8 yr. The divers had spent an average of 12.1 +/- 6.1 yr at their occupation. The average of total hours of diving was 834 +/- 458 h. The maximum diving depth was 53.0 +/- 18.4 m (175 +/- 61 ft) and the average diving depth was 13.3 +/- 8.4 m (44 +/- 28 ft). MRI examinations of divers did not reveal bone lesions consistent with osteonecrosis. DISCUSSION: We concluded that the risk of DON is very low for military divers who strictly obey the decompression rules and who undergo periodic medical examination. The use of MRI for routine screening of military divers is not justified.

Highly flexible, wearable, and disposable cardiac biosensors for remote and ambulatory monitoring.

Contemporary cardiac and heart rate monitoring devices capture physiological signals using optical and electrode-based sensors. However, these devices generally lack the form factor and mechanical flexibility necessary for use in ambulatory and home environments. Here, we report an ultrathin (~1 mm average thickness) and highly flexible wearable cardiac sensor (WiSP) designed to be minimal in cost (disposable), light weight (1.2 g), water resistant, and capable of wireless energy harvesting. Theoretical analyses of system-level bending mechanics show the advantages of WiSP's flexible electronics, soft encapsulation layers and bioadhesives, enabling intimate skin coupling. A clinical feasibility study conducted in atrial fibrillation patients demonstrates that the WiSP device effectively measures cardiac signals matching the Holter monitor, and is more comfortable. WiSP's physical attributes and performance results demonstrate its utility for monitoring cardiac signals during daily activity, exertion and sleep, with implications for home-based care.

A variant of Poland syndrome associated with dextroposition.

Poland syndrome is characterized by partial or complete absence of pectoralis muscles, ipsilateral syndactyly, and occasionally other malformations of the anterior chest wall and breast. Other associated anomalies, including dextrocardia, renal malformations, and vertebral anomalies, have been reported in rare cases. The condition is more frequent among males, and usually occurs on the right hemithorax in the unilateral form. The syndrome is believed to be caused by a genetic disorder that reduces the embryonal circulation in the subclavian and vertebral arteries. We report a 20-year-old man with Poland syndrome on the left hemithorax, which is rarely associated with dextroposition.

Diagnostic value of CTE in patients with Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE) to that of biopsy in detecting bowel wall alterations of the terminal ileum in Crohn's disease (CD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with either diagnosed or suspected CD (16 females, 28 males) underwent CTE and ileoscopy. Ileoscopy diagnosed 35 patients with CD of the ileum, while 8 patients served as the control group. RESULTS: Computed tomography enteroclysis detected CD in 31 patients (88%) and in none of the control group. According to the criteria used for evaluation of small bowel loop distension, 31 cases were (72%) with optimal distension, nine cases (%21) with good distension, and three cases (7%) with poor distension. Computed tomography enteroclysis showed that mean ileal wall thickness in patients with CD was 6.8 mm (range, 9.5-4.1 mm) and 1.79 mm in patients in the control group (range, 2.20-1.38 mm). Mean postcontrast wall density in patients with CD was 81.9 HU (range, 111.6-52.2 HU) and 41.1 HU (range, 49.8-22.4 HU) in the control group. Mean postcontrast wall density in 17 patients with active CD was 97 HU (range, 67-123 HU) and 62 HU (range, 46-87 HU) in 18 CD patients in remission. We calculated that the overall sensitivity and specificity of CTE in detecting the severity of CD were 89% and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive value was 100%; negative predictive value was 89%. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that CTE can reveal CD involvement of small bowel accurately and allow assessment of the degree of disease activity.

The effect of pharyngeal soft tissue components on snoring.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oropharyngeal air column area, parapharyngeal fat pad thickness, pterygoid muscle thickness, and parapharyngeal wall thickness on snoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six individuals (35 men, 21 women) complaining of snoring in a questionnaire administered to patients attending the MR unit for cervical MR imaging were enrolled as the study group, and 39 (23 men, 16 women) individuals with no complaint of snoring were enrolled as the control group. Firstly, patients' body mass index (BMI) was determined. Then turbo spin echo T2-weighted MR imaging in the axial plane was performed, from the nasopharynx to the hyoid bone level, in both groups. From the MR images, oropharyngeal air column area, parapharyngeal fat pad thickness, pterygoid muscle thickness and parapharyngeal wall thickness measurements were made. Finally, the results were statistically analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 10.0. Student's t-test was used as a complementary method in the analysis of the study data. The correlations between BMI and parapharyngeal wall thickness, and BMI and oropharyngeal air column area were determined by Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between study and control groups in terms of mean age, pterygoid muscle thickness, or pharyngeal fat pad thickness (P>.05). Snorers' BMI levels (P<.01) and average parapharyngeal wall thicknesses (P<.05) were statistically significantly higher than those of the control subjects. Snorers' oropharyngeal air column area was significantly narrower than that of the control subjects, statistically (P<.01). CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, it was concluded that only oropharyngeal air column area and parapharyngeal muscle thickness had an effect on snoring.

Multicentric malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

We present a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of multicentric origin, an extremely rare condition. A 25-year-old man was admitted to hospital with presenting symptoms of cough, dyspnea and left lateral back pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extrapleural masses in the left hemithorax in addition to synchronous left inguinal mass. After surgical resection of the masses from the thoracic and inguinal regions, histological examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography of pulmonary hypoplasia and aplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the role of gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography (MRA) in patients with suspected pulmonary hypoplasia and aplasia in a retrospective analysis of MRA and digital subtraction angiography in 11 patients with clinical and/or radiologic suspicion of pulmonary hypoplasia and aplasia. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced 3D MRA is capable of diagnosing pulmonary hypoplasia and aplasia rapidly and accurately. Both pulmonary hypoplasia and aplasia can be shown morphologically in a noninvasive manner, obviating digital subtraction angiography.

MRI appearance of retrocalcaneal bursitis and rheumatoid nodule in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology characterized by symmetric, erosive synovitis and sometimes multisystem involvement. Rheumatoid nodules have been reported in as many as 20-30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis; however, they are not commonly seen in the feet. We present magnetic resonance (MR) findings of a rarely seen case of rheumatoid bursitis in the retrocalcaneal bursa associated with a subcutaneous rheumatoid nodule inferior to the calcaneus which histologically confirmed the rheumatoid arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that rheumatoid bursitis in the retrocalcaneal bursa associated with the rheumatoid nodule in the foot was revealed by MR imaging.

Soft-tissue masses: use of a scoring system in differentiation of benign and malignant lesions.

The purpose of this study was to show the qualitative and quantitative MRI characteristics of soft-tissue masses in differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. A total of 90 soft-tissue lesions were reviewed in this study. The scoring system presents a more objective diagnostic performance in the prediction of benign or malignant masses. With the use of this scoring system, unnecessary biopsy can be precluded in benign lesions.