Search

Abstract The magnetic properties of Co(10 Å)/NiO(40 Å)/Fe trilayer epitaxially grown on W(110) substrate were investigated with use of x-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). We showed that magnetic anisotropy of Fe film that can be controlled by a thickness-driven spin reorientation transition is transferred via interfacial exchange coupling not only to NiO layer but further to ferromagnetic Co overlayer as well. Similarly, a temperature driven spin reorientation of Fe sublayer induces a reorientation of NiO spin orientation and simultaneous switching of the Co magnetization direction. Finally, by element specific XMCD and XMLD magnetic hysteresis loop measurements we proved that external magnetic field driven reorientation of Fe and Co magnetizations as well as NiO Néel vector are strictly correlated and magnetic anisotropy fields of Fe and Co sublayers are identical despite the different crystal structures.

Objectives:To investigate the presence and prevalence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) in patients with age-related macular degeneration using multiple imaging modalities and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these modalities in the detection of RPD.Materials and Methods:Images from a total of 198 consecutive patients were analyzed prospectively. Color fundus photography, red-free imaging, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), infrared and blue reflectance (BR) imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), enhanced-depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography were performed. RPD was diagnosed in the presence of relevant findings in at least two of the imaging methods used.Results:RPD were detected in 149 eyes (37.6%). In the detection of RPD, color fundus photography, red-free photography, SD-OCT, infrared, FAF, BR, and FFA imaging had sensitivity values of 50%, 57.7%, 91.6%, 95%, 74.6%, 65.7%, and 28.2% and specificity values of 99.6%, 100%, 98.4%, 94.6%, 100%, 99.6%, and 69.8%, respectively.Conclusion:Infrared imaging had the highest sensitivity. SD-OCT combined with infrared imaging was the most sensitive imaging technique for detecting RPD. The high specificity of FAF, red-free, and BR imaging may be useful to confirm a diagnosis of RPD.

We present a 65-year-old woman who developed sudden and severe vision loss in her left eye one day after the administration of the second dose of coronavirus disease-19 vaccine. The best corrected visual acuity in this eye was 1/10. Diffuse paracentral acute middle maculopathy was detected on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT angiography images revealed concurrent vascular flow defects consistent with acute macular neuroretinopathy in the deep retinal capillary plexus and choriocapillaris layers. At the end of the six-month follow-up, there was no improvement in visual acuity, and atrophy and thinning developed in all layers of the retina.

Abstract We report on the magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic NiO(001) thin films in epitaxially grown NiO/MgO(d MgO )/Cr/MgO(001) system for different thicknesses of MgO, d MgO . Results of X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism show that together with an increase of d MgO , rotation of NiO spins from in-plane towards out-of-plane direction occurs. Furthermore, we investigated how the proximity of Fe modifies the magnetic state of NiO in Fe/NiO/MgO(d MgO )/Cr/MgO(001). We proved the existence of a multidomain state in NiO as a result of competition between the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet exchange coupling and strain exerted on the NiO by the MgO buffer layer.

The aim of this case report is to present the multimodal imaging characteristics of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) in a pediatric patient with cystoid macular edema (CME). A 7-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic with complaints of mild blurred vision and poor night vision. Best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed atrophic areas around the optic nerve and along the retinal vessels in both eyes. A few small dot-shaped paravenous pigmentations were observed in the mid-peripheral retina. Fundus autofluorescence was consistent with PPRCA. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed the presence of CME and loss of the outer retinal layers outside the macula, with intact retinal layers in the macula. OCT angiography revealed normal choriocapillaris vasculature and flow. The patient was followed up for 6 months but showed no change in CME or clinical appearance. CME without ocular inflammation is an unusual finding of PPRCA and may suggest the involvement of chronic or latent inflammation in the etiology of PPRCA.

Objectives:To determine the prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in intravitreal (IV) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) cases.Materials and Methods:Eyes that were diagnosed as having active and treatment-naive nvAMD in the Ege University Ophthalmology Department, Retina Unit in 2011-2018, were non-responsive to IV anti-VEGF treatment, and for which indocyanine angiography (ICGA) could be obtained were included in the study. Active nvAMD was defined as the presence of fresh hemorrhage on clinical examination or findings of subretinal, intraretinal, or sub-retinal pigment epithelial fluid on spectral domain optical coherence tomography and accompanying fluorescein dye leakage in fluorescein angiography. Eyes that had activation findings despite at least 6 consecutive intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were defined as non-responders and underwent ICGA to assess for PCV. The diagnosis of PCV was based on the Everest II study criterion.Results:A total of 97 eyes of 88 patients were included in the study. Of 88 patients, 44 (50%) were female, 44 (50%) were male, and the mean age was 75.9±8.3 years (range: 59-93). The mean number of anti-VEGF injections until the time of ICGA was 7.3±2.2 (range: 6-15). PCV was detected in 62 eyes (63.9%) on ICGA.Conclusion:The prevalence of PCV is quite high among eyes with IV anti-VEGF treatment-resistant nvAMD in Turkey (63.9%). ICGA evaluation for PCV should be conducted for all nvAMD cases that are non-responsive to IV anti-VEGF treatment, both to shed light on the reason for resistance and to modify treatment as necessary.

Objectives:To evaluate functional and anatomical responses to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) treatment in newly diagnosed and untreated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) cases and to investigate the effect of baseline lesion characteristics on anatomical responses.Materials and Methods:This prospective, cross-sectional study included a series of 139 eyes of 133 patients that were diagnosed with active nvAMD and had not been treated. All eyes were subjected to complete ophthalmological examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, and 42 eyes also underwent indocyanine green angiography. IVA treatment was performed using a “treat and extend” regimen after 3 injections at 4-6 weeks intervals. Anatomical and functional responses at 4 weeks after the last injection were evaluated in eyes that completed 3 injections and the subgroup of eyes that completed 6 IVA injections. The effect of baseline lesion characteristics on IVA treatment results was also investigated.Results:All 139 eyes included in the study received 3 IVA injections (group 1) and 62 received 6 IVA injections. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (p

This case report of a 38-year-old man with bilateral Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) presents bilateral quiescent type 1 neovascularizations (NV) detected by optical coherence angiography (OCTA) and their multimodal imaging characteristics. It was emphasized that this kind of quiescent and asymptomatic NV may be present in nearly every stage of BVMD and it was concluded that OCTA is a noninvasive, easy, and rapid method that is superior to other imaging methods in detecting them.

Objectives:This study aimed to determine the incidence of poor response to intravitreal (IV) anti-VEGF treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) and to define subgroups of poor responders.Materials and Methods:A total of 235 treatment-naive eyes of 202 patients completed this prospective study. Patients younger than 50 years of age and those with a contraindication for anti-VEGF therapy were excluded. All eyes were treated with IV ranibizumab. Poor response was defined as recurrence, persistence, or worsening despite treatment. Poor responders were classified into subgroups based on progression patterns.Results:Of the 235 eyes, 78 (33.2%) showed poor response. Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were more common among poor responders (p

INTRODUCTION: Rectal cancers (RC) constitute one third of colorectal cancers. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment of locally advanced stage RC. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnairer (EORTC-QLQ C30) is a quality of life scale and that is highly valid and reliable all over the world. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is an anxiety scoring questionnaire is examined in two forms; STAI1 (statefulness) and STAI2 (continuity). The Beck Depression Inventory measures depression symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life, anxiety and depression of patients before and after radiotherapy (RT0) and after radiotherapy (RT1). METHODS: EORTC-QLQ C30, STAI1, STAI2 and Beck depression questionnaires were applied to 32 patients who applied to our clinic with the diagnosis of RC between November 2016-August 2019. RESULTS: Social function score, dyspnea which are compared at RT0 and RT1 times; was not statistically significant p> 0.05, borderline pain score was found to be significant p = 0.067 and the other quality of life scores were statistically significant p 0.05. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on these results, quality of life, anxiety and depression of the patients with RC should be closely controlled during RT.

In this case report we aimed to present the outer retinal structural changes secondary to vitreomacular traction (VMT). Outer retinal structural changes occurring secondary to VMT due to incomplete posterior vitreous detachment were described retrospectively with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in 3 eyes of 3 patients. The patients ranged in age from 58 to 65 years and best corrected visual acuity in the 3 eyes was 4/10, 8/10, and 9/10. All of the patients were symptomatic and exhibited outer retinal microholes at the fovea extending from the retinal pigment epithelium to outer limiting membrane, with an overlying operculum on the detached posterior hyaloid membrane over the macula following spontaneous resolution of VMT. In the mean follow-up period of 32 months, the outer retinal microholes decreased in size but did not completely resolve. As demonstrated in these cases, VMT can cause small outer retinal layer defects without signs of full-thickness macular hole. These lesions can cause symptoms and affect visual function, and may be permanent structural changes.

Objectives:To describe the lesion characteristics of nonexudative, quiescent, asymptomatic type 1 neovascularization (NV) on B-scan and en face spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in eyes with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Materials and Methods:In this retrospective, observational, consecutive case series, 27 patients who were already being followed and treated for exudative AMD in one eye were included in the study for their fellow eyes, which were initially nonexudative but developed exudative findings during follow-up. Initial B-scan and en face SD-OCT, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) images of these 27 eyes were examined retrospectively. The characteristic B-scan SD-OCT features of type 1 NV in this silent and asymptomatic stage were described.Results:The 27 eyes of 27 patients (13 males and 14 females; mean age 69.5±8.2 years) with nonexudative AMD had a mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.6±0.3 Snellen. Initial B-scan OCT images of all eyes (100%) showed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevations and irregularities caused by a moderately reflective material in the sub-RPE space without fluid accumulation in the intraretinal/subretinal or sub-RPE space. Twenty-four eyes (88.8%) showed sub-RPE hyperreflective lesions consistent with type 1 NV on en face OCT images. While none of the eyes showed signs of type 1 NV in FA, macular plaque was observed in 8 eyes (29.6%) in ICGA. The mean time to onset of exudative findings was 8.3±4.03 months.Conclusion:In eyes with nonexudative AMD, there may be quiescent and asymptomatic type 1 NV lesions which do not yet show exudative changes. This NV has characteristic features on B-scan SD-OCT and can also be detected with en face OCT. Detection and close monitoring of these quiescent and inactive type 1 NV lesions during the asymptomatic, pre-exudative period are important for early treatment.

Self-separation or peeling of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) in an eye with partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a rare event. A 56-year-old woman presented to our clinic with complaints of floaters in her right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 9/10 in this eye. Fundus examination and Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed an idiopathic ERM and grade 3 PVD in this eye. Four months later, she had complaints of metamorphopsia in her right eye. BCVA was 7/10, while SDOCT images of the right macula were similar to previous images. One week after the last visit, she presented again due to the sudden disappearance of her metamorphopsia complaints. BCVA had improved to 10/10. Fundus examination demonstrated that the ERM had spontaneously separated from the retinal surface as a flap floating in the vitreous and the foveal contour had returned to normal. The etiologic mechanism may be explained as the contracting forces within an immature ERM being stronger than its adhesion to the retina.

Neuroretinitis characterized by optic disc edema and star-like exudates in the macula was detected in a patient who presented with sudden unilateral painless vision loss and had a history of raw meat consumption. The patient tested seropositive for Toxocara. Combination therapy with steroid and albendazole resulted in an increase in visual acuity and complete resolution of clinical signs.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy is very well tolerated and can be highly effective in treating prostate cancer, when the appropriate modality is applied based on the stage of disease. Choice of therapy is ultimately based on stage and toxicity profile of the therapy. Given the overall good outcome for men undergoing surveillance, judicious use of treatment is warranted to minimize toxicity. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy in our clinic were included in the study. Blood biochemistry, liver transaminases total prostate specific antigens (TPSA), free prostate specific antigens (SPSA) were evaluated at the time of diagnosis and three months after radiotherapy. RESULTS: The difference between these measurements was statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: PSA value before radiotherapy PSA value after radiotherapy is the most independent predictive value independent of treatment response.

Objectives: To determine the qualitative and quantitative vitreoretinal interface characteristics with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in eyes with macular hole (MH) and investigate their relation with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and MH duration. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one eyes of 46 consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic MH were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 66.7±7.5 (51-79) years. Complete ophthalmologic examination and SD-OCT examination were performed in all eyes and MH stages were determined according to SD-OCT findings. Qualitative characteristics of the vitreoretinal interface were investigated, including vitreomacular traction, vitreopapillary traction, maculopapillary traction, vitreoschisis, intraretinal cyst, presence of epiretinal membrane, and the integrity of the photoreceptor inner segment-outer segment junction (IS/OS) and external limiting membrane (ELM). In addition, MH diameter, MH base diameter (MHBD), ELM defect diameter, IS/OS defect diameter, and MH height were quantitatively measured and the MH index was calculated. Results: Out of 61 eyes, 9.8% were classified as stage 1a, 19.7% as stage 1b, 18% as stage 2, 23% as stage 3, and 29.5% as stage 4. Mean BCVA was 0.28±0.24 (1 mps-1.0) Snellen and MH duration was 10.08±18.6 (1-108) months. The most common interface characteristics associated with MH were determined as intraretinal cyst (91.8%), IS/OS defect (78.7%) and ELM defect (63.9%). Duration and stage of MH were inversely proportional to BCVA but directly proportional to the presence and diameter of IS/OS and ELM defects. BCVA was significantly lower in eyes with IS/OS and ELM defects (p

Objectives: To present the multimodal imaging characteristics of precursor retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) lesions and follow-up results with eye-tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Methods: Six eyes of 6 patients aged 77.5±5.9 years diagnosed with precursor RAP lesion were included in this prospective observational case series. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement and complete ophthalmologic examination were performed for all subjects, as well as fundus photography (FP), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), SD-OCT, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and their long-term follow-up results are presented. Results: The mean BCVA was 0.8±0.16 (0.6-1) Snellen and the mean follow-up was 26.3±14.8 months. Images of the precursor RAP lesions demonstrated no specific findings on FP and FAF, showed focal hypofluorescent foci with no leakage on FA and IGA, and appeared as extrafoveal small, round, well-defined, hyperreflective foci typically located in the outer retinal layers on SD-OCT B-scans with high sampling density. OCTA demonstrated the precursor lesions as the deep capillary plexus abnormalities in 3 eyes. Two eyes progressed to stage 1 RAP during the follow-up period. Conclusion: This study defined the diagnostic characteristics and clinical course of precursor RAP lesions. Our findings highlight the importance of B-scans with high sampling density for the diagnosis of precursor lesions and using eye-tracking mode SD-OCT during follow-up.

Objectives: The aim was to quantify the direct medical cost of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) versus gained or preserved vision. Materials and Methods: Data of patients treated for neovascular AMD between January 2009 to January 2014 were reviewed. Patients with complete follow-up for two years, treated with only intravitreal ranibizumab injections and with no intraocular surgery were included. Demographics, diagnostic investigations, the number of visits and injections, changes in visual acuity (VA) at one year and two years from baseline were noted. Total cost was calculated for the first and second years, and the cost of improving or preserving initial vision level was determined with subgroup analysis. Results: Two-hundred eyes of 175 patients (86 male and 89 female) with a mean age of 72.3±7.8 years were included. Mean VA was 0.67 logMAR at baseline, 0.60 logMAR at the end of the first year, and 0.67 logMAR at the end of the second year. At the end of the 2 years, VA increased in 82 eyes (41%), remained the same in 42 eyes (21%), and decreased in 76 eyes (38%). The mean number of visits in the first and second years were 6.56 (3-12) and 5.74 (3-10), respectively. An average of 4.42 (1-8) injections were performed in the first year and 2.25 (0-7) in the second. The total direct medical cost for AMD was 9,628 TL (Turkish Lira) per patient for 2 years, which consisted of 529 TL in visit costs, 115 TL in fluorescein and indocyanine angiography costs, 611 TL in injection procedure costs, and 8,371 TL in drug costs. The cost of one line of VA gain was 11,911 TL in the first year. Conclusion: This study showed that treatment increased or stabilized vision in a reasonable proportion of patients, that cost of management decreases in the second year, and that drug expenses are the leading item in reimbursement.

We present the three-dimensional (3D) spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings of schisis-like maculopathy associated with structural changes of the optic nerve (ON) head as well as the treatment outcomes of a case of advanced glaucoma. In addition to ophthalmological examination, B-scan and 3D-SD-OCT images of the ON head, peripapillary retina, and the macula were obtained. The B-scan images only detected typical retinoschisis findings. However, the 3D-SD-OCT images of the ON head revealed defects of various sizes, shapes, and depths at the outer wall of the prelaminar and laminar regions of the ON canal. The 3D images were able to establish that these defects were both adjacent to and interconnected with the retinal layers. The patient successfully received 3D-SD-OCT-guided thermal laser treatment that is used in congenital optic disc pits complicated with macular schisis. In brief, 3D-SD-OCT is very useful for demonstrating the ON head defects that can lead to schisis-like maculopathy in cases of advanced glaucoma.

Objectives: To define characteristic fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings in eyes with active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five eyes of 29 patients with active PCV who were diagnosed at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Division between January 2012 and November 2014 were included in the study. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, FAF photography, and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). ICGA was used to diagnose active PCV and identify lesion components. FAF findings were described at the retinal site of the corresponding lesions identified and diagnosed using ICGA. Results: The mean age of the 29 study patients (15 men, 14 women) was 64.6±7.5 years (range, 54-82 years). ICGA revealed active PCV in 35 eyes, consisting of polypoid lesions in 11 eyes (31.4%), branching vascular networks (BVN) in 10 eyes (28.6%), and a combination of polypoid lesions and BVNs in 14 eyes (40%). On FAF images, 4 different patterns were detected at the corresponding retinal sites of 25 polypoid lesions detected by ICGA: confluent hypoautofluorescence with a hyperautofluorescent ring in 18 eyes (72%), hyperautofluorescence with hypoautofluorescent ring in 2 eyes (8%), confluent hypoautofluorescence in 1 eye (4%), and granular hypoautofluorescence in 1 eye (4%). The remaining 3 eyes (12%) demonstrated blocked hypoautofluorescence because of the excessive hemorrhaging in the macula. The FAF images showed the granular hypoautofluorescent FAF pattern in all 24 BVNs (100%) consistent with the location of the lesions on ICGA. Conclusion: The typical PCV lesions, polypoid lesions and BVNs had characteristic autofluorescent findings on FAF imaging. Non-invasive, quick, and repeatable FAF imaging can be considered a reliable and helpful diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of active PCV.

Objective: The aim of our study, is to determine the nephrotoxicity rates and risk factors for the development of nephrotoxicity by retrospective evaluation of patients who were given colistin therapy oncology hospital intensive care unit. Material and Method: Total of 33 adult patients were included in the study. Renal function tests and hemodialysis requirements were recorded. In addition, patients age, gender, concurrently used drugs with colistin therapy, duration of colistin therapy and total colistin doses were noted. RIFLE criteria (risk, injury, failure, loss, end-stage kidney disease) were used for evaluation of nephrotoxicity. Results: Nephrotoxicity was observed in 69,7% of patients (23 patients). According to RIFLE criteria nephrotoxicity rates were; risk 36,36%, injury 15,15% and failure 18,18%. In patients who developed nephrotoxicity, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen values were observed to rise significantly on the 5th day of colistin treatment (p≤0,05). In patients with malignancy, nephrotoxicity rate was 5.4 times higher than those without the diagnosis of malignancy. Concurrent use of diuretic, aminoglycoside, vancomycin and carbapenem did not increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: In our study, the rate of nephrotoxicity was higher than those in the literature. We found that underlying malignant tumor diagnosis increases the rate of nephrotoxicity.

Objective: Burnout is common in intensive care units (ICU) because of high demands and difficult working conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse nurses’ burnout in our oncology ICU and to determine which factors are associated with. Material and Method: The study was carried out in Ankara Oncology Hospital ICU. A self- reporting questionnaire in an envelope was used for the evaluation of burnout (Turkish- language version of Maslach Burnout Inventory) and depression (Beck Depression Scale). Results: From a total of 37 ICU nurses, 35 participated in the study (%94,5 response rate). High levels of emotional exhaustion in 82% and depersonalization in 51,4% of nurses was determined. Personal accomplishment was higher at 80%. Mild to moderate emotional state and mild anxiety was revealed. Years in profession,finding salary insufficient, finding the profession in its proper, choosing the profession of his own accord, work environment satisfaction and finding the social activity adequate were associated with burnout (p≤0.05). Conclusion: In our study, intensive care unit nurses’ burnout scores were found to be higher. Burnout was rare in nurses that choose the profession of his own accord, find the nursing profession in its proper, and social activity adequate and are satisfied with the work environment. Therefore, we believe that attention should be given to individual needs and preferences in the selection of ICU staff.

Objective: The aim of this study is to show that the Gini coefficient used in economics, particularly in exposing inequality in income levels can also be used in the field of health, especially for measuring inequality specific to any issue of concern. Based on life tables, this study uses the Gini coefficient in measuring the extent of inequality in years lived and shows the level of these inequalities in Turkey for the period 1990-2008.Material and Methods: Lorenz Curves were constructed by using data from life tables pertaining to years 1990, 2000, 2006 and 2008 as given by WHO database, Gini coefficients were calculated in measuring variability in length of life expectancies in general, for the male and female population and then used in examining reducing inequality over time. Results: Taking 1990 as the base year, life expectancy at birth has increased by 9.3 years by 2008 and inequality has decreased from 0.188 to 0.114 (by 39%) in the same period. Conclusion: In addition to the target of increasing life expectancy, the assessment of success in ensuring all individuals live up to average life expectancy should be conducted by using this measure of inequality.

Objective: Whole-body fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has proved effective in the diagnosis of recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) and in the monitoring of cancer therapy. However there have been limited studies considering the effect of FDG-PET in the initial evaluation of CRC. We analysed how FDG-PET affects the management of patients with CRC preoperatively.Material and Methods: A prospective study of 26 consecutive patients with known or suspected CRC was undertaken. The patients were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and FDG-PET. FDG-PET results were compared with those of CT and correlated with histopathologic findings or with clinical course. Results: FDG-PET had a sensitivity of 96% and positive predictive value of 100% for the diagnosis of primary cancer, while CT had values of 68% and 95%, respectively. FDG-PET was superior to CT in detecting additional metastatic disease with a sensitivity of 89%, while CT had 33%. FDG-PET resulted in altered management for 8 patients of whom three avoided inappropriate surgery.Conclusion: It is concluded that FDG-PET is highly sensitive for the diagnosis and staging of patients with CRC. Its use in conjunction with CT results in a more accurate selection of patients for surgical treatment with curative intent.

OBJECTIVE:The increasing use of mamography in breast screening programs has resulted in the detection of large numbers of nonpalpable malignant lesions. In this study, after histopathologic results from excisional biopsies following wire localization of nonpalpable breast lesions were compared with BI-RADS, age, and family history.METHODS: Between January 2003- April 2007, 276 patients with radiologically detected suspicious lesions were enroled in this study. Wire needle localization performed with mammographically or ultrasonographicly, if lesion detected with both mammographically and ultrasonographicly, the localization was performed with ultrasonographicly. All surgical excisions were done under general anaesthesia. According to histopathological results, BI-RADS, age, and family history in patients diagnosed with malignancy were assessed statisticaly.RESULTS: The average age of patients were 47,28 ± 10,81 (range 20-79) and 167 patients (60,6%) were < 50 age, 109 patients (39,4) were > 50 age. Localization of suspicious lesions were performed with ultrasonographicly in 188 (62,4%) patients and mammographically in 113 (37,6) patients. There is no positive fi ndings in family history in 238 (86%) patients while 38patients (14%) determined positive history. The lesions placed into BI-RADS category in 12 patients (3,9%) BI-RADS II, 133 patients (44,2%) BI-RADS III, 135 patients (44,9%) BI-RADS IV and 21 patients (7%) BI-RADS V respectively. Probability of cancer is found 3 times more when lesion placed in BI-RADS IV and 45 times more in BI-RADS V.CONCLUSION: The lesions in BI-RADS IV and V category should be done biopsy after wire needle localization. In BI-RADS III lesions should be asessed with risk factors belongs to patients and then if necessary biopsy should be done.

We report a case of neuroendocrine breast carcinoma in 63 years old women. She has presented with just about 1,5 cm palpable mass in her left breast. The mass was solid heterogeneous by ultrasound and micro calcifi cation detected by mammography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a malin nature and appearance. According to patient preference modifi ed radical mastectomy has been performed. More than 50 % of malignant cell was expressing neuroendocrine markers by immunohistochemical examination. Further evaluation could not demonstrate other primary tumor site and the tumor have been accepted as the primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast. The patient has received 1 mg anastrasole in a day as adjuvant hormonal therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is not used. Recurrence has not been detected at 26 months after surgery.

AIM: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimal invasive technique, which is an alternative for axillary dissection. In this prospective study we tried to evaluate accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in early stage breast cancer, using only isosulphane blue solution.MATERIAL and METHOD: 40 patients without axillary metastasis were included in our study. Age, diagnostic biopsies, preoperative stage, time and number of sentinel lymph node biopsies, histopathological evaluations, postoperative stage, early postoperative complications were evaluated.RESULTS: Mean detection time for sentinel lymph nodes was 15 (5-25) minutes by 38 patients. Mean number for detected nodes was 1 (1-4). We found mean 16 (9-30) nodes with axillary dissections. 19 patients had axillary metastasis. Only a single patient showed negative sentinel lymph node result. By 37 patients we have shown that sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable method. We could not detect any recurrences or metastasis.CONCLUSION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a reliable method in evaluation of axillary node status. Axillary dissections can be avoided through sentinel lymph nodes without metastasis.

OBJECTIVE:The incidence of bilateral breast cancer has shown the range from 2% to as high 11%. Breast cancer patients should follow up against the other side breast cancer risk.METHODS:Medical records of patients who were treated for breast cancer were reviewed during a 5 years period of March 2000 to April 2006. Data of patients found to have bilateral breast cancer (BBC) was analyzed focusing on the demographic information, family history, menstrual status, surgical therapy, staging and histopathological characteristics.RESULTS:Of patients 215 treated for breast cancer 19 (8, 8%) revealed metachronous BBC. The median age was 57, 7 (ranges, 36-77) years. For patients with metachronous breast carcinomas, the median interval between the fi rst and second diagnosis was 8 (ranges, 3-15) years. Six patients with metachronous of them (31,5%) were in postmenopousal, and 13 of them (68, 5%) in premenopousal status. One of metachronous patient revealed positive family history. For metachronous patients, 5, 4, 3, 4 and 3 having stages I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, and IV disease, respectively. The most common type of breast cancer recorded was invasive ductal carcinoma.CONCLUSION:The incidence of BBC reported in this series is similar to the published data. Patients should be evaluated the risk of BBC carefully at the time of diagnosis and during follow up.