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Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by noncaseating granuloma development. Scar sarcoidosis is a rare cutaneous form of sarcoidosis developing on previous cutaneous scar areas. The lesions may be solitary or occur along with systemic disease. We present the case of a female patient that developed cutaneous sarcoidosis in an old scar area on the forehead that was acquired 30 years ago due to injuries from a fall. Histopathological examinations of the excisional scar biopsy revealed non-necrotizing, noncaseating granulomatous inflammatory structures comprised of epithelioid cells and Langhans giant cells with lymphocytic infiltration within the reticular dermis consistent with sarcoidosis. High-resolution CT revealed bilateral mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Patients with inflammatory skin lesions at the sites of preexisting scars should be investigated for sarcoidosis. Histopathological examination of skin biopsy specimens usually provides the correct and final diagnosis.

Aim: We aimed to determine the rate of primary immune deficiency (PID) among children presenting to our immunology outpatient clinic with a history of frequent infections and with warning signs of primary immune deficiency., Material and Methods: The files of 232 children aged between 1 and 18 years with warning signs of primary immune deficiency who were referred to our pediatric immunology outpatient clinic with a complaint of frequent infections were selected and evaluated retrospectively., Results: Thirty-six percent of the subjects were female (n=84) and 64% were male (n=148). PID was found in 72.4% (n=164). The most common diagnosis was selective IgA deficiency (26.3%, n=61). The most common diseases other than primary immune deficiency included reactive airway disease and/or atopy (34.4%, n=22), adenoid vegetation (12.3%, n=8), chronic disease (6.3%, n=4) and periodic fever, aphtous stomatitis and adenopathy (4.6%, n=3). The majortiy of the subjects (90.5%, n=210) presented with a complaint of recurrent upper respiratory tract infection. PID was found in all subjects who had bronchiectasis. The rates of the diagnoses of variable immune deficiency and Bruton agammaglubulinemia (XLA) were found to be significantly higher in the subjects who had lower respiratory tract infection, who were hospitalized because of infection and who had a history of severe infection compared to the subjects who did not have these properties (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Growth and developmental failure was found with a significantly higher rate in the patients who had a diagnosis of severe combined immune deficiency or hyper IgM compared to the other subjects (p<0.01). No difference was found in the rates of PID between the age groups, but the diagnosis of XLA increased as the age of presentation increased and this was considered an indicator which showed that patients with XLA were being diagnosed in a late period., Conclusions: It was found that the rate of diagnosis was considerably high (72.4%), when the subjects who had frequent infections were selected by the warning signs of PID.

Ankylosis of temporomandibular joint is a condition in which partial or complete immobilization of mandible occurs because of fusion between mandibular condyle and skull base. This condition can be treated orthodontically, surgically, or therapeutically or by prosthodontic rehabilitation. A 10-year-old female patient presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, with limited mouth opening. She got injury in the face when she was 5 years old. Extraoral and intraoral examination findings were facial asymmetry on the left side, micrognathic mandible, and 19-mm mouth opening. After radiographic examination, ankylosis (Shawney type I) on the left side was revealed, and the patient was referred to Department of Orthodontics. After orthodontic clinical examination, we create following multidisciplinary treatment approach: (1) acrylic posterior bite block with spring application, (2) interpositional arthroplasty operation, and (3) physiotherapy (passive mouth-opening exercises). After the follow-up of 9 months, significant improvement (5 mm) was noticed in the opening of the mouth, and we decided to remove appliance and operate on the patient. Surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia via blinded nasotracheal intubation. To prevent postoperative relapse, temporal fascia was interpositioned and sutured. Passive mouth-opening exercises were started 10 days after the surgery. Thirty-one-millimeter mouth opening was reached after the surgery and passive mouth-opening exercises. Patient's routine controls have been continued for 2 years.

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare clinical condition that results from distension of the appendix lumen with mucus. It is only found in 0.1-0.3% of all appendectomy specimens. Twenty-five per cent of these cases are asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered either during surgery or upon radiological examination. The treatment of appendiceal mucocele is surgical, and while appendectomy is usually sufficient in some cases right hemicolectomy may be considered as a treatment option. Mucoceles are histologically subdivided into four types: retention cysts, mucosal hyperplasia, cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas. Herein, we present a case of appendiceal mucocele clinically mimicking urolithiasis in a 62-year-old female patient with a complaint of colicky right flank pain and a single episode of macroscopic hematuria. The patient's abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal CT scan showed a mass consistent with mucocele in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Colonoscopy gave the impression of a mass lesion exerting pressure from the outside. The patient was electively operated. Histopathological diagnosis was reported as mucinous cystadenoma. Appendiceal mucocele or mucinous cystadenomas are usually seen in patients undergoing surgery with a diagnosis of appendicitis but, as in our case, these lesions may rarely occur with a clinical picture that mimics urological disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multi-system disease presenting with recurrent oral and genital ulceration, and relapsing uveitis. Heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise is a marker of parasympathetic activity. A delayed recovery of systolic blood pressure (SBP) after exercise might reflect sympathetic hyperactivity. The analysis of variations in heart rate has also been used to determine the balance between sympathetic and vagal nerve activities in the heart. Our objective was to determine HRR, the SBP response to exercise and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with BD in the absence of neurological involvement. The study population consisted of 32 patients with BD and 30 healthy controls who were matched with respect to age, sex, and physical activity. Heart rate recovery was calculated as the difference between heart rate at peak exercise and heart rate at 1, 2, and 3 min of recovery. Blood pressure recovery indexes were determined by dividing the systolic blood pressure at 2 and 3 min in recovery to the systolic blood pressure at peak exercise. In patients with BD, mean HRR at 1 min (HRR1) were not significantly different than that of controls (21 ± 7 vs 20 ± 7 bpm, p = 0.50). Although, resting mean SBP of patients with BD was higher than controls (121 ± 13 vs 115 ± 12 mmHg, p = 0.039), the SBP recovery indices of the patients with BD at 2 and 3 min were similar to those of controls (0.84 ± 0.07 vs 0.84 ± 0.09, p = 0.89 and 0.78 ± 0.09 vs 0.78 ± 0.08, p = 0.93, respectively). Both time domain and frequency domain parameters of patients with BD were similar to that of controls. This study shows that the patients with BD have normal HRR1 and normal SBP response to exercise and normal HRV. These findings might suggest unaltered autonomic neural control of the cardiovascular system in this disorder in the absence of neurological involvement.

Laparoscopic splenectomy became the gold standard recently for the removal of spleen. One of its rare indication is wandering spleen (WS). WS is characterized by incomplete fixation of the spleen. Patients usually have an asymptomatic abdominal mass. When they are symptomatic, abdominal pain with a mobile mass is the major finding. Laboratory data are nonspecific, but the diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging studies; computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography are preferred modalities. It can predispose one to life-threatening complications such as splenic infarction, portal hypertension, pancretitis, and hemorrhage, due to torsion of its vascular pedicle. Herein, we present a female patient, a 24-year-old, 18-week primigravida. She was admitted with an intra-abdominal mass and lower abdominal pain. Ultrasonography revealed a mass behind the uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging was planned, and the spleen was seen at this area. We performed laparoscopic splenectomy for the treatment of a WS, which would be dangerous for pregnancy. The patient was discharged without any postoperative complication on the third day postoperatively. A healthy baby was delivered at term. Minimally invasive procedures should also be the primary choice in the treatment of such pregnant women. This is the first case of laparoscopic splenectomy in a pregnant woman for WS in the English literature.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) is a nonexcisional surgical technique for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease, consisting of the ligation of the distal branches of the superior rectal artery, resulting in a reduction of blood flow and decongestion of hemorrhoidal plexus resulting in fibrosis. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of DGHAL, define its indications, and identify its possible advantages and limitations for the treatment of second- and third-degree hemorrhoids. The procedure was performed using a specially designed proctoscope. The Doppler probe was used to locate all the terminal branches of hemorrhoidal arteries, which were then sutured. Patients were followed up for 2 years. From November 2006 to May 2009, 50 patients (29 female, mean age 38.2 years) underwent this procedure. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia. An average of five ligatures was placed. Average length of hospital stay was 2 hours and return to work was 2.5 days. The mean postoperative pain score was 1.72. There were no intra- or immediate postoperative major complications. In 44 patients (88%), surgery resolved the symptoms completely in a 2-year follow-up period. DGHAL is a safe and effective procedure. DGHAL can be the choice for second- and third-degree hemorrhoids with minimal postoperative pain and quick recovery.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the sedative effects of midazolam and dexmedetomidine and their effects on hemodynamics and the cardiovascular system under epidural anesthesia., Methods: This study included 50 patients. Approval of the ethics committee and written consent from patients were obtained. The patients were separated into two groups to receive dexmedetomidine (D group) or midazolam (M group). Perifix no. 18 was placed in the epidural space from the L(3-4) interspace. After lidocaine 60 mg/3 ml was applied, isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% was given as 1 ml per segment. After block reached the T10 level, midazolam was given to the M group as a bolus of 0.015 mg kg(-1) in 10 minutes until beginning the operation, followed by continuous infusion as 0.1-0.2 mg kg(-1)h(-1) dosage. Dexmedetomidine 1 mcq kg(-1) was given to the D group as a bolus dosage in 10 minutes until beginning the operation, followed by continuous infusion as 0.4-0.7 mcq kg(-1) h(-1) dosage. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), SpO(2), Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS), bispectral index (BIS), and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded. Sedative infusion was stopped when skin suture was closed. Adverse effects were also recorded., Results: In group D, MAP was significantly higher and HR was significantly lower than in group M (p<0.05)., Conclusion: We concluded that both drugs provided good sedation with no respiratory depression, stable hemodynamics and alertness with good cooperation. However, we consider midazolam as the first option due to its cost benefit.

Although airbags reduce the overall risk of injury and death from motor vehicle accidents, the airbag may cause injuries during deployment. We present a case of apparently isolated sternal fracture caused by airbag deployment during a motor vehicle crash and we discuss the ultrasonographic diagnosis. We also examine the mechanism of injury caused by the airbag.

The nature of a tube thoracostomy -a blind maneuver- renders it subject to complications. Nevertheless, it is very uncommon to create a diaphragmatic hernia with this procedure. Herein, we present the occurrence of this complication after six months under emergency conditions that was treated by thoracotomy.

Aim: Head trauma is associated with an acute phase response which is characterized by leucocytosis due to increased levels of catecholamine and cortisol. Early edema formation following severe head injury may also be associated with microglia activation. Therefore, increased white blood cell (WBC) count after head trauma may be a predictive parameter of the severity of craniocerebral trauma., Material and Methods: We retrospectively studied 59 patients with severe, moderate and minor injury between February 2007 and March 2009. WBC counts of all patients were obtained within the first day of their admission. All patients were divided into separate groups according to their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and hospital stay durations. Their CT progressions and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were also assessed. The relationship between these parameters and WBC counts were evaluated by statistical methods., Results: There was a favorable correlation between WBC counts of the patients and GCS scores (pI0.01), hospital stay (p=0.006), CT progression (p < 0.01) and GOS scores (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: AWBC count exceeding 17.5 x 106/l has a predictive value for poor GCS score, and long hospital stay. CT progression tends to be seen in patients with moderate and severe head injury.

Surgical treatment is extremely difficult with the combined defects of skin, cartilage, and nasal mucosa. Besides efforts geared toward ascertaining the best aesthetic outcome, an important concern is restoring normal nasal function. This can be achieved only by providing sufficiently and anatomically adapted cartilage and bone support, followed by covering the inner part using tissue closely resembling mucosa and the outer part using skin compatible with the surrounding skin. The surgical technique for three-dimensional nasal reconstruction in the first session of this study involved placing a silicon sheet between the skin and galea, which allowed two separate flaps to be obtained for the next session without vascular damage. For the epithelialization of the defect on the nasal surface, the lower surface of the galea was prefabricated with a thin skin graft obtained from the thigh. In this way, nasal mucosa cover was ensured. The expander placed under all these structures thinned them down to a thickness close to that of nasal skin and mucosa and also enabled primary closure of the donor area. Thus, the defect that emerged during the second session in cartilage framework was repaired by cartilage grafts taken from the nasal septum. The mucosal surface and skin part then could be closed with two separate flaps. The forehead flap used in this technique enabled production of an aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcome by providing an anatomically sufficient amount of nasal skin and nasal mucosa for whole-layer wide nasal defects in only three sessions without necessitating an additional flap.

Teratomas, the most common extragonadal germ cell tumor of childhood, involve at least two of the ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal layers. Of the teratomas seen in the first 2 months of life, 82% are sacrococcygeal. The head and neck region is the second most common location for teratomas in early infancy, accounting for five (14%) of those cases. We describe a female neonate with a teratoma of the nasopharyngeal area, bilateral cleft palate/lip, and columellar sinus pathologies. The mass, which was 8 x 5 x 7 cm and soft in consistency, blocked the airway and prevented oral feeding. On macroscopic examination of the excised mass, there was a notable typical cilia arrangement and lower eyelid appearance. The patient, who was diagnosed with a well-differentiated teratoma after the pathologic examination, did not have any complications in the postoperative period.

Warfarin sodium is a commonly used oral anticoagulant agent. It has been well documented that, when effective anticoagulant therapy is employed in treating thromboembolic disease, hemorrhage is a possible complication that can be spontaneous without a history of trauma. The numerous sites of bleeding are the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, the central nervous system, the nose (epistaxis), the penis (priapism), the retroperitoneum, wounds (surgical or traumatic), and subcutaneous tissues during warfarin therapy, but the hemorrhage rarely causes bleeding compromising a patient's airway. We report a case of a spontaneous lingual hematoma that developed during oral anticoagulation therapy. This life-threatening complication of warfarin therapy and its successful management without surgery indicates that observation, close monitoring and reversal of anticoagulation can be a reasonable management option.

Transverse myelitis is a group of disorders characterized by focal inflammation of the spinal cord and results in loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Occurrence of this condition during or following varicella infection is uncommon. This report describes two cases of transverse myelitis caused by varicella zoster.

Intrathoracic ectopic goiters are rare. To our knowledge, only two reports of thyroid tissue on the aorta have been reported in the English literature. A 42-year-old woman was found to have a right paracardiac mass. Sternotomy revealed a firm and encapsulated tumor attached to the anterolateral surface of the ascending aorta and a defect in the right superior part of the pericardium. The mass was completely excised and histopathologic examination confirmed a multinodular goiter. We discuss the features of this rare tumor.

The aim of this study was to evaluate spinal accessory nerve function after functional neck dissection (FND) and radical neck dissection (RND) by monitoring the nerve with electromyographic (EMG) examinations. A prospective, double-blind, clinical study was undertaken in 21 patients (42 neck side dissections) operated on for head and neck malignant diseases, separated into two groups: 10 neck sides in the RND group and 32 neck sides in the FND group. Electromyographic examinations were performed pre-operatively and post-operatively in the third week and third and ninth months. Additionally, a questionnaire, modified from the neck dissection impairment index, was applied to all the patients in order to assess shoulder function in the ninth post-operative month. All patients had maximum EMG scores pre-operatively. Following the operation, motor amplitudes decreased in both groups. At the third post-operative month, amplitudes decreased to their lowest values. As expected, the decreases in amplitude and EMG score were more prominent in the RND group. Following reinnervation, the amplitudes of the trapezius motor response increased in the FND group but never reached pre-operative values (during the time of follow up). The FND group scores for pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, and disability in heavy object lifting, light object lifting and reaching overhead were significantly lower than those of the RND group. In FND, one aims to preserve anatomically the spinal accessory nerve, and it is presumed to be intact after the procedure. However, using EMG nerve function monitoring, our study revealed that profound spinal nerve injury was detected immediately after FND surgery, which tended to improve over subsequent months but had not regained its original function by the end of the ninth post-operative month.

Background and Aim: There are few reports about injury to forearm nerves and its potential mechanisms during radial artery (RA) harvesting. We studied electrophysiologic changes in these nerves not sought until now., Methods: Among 152 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery between February 2002 and August 2002, 20 were randomized for RA harvesting and formed the study group and 20 were randomized as control group. Neurologic examination and electrophysiologic studies were performed for sensory and motor impairment of the nerves in both groups pre- and postoperatively., Results: There was no change on neurologic examinations before and after surgery. Electromyography (EMG) revealed significant reduction in sensory and motor conduction amplitudes of median, ulnar, and radial nerves and motor conduction velocities of median and ulnar nerves at the level of forearm in the study group. In the control group, ulnar nerve was mostly affected. When two groups are compared, sensory and motor amplitude drops of median and radial nerves and motor velocity impairment of median nerve in the study group are significant. Ulnar nerve impairments are identical in both groups., Conclusions: Handling of tissues, minor hematoma or edema along with chest retraction best explains these impairments. Patients were asymptomatic after surgery showing that EMG is highly sensitive and is not predictive of clinical impairment.

We used three-dimensional finite element analysis to compare the biomechanical stability of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies fixed by lag screws with linear and triangular configuration, and double or single six-hole miniplates with monocortical screws after set-back operation. The three-dimensional finite element model contained 122,717 elements and 25,048 nodes. Posterior occlusal loads were simulated on the distal segments. MSC Marc software was used to calculate the stress fields on both the segments and the fixing appliances. We conclude that either triangular lag screw configuration or double miniplates led to better stability and lower mechanical stresses near the osteotomy than the linear lag screws or single oblique miniplates.

We report a case of an 18-year-old female, who was diagnosed as having systemic Behcet's disease with chief complaints of vision loss in the right eye and redness and pain in both eyes. In addition to an anterior necrotizing scleritis, she had several attacks of retrobulbar neuritis and lateral rectus myositis. She responded well to i.v. and topical prednisolone and her subsequent attacks were treated with i.v. cyclophosphamide (500 mg on presentation and on Days 7, 10, 12, 15, and 20; the cycle was repeated every 20 days). She benefited on this treatment and her vision improved dramatically. Her final acuity of 20/50 was thought to be due to presumed previous attacks of optic neuritis and anterior segment inflammation. During the five-month follow-up period, she had no other attacks. Ischemia and inflammation are common in Behcet's disease and sometimes thrombosis and vasculitic changes may cause a decrease in vision. In this case, the immunosuppressive therapy helped attenuate the inflammatory vasculitic episodes during the disease course.

Decreasing size of disc material that has herniated, whether "contained" or "protruded" has previously been described and sometimes this can be so complete that residual material is barely visible. In a retrospective clinical survey, from among almost 2180 consecutive patients admitted during 1994 - 2002 with low back pain; due to our low follow-up ratios and high price of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), only 42 patients with a lumbar disc protrusion could be found who had two MRI scans obtained at least five weeks apart. Among these, 4 patients were spotted with a totally resolved disc protrusion. T (2)-weighted MRI images were suggesting shrinkage due to dehydration and regression within the annulus of protruded disc fragments that had not fully migrated. Our patients are further examples for total resolution of the large "protruded" disc without any treatment; and since concomitant disc protrusions at other levels persisted, the resolution of these discs is supposed to be spontaneous.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major determinant of preoperative morbidity and mortality for patients requiring major vascular surgery. The management of CAD in these patients is controversial., Aims: The incidence and severity of CAD in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with Leriche syndrome was explored., Settings and Design: 107 patients with Leriche syndrome were selected as major vascular occlusion and grouped according to their diabetic Status. Sex, age, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, clinic cardiac status, coronary angiographic lesions and coronary revascularisation procedures were noted., Material & Methods: Patients' demographics, intra-operative and per-operative data were recorded and compared. In every patient with Leriche syndrome scheduled for elective vascular reconstruction coronary angiography was performed. Lesions were evaluated for the percentages of stenosis. Preliminary coronary bypass or percutaneous coronary intervention was recommended for those found to have advanced or severe CAD. Results of revascularisation procedures were compared., Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square or Fisher exact chi-square test is used for conditional variables. Independent samples was analysed by using t-test. Kruskal-Wallis variance test was used if the variances are not homogeneous according to the Levene test., Results: No difference was found in both groups except family history and obesity. Coronary angiographic investigation indicates that 59% of DIAB group and 38% of NONDIAB group patients have advanced or severe CAD which has a high probability for myocardial revascularization. Overall revascularisation rate is 37.8% in DIAB group and 45.7% in NONDIAB group (p=0,641). Preoperative mortality was found 2.7% in diabetics and 4.2% in non-diabetics (p=0.342)., Conclusions: Leriche syndrome with diabetes mellitus is more likely to have advanced coronary disease than those without diabetes mellitus. Coronary angiography and subsequent revascularisation should be performed only in those patients who require major vascular surgery.

Although it is well known that prolonged application or leakage of arsenic trioxide can cause severe damage to the periodontal tissues, the substance is still used by some dentists. This paper describes a case of arsenical necrosis of the jaws affecting the right and the left side of the maxilla. As a result of leakage into the tissues of an arsenical paste from the pulp chamber of endodontically treated teeth, bilateral oroantral fistula (OAF) occurred. It is concluded that there is no justification, whatsoever, for the use of arsenic in modern dental practice. In the following case, buccal advancement flap and submucosal palatal island flap techniques were used for to close the OAF. The submucosal palatal island flap technique resulted in successful closure of the OAF.

Direct or indirect trauma to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may cause several injuries such as fibrous adhesion, ankylosis and fracture. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the histological changes of TMJ and adjacent soft tissue after direct or indirect trauma to TMJ. In this study, a total of 35 healthy young adult guinea pigs were exposed to direct and indirect trauma to their TMJ, and histologic evaluation was done after 24 h, 7, 15 and 45 days. Hemorrhage was the most frequent complication, following that enlargement of the disc, adhesion of the disc to the condyle and fracture of the condyle were seen in both groups. There were regenerative changes in adjacent muscles of the TMJ in indirect trauma group when compared to direct trauma group. Regenerative changes were more obvious on days 15 and 45. As a result, it may be suggested that when a trauma comes to the maxillo-mandibular complex, even TMJ is indirectly affected, TMJ and its adjacent soft tissues should also be examined clinically and followed closely.

Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)., Patients and Methods: Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty was performed in 34 patients (30 males, 4 females; mean age 45.7 years; range 17 to 70 years) with simple snoring and mild OSAS. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and in the first and sixth months postoperatively with the use of the Epworth sleepiness scale, polysomnography, and snoring scores. A questionnaire was administered to assess patient satisfaction., Results: All patients had decreased snoring. The quality of sleep increased in 79%. The clinical improvement seen in the first month continued through the sixth postoperative month. Satisfaction rates for the patients and their families were 88% and 85%, respectively. Significant decreases were found in the Epworth sleepiness scale (p=0.000) and visual snoring scores (p<0.001). In addition, postoperative desaturation indices decreased and minimal desaturation levels increased. However, no significant decreases occurred in the apnea/hypopnea index. No complications were encountered during and after operation., Conclusion: Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty has high efficacy in the treatment of snoring and mild OSAS, with such additional advantages as ease, low complication rate, and no need for hospitalization.

Background and Aim of the Study: Despite having been used in many thousands of implants, few published data exist concerning the ATS valve. Clinical data from ATS valve implants are presented, and the first two cases of mitral valve thrombosis with the ATS valve reported. Published data are also reviewed comparatively., Methods: Between September 1998 and July 2000, 240 ATS valve prostheses were implanted in 199 patients, of whom 88 (36.6%) had mitral (MVR), 70 (29.1%) aortic (AVR), and 41 (17.1%) double valve replacements (DVR). Additional procedures were performed in 31 patients (15.6%). Transvalvular gradients and effective orifice areas were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Total cumulative follow up of all patients was 241.6 patient-years (pt-yr); mean (+/-SE) follow up was 1.25+/-0.51 years., Results: There were six early deaths (3.0%). Overall and event-free survival rates during follow up were 98.96+/-0.73% and 97.90+/-1.22%, respectively. Anticoagulant-related hemorrhage occurred in one patient. The global incidence of hemorrhagic complications was 0.41 per 100 pt-yr. One patient with AVR was reoperated on for periprosthetic leakage in the first postoperative week. Valve thrombosis occurred in two patients with MVR at 12 and 14 months postoperatively. The incidence of valve thrombosis in MVR patients was 1.84 per 100 pt-yr (0.82 per 100 pt-yr overall). Hemolysis was seen only in one patient, echocardiographic examination revealing periprosthetic leakage., Conclusion: The short-term outcome in 240 implants showed the ATS valve to be safe, to have a low incidence of complications, and to provide excellent hemodynamic performance.

The CREST syndrome is a variant form of progressive systemic sclerosis. Apart from the occurrence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, other types of ocular involvement associated with this variant are quite rare. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with the CREST variant of progressive systemic sclerosis who developed unilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis. Systemic and laboratory testing failed to suggest evidence for any other associated systemic disease as a possible cause of the granulomatous uveitis. The inflammation was successfully controlled with topical steroids and mydriatics. While a small number of cases of uveitis have been reported in other variant forms of progressive systemic sclerosis, to date there have been no descriptions of uveitis associated with the CREST syndrome.

Cochlear implantation has a limited but definite role in the rehabilitation of certain neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients. The presence of a dead ear either before, or after, tumour removal does not necessarily imply loss of function in the eighth nerve; in some instances the hearing loss will be cochlear. Promontory or round window electrical stimulation may help to identify those individuals with surviving eighth nerve function. In such patients multichannel cochlear implantation promises a better level of audition than the auditory brain stem implant. This paper highlights such a case and the management problems are discussed.

Background and Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic administration of intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate for postdural puncture headaches (PDPH) on patients administered spinal anesthesia., Methods: Sixty ASA I and II patients undergoing lower abdominal or lower extremity surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomized by double-blind, placebo-controlled design to receive either 1,000 mL normal saline with 500 mg caffeine sodium benzoate (group C) or 1,000 mL normal saline (group S) during the first 90 minutes after spinal anesthesia administration. The patient's electrocardiogram, non-invasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry were monitored and recorded. The patients' headaches were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS). At the end of the fifth day, the severity of the headache was classified as follows: no headache = 0; mild headache = 1; moderate headache = 2; severe headache = 3. Analgesic requirements were recorded for 5 days., Results: Visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in group C than in group S. The incidence of moderate and severe headache was significantly higher in group S (11 patients) when compared with group C (3 patients). Analgesic demand was significantly lower in group C than in group S for 4 days., Conclusion: Intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate administration during spinal anesthesia is a simple and safe way to minimize PDPH.

In this study we examined the effects of continuous calcium channel blocker (CCB) infusion on pancreatic duct-ligated acute pancreatitis (AP) in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were used for this study. Animals in group 1 (n = 10), which served as a control group, underwent dummy operations and received 0.5 microliter/h normal saline via the internal jugular vein. Animals in group 2 (n = 10) with artificially-induced pancreatitis received the same dosage of saline in the same manner. Animals in group 3 (n = 10) with artificially-induced pancreatitis received 180 micrograms/kg/h CCB (Verapamil) via the jugular vein starting from just before pancreatic duct ligation. AP histology score, plasma amylase levels and liver function tests were measured after 48 h. Verapamil infusion did not prevent the rise in plasma amylase levels, nor did it prevent pancreatic inflammation and damage. Serum levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated in group 2 and significant reductions were seen in the Verapamil treated animals (group 3). The findings in this study imply that a continuous 180 micrograms/kg/h dose Verapamil infusion does not ameliorate the pathogenesis of pancreatitis induced by ligation of pancreatic duct but do not rule out a dose-dependent protective effect. Meanwhile, the lowering of liver function test scores should be considered the beneficial effect of CCBs, and this should be investigated in further studies.

The clinical diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is nonspecific and nonsensitive. As a result invasive and non-invasive laboratory tests are needed. In order to detect the diagnostic value of impedance plethysmography (IPG), a widely used non-invasive laboratory test, a prospective clinical trial was performed to compare IPG with color Doppler-ultrasonography (CDUS) and venography. Seventy-six (41 female, 35 male) high-risk abdominal surgery patients were included in the study. IPG and CDUS were performed preoperatively. During the postoperative period IPG, CDUS and venography were carried out. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of IPG were all determined. The preoperative IPG was positive in 32 patients, being (+) in 29 patients postoperatively. On the other hand, two of the 29 postoperative IPG (+) patients had DVT diagnosed postoperatively by CDUS and venography. One of 47 IPG (-) patients had DVT diagnosed postoperatively. According to these findings, the sensitivity of IPG was 67%, specificity 63%, and PPV, NPV and accuracy were 7%, 98% and 63%, respectively. Our study showed that IPG was not a reliable non-invasive laboratory method in the diagnosis and screening of DVT of the lower extremity.

Behçet's disease is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, ocular inflammation, and skin lesions of erythema nodosum and acneiform eruptions. Selenium (Se) affects all components of the immune system, i.e., the development and expression of nonspecific, humoral, and cell-mediated responses. In general, a deficiency in Se appears to result in immunosuppression, whereas supplementation with low doses of Se appears to result in augmentation and/or restoration of immunologic functions. In this study, the distribution of Se and IgG, IgM in serum were compared in samples from healthy adult control and Behçet's disease patients. The serum Se levels were measured by AA-30-40 Varian Spectra, and immunoglobulins were measured by immunodiffusion technique. The mean (SD) serum Se level of 54.24 +/- 8.06 ng/mL among Behçet's disease subjects was significantly different (P less than 0.01) from that in the control subjects (90.01 +/- 9.94 ng/mL). We also measured IgG and IgM as 10.01 +/- 2.74 mg/mL and 1.26 +/- 0.29 mg/mL, respectively for patients, and 15.08 +/- 4.73 mg/mL and 1.58 +/- 0.43 mg/mL for controls. The mean values of IgG and IgM for patients were significantly (P less than 0.05) different from the values of controls. It seems, therefore, that a deficiency in selenium impedes the humoral immune response.

Extraction of teeth in rats was found to stimulate increased mitotic activity in bone marrow for 2 days after extraction. The cause of this increased mitosis might be release from the extraction site of kinins, factors which are known to stimulate mitosis in the bone marrow or a general whole-body response to trauma.

In order to study the effects of infrared laser irradiation on biological systems, the levels of copper and zinc in various irradiated tissues have been investigated. The zinc level in the muscle of the irradiated group increased (P less than 0.001) compared with the control group while in submandibular glands its level decreased (P less than 0.001). The copper levels in these two types of tissues decreased significantly (P less than 0.001). In irradiated skin, both copper and zinc levels increased compared with the control group (P less than 0.005). Quantitative determination of the trace elements copper and zinc indicated the necessity for more detailed studies of the effect of infrared laser irradiation at the cellular level.