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SummaryTo determine the fertilization and embryonic potential of immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes in patients with low oocyte maturity rate in whom the percentage of mature oocytes obtained was less than 75% of the total retrieved ones. In vivo matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes (MII-ICSI, n = 244), and in vitro matured MI oocytes (MI-MII-ICSI, n = 202) underwent an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. Maturation rate, fertilization rate and early embryonic development were compared in both groups. In total, 683 oocytes were collected from 117 ICSI cycles of 117 patients. Among them, 244 (35.7%) were mature MII and 259 (37.9%) were MI after the denudation process. Of those 259 MI oocytes, 202 (77.9%) progressed to MII oocytes after an incubation period of 18–24 h. The maturation rate was 77.9%. Fertilization rate was found to be significantly higher in the rescued in vitro matured MI oocyte group when compared with the in vivo matured MII oocyte group (41.6% vs 25.8%; P = 0.0006). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of cleavage rates on days 2 and 3 between the groups (P = 0.9126 and P = 0.5031, respectively). There may be unidentified in vivo factors on the oocyte maturation causing low developmental capacity in spite of high fertilization rates in the group of patients with low oocyte maturity rate. Furthermore, studies are needed to determine the appropriate culture characteristics as well as culture period and ICSI timing of these oocytes.

Azalmış over rezervi, in vitro fertilizasyon (IVF) tedavisi endikasyonlarından biridir. Bazal FSH seviyelerinin yüksek olması, düşük AMH düzeyi ve antral folikül sayısında azalma tüp bebek başarısını etkileyen olumsuz prognostik faktörler olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Biz bu çalışmada; 33 yaşında FSH değeri 42 IU/L olan ve düşük AMH değerine sahip, azalmış over rezervi nedeniyle IVF tedavisi uygulanan ve ilk siklusta gebe kalan ve gebeliği devam eden olguyu sunmayı amaçladık.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the number of oocytes retrieved and rate of mature oocytes on IVF outcomes in single fresh embryo transfer. Materials and Medhods: Two main groups were formed regarding number of oocytes retrieved and mature oocyte rate. According to the number of oocytes retrieved in 561 IVF cycles, 0-5 (n=175) oocytes were determined as group 1, 6-10 (n=214) oocytes as group 2, 11-15 (n=121) oocytes as group 3 and 16 or more oocytes as group 4 (n=51). Regarding mature oocyte (metaphase II, MII oocyte) rate, three groups were formed: group 1A (n=338) 76-100% mature oocytes, group 2A (n=150) 75-50% mature oocytes, and group 3A (n=73) less than 50% mature oocytes. Results: The number of oocytes retrieved was negatively correlated fertilization rate, whereas Β-hCG positivity and clinical pregnancy rates were observed to be better in the 6-10 oocytes group. The mean age, basal LH, and ovulation trigger day E2 levels, and fertilization rate were differed significantly between three groups of mature oocyte rate. Conclusion: In conclusion, MII oocyte rates in the cohort, regardless of the number of oocytes retrieved, did not affect IVF outcomes.

Spermatozoa kriyoprezervasyon teknolojisi, erkek fertilitesi için en çok kullanılan koruma protokolüdür. Erkek doğurganlığının yönetimi, kanser tedavisi, vazektomi veya cerrahi infertilite tedavilerinden önce donör spermlerini depolamak ve korumak için kullanılmaktadır. Epigenetik yeniden programlamanın embriyonik gelişimde hayati bir rol oynadığı bildirilmiştir ve birkaç çalışma, kusurlu epigenetik yeniden programlamanın anormal fetal büyüme, kanser ve diyabet gibi hastalıklar ile ilişkili olduğunu göstermiştir. Yapısal ve fizyolojik değişikliklerin yanı sıra, spermatozoadaki gen ve proteinlerin ekspresyonunun, mRNA stabilitesinin ve epigenetik içeriğin donma-çözme işleminden etkilenebileceği bildirilmektedir. Dondurulmuş-çözülmüş spermatozoadaki bu değişiklikler doğurganlık potansiyelini ve embriyo gelişimini etkileyebilmektedir. Kriyoprezervasyonda toksisite, epigenetik stabilite, mikrobiyal kontaminasyon gibi birden fazla güvenlik sorunu vardır. Bu sorunlardan epigenetik stabilite ve dondurulmuş spermatozoa ile doğan çocukların sağlığı üzerindeki kriyoprezervasyonun etkileri hakkında çok az bilgi vardır. Bu derlemede, kriyoprezervasyon sırasında spermlerdeki değişiklikler ve epigenetik modifikasyonları hakkındaki makaleler özetlenmiştir.

To determine the fertilization and embryonic potential of immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes in patients with low oocyte maturity rate in whom the percentage of mature oocytes obtained was less than 75% of the total retrieved ones. In vivo matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes (MII-ICSI, n = 244), and in vitro matured MI oocytes (MI-MII-ICSI, n = 202) underwent an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. Maturation rate, fertilization rate and early embryonic development were compared in both groups. In total, 683 oocytes were collected from 117 ICSI cycles of 117 patients. Among them, 244 (35.7%) were mature MII and 259 (37.9%) were MI after the denudation process. Of those 259 MI oocytes, 202 (77.9%) progressed to MII oocytes after an incubation period of 18-24 h. The maturation rate was 77.9%. Fertilization rate was found to be significantly higher in the rescued in vitro matured MI oocyte group when compared with the in vivo matured MII oocyte group (41.6% vs 25.8%; P = 0.0006). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of cleavage rates on days 2 and 3 between the groups (P = 0.9126 and P = 0.5031, respectively). There may be unidentified in vivo factors on the oocyte maturation causing low developmental capacity in spite of high fertilization rates in the group of patients with low oocyte maturity rate. Furthermore, studies are needed to determine the appropriate culture characteristics as well as culture period and ICSI timing of these oocytes.

Excessive alcohol consumption and alcoholism cause medical problems with high mortality and morbidity rates. In this study we aimed to decrease the alcohol related tissue damage by inhibiting calpain activation which plays an important role in apoptosis and necrosis, in rats with cardiomyopathy induced by acute alcohol consumption. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups (control, vehicle, alcohol and alcohol + inhibitor) with 10 rats in each. Control group received isocaloric maltose while vehicle group received isocaloric maltose with DMSO, and alcohol group received 8 g/kg absolute ethanol by gavage. Inhibitor group received 20 mg/kg calpain inhibitor 1 intraperitonally prior to alcohol administration. Calpain activities, cathepsin L levels and cytochrome c release rates were significantly increased in alcohol group compared to control group (p < 0.05). Serum CK MB and BNP levels of alcohol group were excessively increased compared to control group (respectively p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). Serum BNP levels of alcohol + inhibitor group were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared to alcohol group. In addition to these, histological evaluation of light microscope images and the results of DNA fragmentation and immunohistochemical caspase-3 activity results showed significant improvement of these parameters in alcohol + inhibitor group compared to alcohol group. Results of our biochemical and histological evaluation results revealed that the calpain inhibitor N-acetyl-leu-leu-norleucinal may have an ameliorating effect on acute alcohol consumption related cardiac tissue damage due to its effects on cell death pathways.

This study investigates the effects of culture grown fibroblasts on contraction and dermal regeneration when used concurrently with full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) in full-thickness wounds.Fourteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into two groups. In the first group, wound contraction was evaluated visually. Two full thickness tissue defects were produced on the back of the seven rats. The skin harvested from these areas was prepared as a full-thickness graft and sutured back to their original beds. Just before the last suture, autogenous fibroblast suspension was applied between the graft and the bed in area 1, and area 2 served as control. The surface area of grafts were calculated and compared with "Image J" program. In the second group, contraction and dermal regeneration were evaluated histologically. Three full-thickness tissue defects were produced on the back of seven rats. Area 1 and 2 were prepared as described above and area 3 was left to secondary healing. On the 14th and 30th days, punch biopsies were harvested from the center of the areas 1-3. Preparations were examined under light microscopy.Wound contraction was significantly less in area 1 on day 14 (p0.01). Histologically neovascularization, fibroblast density and collagen synthesis were more evident in cultured fibroblast applied areas on day 14. However epithelialization did not show any difference between areas both on days 14 and 30. On day 30, area 1 still a higher degree of fibroblast intensity than the other areas but neovascularization and collagen synthesis were not different than the other areas.According to the data obtained from the study, cultured fibroblasts, particularly with a dermal support, do not regress when transplanted to a living tissue. They contribute to the wound healing process; reduce the contraction of the wound; and support collagen synthesis and neovascularization.

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is usually described as a tumor localizing the soft tissues lower extremities and the paravertebral region. Paranasal primary Ewing's sarcomas are extremely rare entity. We present a case of primary Ewing's sarcoma of the paranasal sinus extending left orbit and middle cranial fossa in a 14-year-old male. CT and MRI findings of the rare case are discussed.

(2005). Coexistence of venous insufficiency and knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women and its effect on pain and function. The Pain Clinic: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 101-105.

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic value of the renal parenchymal density difference, detected using unenhanced helical computed tomography, as a secondary sign of acute obstruction due to a ureteral stone. Methods Fifty-five patients with acute flank pain, in whom a ureteral stone was detected on the symptomatic side using unenhanced helical computed tomography, and 22 control subjects with no urinary stone disease were included in this prospective study. Computed tomography was performed, starting from the upper poles of the kidneys down to the base of the urinary bladder. The renal parenchymal density was measured in the upper, middle, and lower portions of each kidney, and a mean value was calculated. The difference between the mean values of the two kidneys was used to predict the presence of an acutely obstructing ureteral stone. Results In 49 patients with a ureteral stone (89.1%), the difference between the parenchymal densities of the obstructed and nonobstructed kidneys was 5 Hounsfield units (HU) or greater and was lower on the obstructed side. In the remaining 6 patients (10.9%), the density difference was less than 5 HU but was still lower on the obstructed side. All subjects in the control group had a density difference of less than 5 HU. A renal parenchymal density difference of 5.0 HU or greater had 89.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 85.7% negative predictive value, and 93.4% accuracy in predicting the presence of an acute obstructing ureteral stone. Conclusions These data suggest that the renal parenchymal density difference may be a valuable secondary sign of acute obstructing ureteral stone disease.

Behçet's disease is a complex, multisystemic, inflammatory disorder characterized clinically by recurrent oral and genital ulcerations as well as uveitis, sometimes leading to blindness. The etiology and pathogenesis of this syndrome remain obscure. However, various factors are suspected, including genetic propensity, infectious precipitants, and immunological abnormalities. Considering the chronicity and unclear etiology of the disease, we conducted a prospective investigation of a possible alteration in the bone mineral density of affected persons. Thirty-five patients (18 males and 17 females, mean age 38.02+/-7.93 years) diagnosed with Behçet's disease and 33 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (14 males and 19 females, mean age 40.06+/-7.66 years) were seen on an outpatient basis, and bone densitometry measurements were done from June 2000 to December 2002 at the Mersin University Hospital in Turkey. Postmenopausal women with Behçet's disease and patients receiving oral corticosteroid therapy were excluded from the study. The mean disease duration was 6.68+/-7.05 years. Bone mineral density was measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and right femur. The mean Z scores of the patient and control groups were -0.50+/-1.06 and -0.13+/-0.92 at the lumbar spine, respectively, and 0.38+/-1.07 and 0.45+/-1.20 at the right femur, respectively. No significant differences in bone mineral density values were detected in the groups at either the lumbar (P = 0.15) or right femur (P = 0.82) site. Body mass index and disease duration did not influence bone mineral density, and age had a positive correlation with bone mineral density in patients with Behçet's disease. In conclusion, although it is difficult to draw definite conclusions due to the relatively small sample size, our study confirms that bone mineral density in Behçet's disease was not lower than in healthy subjects.

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare congenital anomaly, which is usually discovered incidentally during thyroid work up or during surgery especially in recent years. The imaging modalities are helpful not only in the diagnosis of this condition, but also in the demonstration of associated anomalies. In this study, two cases of thyroid hemiagenesis are reported with ultrasonography (US), computed tomography and scintigraphy findings.

WOS: 000170901100024 PubMed: 11547156 …

A 25-year-old woman who had hydatid cysts in her lung was referred to our clinic for the hydatid cyst in her cardiac localization. Multiple hydatid cysts of different cardiac localizations were diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography, confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, supported by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for echinococcosis. Surgical resection was performed for the right atrial cyst and pathology confirmed the diagnosis. Oral albendazole treatment was given postoperatively. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:204–207, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection, which generally occurs in the liver and lung. Localization of hydatid cyst in the thoracic aorta and false aneurysm formation are extremely rare in the endemic countries. We report a rare case of hydatid cyst invading the wall of thoracic aorta resulting in a false aneurysm, which was clearly demonstrated by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube (FTC) is extremely rare. We report a case of serous adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube. A 60-year-old, nulliparous and post-menopausal woman had a complaint of serohaemorrhagical vaginal discharge. Laboratory results, including serum CA-125, were normal. Transvaginal ultrasonography (US) revealed a tubular cystic lesion with multiple echogenic mural nodules in the right adnexal region. On computed tomography (CT), a well-delineated, tubular, hypodense lesion with thickened wall, mural nodular densities and septations was detected. Fallopian tube tumour was suspected radiologically and was proved operatively and histopathologically. The clinical and radiological clues that were of help in the diagnosis were discussed.

This study was performed to evaluate the possible involvement of the proximal tibiofibular joint in primary osteoarthritis of the knee. A total of 40 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee who had magnetic resonance imaging scans were reexamined for proximal tibiofibular joint involvement. The patient was questioned if pain was present in the proximal tibiofibular joint while at rest, when walking and climbing stairs. Symptoms were evaluated by applying moderate compression over the proximal tibiofibular joint during active ankle and knee motions. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were reexamined by two radiologists. Three of the 40 patients had minimal or moderate pain in the proximal tibiofibular joint during stair-climbing and on clinical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of these three patients revealed osteophyte or subchondral cyst formation, or both. Degenerative changes in the proximal tibiofibular joint may be evident in association with osteoarthritis of the knee and may result in lateral-sided pain at the knee.

Arachnoid granulations show typical imaging features that allow their distinction from dural sinus thrombosis and intrasinus tumor. These features include a mid-lateral transverse sinus location, focality, common adjacent entering superficial veins, origin of attachment, low density on computed tomography (CT), isointensity-hypointensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI. We report the CT and MRI findings of incidentally detected bilateral arachnoid granulations in the transverse sinuses of a patient with ocular melanoma.

WOS: 000313764200043, The aim of the present study was to determine whether the treatment of obstructed rat bladders with alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and silymarin reverses the biochemical and physiological responses to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). A total of 32 adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham (placebo surgery) animals with no treatment (group 1); control animals with surgically induced BOO (group 2); obstructed rats treated with ALA (group 3); and obstructed rats treated with silymarin (group 4). Histological evaluation, bladder weights, collagen structure, TdT-mediated biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL), inducible nitric oxide sentase (iNOS) mRNA levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels were investigated. The ALA-treated group had similar bladder weights, collagen levels and TUNEL positivity and decreased iNOS levels compared with the control group, while the silymarin group exhibited further differences. Serum MDA and TNF-alpha levels were both decreased in the ALA and silymarin groups. ALA treatment reduced the increased oxidative stress and bladder inflammation caused by BOO and may contribute to the protection of bladder function., Osmangazi University, This study was funded by the Scientific Research Projects section of Osmangazi University.

Osteopoikilosis is an uncommon, benign sclerosing bone dysplasia characterised by typical roentgenographic findings and usually seen in patients with dermatological problems. We report a case of osteopoikilosis and discoid lupus erythematosus presenting with skin and mucosal involvement, an association that has never previously been reported. We also discuss the differential diagnosis and the clinical pathologies accompanying osteopoikilosis in the literature.

PubMedID: 10505838 [No abstract available]

Coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon is characterized by delayed opacification of coronary vessels in a normal coronary angiogram. Although clinical and pathological features have been previously described, the underlying pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to determine and compare the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values of SCF patients and healthy subjects, and to correlate patients' values with intimal thickness and TIMI frame counts of their coronary arteries (assessed by intravascular ultrasound).The study population consisted of 50 patients with SCF [38(76%) male, aged 53+/-7 years] and 40 normal subjects [22(55%) male, aged 51+/-8 years]. CIMT values, intravascular ultrasonographies and TIMI frame counts of the patients, and CIMT of the controls were investigated.Upon intravascular ultrasonography investigation, the common finding was longitudinally extended massive calcification throughout the epicardial coronary arteries in 44 (88%) of patients. Mean coronary intimal thickness was 0.52+/-0.1mm. CIMT was significantly increased in SCF patients than controls (0.84+/-0.14 vs. 0.66+/-0.13, p0.0001). Besides, CIMT was significantly correlated with coronary intima-media thickness. TIMI frame counts were positively correlated with CIMT and coronary intimal thickness (p0.05 and p0.05 respectively).These results support the theory that SCF is the result of coronary atherosclerosis which is the part of systemic involvement.

Carcinoid tumours of the common bile duct are extremely rare lesions. In this article we report a case with an extrahepatic bile duct carcinoid tumour. A 40-year-old woman suffered from biliary colic and jaundice. Pre-operative computed tomography demonstrated a tumour in the biliary tract. At laparotomy there was a tumour invading the common bile duct. Common bile duct resection was performed. Carcinoid tumour of the common bile duct was diagnosed histopathologically. For extrahepatic bile duct carcinoid tumours surgical resection is the only treatment modality that offers a chance to provide a cure and prolonged disease-free survival. The favourable histopathological and biological features of these tumours encouraged the surgeons to use more aggressive approaches for advanced disease.

The purpose of our study was to describe the pulmonary parenchymal changes of Behçet's disease using high-resolution computed tomography and to correlate them with pulmonary function tests.Thirty-four patients with Behçet's disease (18 men, 16 women), 3 of whom were symptomatic, were included as the study group. Four of 34 patients were smokers. Twenty asymptomatic volunteers (12 men, 8 women), 4 of whom were smokers, constituted the control group. The pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography were performed for both groups.Inspiratory high-resolution computed tomography findings were abnormal in nine patients (26.5%) of the study group. In eight patients, there were multiple abnormalities, whereas one patient had only one abnormality. Pleural thickening and irregularities, major fissure thickening, emphysematous changes, bronchiectasis, parenchymal bands, and irregular densities, and parenchymal nodules were the encountered abnormalities. Inspiratory high-resolution computed tomography scans were normal in the control group. On expiratory scans, there was statistically significant difference between study group and control group when air trapping, especially grades 3 and 4, was compared (P0.01). Pulmonary function tests of both the study and the control groups were in normal ranges, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups according to pulmonary function tests (P0.05).High-resolution computed tomography is sensitive in the demonstration of pulmonary changes in patients with Behçet's disease. End-expiratory high-resolution computed tomography examination is very useful and necessary to show the presence of air trapping, thus the presence of small airway disease, even if the patient is asymptomatic or has normal pulmonary function tests.

The aim of this study was to present a case of disruption of the blood-brain barrier during the coronary and lower extremity angiographies with radiological and clinical findings. This condition was secondary to intraarterial use of a nonionic, monomeric contrast medium. A total of 450 cc contrast media was used. Computed tomography examination showed contrast enhancement of the right occipital and frontoparietal cortical regions, which returned to normal one day after. The patient also fully recovered from the neurological symptoms within 24 h. We discussed the possible mechanism for blood-brain barrier disruption in this case.

Intravascular foreign bodies may be introduced into the circulation as a complication of minimally invasive or interventional techniques, or during cardiac valve surgery. Prosthetic heart valve leaflets have been rarely described as intravascular foreign bodies. Herein we report a case of prosthetic heart valve leaflet embolization to the aortic bifurcation with computed tomography and ultrasonography findings, and the importance of radiographic imaging in the localization of missing leaflet fragment is pointed out.

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic value of sonohysterography in the evaluation of submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps. Methods: Thirty-two women whose preliminary transvaginal ultrasound suggested endometrial abnormality underwent sonohysterography. The findings were then compared with histopathological results. Results: The sonohysterographic diagnosis was fibroid in seven patients, endometrial polyp in 23 patients and simple hyperplasia in two patients. Histopathological findings confirmed our diagnosis in all except three patients with endometrial polyps, who had normal secretory endometrium. Sonohysterography was found to have a sensitivity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 90% and diagnostic accuracy of 90.6%. Conclusion: Sonohysterography is a useful, minimally invasive and accurate technique to evaluate the pathologies involving endometrium and uterine cavity.

The open-mouth and closed-mouth nasopharyngeal airway radiographs of 53 children, whose symptomatology score was concordant with nasopharyngeal airway obstruction that may be due to adenoidal enlargement, were taken and, for each radiograph, nasopharyngeal airway/soft palate (NA/SP) ratio was measured and graded using the method of Cohen and Konak. According to the statistical analysis, since closed-mouth views correlated better with the symptomatology score than the open-mouth views, if a radiological measurement is needed to evaluate the nasopharyngeal airway obstruction, closed-mouth views can be chosen.

In this retrospective study, the computed tomography (CT) archives of paranasal sinus examinations were reviewed and three cases of antroliths are presented. The archivesof paranasal sinus CT studies of 1957 patients (1023 females, 934 males, mean age 36.5 years) were surveyed. CT studies were performed using 3 mm collimation and interval in the coronal, axial or both coronal and axial planes.Three out of 1957 patients demonstrated antroliths, all in the left maxillary sinus. Associated sinusitis was detected in all three patients. Only one patient was operated. The chemical analysis of the antrolith revealed it to be a calcium oxalate stone. All the relevant literatureis reviewed and only 25 other cases of true antrolithiasis were encountered. The clinical and radiological features of antroliths,as well as differential diagnosis were discussed.Antrolithiasis should be considered in any case of sinusitis, that does not respond to appropriate medical therapy.

The reliabilities of the delayed images of helical computed tomography (CT) in detecting renal mass lesions of 30 mm or less in diameter was compared. Nephrographic, excretory and nephrographic+excretory phase images of all patients were evaluated separately to detect mass lesions of ≤5 and 5–30 mm. There was not any statistically significant difference in the results of three groups. Nephrographic, excretory and nephrographic+excretory phase images are not different from or superior to each other in lesion detection.

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an increasingly important cause of end-stage kidney disease, and may cause hypertension, progressive renal failure, and recurrent pulmonary edema. Herein, we report two episodes of anuria and acute pulmonary edema associated with losartan treatment in a hypertensive patient with preexisting severe renal artery stenosis in a solitary kidney. After successful percutaneous renal balloon angioplasty procedure, urine flow was started immediately, despite 10 days of anuria. Blood pressure measurements were still at acceptable levels with a low dose Beta blocker, and serum creatinine levels were normal even after eight months. PTRA should be done in such patients, even with prolonged anuria. Physicians who recommend angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with RAS, especially in patients wih hypovolemia or a solitary kidney, should be careful about this complication.

Heterotopic pregnancy in a spontaneous cycle is a rare entity with an estimated frequency below one per 30,000 pregnancies. Its incidence evidently has increased in accordance with the widespread use of in vitro fertilization and ovulation induction. We report a case of heterotopic pregnancy in a 40-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain. We also present findings from transvaginal ultrasound imaging.

Respiratory amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs in three forms: tracheobronchial, nodular parenchymal and diffuse parenchymal involment. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is characterized by focal or diffuse deposition of amyloid in the submucosa of the trachea and proximal bronchi. Herein, we report a case of diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis with plain radiography and thorax computed tomography findings.

Secondary middle turbinate (SMT), a rare variation of the nasal cavity, is a bony projection covered by soft tissue that arises from the lateral nasal wall. It is almost always bilateral and usually projects superomedially without any ostiomeatal unit obstruction. Herein, we report a case of bilateral inferomedially projecting secondary middle turbinates, one of which is pneumatised and hypertrophied, resembling a large ethmoid bulla extending into the middle meatus. The recognition of this variation is important since it may predispose to inflammatory sinus disease, by narrowing the ostiomeatal unit.

Pneumocephalus can be secondary to a postintrathecal procedure, sinus fracture, basilar skull fracture, congenital skull defect, neoplasm, gas producing organism, barotrauma, neurosurgery, paranasal sinus surgery, mask or nasal continuous positive-airway pressure. Unusual facial traumas can also be rare causes of pneumocephalus. Here, we present such a case in whom an air compressor tip injury to both eyes led to the disseminated pneumocephalus. We report this rare case with the computed tomography findings and try to explain the possible mechanism of the pnemocephalus.

Although cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system, spinal cysticercosis is rare. A rare form of spinal cysticercosis involving the whole spinal canal is presented. A 45-year-old Korean male had a history of intracranial cysticercosis and showed progressive paraparesis. Spinal magnetic resonance scan showed multiple cysts compressing the spinal cord from C1 to L1. Three different levels (C1-2, T1-3, and T11-L1) required operation. Histopathological examination confirmed cysticercosis. The patient improved markedly after surgery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a popular method for managing symptomatic gallstone disease. Decreased morbidity and mortality rates make this procedure an attractive alternative to conventional cholecystectomy. However, unusual complications still occur. We report a case of pancreatic injury that occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The case was complicated with posttraumatic pancreatic inflammation and bowel necrosis.