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The aim of the present study was to evaluate thyroid nodules using virtual touch quantification (VTQ) of force impulse acoustic radiation (ARFI) imaging and to investigate a cutoff value for the differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules. Ninety-five patients with quantitatively-assessed (VTQ) thyroid nodules were evaluated with ARFI imaging in this prospective study. ARFI imaging with VTQ was performed only on the nodules which were expected to undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). All of the thyroid lesions were examined histopathologically. The mean shear wave velocity (SWV) value of the malignant nodules (3.18 ± 0.39 m/s) was higher than that of the benign nodules (2.11 ± 0.53 m/s). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean SWV values of benign and malignant nodules (p

Our aim in this study was to analyze the findings of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of children with vitamin B12 deficiency. This study included 14 cases. The findings of brain MRI and MRS in all cases were investigated. Four patients had been followed up and mean follow-up time 71.8 (59–85) day. Eight patients of the cases (57 %) had at least one abnormal MRI finding. The most commonly found MRI findings were thinning of the corpus callosum and brain atrophy, respectively. The mean ratio of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr were measured in MRS, with values of 1.31 ± 0.17 and 1.04 ± 0.27, respectively. In two of three patients with abnormal MRI studies at presentation, subsequent MRI showed improvement while one patient remained unchanged. An increase in the ratios of metabolites were found in one case with control MRS. There was no lactate peak. Brain MRI was abnormal in more than half of the cases of children with vitamin B12 deficiency. Our radiologic findings similar with literature. There was no identifiable lactate peak. B12 deficiency could be the cause of the thinning of the corpus callosum and brain atrophy in the children that were given a brain MRI.

Epilepsy is a common chronic disease characterized by spontaneous and recurrent seizures. Along with the increases in life expectancy, the prevalence of epilepsy in adults increased in parallel. 3.0-T MRI provides high signal/noise ratio and is an important tool in the determination of epileptic lesion in epilepsy patients. Our aim in this study was to research and compare 3.0-T MRI findings of Turkish epileptic patients that are resistant and non-resistant to medical treatment. 3.0-T MRI images from 264 consecutive patients, of which 150 were males and 114 were females (age range 18–82 years; mean age 31.3 years) were examined, retrospectively. Among those patients, 94 were resistant to medical treatment (DRE+) and 170 were non-resistant (DRE−). Epileptic lesion was determined in 119 of the patients. Epileptic lesion was determined in sixty-three patients who were resistant to medical treatment and in fifty-six patients who were non-resistant. Epileptic lesion was determined in approximately half of the adult epilepsy patients by using 3.0-T MRI. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of brain abnormalities in Turkish epileptic patients with DRE+. The lesion was determined in 67% of patients with medical treatment resistance, while the percentage for the other group was only 32.9%. The ratio of epileptic lesion determination by using 3.0-T MRI was quite higher in the medical treatment resistant group than the non-resistant group.

Purpose To demonstrate the difference in tissue stiffness by comparing the value of the shear wave velocity (SWV) of postoperative undescended testicles with that of normal testes. Methods This study included 39 patients and 30 healthy controls. US and p-SWE (VTQ) were performed using with a linear probe (4–9 MHz). Forty-seven operated undescended testicles comprised “Group A”, 27 testes with normal scrotal placement since birth in patient population comprised “Group B”. A total of 60 testes in 30 healthy controls were included as “Group C”. Finally, the testes of Group A, B, C were statistically compared in terms of the SWV and volume. Results The shear wave values of the 47 testes in Group A were 0.75–2.8 (median, 1.1) m/s, and the SWVs of the 27 testes in Group B were 0.62–1.2 (median, 0.84) m/s. The SWVs of the 60 testes in Group C were 0.65–1 (median, 0.82) m/s. The testicular volumes of Group A ranged from 0.19 to 4.7 (median, 0.15) cm 3 , Group B ranged from 0.34 to 8 (median, 0.74) cm 3 and Group C ranged as 0.4–15.5 (median, 0.91) cm 3 . Conclusions VTQ method of p-SWE is a new method that may reveal the difference in stiffness between scrotally placed testes and postoperative undescended testicles.

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for assessing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we performed a quantitative calculation of ILD severity by examining the lung volume of SSc patients.The present study was performed retrospectively on 38 patients with SSc who were referred to our clinic. Patients were divided into two groups based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT): patients with ILD and patients without ILD.The percentage of lower lobe volume (PLLV) was calculated using HRCT. In addition, we evaluated the PLLV in all patients according to age, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and spirometric findings, and assessed the relationships among these factors.PLLV of the right lung in patients with ILD was reduced when compared with patients without ILD (P=0.041). The PLLV of the right lung in patients with ILD was negatively correlated with age and forced vital capacity (FVC; P=0.01 and P=0.012, respectively).The PLLV of the right lung may decrease in SSc patients with ILD. In these patients, the PLLV may be a quantitative parameter indicating damage in the lung.

To determine the utility of the quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values at various b values, in the differentiation of malignant hepatic masses on 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI.We evaluated 81 consecutive patients presenting with 529 malignant masses in the liver. Of those patients 27 had a primary hepatic malignancy while the other 54 patients had metastases in the liver. Quantitative ADC values of malignant hepatic masses was measured at four b values (b 400, b 800, b 1600, b 2000 mm2/s) on MR-DWI. We compared the primary and metastatic tumors within their groups and also with each other in terms of their ADC values.In 4 various b value measurements, the mean ADC values of the primary and metastatic hepatic masses were 1. x 10(-3), 1.06 x 10(-3), 0.87 x 10(-3), and 0.736 x 10(-3)mm2/ seconds, 1.30 x 10(-3), 1.10 x 10(-3), 0.84 x 10(-3), and 0.715 x 10(-3) mm2/seconds respectively. There was no significant difference between mean ADC values of HCCs and metastases at b 400, 800, 1600 and 2000 gradients (P0.05).The ADC values obtained at intermediate (400, 800) and high (b 1600, 2000) diffusion gradients are not helpful in differentiation between HCCs and liver metastases.

The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of the SHC variations, and the distribution of the SP lengths in different age and sex groups using MDCT. MDCT scans were performed in 805 patients (401 males, 404 females). The patients were divided into six groups according to their ages. The length of the styloid process (SP) and its angulation on the transverse (TA) and sagittal (SA) planes were measured. Structural variations of the SHC were observed by means of three-dimensional (3D) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images. Absence of the styloid process (n = 10), double proximal origin (n = 13), segmentation (n = 223), complete ossification (n = 24), and an SP with three proximal parts in one patient were among the anomalies detected. The mean length of the SP was greater in males than in females (33.2 ± 13.2 vs. 29.6 ± 10.5 mm, P < 0.001). Elongated SP (ESP) was observed in 56 % of the patients in the study group, and this ratio was the highest in Group 3 with 65.4 % (P < 0.05). TA and SA were 70.2° ± 4.1°, 69.9° ± 4.2° and 86.6° ± 6.5°, 88.3° ± 6.6° for the right and left sides, respectively. Besides, 3D and MPR images also present detailed and reliable data to radiologists and surgeons for the evaluation of the SHC. ESP has been detected in more than half of the patients, being more frequent in males and in individuals in the fifth decade of life. For an accurate diagnosis, clinicians should consider the ESP while evaluating the patients in this age group.

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) occur generally in the testes or ovaries. Extra-gonadal location of GCTs is very rare .Extra-gonadal GCTs usually arise from midline structures, the commonest sites being the retroperitoneal and mediastinum. Gastrointestinal germ cell tumors are very uncommon. The etiology, prognosis and clinical course of gastrointestinal GCTs are not well understood yet. Weherein present two GCTs cases who referred with gastrointestinal bleeding and obstruction these tumors originated from retroperitoneal site. In the light of the literature, the clinical and pathological findings of the cases are presented. Prominent features of our cases were being located in the gastrointestinal system, being at young ages, presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding and good outcome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical importance of anatomic variations of the colon. Materials and methods: Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) of the abdomen for various indications was performed in 1300 patients in radiology department between January 2010 and September 2011 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the anatomic variations of colon. Results: The total number of patients undergoing MDCT scans was 1300, of which 640 were female and 660 male. The mean age of patients was 43.02 years (2-92). The number (%) of colons according to their position were as: 34 (% 2,6) anterior and 14 (% 0,9) posterior hepatodiafragmatic, 40 (% 3) interposition of colon between psoas and right kidney, 3 (% 0,2) interposition of colon between psoas and left kidney, 4 (% 0,3) right retrorenal, 16 (% 1,2) left retrorenal, 2 (%0,2) bilateral, 10 (% 0,8) pancreaticogastric, 5 (% 0,4) retrosplenic and 64 (% 4,9) high caecum. Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomic variations of colon is important for surgical planning or interventional radiologic procedures. Multi-detector computed tomography allows detailed visualization of these variations., Giriş: Bu çalışmanın amacı kolonun anatomik varyasyonlarının sıklığını ve klinik önemini belirlemektir. Gereç ve yöntem: Ocak 2010-Eylül 2011 tarihleri arasında, radyoloji bölümünde, farklı nedenlerden dolayı abdomen çok kesitli bilgisayarlı tomografi (ÇKBT) çekilmiş, 1300 hasta retrospektif olarak, kolonun anatomik varyasyonları açısından incelendi. Bulgular: ÇKBT çekilmiş 1300 hastanın, 640\'ı kadın ve 660\'ı erkek idi. Ortalama yaş 43,02 yıl (2-92) idi. Kolon varyasyonlarının sayısı: 34 (% 2,6) anterior, 14 (% 0,9) posterior hepatodiyaframatik, 40 (% 3) sağ böbrek-psoas interpozisyonu, 3 (% 0,2) sol böbrek-psoas interpozisyonu, 4 (% 0,3) sağ retrorenal, 16 (% 1,2) sol retrorenal, 2 (%0,2) bilateral, 10 (% 0,8) pankreatikogastrik, 5 (% 0,4) retosplenik kolon ve 64 (% 4,9) yüksek yerleşimli çekum. Sonuç: Kolonun anatomik varyasyonlarının bilinmesi cerrahi ve girişimsel radyolojik işlemlerde önemlidir. ÇKBT bu varyasyonların ayrıntılı bir şekilde gösterilmesine olanak sağlamaktadır.

After surgery, the most common foreign bodies retained in the abdominal cavity are the surgical sponges. The aim of the present study was to emphasize the importance of gossypiboma, which is a serious and medicolegal problem. The records of 12 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of gossypiboma after abdominal surgery at Dicle University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed between January 1994 and December 2009. Eight of the 12 patients were females, and 4 were males. Previously, 7 patients had been operated on electively, and 5 had undergone operations on an emergency basis. Abdominal ultrasonography clearly demonstrated gossypibomas in 5 patients, and computed tomography demonstrated a more precise image of retained surgical sponges in 3 patients. One patient died because of ventricular fibrillation; the other 11 patients were discharged in good health. To eliminate the risk of gossypibomas, all sponges should be counted at least twice (once preoperatively and once postoperatively); use of small sponges should be avoided during laparotomy, and only sponges with radiopaque markers should be used. The surgeon should explore the abdomen before closure. In cases in which the sponge count is uncertain, an abdominal x-ray should be performed before closure.

To determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction in patients with common iliac artery (CIA) occlusive disease and the effect of revascularization on erectile function using the sexual health inventory for males (SHIM) questionnaire. All patients (35 men; mean age 57 ± 5 years; range 42–67 years) were asked to recall their sexual function before and 1 month after iliac recanalization. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables effecting improvement of impotence. The incidence of impotence in patients with CIA occlusion was 74% (26 of 35) preoperatively. Overall 16 (46%) of 35 patients reported improved erectile function after iliac recanalization. The rate of improvement of impotence was 61.5% (16 of 26 impotent patients). Sixteen patients (46%), including seven with normal erectile function before the procedure, had no change. Three patients (8%) reported deterioration of their sexual function, two of whom (6%) had normal erectile function before the procedure. The median SHIM score increased from 14 (range 4–25) before the procedure to 20 (range 1–25) after the procedure (P = 0.005). The type of recanalization, the age of the patients, and the length of occlusion were related to erectile function improvement in univariate analysis. However, these factors were not independent factors for improvement of erectile dysfunction in multivariate analysis (P > 0.05). Endovascular recanalization of CIA occlusions clearly improves sexual function. More than half of the patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent endovascular recanalization of the CIA experienced improvement.

This study aims to collect data by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) on the diameter of the normal common bile duct (CBD) and the diameter of CBD after cholecystectomy. In this retrospective study, CBD measurements were performed on axial oblique images, perpendicular to the long axis of the distal CBD. The mean diameter of the normal CBD was measured in 604 patients without cholecystectomy. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to their age. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare data obtained from the six age groups. The mean diameter of the CBD of 46 patients who had cholecystectomy was calculated. The results were compared with age matched control group by Student's t test. The largest diameter of CBD ranged from 1.8 to 11.8mm. The mean of the largest diameter of 604 subjects was 4.77 ± 1.81. The diameter of the CBD significantly increased with age. Mean largest CBD diameters of postcholecystectomy subjects (7.28 ± 2.37) were significantly greater than age matched control group. In conclusion the diameter of CBD shows a considerable increase with age. The largest diameter of the CBD is up to 6mm in most of the subjects. An upper limit of 8mm appears reasonable after the age of 50; and an upper limit of 10mm seems appropriate for cholescystectomized subjects.

Pulmonary Veins are one of the major structures of circulation. In the last decade, pulmonary veins have been known to play an important role as the triggering focus of the electrical activity in atrial fibrillation. Primary treatment method of AF is RF ablation of the focus. For the best ablation, the anatomy of PVs should be well established before the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our radiology department, 783 patients underwent computed tomography angiography between January 2008 and May 2010. Patients were referred for coronary CTA because of known or suspected coronary artery disease or computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) because of known or suspect pulmonary embolism. All scanning was performed on Philips Brilliance 64 slice Multidetector CT. The group consisted of 402 male and 381 female patients with the average age of 48 (range 14–89). CT data of patients were retrospectively reviewed to identify the PV anatomy and to determine anatomic variants and anomalies. RESULTS: In the majority of cases, two pulmonary veins drain into the left atrium on each side. Eighteen and eight variations were found in the right and left sides, respectively. Most frequent combined variations were 2R-4L (32.3%) and 4L was the more frequent single variation type (76%). In addition to that one Situs inversus totalis (0.12%), two partial anomalous pulmonary venous returns (0.25%) and one scimitar syndrome (0.12%) were found. CONCLUSION: This study showed that multiple types of variations of PVs can be found with increasing patient number. Therefore, for the successful ablation and surgery without any complications, the anatomy of PVs should be known before the procedure. MDCT is a reliable imaging method for the detailed cross-sectional and 3D anatomy.

To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of endovascular treatments for patients with chronic veno-occlusive disease in different vascular beds secondary to Behcet’s disease (BD). There are few case reports on the subject, and this is the largest study to date. From January 2001 through October 2009, chronic venous occlusions were treated in 10 patients (all male [age range 18–76 years]) with BD using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stent placement. All patients were symptomatic and had chronic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT; n = 5), central venous occlusion (n = 3), or Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS; n = 2). All patients met criteria of the International Study Group on Behcet’s Disease. Two of five patients with DVT had unsuccessful recanalization attempts. Three patients had successful recanalization with stent placement. All three veins were occluded within 1 month with unsuccessful reinterventions. Three patients with chronic central venous occlusion had successful recanalization with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 1) and stent placement (n = 2). Two patients had reocclusion with successful reintervention. Two BCS patients had successful treatment with stent placements. Overall technical success was 69%, and no procedural complications were encountered. None of the patients with chronic DVT had patent veins; however, all patients with central venous occlusion or BCS had patent veins on color Doppler ultrasonography at follow-up ranging from 3 to 48 months after intervention. Endovenous treatment for chronic iliofemoral DVT due to BD had a poor outcome. However, long-term outcome after endovenous treatment for upper-extremity central venous occlusion and BCS syndrome was good.

Breast swelling is caused by many etiological factors, but should alert central vein occlusion in hemodialysis patients when the permanent vascular access is in the same arm. The swelling of the breast is caused by venous hypertension in the venous plexus draining the breast. Endovascular treatment relieves venous hypertension and related clinical signs. Additional diagnostic workup or invasive interventions such as a biopsy should be avoided in such patients, as diagnosis is straightforward with the presence of a functioning arteriovenous fistula in the same arm.

Aim: Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is the result of a rupture of epigastric vessels or rectus muscle occurring mostly in infraumblical region. Etiological factor is predominantly trauma and rarely spontaneous. Generally, misdiagnosed or delays in diagnosis result in unnecessary surgical intervention.

Ascariasis is one of the most common helminthic diseases on earth. Abdominal ultrasonography is usually used for the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis in spite of diagnosis of this infestation is not easy. Two ultrasonographic image of jejunal ascariasis is added to depict clinical situation.

Objectives Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in women, and early detection is the key to successful treatment. Unfortunately, even with technological advances, the specificity of imaging modalities is still low. Therefore, we evaluated the value of a newly developed noninvasive technique, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, for differentiating benign versus malignant breast lesions. Methods We prospectively examined 141 breast lesions in 122 patients. All lesions were classified according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) for mammography, BI-RADS for sonography, and Virtual Touch tissue imaging (VTI; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) pattern. Internal and marginal shear wave velocity (SWV) values for the lesions were noted. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for VTI and Virtual Touch tissue quantification (VTQ; Siemens Medical Solutions) were calculated. Results The marginal SWV values were statistically higher in malignant lesions (mean ± SD, 5.41 ± 1.37 m/s) than benign lesions (2.91 ± 0.88 m/s; P < .001). When the SWV cutoff level was set at 4.07 m/s, and the higher of the internal and marginal values was adopted, the combination of VTI and VTQ showed 95.1% sensitivity, 99.0% specificity, and 97.8% accuracy. Conclusions Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 lesions are the main focus of research for early detection of breast cancer. Unfortunately, BI-RADS category 4 assessment covers a wide range of likelihood of malignancy (2%–95%). This wide range reflects the necessity for a more specific imaging modality. The combination of VTI and VTQ could increase the diagnostic performance of conventional sonography.

To present the results of our retrospective study on 49 totally implantable subcutaneous venous ports inserted in angiography unit under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. Between January 2010 and November 2011, 49 subcutaneous venous chest ports were placed in 48 patients (mean age, 49.3±16.7 years). One patient underwent port implantation twice. All the ports had single lumen catheters. The procedures were performed under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance in angiography unit. All ports were placed on the anterior chest wall. The technical success rate was 100%. There was no procedure-related minor or major complication. Mean duration of catheter usage was 220 days (total, 100.180 catheter days; range, 15 to 420 catheter days). There was no early complication(in the first month). Late complications occurred at a rate of 8.3% (n=4). Among those four cases, two ports (4.1%) had to be removed due to thrombosis. One port was explanted due to treatment-resistant bacteremia and sepsis, the other due to catheter malposition. In patients with malignant diseases, radiological implantation of subcutaneous venous ports can be performed with similar or lower complication rates, as compared to the surgical literature, due to the obvious advantage of imaging guidance. Hence, port implantation with imaging guidance may become a more preferred implantation method in the future., Anjiyografi ünitesinde ultrason ve floroskopi altında 49 tamamen implante edilebilen subkutan venöz port retrospektif olarak incelendi. 49 subkutan venöz göğüs portu 48 hastada (ortalama yaş 49.3 ± 16.7 yıl ) yerleştirildi . Bir hastaya iki port implantasyonu uygulandı. Tüm portlar tek lümen kateterine sahipti. Prosedürler ultrason ve anjiyografi ünitesinde floroskopi altında yapıldı. Tüm portlar göğüs ön duvarına yerleştirildi. Teknik başarı oranı %100 idi . İşleme bağlı minör veya major komplikasyon gözlenmemiştir . Erken komplikasyon (birinci ay ) olmadı. Geç komplikasyonlar % 8.3 oranında oluştu (n: 4) . Cerrahi literatürde malign hastalıklarda, subkutan venöz portların radyolojik implantasyonu benzer veya daha düşük komplikasyon oranları ile tercihedilebilir. Bu nedenle, görüntüleme kılavuzluğunda port implantasyonu gelecekte daha çok tercih edilen implantasyon yöntemi olabilir

WOS: 000360808600013 PubMed: 26557268 Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a syndrome with poor prognosis, seen only in monochorionic monozygotic twin pregnancies. The incidence is one in 35.000 births and one in 100 monozygotic twin pregnancies. It is characterized with a recipient fetus exhibiting lethal anomalies including acardia and a pump fetus. Mortality is usually due to heart failure or premature labor caused by polyhydramnios of pump fetus. Herein, we report a case of TRAP sequence that emphasizes the importance of gray-scale and color Doppler imaging in the diagnosis and management of TRAP sequence.

Pancreas cancer has increased morbidity and mortality. It generally result in biliary obstruction which life threatening importance. Main biliary drainage method is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not successful, second preferred method is percutaneous biliary drainage. Percutaneous biliary drainage has some complications which is an invasive procedure. A complication of percutaneous biliary drainage due to patient iatrogenity which was not ever reported in the literature biliary drainage according to our literature research. In these circumstances an alternative solution is indirect biliary drainage.

Subcapsular liver hematoma, as a rare complication of HELLP syndrome, must be managed in a tertiary center for prompt recognition and treatment with close monitoring of hemodynamic and coagulation parameters, treatment of underlying disorders, and assessment by the imaging techniques. These patients underwent different therapeutic options varying from conservative therapy to operative management, including liver transplantation. As a choice of treatment, patients with HELLP syndrome can be followed up conservatively in stable hemodynamic conditions. In this report, we presented a 32-year-old woman with subcapsular liver hematoma secondary to HELLP syndrome managed conservatively.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic injuries arising from blunt trauma are rarely seen. Diagnosis and treatment are difficult because of retroperitoneal localization of the organ. We present four pancreatic cases with isolated pancreatic injury due to blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS This retrospective study included four pancreatic patients who were operated on due to isolated injury caused by blunt abdominal trauma at our department between January 2004 and October 2010. RESULTS The patients consisted of three males and one female. One of them was in stage IV and the rest were in stage III. All underwent pancreaticojejunostomy, distal pancreatectomy, distal pancreatectomy + splenectomy and drainage, respectively. Fistula developed in two of them, and abscess developed in one, while the other one died. CONCLUSION Diagnosis may be delayed since the clinical condition is initially stable. Tomography remains one of the most important diagnostic tools. Common risk factors for morbidity and mortality are the presence of ductal injury and delayed laparotomy (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 22).

The purpose of this study was to present our experience with guiding catheters in manual aspiration thrombectomy of occluded infra-aortic bypass grafts. This material was designed as a guiding catheter but was also used for thrombus aspiration. Six consecutive patients (all male; mean age, 61.0±5.7 years; range, 54-68 years) who underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy at the discretion of the operator for infra-aortic bypass graft thrombosis between 2002 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The angiographic success described as either stenosis or residual thrombus less than 30% was 67%. Primary patency was 50%, and secondary patency was 66.7%. Additional stents were needed in four lesions of three patients. Manual aspiration thrombectomy is intended to remove both soft acute blood clots and hard organized embolic and thrombotic obstructions. Manual aspiration thrombectomy appears to be a safe and effective method for treating delayed graft thrombosis. This method provides an alternative to surgical thrombectomy, especially for patients who are not good candidates for the surgery.

We aimed to describe the technical aspects and outcomes of the retrograde tibial approach and balloon predilation for recanalization of complex infrainguinal arterial occlusions and determine the efficacy of this approach in minimizing failure rates.Between September 2006 and April 2011, antegrade revascularization failed in 22 limbs with complex total occlusions within the infrainguinal arterial territory. For each of these antegrade failure cases in 22 patients, a retrograde tibial puncture had been attempted. Percutaneous recanalization and predilation were initially performed through tibial access, and final balloon dilatation or stent placement was performed from antegrade femoral access. The patients were followed up for functionality and wound healing.Access from the tibial artery was successfully obtained for all patients (100%). Successful recanalization was obtained in 18 patients (82%). Retrograde access was performed from the anterior tibial/dorsalis pedis artery in 12 patients and posterior tibial artery in 10 patients. One major and one minor complications were documented.Retrograde tibial recanalization technique in the infrainguinal complex arterial occlusion safely increases the success rates of percutaneous recanalization in the failed traditional approach and is a feasible endovascular option to avoid more invasive, time-consuming, and high-risk procedures.

The aim of this study was to assess the cerebral variations and observe their frequency in the patients who have undergone angiographies with the state of the art 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography technique due to various reasons. 500 patients (253 women, 247 men) who had CT scan in the period of April 2008 to March 2010 at Dicle University Medicine Faculty Hospital Radiology Unit were surveyed in this study. Patients who had CT scan with brain CT angio protocol were evaluated using multiplanar, maximum intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR) images in work station. 773 variations were totally detected among 500 patients. Variations were categorized as Willis polygon, fenestration and other variations. Frequent variations were detected at Willis polygon and posterior communicating artery (PCOA) hypoplasia was detected as the prevalent variation. In the present study, we have demonstrated that cerebral vascular variations are frequent and that these variations can be detected in a non-invasive manner using the MDCT angiography. The results obtained from our study may serve as preoperative guidelines for the units performing surgical procedures.

The gallbladder and the biliary tract are structures in close connection with the adjacent organs and may show a number of variations and anomalies. It is therefore important for surgical purposes to know their anatomy and variations in detail. Various methods are used in the imaging of the variations of the biliary tract and its pathologies, including ultrasonography, computed tomography; direct cholangiographic methods like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, intravenous cholangiography and T-tube cholangiography, as well as indirect methods like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or cholescintigraphy. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of the anatomic variations of the biliary tract using 3-T MRCP and to compare the findings with the data in the literature. For the purposes of this study, patients who underwent MRCP at our hospital (Dicle University Hospital) between November 2009 and February 2012 were investigated retrospectively. A total of 590 patients (between 6 and 88 years of age; mean age: 51 ± 9 years) were included in the study. The MRCP imaging was carried out with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device supplied with 3-T magnetic power and by obtaining T2-weighted images through the single-shot fast spin echo technique using the standard body coil. The axial and coronal source images and the reformatted images were evaluated together in terms of the possible anatomic variations. Among the 590 patients included in the study, of 233 (39.5 %) showed anatomic variations at different levels in the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tracts. Among these variations, a right posterior hepatic duct insertion to the left hepatic duct at the level of the bifurcation has been observed in 71 patients (12.1 %), trifurcation was observed in 30 patients (5.1 %) and insertion into the main hepatic duct at the proximal aspect of the cystic duct was observed in 18 patients (3.1 %). At the level of the cystic duct, medial insertion of the cystic duct was viewed in 58 patients (9.8 %), distal medial insertion was seen in 40 patients (6.8 %), a short cystic duct was detected in 10 patients (1.7 %), pancreatobiliary junction anomaly was viewed in two patients (0.4 %) and duplicate anatomic variations have been observed in 42 patients (7.2 %). MRCP studies conducted using 3-T MRI devices may reveal similar or greater numbers of variations when compared to the existing MRCP studies in the literature. 3-T MRI shows a couple of variations. Pointing out these anatomical variations before the surgical intervention may prevent possible iatrogenic traumas. Donors with unsuitable variations for liver transplant may be spotted out at an early phase through the MRCP and certain operations with a high morbidity rate may thus be avoided.

Purpose: To analyze the results of percutaneous cholecystostomy in in high-risk elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. Materials and Methods: Between June 2010 and May 2011, 11 patients aged over 60 who had at least 1 systemic disease and underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The procedure was technically successful in 10 (90.9%) patients. Clinical improvement was achieved in 81.8% of patients within 72 hours. Two patients received emergency surgery while elective cholecystostomy was performed in 5 patients. Percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed singly in 4 (36.4%) patients. Early complication rate was 18.2%. Two (18.2%) patients died. Conclusion: Percutaneous cholecystostomy can be performed with low mortality and morbidity. Cholecystectomy should be performed in all patients with suitable general conditions due to the high recurrence rates of percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Summary Background: This article is concerned with the evaluation of an adolescent breast mass using imaging methods. Case Report: A 14-year-old girl presented with progressive asymmetric enlargement of the left breast. She had felt a breast lump about 4 months earlier, and over the last 2 months it had been growing progressively. Tumor markers, including AFP, CEA, CA15-3, and CA125, were all normal. Ultrasonography showed a hypoechoichyperechoic, solid mass. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast revealed a well marginated mass with hypointensity on T1-weighted images and mild hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, which showed mild contrast uptake. Biopsy revealed an undifferentiated malignant mesenchymal sarcoma. The patient underwent mastectomy with axillary lymph node sampling. After the operation, she received 3 cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Due to the rarity of breast sarcoma and inadequate imaging methods to establish an exact diagnosis, radiologists and clinicians may misdiagnose and merely follow these tumors. As in our case, the histology of the patient may be the leading factor in the management of these tumors. Even in very young patients, progressively growing breast masses should alert the clinician to check for malignancy verified by biopsy.

Renal artery variations are important for clinical reasons. The aim of this study is to determine the originating level and variations of renal arteries with 64-channel multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).In a university hospital, 820 patients who underwent MDCT angiography of the abdominal aorta were retrospectively evaluated. The number, early division (ED), and originating level of renal artery were evaluated retrospectively. Variations of the renal artery on both sides, the difference between the genders with variations of the renal artery, were compared with chi-square test.Renal artery originating from the level of L1-L2 intervertebral disc was found in 37.0% and 38.9% of patients on the right and left sides, respectively. Renal artery variations, including extrarenal artery (ERA), were found in 27% and ED in 26.7% of the patients. Significant differences were found in ED and ERA prevalence for genders (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively). The prevalence of both variations is higher in males.An awareness of renal vascular variations is very important for both surgeons and radiologists. In this series, renal arterial variations were found in approximately one-fourth of the study population.

A 23-year-old primigravida was referred to our clinic for evaluation of high blood pressure (BP) in her 16th week of gestation. She had an operation to repair congenital aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus 8 years ago. On physical examination the blood pressure in upper extremity was 155/95 and in lower extremity was 90/55 mmHg, and heart rate was 93 beats/min. Transthoracic echocardiography showed narrowing of the descending aorta, the diameter of the aortic arch was 10.60 mm and an echocardiographic gradient was 96 mmHg. During the pregnancy (from 16 weeks to 38 weeks) BP was regulated with metoprolol. Cesarean section delivery was applied at 38 weeks of gestation. There was no complication in postpartum period. Spinal anesthesia application was used for caesarean section intervention and healthy female baby was delivered with the APGAR scores of 10/10. Herein the diagnosis of aortic coarctation is reviewed and the management when found during pregnancy is discussed.

Purpose We aimed to describe the technical aspects and outcomes of the retrograde tibial approach and balloon predilation for recanalization of complex infrainguinal arterial occlusions and determine the efficacy of this approach in minimizing failure rates. Materials and methods Between September 2006 and April 2011, antegrade revascularization failed in 22 limbs with complex total occlusions within the infrainguinal arterial territory. For each of these antegrade failure cases in 22 patients, a retrograde tibial puncture had been attempted. Percutaneous recanalization and predilation were initially performed through tibial access, and final balloon dilatation or stent placement was performed from antegrade femoral access. The patients were followed up for functionality and wound healing. Results Access from the tibial artery was successfully obtained for all patients (100%). Successful recanalization was obtained in 18 patients (82%). Retrograde access was performed from the anterior tibial/dorsalis pedis artery in 12 patients and posterior tibial artery in 10 patients. One major and one minor complications were documented. Conclusion Retrograde tibial recanalization technique in the infrainguinal complex arterial occlusion safely increases the success rates of percutaneous recanalization in the failed traditional approach and is a feasible endovascular option to avoid more invasive, time-consuming, and high-risk procedures.

The goal of our prospective study was to measure the effect of a new standard model male gonad shield on the testicular radiation exposure during routine abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Two hundred male patients who underwent upper abdominal and pelvic CT examinations were included in our study. To prepare the testes shield (TS), 2 No. 8 fluoroscopy radiation-protection gloves made of bismuth (0.35 mm lead equivalent) were used. These gloves were invaginated into one another and their fingers were turned inside out. Scrotums of all patients were pushed into these lead-containing gloves. Upper abdominal CT (n = 6), pelvic CT (n = 9), and abdominopelvic scanning (n = 185) were performed. Immediately after the CT examinations and at postprocedural day 1, the scrotal examinations were repeated. None of the patients exhibited scrotal laceration, edema, eruption, erythema, tenderness, or pain. During the CT examinations, 22 patients (11%) felt unrest because of their exposed genital regions, without any adverse effect on the procedure. Dosimetric measurements of radioactivity inside the TS (dosimeter I) and outside it (dosimeter II) were 6.8 and 69.00 mSv, respectively. Accordingly, the TS we used in our study reduced the radiation exposure of the testes by 90.2% (10.1 times). We think that the use of this radioprotective TS during radiological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is an appropriate approach from both a medical and legal perspective. Therefore, we recommend this userfriendly, practical, low-cost, and effective TS for all radiologic procedures.

This study retrospectively evaluated ultrasonography-guided (US-guided) percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of postcatheterization femoral and brachial artery pseudoaneurysms.Fifty-five patients with postcatheterization femoral artery (n = 53) or brachial artery (n = 2) pseudoaneurysms were treated using US-guided human thrombin (500 IU/mL) injection. Pseudoaneurysm size, thrombin dose, therapy outcome, and complications were documented. Follow-up color Doppler US was performed 7 and 30 days after treatment. Short-duration supplemental compression was applied to six patients at the first week follow-up examination after a reinjection of thrombin had failed.Mean pseudoaneurysm volume was 20.3 ± 18.7 cm(3). The mean injected thrombin dose was 478 ± 238 IU. Thirty-eight (69.1%) of the 55 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed with a single injection, and 11 of 17 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed after a second injection. All (100%) of the 41 pseudoaneurysms that were diagnosed within the first two weeks of postcatheterization were successfully treated. The overall primary success rate was 89.1% (49 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). Supplemental compression promoted thrombosis in four of the six patients who had treatment failure with thrombin injection. The secondary success rate was 96.4% (53 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). There were no complications.US-guided thrombin injection was most successful within the first two weeks, and the supplemental compression might aid in the closure of partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysms.

The goal of our study was to measure the prevalence of anomalies in the extracranial segment of internal carotid artery (ICA), to measure the carotid-pharyngeal distance (CPD).Computed tomography (CT) angiography images of 607 patients were retrospectively examined. The course anomaly and CPD were obtained at different image plane. The patients were divided into four groups according to their age.The incidence of course anomaly in ICA was shown to be 60.3 %. Prevalence of course anomaly showed an increase with age (p0.001). Women had more ICAs with a course anomaly than men (p0.001). Mean CPD among all ICAs was found to be 11.13 mm. When CPD values were compared between the groups, group 1 and group 2 did not have a significant difference, however, there was a significant difference between other groups (p0.05). The CPD significantly decreased with age (p0.001). In ICAs that showed a straight course, the mean CPD was 13.0 mm, while in ICAs that showed course anomaly, the mean CPD was determined to be 9.49, showing a significant difference (p0.05).In conclusion, the number of ICAs that show a course anomaly increases with age, while the CPD decreases. The CPD is decreased in groups that show anomalies. The detection of a decreased CPD before surgery may lower the chance of a perioperative hemorrhage due to artery damage during pharyngeal procedures. Hence, while reporting neck CT angiographies, it may be valuable to also report the presence of ICA anomalies and CPD.

To evaluate the results of stent placement for obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease with or without involvement of the common iliac artery.Forty patients had self-expanding stents primarily or after balloon dilatation in the abdominal aorta between January 2005 and May 2011. All patients had trouble walking. Follow-up examinations were performed with clinical visits; these included color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomographic angiography.Technical, clinical, and hemodynamic success was achieved in all patients. None of the patients underwent reintervention during the follow-up period, which ranged from 3 months to 6 years (median 24 months). Nine complications occurred in six patients. Of the nine complications, four were distal thromboembolisms, which were successfully treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis or anticoagulation therapy.Endovascular treatment of the obstructive aortic disease using self-expanding stents was safe and effective, with high technical success and long-term patency. Thromboembolic complications were high even though direct stenting was considered protective for thromboembolism formation. Particularly for infrarenal aortic stenosis, it can be recommended as the first-line treatment option for patients with obstructive atherosclerotic aortic disease.

Objectives The present study aimed to present the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of patients who were diagnosed with the median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome on MDCT retrospectively. Methods Seven hundred forty-four patients in whom MDCT angiography was performed were retrospectively analyzed for investigating incidental MAL syndrome. Results Twenty-one patients were shown to have MAL syndrome. Of 21 patients, 18 with MAL syndrome were asymptomatic. Three patients had some symptoms. On MDCT angiography, proximal narrowing of the arteries was observed in 21 patients. Conclusions MDCT is a minimally invasive and useful tool for the diagnosis of MAL syndrome.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still an important health problem worldwide. The estimated incidence is 4.6 cases of TB per 100,000 persons in the United States.[1][1] According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of TB in Turkey is approximately 25–49 per 100,000 population.[2][2] Generally, TB

Purpose This study retrospectively evaluated ultrasonography-guided (US-guided) percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of postcatheterization femoral and brachial artery pseudoaneurysms. Materials and methods Fifty-five patients with postcatheterization femoral artery (n = 53) or brachial artery (n = 2) pseudoaneurysms were treated using US-guided human thrombin (500 IU/mL) injection. Pseudoaneurysm size, thrombin dose, therapy outcome, and complications were documented. Follow-up color Doppler US was performed 7 and 30 days after treatment. Short-duration supplemental compression was applied to six patients at the first week follow-up examination after a reinjection of thrombin had failed. Results Mean pseudoaneurysm volume was 20.3 ± 18.7 cm(3). The mean injected thrombin dose was 478 ± 238 IU. Thirty-eight (69.1%) of the 55 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed with a single injection, and 11 of 17 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed after a second injection. All (100%) of the 41 pseudoaneurysms that were diagnosed within the first two weeks of postcatheterization were successfully treated. The overall primary success rate was 89.1% (49 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). Supplemental compression promoted thrombosis in four of the six patients who had treatment failure with thrombin injection. The secondary success rate was 96.4% (53 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). There were no complications. Conclusion US-guided thrombin injection was most successful within the first two weeks, and the supplemental compression might aid in the closure of partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysms.

We present a 67-year-old man who had undergone aortobifemoral synthetic graft surgery one year earlier. The patient experienced thrombosis of the graft nine months after the operation, and thrombectomy of the graft was planned. However, the patient refused to undergo repeat surgery for thrombus removal and was referred to our center for possible endovascular treatment. We treated the patient with percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy. The thrombi were chronic in nature but could be removed with minimal residue in any part of the graft by using repeated aspiration thrombectomy with 7 F guiding catheters. Underlying stenosis of both distal graft anastomoses was treated with percutaneous balloon angioplasty, and a self-expanding stent was deployed on the right distal anastomosis. A small fragment of thrombus embolized to the right popliteal artery and was removed with aspiration thrombectomy through a second antegrade puncture on the right side. We believe this is the first report of aspiration thrombectomy for an aortobifemoral graft thrombosis. The method was successful despite the chronic nature of the thrombi. Manual aspiration thrombectomy with largebore guiding catheters can be used as an effective recanalization method for delayed aortobifemoral graft occlusion and could be regarded as a good alternative technique to surgical thrombectomy in selected patients.

Cardiac echinococcosis rarely mimics acute coronary syndrome. The diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst might be difficult on account of varying clinical presentations and nonspesific symptoms. A 75-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with typical chest pain. The patient had no history of previous cardiac symptoms or any illness leading to heart disease. Her ECG revealed ischemic changes. However, her coronary angiography revealed noncritical plaques in the left anterior descending artery. The diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis was identified using echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was referred to cardiac surgery for resection of the cyst; however, she refused surgery. Albendezol 800 mg/day was prescribed.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review our recent experience with deep neck infections and emphasize the importance of radiologic evaluation and appropriate treatment selection in those patients. Materials and Methods The records of 173 patients treated for deep neck infection at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Dicle University Hospital during the period from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Their demography, symptoms, etiology, seasonal distribution, bacteriology, radiology, site of deep neck infection, durations of the hospital admission and hospital stay, treatment, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. The findings were compared to those in the available literature. Results Dental infection was the most common cause of deep neck infection (48.6%). Peritonsillar infections (19.7%) and tuberculosis (6.9%) were the other most common cause. Pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, and fever were the most common presenting symptoms. Radiologic evaluation was performed on almost all of the patients (98.3%) to identify the location, extent, and character (cellulitis or abscesses) of the infections. Computed tomography was performed in 85.3% of patients. The most common involved site was the submandibular space (26.1%). In 29.5% of cases, the infection involved more than one space. All the patients were taken to intravenous antibiotic therapy. Surgical intervention was required in 95 patients (59.5%), whereas 78 patients (40.5%) were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy alone. Life-threatening complications were developed in 13.8% of cases; 170 patients (98.3%) were discharged in stable condition. Conclusion Despite the wide use of antibiotics, deep neck space infections are commonly seen. Today, complications of deep neck infections are often life threatening. Although surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses, conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases.

Background Stab wounds resulting spinal cord injury (SCI) are relatively rare and typically associated with immediate neurological damage. Objectives We report MDCT and MRI findings of spinal injury findings following an unusual penetrating stab wound of the neck. Case report A 31-year-old man had a stab wound in the cervical region. CT showed linear fracture in the corpus and left lamina of fourth cervical vertebra. MRI revealed left side oriented posteroanterior penetrating linear spinal cord lesion and broad T2W hyperintensity changes representing spinal cord contusion. Conclusion CT and MRI allow bony injuries, foreign bodies, spinal instability and the classification of different types of lesions, ranging from spinal cord edema to complete spinal cord transection. MR imaging should be performed after acquiring negative CT imaging findings in the case of high suspicion of spinal cord trauma as seen in our present case.