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PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the frequency and features of dual left anterior descending artery (LAD) variants using computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS A total of 1337 consecutive coronary CT angiography examinations performed between April 2010 and December 2013 were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of dual LAD. CT examinations were performed with either 64- or 320-row multidetector CT scanners. All CT angiography images were evaluated for the presence and morphologic features of dual LAD subtypes. RESULTS Fifty-six dual LAD variations (4%) were identified in this study population. Type 1 was the most common type of dual LAD (n=48), while Type 3 (n=3) and Type 4 (n=2) were infrequent and Type 2 was not detected. Additionally, we detected previously unclassified dual LAD variations in three cases. CONCLUSION Dual LAD may be a relatively more common variant than described in the medical literature, which is mostly based on catheter angiography studies. Coronary CT angiography seems markedly efficacious for detecting and documenting the anatomical details of dual LAD subtypes, as well as showing other associated cardiocoronary anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences between manual and cephalometric measurements on different sections of the human skull, which were obtained using computer-assisted three-dimensional (3D) analysis and conventional two-dimensional (2D) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements were carried out on 13 dry human skulls, then 2D cephalograms and 3D computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained. Anatomic landmarks were determined and marked with clay before CT images were taken, and the same landmarks were marked with the help of metallic balls and pins for lateral and frontal cephalograms. Manual, lateral/frontal cephalometric, and computer-assisted 3D cephalometric measurements were compared statistically. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference tests were used to compare the results among the groups. RESULTS: All measurements were statistically insignificant between the computer-assisted 3D and manual measurements. On the other hand, the differences between the conventional 2D and the manual measurements were statistically significant. The greatest amount of magnification was found at the Nasion-Menton distance (14.6%), which was located at the farthest distance from the central x-ray beam in the lateral cephalogram (P < .01). For the same reason, the greatest enlargement (16.2%) was observed in the distance between the zygomaticomaxillary sutures on the conventional frontal cephalogram (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The computer-aided 3D cephalometric measurements were found to be more accurate than the conventional cephalometric measurements. The results revealed that 3D cephalometric measurements were consistent with the manual measurements. In addition, the magnification and distortion might limit the results of conventional cephalometric measurements.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, is an emerging risk factor for atherothrombosis. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of MPV in subjects with NAFLD having no confounding factors for atherosclerosis such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. In addition, the possible relationship between MPV and carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT), a well known marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, was also studied. Methods MPV and CIMT levels were measured in 60 biopsy-proven NAFLD subjects and 54 healthy controls. Age and sex were similar between two groups. Results Body mass index and waist circumference levels were higher in the NAFLD group when compared to the controls. There were no differences between the two groups regarding LDL cholesterol levels, whereas HDL cholesterol levels were lower in the NAFLD group. MPV and CIMT levels were not different between the two groups. According to the correlation analyses, CIMT levels were positively correlated to age in patients with NAFLD. However, no significant correlation was found between MPV and CIMT levels. Conclusions The results of this study do not show any difference in MPV levels between subjects with NAFLD and controls. These finding suggests that in the absence of other metabolic risk factors, MPV might not be involved in the mechanism(s) of increased cardiovascular risk in NAFLD.

Aberrant bronchial arteries are rarely seen and may originate from various vascular structures. In our case, a 48-year-old man with recurrent chest pain underwent multidetector CT (MDCT) coronary angiography. MDCT images demonstrated an aberrant right bronchial artery originating from the right coronary artery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an aberrant right bronchial artery originating from the right coronary artery.

ABS TRACT In trat ho ra cic kid ney is a very ra re abno rmality and; only abo ut 50 ca ses ha ve be en re por ted in the li te ra tu re. Most of the re por ted ca ses are asym pto ma tic. We pre sent a ma le pa ti ent with in trat ho ra cic kid ney wit ho ut di ap hrag ma tic her ni a. A 24-ye ar-old man with fe ver, co ugh, and ma la i se comp la ints for the previous two days was ad mit ted to a dis trict hos pi tal’s pul mo nary me d i ci ne de part ment. The chest X-ray re ve a led that the right he mi di ap hragm was ele va ted. For furt her eva lu a ti on, com pu te ri zed to mog raphy was per for med and a right in trat ho ra cic kid ney was de tec ted. Sin ce the pa ti ent was ot her wi se he althy with a nor mal func ti o ning in trat ho ra cic kid ney, no me di cal in ter ven ti on was con si de red. Pe ri o dic fol low-up was plan ned. In trat ho ra cic kid ney may not ca u se any symptom and may func ti on nor mally even tho ugh it has a very long dis tan ce from the blad der. In trat ho ra cic kid ney sho uld be kept in mind in the eva lu a ti on of di ap hrag ma tic ele va ti on.

Purpose To present proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings of central neurocytoma (CN). Methods and Materials Imaging findings of seven patients with the histopathological diagnosis of CN (five male and two female; age range, 21–28 years of age) were evaluated retrospectively. In addition to conventional magnetic resonance imaging features, we also assessed the metabolite ratios and tumor normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (NADC), which was calculated by dividing the tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values by normal ADC. Approval from our institutional review board was obtained for this review. Results The tumor choline/creatine ratios were 5.17±2.38, while N-acetyl aspartate/choline and N-acetyl aspartate/creatine ratios were 0.33±0.15 and 1.84±1.38, respectively. On DWI, tumors had heterogeneous hyperintense appearances when compared with the contralateral parietal lobe white matter and tumor NADC values were 0.63±0.05. Conclusion Significantly increased choline/creatine and decreased N-acetyl aspartate/choline ratios with lower NADC values in CN resemble high-grade gliomas and complicate the diagnosis. Familarity its physiologic features would help to presurgical diagnosis of ventricular and exraventricular CNs.

A 20-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of right inguinoscrotal swelling. Ultrasonography revealed a solid hipoechoic well-demarcated mass separated from the testis and epididymis. No communication between the mass and the peritoneum was seen. Doppler US examination showed no vascularity in the mass. The mass was isointense with muscle on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, marked hypointense on T2-weighted MR images and enhanced after contrast administration. The mass was removed surgically. Pathological examination revealed a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the spermatic cord. To our knowledge, imaging findings of an inguinal SFT was not reported before.

Background: The range of the diameters of pulmonary arteries (PA) is not fully shown in the current literature. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax might be used for measuring diameters of the PA. Purpose: To determine the diameters of PAs in subjects with normal PA pressure by using thoracic CT. Material and Methods: 126 subjects aged between 19 and 46 years, having normal thoracic CTs (5-mm slice thickness) and normal PA pressures (⩽25 mmHg, determined by echocardiography), were included in the study. The diameters of the main, right, and left PAs were measured by using multidetector CT. Results: The main PA diameters of all the subjects showed a normal distribution, and the mean was 24.0±2.8 mm. The main PA diameters in male and female subjects also showed a normal distribution. The difference between the sexes for the main PA diameters was not significant ( P = 0.08). There were correlations between main PA diameter and body-mass index (BMI) ( R = 0.41, P = 0.001) and weight ( R = 0.34, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between main PA diameter and height ( R = 0.05, P = 0.6). Conclusion: This study suggests that diameters of the main PA and its main branches show a normal distribution in subjects having normal PA pressures. Based on our findings, the upper limits of the main, right, and left PA diameters are 29.5 mm, 19.8 mm, and 22.1 mm, respectively, in healthy adults.

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare complication of a chronic lymphedematous extremity (Stewart-Treves syndrome). Early recognition of these aggressive tumours is important, as they have a high incidence of local recurrence and metastasis. This report describes the MRI appearance of Stewart-Treves syndrome in a patient with a background of lumpectomy, axillary node dissection and radiotherapy for breast carcinoma. MRI revealed a lobulated cutaneous mass of intermediate signal on T(1) weighted imaging, and low signal on T(2) weighted imaging, with diffuse enhancement following contrast.

Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma, the effect of serum leptin level is still controversial. Only a few studies have been performed to investigate the serum leptin levels in allergic rhinitis and asthma, and contradictory results have been observed.We aimed to investigate the association between leptin, lipid profiles and allergic rhinitis and mild asthma, and to determine whether inhaled and/or intranasal steroids affect the leptin levels.We studied 43 patients with allergic rhinitis (10 of with mild asthma) (mean age 29.81, range 18-45 yr) and 32 volunteers as a control group (mean age 30.53, range 20-45 yr).Serum leptin levels in patients were 8.49 +/- 10.76 microg/ml, and did not differ from volunteers 5.42 +/- 6.63 microg/ml. (p0.05). We found a direct link between increased body mass index (BMI) and serum leptin levels (p = 0.008). No association was seen between leptin and triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, eosinophil, total IgE (p0.05); except for total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (p0.05). Although, no correlation between allergic rhinitis and mild asthma and serum level of leptin was shown, these parameters and age correlations were stronger in female than in male (p = 0.39 for male and p = 0.011 for female), and also found direct link between increased BMI and sex and patients group (p = 0.008 for male and p = 0.0001 for female). We also determined that there was no effect of inhaled and/or intranasal steroids statistically on serum leptin levels.Our data demonstrate that the serum levels of leptin and lipid profiles on allergic rhinitis and mild asthma were not different than those in controls.

We report a unique anomalous renal venous drainage on a 25-year-old man who had congenital absence of the right renal vein and an aberrant venous drainage through the lower pole of the kidney into the inferior vena cava. To our knowledge, this anomaly has not been previously reported in the peer-reviewed literature. State-of-the-art imaging findings are presented.

There are data about the relationship between morphologic findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and the number of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on sputum smears in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). It was also shown that existence of cavities and airspace consolidation might be related to smear positivity in PTB patients. However, there is no study suggesting a relationship between AFB on sputum smears and radiologic extent of disease based on HRCT findings.In this study, we investigated a relationship between the degree of smear positivity and radiologic extent of disease based on HRCT findings and, the degree of smear positivity and different pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCTs of the PTB patients.Sixty-one male patients with PTB (mean age: 22+/-3.2) were included into the study. HRCT images were assessed for patterns, distribution, and profusion of pulmonary abnormalities. Dividing the lungs into 3 zones, profusion of abnormalities was assessed. A profusion score was given. Patients were divided as smear positive and smear negative and compared for the scores of HRCT findings. Smear-positive patients were divided into 4 groups as per grading of the sputum AFB smear: group I (sputum 1+), group II (sputum 2+), group III (sputum 3+), and group IV (sputum 4+). Correlations were investigated between the degree of smear positivity and the scores of HRCT findings.A significant correlation between radiologic extent of the disease based on HRCT and the degree of smear positivity was found (r=0.63, P=0.0001). There were also significant correlations between the degree of smear positivity and the scores of different HRCT findings. Nodule, cavity, and bronchial lesions are the most important contributors of the predictive properties of the total score. There was significant differences for the scores of HRCT findings between smear-positive and smear-negative patients.Our study suggests that radiologic extent of disease based on HRCT findings in patients with PTB correlated with the degree of smear positivity. Different HRCT findings such as nodule, cavitation, ground-glass opacity, consolidation, and bronchial lesion are significantly associated with smear-positive PTB. Particularly, nodules, cavities, and bronchial lesions might be predictors of smear positivity in patients with PTB. This study also suggests that the thickness of cavity wall and the distance of cavity from central airways might be related to the degree of smear positivity.

With the use of sophisticated imaging modalities, congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava and its tributaries, such as agenesis of the hepatic vena cava, are becoming more and more commonly encountered. Scimitar syndrome, also called venolobar syndrome and hypogenetic lung syndrome, is a rare pulmonary vascular anomaly of the right lung that can sometimes be associated with some cardiovascular anomalies. We present here a case with agenesis of the hepatic vena cava associated with scimitar syndrome.

Introduction: Alveolar hemorrhage syndrome (AHS) whose cause could not be found is called as idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH). Method: Among the patients followed with a diagnosis of AHS since 2000, files of patients having diagnosis of IPH were investigated retrospectively. Results: 9 patients with IPH were detected. All patients were male. Hemosiderin laden macrophages were seen in biopsy samples or in BAL fluid in all of the patients. Associated Celiac disease was found in 3 patients. Seven patients had hemoptysis, 5 patients had dyspnea and 4 patients had cough. Anemia was detected in 6 patients. DLCO/VA% value was markedly increased (151%) in one of the 6 patients having diffusion test. None of the 8 patients having spirometry test had a FVC% value lower than 80%. Ground glass opacity was the most frequent finding in HRCT. Steroids were used for the treatment in 5 patients. Discussion and Conclusion: According to our results, Celiac disease should be investigated in all patients with IPH. Existence of patients without hemoptysis suggests that absence of hemoptysis does not need to rule out IPH. DLCO/VA was elevated only in one patient. Low or normal DLCO does not rule out IPH. Existence of ground glass opacity in HRCTs of a significant number of patients suggests that IPH should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of ground glass opacity.

Being rare tumors of the heart, cardiac lipomas are usually discovered incidentally during non-cardiac-related examinations of the chest. Although they are reported to be typically solitary, multiplicity has been described in tuberosclerosis patients. Here we reported the multidedector-row computer tomography (MDCT) findings of a nontuberosclerosis case with multiple cardiac lipomas along with pericardial lipomatosis, who presented with symptoms of left heart failure after a hysterectomy surgery but otherwise healthy before that operation.

Objective. The purpose of this presentation is to show the imaging findings of the common and uncommon variants of adenomyosis as seen on sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods. A 3-year database search was performed to identify women who had pelvic sonography and pelvic MRI within a 6-month interval. Images of these cases were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Eighty women were identified. Adenomyosis was diagnosed on MRI, which was used as the reference standard, in 45 of these women. The correct diagnosis was made on sonography in 73% of the cases. Conclusions. Awareness of the spectrum of imaging features of adenomyosis is important to use sonography effectively for diagnosing this entity and to help avoid misdiagnosis.

Bronchiectasis is common in developing countries, but its precise underlying mechanism can be detected in only about 40% of the cases. The studies reporting the frequency of atopy and its relation to radiological findings and lung function in bronchiectasis are limited in number, and the results are controversial. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between atopy and bronchiectasis by means of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests. Skin prick test, HRCT and pulmonary function tests, including spirometric values of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio were performed in 121 bronchiectatic patients of unknown etiology and in 68 healthy controls. Atopy and HRCT scores for the severity of atopy and extent of bronchiectasis respectively were determined for each patient. The rate of atopy (48.8% vs 11.8%) and mean atopy score (14.3 +/- 10.1 mm vs 5.5 +/- 2.1 mm) were significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis than those in controls. Atopic patients had significantly worse spirometric values and more extended bronchiectasis than non-atopics. There is a significant correlation between atopy and HRCT scores (r = 0.54, p0.001), indicating that the more severe atopy is the more extended bronchiectasis. In conclusion, we suggest that the rate of atopy is higher in bronchiectatic patients than that in healthy controls. Bronchiectatic patients with atopy have lower spirometric values and higher HRCT scores. Atopy might be considered as a deteriorating and/or a causative or contributing factor for development of bronchiectasis.

Background: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare, chronic lung disease with unknown etiology and with a nonuniform clinical course. Nonuniformity of clinical course might be related to the degree of pulmonary parenchymal alterations, which can be revealed with high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). However, HRCT findings of PAM were not fully described in the current literature. Aim: The aim of this study was to interpret and to contribute to describe HRCT findings of PAM and to investigate a correlation between profusion of micro nodules (MN) and pulmonary parenchymal alterations in patients with PAM. Material and methods: Ten male patients with PAM (mean age: 22 ± 3.2) were included into the study. HRCT images were assessed for patterns, distribution, and profusion of pulmonary abnormalities. Dividing the lungs into three zones, profusion of abnormalities was assessed. A profusion score (1–4) was given and the scores of each zone were then summed to obtain a global profusion score for HRCT ranging from 0 to 12. Also a parenchymal alteration score (PAS) was defined with respect to profusion of abnormalities. Chest X-rays were also scored. Results: All of ten patients with PAM had findings of interstitial lung disease in varying degrees on their HRCTs. HRCT findings of patients with PAM were as following: MN, parenchymal bands (PB), ground glass opacity (GGO) and, sub pleural interstitial thickening (SPIT) in 10 patients; interlobular septal thickening (ILST), in 9 patients; paraseptal emphysema (PSA) in 8 patients; centrilobular emphysema (CLA) in 7 patients; bronchiectasis (BE), confluent micro nodules (CMN) in 6 patients; peri bronchovascular interstitial thickening (PBIT) in 5 patients; panacinar emphysema (PANAA) in 3 patients; pleural calcification (PC) in 2 patients. A significant correlation between MN scores and PAS (r = 0.68, p = 0.031, MN scores and GGO scores (r = 0.69, p = 0.027) and, MN scores and CLA scores (r = 0.67, p = 0.034) was detected. We also found significant correlations between HRCT scores and results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), HRCT scores and chest X-ray score (CXRS) and, CXRS and results of PFTs. Conclusion: We conclude that patients with PAM may have all findings of interstitial lung disease in varying degrees as well as MNs on their HRCTs. More importantly, this study suggests a proportional relationship between profusion of MNs and parenchymal alterations in patients with PAM. This study also suggests that the degree of parenchymal alterations closely related with the degree of pulmonary function loss in patients with PAM.

Background Smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPTB) constitutes a major problem in countries with a moderate or high TB prevalence. The value of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), chest x-ray and other clinical findings in determining activity of SNPTB were investigated. Methods The study population consisted of 85 patients with suspected SNPTB, of whom 52 were confirmed as active pulmonary TB according to either culture positivity for Mycobacteriun tuberculosis or demonstration of caseous granulomatous inflammation. The remaining 33 patients accepted inactive TB sequel. Results Cough and expectoration were significantly frequent in inactive group whereas chest pain was detected higher in active patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of HRCT in detecting disease activity were 88, 88, 92, 83 and 88%, respectively. Centrilobular nodules, other non-calcified nodules, consolidation and cavity were significantly higher on HRCT in active group. Chest x-ray scores that were graded 1 to 3 showed a linear trend for the disease activity. Conclusions HRCT has good diagnostic value in detecting activity of SNPTB, and some clinical findings may help in predicting the activity.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of isokinetic exercise on pain and functional test scores of recreational athletes with chondromalacia patellae (CMP) and to examine the correlation between isokinetic parameters and functional tests or pain score. Methods: The functional ability of 30 recreational athletes with unilateral CMP was evaluated using six different tests. Pain scores were assessed during daily activities before and after the treatment protocol. Isokinetic exercise sessions were carried out at angular velocities of 60°/s (25–90° range of flexion) and 180°/s (full range). These sessions were repeated three times a week for six weeks. Results: Quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, total work, and endurance ratios had improved significantly after the treatment, as did the functional parameters and pain scores. There was a poor correlation between the extensor endurance ratio and one leg standing test. A moderate correlation between the visual analogue scale and the extensor endurance ratio or flexion endurance ratio was also found. Conclusions: The isokinetic exercise programme used in this study had a positive effect on muscle strength, pain score, and functional ability of knees with CMP. The improvement in the functional capacity did not correlate with the isokinetic parameters.

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a seldom neoplasia characterized by invasion of venous channels by a benign smooth muscle tumor originating either from a uterine myoma or from vessel wall. Extension to the heart may cause mechanical obstruction and is frequently misdiagnosed as a right-atrial myxoma. We present a case of recurrent intravenous leiomyomatosis with previous hysterectomy because of uterine leiomyoma which have different magnetic resonance characteristics than that of the former reports.

Prostatic abscess is a rare but nevertheless serious disease. It should be diagnosed at an early stage by the combination of clinical examination and transrectal ultrasound, and drained. We treated a 79-year-old case with multiple prostate abscesses (PAs) by using lavage of the saline and antibiotic (cefoxitin) after transrectal ultrasound-guided transrectal puncture and aspiration. We are presenting the transrectal ultrasound images of pre- and postmedication, where we achieved complete success and no relapse was seen in follow-up of 1 year.

Pericardial cysts are rareand benign lesions of the heart. They are usually asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed on chest X-ray. Most are located at the right cardiophrenic angle. Life- -threatening complications may be infrequently encountered. We report the case of a 54 year- -old male with acute coronary syndrome and a pericardial cyst in an unusual localization.

Dental technicianship is a common health-related occupation especially in metropolitan areas of Turkey. Dental technicians are exposed to ceramic, metal and similar dusts which might lead to pneumoconiosis in occupational environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and factors related with developing of pneumoconiosis among dental technicians. All of 31 dental technicians employed in six laboratories in Istanbul were enrolled into the study. Detailed medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in all participants. HRCT findings were scored and investigated for relation with duration of practice. Mean age and male/female ratio of the study population were 43,2 ? 9,6 years and 27/4 respectively. Mean duration of practice of the technicians was 25,2 ? 9,4 years. Eight subjects complained of dyspnea and cough and out of whom 4 (13%) had HRCT findings compatible with pneumoconiosis. Additionally, four technicians had pulmonary tuberculosis their occupational practice. We have concluded that dental technicianship might be a significant risk factor for pneumoconiosis. The problem might be greater than thought and preventive measures against dust exposure and pneumoconiosis should be revised in dental laboratories.

Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare but very serious congenital coronary artery anomaly. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography has recently become the gold standard for depicting anatomical variations and anomalies of the coronary arteries because the origin and course of anomalous arteries can be demonstrated very accurately by this technique. In this report, we present a case of 22-year-old female who was admitted to our emergency department with cardiac arrest. In the course of diagnosis, MDCT coronary angiography revealed a left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery as well as marked dilatation of the coronary arteries.

We report a 20‐year‐old male with rare asymptomatic aneurysm of the left ventricle that was concluded to be a pseudoaneurysm given its calcified walls and the history of severe blunt chest trauma 8 years ago. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography of the coronary vessels helped exclude vascular insult and suggest traumatic intramyocardial dissection as underlying etiopathogenesis, besides providing a good view of aneurysm and cardiac morphology in relation to coronary vessels. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aims of this study were to use 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs to evaluate the effects of bimaxillary orthognathic surgical correction of Class III malocclusions on pharyngeal airway space volume, and to compare them with the changes in obstructive sleep apnea measurements from polysomnography.Twenty-five male patients (mean age, 21.6 years) with mandibular prognathism were treated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and LeFort I advancement. Polysomnography and computed tomography were performed before surgery and 1.4 ± 0.2 years after surgery. All computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the pharyngeal airway space was segmented using SimPlant OMS (Materialise Medical, Leuven, Belgium) programs. The pretreatment and posttreatment pharyngeal airway space determinants in volumetric, linear distance, and cross-sectional measurements, and polysomnography changes were compared with the paired samples t test. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the association between the computed tomography and polysomnography measurements.The results indicated that setback procedures produce anteroposterior narrowing of the pharyngeal airway space at the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal levels and the middle and inferior pharyngeal volumes (P 0.05). In contrast, advancement of the maxilla causes widening of the airway in the nasopharyngeal and retropalatal dimensions and increases the superior pharyngeal volume (P 0.05). Distinctively, bimaxillary orthognathic surgery induces significant increases in the total airway volume and the transverse dimensions of all airway areas (P 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the measurements on the computed tomography scans and crucial polysomnography parameters.Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery for correction of Class III malocclusion caused an increase of the total airway volume and improvement of polysomnography parameters. A proposed treatment plan can be modified according to the risk of potential airway compromise or even to improve it with 3-dimensional imaging techniques and polysomnography.

A 20-year-old male with craniomandibular deformity and almost total visual loss of the right eye due to bilateral optic atrophy underwent cerebral nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT) examinations. He had multiple sphenoidal-temporoparietal meningiomas, with adjacent hyperostoses and distant calvarial hyperdense lesions, as well as sclerotic expansion of right mandibular condyle. History, clinical and imaging findings were suggestive of associated fibrous dysplasia (FD), which explained the visual loss due to optic nerve compression through sphenoidal optic foramens. Cranial and mandibular FD and concurrent multiple globoid meningiomas in this case may suggest a mutual influence, which may explain the etiopathogenesis of FD lesions and/or bone hyperdensities adjacent or distant to meningiomas.

Background Chest-X-ray has several limitations in detecting the extent of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis. It might not reflect the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis when compared to computed tomography of the thorax. We aimed to investigate the HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis and to find out the existence of possible relations between HRCT findings and PFTs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the accordance between HRCT findings and conventional chest-X-ray staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Method 45 patients with sarcoidosis with a mean age 29.7+/− 8.4 years were evaluated. Six of them were female and 39 were male. The type, distribution and extent of the parameters on HRCT/CTs were evaluated and scored. Chest-X-rays were evaluated for the stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Correlations were investigated between HRCT/CT parameter scores, Chest X-Ray stages and pulmonary function parameters. Results Nodule, micronodule, ground glass opacity and consolidation were the most common HRCT findings. There were significant correlations between pulmonary function parameters, HRCT pattern scores, and chest-X-ray stages. A significant correlation between chest-x-ray score and total HRCT score was found. Conclusions Pulmonary sarcoidosis patients might have various pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCT. Thorax HRCT was superior to chest-X-ray in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. The degree of pulmonary involvement might be closely related to the loss of pulmonary function measured by PFTs. Chest-X-ray is considered to have a role in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare, usually a cystic mass which is composed of nonfunctioning pulmonary tissue that does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree. In computed tomography pulmonary sequestration is seen as usually a discrete mass lesion, with or without cystic changes, associated with local emphysematous areas located in lower lobes. We present a case of pulmonary sequestration located in apicoposterior segment of left upper lobe and presented as a solitary pulmonary nodule having smooth margins different from the classical radiological appearance of pulmonary sequestration.

Objective Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fetuin-A is associated with MetS and NAFLD. We investigated the relationship of circulating fetuin-A level with markers of endothelial dysfunction and presence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with NAFLD. Methods The consecutive 115 patients with NAFLD and age-matched 74 healthy subjects were enrolled. Plasma levels of fetuin-A and markers of endothelial dysfunction [asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) and adiponectin] were measured by ELISA method. Insulin sensitivity was determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography. Results Fetuin-A and ADMA were higher and, adiponectin was lower in NAFLD group than the control group (P = 0·004, P

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer in Europe. Early detection and removal of CRC or its precursor lesions by population screening can reduce mortality.[1] An increasingly popular screening test for colorectal cancer is computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also called virtual colonoscopy (VC). It is a powerful technique for population screening of asymtomatic adults. It has potential advantages over conventional colonoscopy (CC) as it is less invasive, less time-consuming and less expensive. Moreover, no sedation is needed.[2] Its main disadvantages to CC are the exposure of individuals to ionizing radiation and the lack of ability to take tissue samples or to remove polyps during the procedure.[2-6] CT colonography was first described in 1994 as a radiographic technique in which thinsection images of pneumocolon could be reconstructed by sophisticated software into highresolution 2Dand 3D images.[7,8] Over time, improvements in hardware and software have allowed faster scanning, reduced exposure to radiation, and better imaging. Newer modes of imaging (called fly-through) can produce results that resemble endoscopic images and permit sophisticated characterization of detected lesions.[7,9-11] The ability of VC to detect colorectal polyps has been tested in a multitude of studies. VC appeared to be promising in high risk populations, with a reported sensitivity greater than 90% for polyps ≥10 mm. [12-14] To achieve such results, adequate bowel cleaning or fecal tagging and reader experience are essential. This chapter summarizes the main indications, the current techniques in patient preparation, data acquisition and data analysis as well as imaging features for common benign and malignant colorectal lesions.

Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate circulating ADMA concentrations in biopsy proven NAFLD and also to search its association with carotid atherosclerosis. Methods Sixty-seven nondiabetic and normotensive patients with NAFLD and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. Plasma ADMA was measured along with glucose, lipids and insulin levels. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) using carotid ultrasonography. Results ADMA levels and CIMT measurements were significantly higher in NAFLD group than the controls. However, the difference regarding the CIMT disappeared when the findings were adjusted according to the metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity. In contrast, the difference for ADMA remained significant between two groups. No significant association was found between ADMA, CIMT and histopathological findings. Conclusions Plasma ADMA levels are increased in subjects with NAFLD. This increase seems to be independent from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance and liver histology. Circulating ADMA may be an earlier marker of vascular damage with respect to CIMT in subjects with NAFLD.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate serum lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels in patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting (SDDS) and also to investigate possible correlations between serum LD levels and the degree of radiological extent of disease (RED) and pulmonary function tests. METHODS Forty-four males with SDDS and 32 healthy male subjects were included in the study. Patients and healthy controls were compared for serum LD levels. Correlations between serum LD levels, RED and spirometric values were investigated. RESULTS Patients with SDDS had significantly higher serum LD levels than healthy controls. Patients with complicated SDDS had significantly higher serum LD levels than patients with simple SDDS. Significant correlations were found between serum LD levels and RED values. Significant correlations were found between serum LD levels and spirometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS High serum LD levels might be considered as a marker of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in patients with SDDS. This study also suggests that the increase in serum LD levels might be closely related to the degree of pulmonary involvement in SDDS patients.

Battal, Bilal/0000-0002-3001-1697 WOS: 000280476500010 PubMed: 20551256 The purpose of our investigation was to determine the anatomical variations in the coeliac trunk-hepatic arterial system and the renal arteries in patients who underwent multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography of the abdominal aorta for various reasons. A total of 100 patients were analysed retrospectively. The coeliac trunk, hepatic arterial system and renal arteries were analysed individually and anatomical variations were recorded. Statistical analysis of the relationship between hepatocoeliac variations and renal artery variations was performed using a chi(2) test. There was a coeliac trunk trifurcation in 89% and bifurcation in 8% of the cases. Coeliac trunk was absent in 1%, a hepatosplenomesenteric trunk was seen in 1% and a splenomesenteric trunk was present in 1%. Hepatic artery variation was present in 48% of patients. Coeliac trunk and/or hepatic arterial variation was present in 23 (39.7%) of the 58 patients with normal renal arteries, and in 27 (64.3%) of the 42 patients with accessory renal arteries. There was a statistically significant correlation between renal artery variations and coeliac trunk-hepatic arterial system variations (p=0.015). MDCT angiography permits a correct and detailed evaluation of hepatic and renal vascular anatomy. The prevalence of variations in the coeliac trunk and/or hepatic arteries is increased in people with accessory renal arteries. For that reason, when undertaking angiographic examinations directed towards any single organ, the possibility of variations in the vascular structure of other organs should be kept in mind.

Surgical treatment of calvarial defects and deformities has some drawbacks such as donor site morbidity or use of allogenic materials. In this experimental study, we presented a three-dimensional reconstruction of cranial defects by using trifocal biplanar distraction-compression osteosynthesis (TBDCO).Eight sheep with a mean age of 2 years were divided into 2 groups as the control (n = 3) and distraction groups (n = 5). All the animals were operated on under general anesthesia, and 80 x 50-mm full-thickness calvarial defects were created. In the control group, no treatment was performed. In the distraction group, TBDCO was performed with a custom-made distraction device with 2 transport segments. After 5 days of latency period, the anterior transport segment was distracted to a posterior and superior direction (0.7 and 0.3 mm, respectively) and the posterior transport segment was distracted obliquely to an anterior and superior direction (0.7 and 0.3 mm, respectively) with a resulting total vectorial movement of 0.75 mm/d. Active distraction was approximately 29 days, and the consolidation period was 60 days.No major complications were seen during the whole procedure. In the control group, the bone defects remained unhealed. In the distraction group, defects healed and the reconstructed calvarium was dome shaped. Preoperative and postoperative cranial volume measurements of the distraction group animals revealed an increase in cranial volume (P < 0.05). Histologic evaluation showed inductive bone regeneration and mature bone structure development within the distraction zone. Trifocal biplanar distraction-compression osteosynthesis is an effective and safe technique for three-dimensional closure of the cranial defects. In clinical practice, it could provide several advantages over currently available reconstructive procedures.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity volume by using 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs. Methods The study group consisted of 15 patients (9 boys, 6 girls; mean age, 13.86 years) with maxillary constriction. Computed tomography scans were obtained before treatment and 6 months after the end of expansion. All computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the nasal cavity and maxillary teeth were segmented by using the Mimics and Simplant Ortho software programs (both, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Paired samples t tests were used to compare pretreatment and posttreatment nasal cavity volumes and maxillary areas. Data analysis was performed by using the software program SPSS for Windows (version 15.00; SPSS, Chicago, Ill). Results Rapid maxillary expansion treatment induced significant increases in nasal cavity volume (P ≤0.001) and maxillary transverse dimensions (P ≤0.001). Conclusions Both anterior-to-posterior and coronal-to-cranial expansions were observed after rapid maxillary expansion treatment, with the direction of expansion most likely affected by resistance from the cranial bones.

Hemihypertrophy is a clinical condition defined as an asymmetric enlargement of one side of the body. Inguinal hernias, renal cysts, cryptorchidism, ectasias of collecting tubes, medullary sponge kidney and horse-shoe kidney are examples of abnormalities associated with hemihypertrophy that have been described in the literature. We report here a 17.2-year-old patient with a left hemihypertrophy and renal agenesis with contralateral right compensatory renal hypertrophy together with normal renal function and blood pressure in the absence of proteinuria. He also presented with faint macular hyperpigmented skin lesions on his left upper arm, forehead and abdomen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of renal agenesis and hemihypertrophy in the same patient. Hemihypertrophy can be seen as a component of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. The other components of this syndrome are varicose veins, skin naevus and arteriovenous malformations. Although renal agenesis, hemihypertrophy and hyperpigmented macular skin lesions (skin naevuses) may be incidental findings, together they may form a variant of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, as in our case.

Pulmonary ossification is an idiopathic disorder that presents with the formation of mature bone in the pulmonary parenchyma. This is a very rare entity that occurs in conjunction with busulfan therapy as well as with a number of diseases including chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure, myositis ossificans, and idiopathic interstitial fibrosis. It is usually seen in older age groups. We present a 4-year-old boy with massive ossification secondary to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. This is the first reported case of pulmonary ossification secondary to recurrent aspiration, and the first case in a child.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which is characterized by the obstruction of the apocrine gland channels and development of secondary bacterial infections, is a rare clinical entity mostly seen in women. In this case report, a bacterial meningitis case, which emerged after HS in the gluteal region, was presented. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case in the literature. Sixty-years-old male patient was admitted to the infectious disease department with high fever, lack of consciousness and orientation and cooperation problems. Upon detection of neck stiffness during physical examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was taken. CSF analysis revealed increased pressure, turbidity, (++++) Pandy reaction and 33.600/ml leucocytes (95% PMNL). CSF glucose was 2 mg/dl (simultaneous blood glucose was 156 mg/dl) and protein was 360 mg/dl. Gram stained smear of the CSF specimen yielded high numbers of gram-positive cocci. Empirical treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone (2 x 2 g/day) and linezolid (2 x 600 mg/day) was initiated upon the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis. Physical examination of the patient revealed HS characterized by common fistulas in gluteal area and drainage from the fistula with drainage in left gluteal area. White blood cell blood count was 26.700/mg, platelet count was 501.000/ml and hemoglobin was 14.8 mg/dl. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 120 mm/hour. In the magnetic resonance imaging of the vertebra, fistula tract was determined between inflammed tissue and sacral subarachnoid region. Since the culture of CSF and blood did not yield any growth, the probable causative agent was thought to be an anaerobic gram-positive coccus. The treatment continued for 21 days for ceftriaxone and 28 days for linezolid. The patient was successfully treated and was transferred to neurosurgery department without any sequela for the management of fistulas.

Burkitt lymphoma predominantly involving the pancreas is very rare. There is no specific clinical, laboratory, or radiological sign of the disease. Thus, the diagnosis, especially of focal involvement, is usually difficult. We here report ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of primary pancreatic Burkitt lymphoma in a case with unusual radiological presentation.

Intramural hematoma of the alimentary tract is a rare condition, which usually results from blunt injury. It can spontaneously occur in patients with coagulopathy or on anticoagulants. Although it may be seen anywhere in the alimentary tract, duodenum is the most common site of the intestinal intramural hematomas. Intramural hematoma caused by a foreign body is rarely seen. Patients with intramural hematoma are usually encountered with obstructive symptoms after an isolated injury. Intramural hematomas are often self-limited at the site of occurrence and can be managed conservatively. They rarely cause progressive obstruction and need surgical drainage. In this article, we report a 51-year-old male patient with foreign body used for masturbation causing rectal intramural hematoma and perforation at the rectosigmoid junction. Because of the intestinal perforation, the patient was managed surgically. In the diagnosis of intramural hematoma of the alimentary tract, beside the clinical history and physical examination, the findings at imaging modalities such as conventional radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography are often useful. Patients with rectal intramural hematoma usually do not give diagnostic clues to the physicians in the clinical history. Therefore, radiologists must be familiar with the imaging findings. In this article, we aimed to present a patient with rectal intramural hematoma caused by foreign body and obliterating the rectal lumen.

We report MR and sonographic imaging features of an incidentally detected paraovarian adrenal rest in a 44-year-old woman who was being evaluated for menorrhagia. This is the first report of chemical shift imaging identifying the presence of lipid within an adrenal rest as well as rapid washout of contrast. Both of these MR characteristics are typically seen with an adrenal adenoma.

We aimed to describe the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography findings of celiac, mesenteric, and renal artery entrapment by the median arcuate ligament.Patients (n = 453) who underwent MDCT abdominal aorta angiography in a period of 3 years were retrospectively reviewed for vascular compression by median arcuate ligament known as median arcuate ligament syndrome. The MDCT examinations were performed with 16-slice (n = 292) and 64-slice scanners (n = 161). The median arcuate ligament itself and adjacent vascular branches of abdominal aorta were assessed for compression by 2 different radiologists who are experienced on MDCT angiography more than 3 years. Both axial, multiplanar reformatted images and 3-dimensional angiographies were used for interpretation.Twelve patients were found to have clinically significant vessel entrapments by median arcuate ligament; 6 of them with celiac artery, 4 of them with renal artery, and 2 of them with both celiac and mesenteric artery involvement. Patients with celiac and mesenteric vessel entrapments presented with epigastric pain. All patients with renal artery entrapment had resistant hypertension. The MDCT showed the proximal narrowing caused by compression of median arcuate ligament. The proximal portions of renal arteries pulled down and in toward the aorta, with mild to moderate narrowing.The MDCT exanimation with multiplanar images and 3-dimensional angiography is a noninvasive imaging technique that can be used with high accuracy in the diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome.

Maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) is classified into three types depending upon embryological development of the sinus and uncinate process. Type III MSH is characterized by a near-absence of the uncinate process and an almost absent cleft-like sinus. Bilateral maxillary sinus aplasia or severe hypoplasia with associated paranasal sinus abnormalities is extremely rare. Two cases with severe maxillary sinus hypoplasia/aplasia (one of them with other associated paranasal sinus abnormalities) are presented in this article. This extremely rare abnormality should be kept in mind to prevent misdiagnosis and possible complications during endoscopic sinus surgery.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary metastases detected on thoracic computed tomography in patients with rectal cancer and assess the association between the incidence of pulmonary metastases and the stage of the rectal tumor.Fifty-six consecutive patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer over a 22-month period were included in the study. These patients had local tumor staging with a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and staging computed tomographic scan of the chest and upper abdomen immediately after the magnetic resonance imaging. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed all the thoracic imaging performed on these patients for the presence of metastases. The presence of a parenchymal lung nodule (greater than or equal to 1 cm if single and 0.5 cm if multiple) with a soft tissue component without calcification on lung and mediastinal window settings was considered positive for the presence of metastasis. All other patients were considered as not having any lung metastases.Of the 56 patients, 10 (17.9%) had evidence of pulmonary metastases on computed tomography. Of the 56 patients, there were 3 patients with stage T1, 24 with T2, 26 with T3, and 3 with stage T4 tumors. Of these 10 patients, 1 had a stage T2 tumor, 7 had T3, and 2 had stage T4 tumors. Statistical analysis using exact logistic regression showed the odds of getting lung metastases is an increasing function of tumor grade.There is a high incidence of lung metastases in patients with rectal cancer, and thoracic computed tomographic scanning should be performed as part of a staging protocol in all patients before any form of treatment is planned. There is a higher incidence of lung metastases with higher T stage.