Intrathyroidal ectopic thymus tissue: a diagnostic challenge.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of thyroid nodules in pediatric population is 0.2-2%, which is lower than adults. However, the probability of the nodule to be malignant is higher than adults (20-73%). Differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions in children includes intrathyroidal ectopic thymus tissue (ITT). ITT can present as a thyroid nodule, and be confused with malignancy with its hyperechoic pattern; this might cause unnecessary fine-needle aspiration biopsies and/or surgical interventions. In the current study, we mainly aim to define both US and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) characteristics of ITT. We also aim to describe the most sensitive and most specific diagnostic parameters of ITT. METHODS: We have evaluated US examination reports of 56 children for whom differential diagnosis included ITT between February 2015 and August 2018. We have recorded sonographic characteristics of the lesions, CDUS data, and thyroid hormone levels. RESULTS: Study population consists of 56 patients (22 ITT, 34 other diagnoses). Median age of the population is 10 years. Age, sex, laboratory results, and follow-up change in lesion diameters do not show any significant difference between ITT and other diagnosis groups. Typical US appearance, fusiform lesion shape, and isovascular CDUS characteristics are higher in ITT group. The median value of the lesion's highest diameter is smaller in ITT group. The most valuable criteria to predict ITT presence were the fusiform shape and the longest diameter of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Fusiform shape and a maximum diameter of ≤ 9 mm are the most selective criteria to predict ITT diagnosis.

Sonographic findings in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

OBJECTIVES: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been endemic in Turkey since 2002. Some radiologic findings are considered common by clinicians and radiologists. In this regard, we aimed to assess the sonographic findings in patents with CCHF in a pilot study to obtain basic knowledge for planning further controlled studies. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was planned. Patients with a CCHF diagnosis monitored by the infectious diseases department of a tertiary care hospital were included. Sonographic examinations were conducted by 2 radiologists for each patient, and the findings were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with CCHF were included. Hepatomegaly (40%), splenomegaly (28%), paraceliac lymphadenopathy (48%), gallbladder wall thickening (36%), increased echogenicity in the renal parenchyma (40%), and fluid/effusion in the perihepatic, perisplenic, pleural, and hepatorenal recesses of the subhepatic space (Morison pouch) as well as between the intestinal loops (52%) were the primary findings. A decrease in the gallbladder wall thickening and limited resorption of intraperitoneal and pleural effusion were noted during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatosplenomegaly, paraceliac lymphadenopathy, and gallbladder wall thickening as well as intraperitoneal and pleural effusion were the primary findings in CCHF, and they became prominent on the third day of the disease in some patients. The relationship between sonographic findings and disease severity will be investigated in an upcoming study.

Transcutaneous cervical and transabdominal ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in gastroesophageal reflux in childhood.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate if there is a diagnostic expressive difference in the angle of His, upper and lower esophageal diameter (UED and LED), wall thickness of cervical esophagus (WTCE) measured by cervical and transabdominal ultrasonography (USG) between children with (+) and without gastroesophageal reflux (GER-). METHODS: 50 children were separated into 2 groups. Group 1 was the control group (n = 30) consisting of children who had no symptoms of GER and had no GER detected in USG. Group 2 was the study group (n = 20) consisting of children with complaints related to GER, and who were GER+ by USG and esophageal pH monitoring. The USG examinations were completed after having observed 3 episodes of reflux or after 30 min if no reflux was detected. The angle of His, UED, LED and WTCE were measured. In 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, acid contact to the proximal or distal probe greater than 5.0% of the total time below pH 4 was accepted as pathologic reflux. RESULTS: The age range of the 50 children (30 boys) was 4-13 years. Between the 2 groups there were no differences with regard to age and gender. Values of UED, LED and WTCE were statistically higher in group 2 compared with group 1. The angle of His was higher in the control group, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first in the literature that shows that measuring UED, LED and WTCE by USG, which is a noninvasive, readily available repeatable, cheap and fast technique, has a high diagnostic value in children with suspected GER.

The effects of copper contraceptive intrauterine device on the uterine blood flow: A prospective transvaginal Doppler study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hemodynamic changes by transvaginal color Doppler sonography (CDS) in the uterine vascular bed after the insertion of a contraceptive intrauterine device (CIUD) and to investigate whether those CDS findings could predict potential side effects, such as dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding. METHOD: Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index, and systole/diastole ratio (S/D) were measured in the uterine artery and its myometrial branches on 28 patients before and after the insertion of copper IUD, and a correlation with dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding was investigated. RESULT: PI and S/D values in the uterine artery increased significantly after the insertion of the CIUD (p < 0.05). Patients with increased bleeding scores after insertion of CIUD had significantly lower uterine artery PI compared with those without increased bleeding scores (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the Doppler flow parameters regarding dysmenorrhea scores. CONCLUSION: Low uterine artery PI values recorded in the early phase of the menstrual cycle in patients with a CIUD were associated with an increased bleeding risk.

Does the presence of a mesh have an effect on the testicular blood flow after surgical repair of indirect inguinal hernia?

PURPOSE: Modern treatment of inguinal hernias includes prosthetic mesh repairs. However, direct contact of the mesh to the vessels in the inguinal canal and perimesh fibrosis may have a negative impact on testicular flow. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis on testicular flow after repair of indirect inguinal hernias (IIHs). METHOD: Forty-eight male patients with unilateral IIH were included. Both testicular parenchyma were assessed using gray-scale sonography, and color/spectral Doppler sonography was performed to evaluate testicular arterial impedance, perfusion, and venous flow. Measurements were made bilaterally at the level of the inguinal canal 1 day before and at the end of the 2nd month after the operation. RESULTS: There was no difference in testicular and echotexture perfusion between the hernia and the control sides pre- and postoperatively. No venous thrombosis was found. In all groups, resistance index and pulsatility index, measured at 4 levels, were highest in the proximal inguinal canal and lowest at the extratesticular-intrascrotal level (p < 0.05). For all Doppler parameters there was no significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements on both the hernia and the control sides. CONCLUSION: Mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis does not adversely affect ipsilateral testicular flow. Mesh application is still a safe procedure in male patients in whom testicular function is important.

The effects of sulfasalazine treatment on enthesal abnormalities of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 1-year course of sulfasalazine monotherapy on enthesal abnormalities of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) using ultrasonography. Thirty-six patients with IRD including 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 16 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (22 women, 14 men, mean ages 43.3 +/- 8.8 years), and 18 healthy controls (10 women, 8 men, mean ages 42.5 +/- 9.9 years) matched by age and body mass index were enrolled in this study. For the evaluation of enthesal structures, all patients and controls underwent ultrasonographic (USG) examinations of five enthesal sites of both lower limbs using high-resolution and Doppler USG. An ultrasonographic score of lower limb enthesitis was calculated using Glasgow ultrasound enthesitis scoring system (GUESS). Clinical and laboratory activities of IRD patients were also evaluated. Patient group was made to undergo 2 g/day sulfasalazine monotherapy for 1 year. All evaluations were made at the beginning of the treatment and repeated after 1 year follow-up. Results showed that the frequency of enthesal abnormalities of the IRD group was significantly higher than controls. On USG examination, 301/1,296 (23.2%) enthesal structures were abnormal in IRD patients, and 19/648 (2.93%) structures were abnormal in controls. Mean GUESS score of the IRD group (6.40 +/- 2.41) was also significantly higher than controls (1.79 +/- 1.60) (p < 0.001). Although there was a significant improvement in clinical and laboratory activity parameters of the IRD patients, significant decrease was not observed in enthesal abnormalities (295/1,296 enthesal structures-22.7%) and mean GUESS score (6.20 +/- 2.38) after 1 year sulfasalazine trial. Additionally, there was no significant improvement in enthesal abnormalities and mean GUESS scores of AS and RA subgroups separately. Sulfasalazine treatment was not found effective on enthesal abnormalities of IRD patients. Further studies with larger groups including other IRDs are required to validate our results.

Diffuse stylohyoid chain ossification.

Clinical symptoms of stylohyoid chain ossification vary from ear pain to dysphagia. It is usually diagnosed coincidentally. Localized ossification of the chain is common, whereas diffuse ossification is rare. Herein, a case with bilateral diffuse stylohyoid chain ossification diagnosed with computed tomography, which was performed in order to evaluate the patient's temporomandibular joint pain, a rare onset of this condition, is discussed.

Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up of plantar fasciitis patients treated with steroid injection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of steroid injection for plantar fasciitis using clinical parameters and high-resolution ultrasonography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (27 female and three male) with plantar fasciitis and 30 healthy controls matched by age, gender and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this study. Seventeen of the patients had bilateral and 13 had unilateral (six right, seven left) plantar fasciitis. Palpation-guided steroid injection was applied to the 47 heels of 30 plantar fasciitis patients. Ultrasound examination and pain intensity with visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed three times in each plantar fasciitis patients; before injection and at 1 and 6 months after steroid injection. Ultrasonography was performed to the controls at initial assessment. RESULTS: The plantar fascia was remarkably thicker in the plantar fasciitis group than in controls (P < 0.001). The thickness of the plantar fascia and mean VAS values in the plantar fasciitis group decreased significantly 1 month after steroid injection (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and a further decrease was noted 6 months postinjection (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Strong correlation was found between the changes of plantar fascia thickness and VAS values 1 month after (P < 0.001, r: 0.61) and 6 months after (P < 0.001, r: 0.49) steroid injection. The incidence of hypoechoic fascia was 73% in the plantar fasciitis group before steroid injection. It decreased significantly at 1 and 6 months postinjection (33% and 7%, respectively, P < 0.001). Gross fascia disruption or other side effects were not observed after steroid injection. CONCLUSION: Steroid injection could be used in plantar fasciitis treatment for its positive long-term effects.

Estimation of sex by 3D CT measurements of the foramen magnum.

The purpose of this prospective study is to investigate the value and accuracy of the measurements of the foramen magnum (FM) by using three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT). Cases were randomly selected among 100 patients (48 males, 52 females) who had temporal CT in the Radiology Department. Seven measurements of the foramen magnum on 3D images, modified from the nine lines previously defined by Giles and Elliot were made. Using Fisher's linear discriminant functions test, the length and width of right condyle and width of FM diameters were found to be statistically different in each sex (p < 0.001) with 81% accuracy. To our best knowledge, this is the first report studying 3DCT measurements of FM, resulting with a sex determination accuracy rate of 81%. CT/3DCT can be reliably used in further investigations to provide basis for anthropometric and forensic issues.

[A case of malaria with uveitis, hyperglycemia, and rasha in a Turkish radiologist who went to Africa]. / Afrika'ya Giden Bir Türk Radyologda Gelisen; Üveit, Hiperglisemi Ve Döküntü Ile Seyreden Sitma, Olgu Sunumu.

Malaria is still an important health problem worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Turkey, the most common type of malaria is Plasmodium vivax, and endemic regions are South-Eastern Anatolia and Çukurova. Due to globalization and tourism, travel-associated infection due to P. falciparum is also seen more frequently in Turkey. P. falciparum malaria can be highly fatal despite optimal antimalarial treatment. We present a case of falciparum malaria in a Turkish radiologist who went to Africa for occupational reasons and come back with malaria accompanied by uveitis, hyperglycemia, and purpuric rash.

Assessment of vascularity with color Doppler ultrasound in gynecomastia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the presence and type of vascularity with color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) in gynecomastia, to describe gray-scale ultrasound (US) and CDUS features in different stages of gynecomastia, and to compare these findings with the characteristic US appearances of Tanner stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 breasts of 54 males aged 11-27 years with complaint of gynecomastia and US verification of gynecomastia were evaluated. Each breast was then classified according to Tanner stages. The retroareolar thickness was measured. The breast was divided into three regions (medial, lateral, and retroareolar) and the arterial flow was scored according to the number of regions in which arterial flow was observed. Venous blood flow was scored according to the number of vessels in each breast. RESULTS: Gynecomastia was present in 78 breasts with a retroareolar thickness of 5-31 mm and symptom duration of 1-300 weeks. Fifteen breasts with gynecomastia had no arterial or venous flow. Tanner stages were found to be strongly associated with arterial and venous flow scores, duration of symptoms, and retroareolar thickness (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows that vascular structures should be accepted as a component of gynecomastia. Vascularity in gynecomastia corresponds to progression of breast development, and as the process advances vascularity becomes more prominent.

The stylohyoid chain: CT imaging.

We aimed in this report to discuss the embryology, anatomy, theories of ossification and symptoms, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of the stylohyoid chain (SHC) variations, together with the role of radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D)-CT in showing these variations. Because CT/3D-CT additionally facilitates visualization of the entire SHC with different axes, it is the most valuable method for establishing the relationship between the SHC and the surrounding tissue. SHC variation can be discovered during CT performed for indications other than ossified SHC. It is important to diagnose whether or not the SHC is ossified, since one of the treatment procedures in ossified SHC is total excision. If the clinician and radiologist are aware of these variations observed in the SHC, patients with vague symptoms may be spared unnecessary investigations and may be properly diagnosed earlier.

Sex determination from measurements of the sternum and fourth rib using multislice computed tomography of the chest.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important data that can be obtained from bones is sex determination for which the recommended method is taking metric measurements. Metric measurements can be performed directly on dried bones obtained from the cadaver or indirectly from their radiographs. AIM: We assessed the accuracy of sex determination and the applicability of previously defined rules using the sternum and 4th rib measurement data from chest multislice computed tomography (MSCT) imaging of 340 patients and developed a model/formula that would provide the best way to determine sex. METHODS: We analyzed the chest MSCT of 340 patients (143 females, 197 males; mean age: 57.6+/-15.2 years) and created a coronal image parallel to the sternal long axis and a coronal image at the level of sternal ending of the 4th rib. The 5 sternal measurements [length of the manubrium and sternal body, combined length of the manubrium and sternal body (CL), manubrium width and corpus sterni width] and 4th rib width (FRW) described in the literature were obtained. Sternal index (SI) and sternal area (SA) were calculated from these measurements. RESULTS: The left FRW values were used for sex determination as the left FRW was found to be more significant than the right FRW. An accuracy of over 80% was achieved for sex determination when the "142 rule" was used for CL only, a cut-off value of 5600 mm(2) for SA only and a cut-off value of 16 mm for FRW only. We found that Hyrtl's law and SI did not provide adequate accuracy for sex determination in our patients. The model with the highest accuracy (88.2%) for sex determination used SA and FRW together. We also believe that the best predictors for sex determination using the sternum and 4th rib are SA and FRW, similar to the Torwalt and Hoppa report. CONCLUSION: Radiological methods such as MSCT are useful in making reliable measurements to be used in various anthropological and forensic investigations and determining their accuracy.

Diagnosis and follow-up in constipated children: should we use ultrasound?

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy of ultrasound in determining megarectum and fecal load and the response to treatment in constipation and tried to specify objective criteria in this study. METHODS: A total of 66 cases were queried and divided into 2 groups as constipated (n = 35; mean age, 6.8 ± 2.9 years) and control (n = 31; mean age, 8.4 ± 3.8 years) according to Rome III criteria. After the clinical evaluation, pelvic ultrasonography (US) was performed by 2 separate radiologists. The bladder capacity and the transverse rectal diameter were measured with a full bladder. Then the rectal diameter and rectal anterior wall thickness were measured, and the presence of fecal load in the rectum and sigmoid colon was recorded with an empty bladder. The examination and ultrasound were repeated after treatment for a month in these patients. RESULTS: Comparison of the US measurements of the 2 radiologists performing the US tests did not show any interobserver difference (r = 0.981; P < .001). We therefore believe our results are objective and reproducible. We found a positive correlation between the rectal diameters and the age, height, weight, and bladder capacity. The posturination mean rectal diameter was thicker in the constipated group (3.02 ± 1.04 cm) than in the control group (1.98 ± 0.64 cm) (P < .001). The cutoff point of rectal diameter for a diagnosis of constipation was determined as 2.44 cm (71% sensitive; 76% specific; area under curve, 0.825; P < .001). The rectal anterior wall thickness and fecal load were higher in the constipated patients (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in the constipation score and fecal load after treatment for a month (P < .001), but the rectal diameter had not reached normal limits yet despite the decrease (2.71 ± 0.77 cm) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The use of US helps in making a correct diagnosis and in the follow-up with objective criteria and also convinces the patient and the family that the treatment needs to be continued.

Assessment of the stylohoid chain by 3D-CT.

BACKGROUND: To assess the variations of stylohyoid chain (SHC) using 3D-CT. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 200 SHC on the head/neck CT scans of 100 patients (44 females, 56 males, age range 18-73 years). All of the patients had been scanned for neck lesions other than those concerning the region of the SHC. The morphology of both SHCs was examined in the 3D-CT images and the following aspects were evaluated; 1. length, 2. thickness, 3. mediolateral angling (MLA), 4. anteroposterior angling (APA), and 5. bending of the SHC. RESULTS: Absence of the styloid process (n: 5), double proximal origin (n: 2), segmentation (n: 49), and complete ossification (n: 2) were found. The length of the SHC was 27.9 +/- 11.3 mm, and 26.2 +/- 11.1 mm on the right and left, respectively. The mean thickness of the SHC was 5 mm, and it showed positive correlation with length (P < 0.05). MLA was 73.2 +/- 6.7 and 70.7 degrees +/- 8.0 degrees for the right and left, respectively. APA was 64.6 degrees +/- 10.1 degrees and 62.7 degrees +/- 10.2 degrees for the right and left, respectively. There was a negative correlation between the right and left MLA (P = 0.001), and a positive correlation between the right and left APA (P = 0.001). Nine SHCs had bending of the lower end. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CT gives detailed and reliable information about the SHC. We propose that the bending and thickness, which are new parameters, should be taken into consideration in the CT evaluation and classification of SHC variations.

Shoulder impingement syndrome: relationships between clinical, functional, and radiologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: Although there has been much research about imaging methods for shoulder impingement syndrome, the clinical information and upper limb level of disability have been generally ignored. The purpose of this study was to detect the relationships between clinical, functional, and radiologic variables in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, clinical, and radiologic study was planned and 59 shoulders of 58 consecutive patients waiting for physical therapy because of a clinically suspected shoulder impingement syndrome were included into this study. Comprehensive clinical examination, radiography, shoulder ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in the same month. RESULTS: Despite the high sensitivities of ultrasonography for diagnosing rotator cuff tears (98.1%) and biceps pathologies (100%), magnetic resonance imaging was superior to ultrasonography in many important shoulder structures such as a glenoid labral tear and subacromial bursal effusion/hypertrophy (P < 0.01). These structures were the determinants of the shoulder's disability measured by disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging had comparable high accuracy for identifying the biceps pathologies and rotator cuff tears. The basic clinical tests had modest accuracy in both disorders. The choice of which imaging test to perform should be based on the patient's clinical information (regarding lesion of glenoid labrum, joint capsule, muscle, and bone), cost, and imaging experience of the radiology department.