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Objective: Hirsutism affects 5-15% of women of reproductive age. Health-related quality of life (HQOL) is a multidimensional assessment of well-being that considers the physical, social, and emotional aspects associated with a specific disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate HQOL in patients diagnosed with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and compare it with patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was performed on 183 female individuals, consisting of 51 patients diagnosed with idiopathic hirsutism, 76 patients diagnosed with PCOS, and 56 healthy volunteers. Participants with a history of neuropsychiatric disorders, under 18 and over 45 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, with any chronic disease that could interfere with diagnostic laboratory tests, and who had previously been treated for IH or PCOS were excluded from the study. Demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, and clinical data on the cases were recorded. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered in a face-to-face interview by related authors involved in the study. Results: The mean age, level of education, lifestyle, and marital status of all three groups were similar. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference between the groups. Mean modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores were similar in the IH and PCOS groups. In the IH patients, the general health and mental health domains of the SF-36 questionnaire scores were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.026, respectively). When the SF-36 questionnaire scores were compared between the IH and PCOS groups, the general health and role emotional domains were significantly lower in the PCOS group (p=0.013 and p<0.001, respectively), and the other domains were similar. All SF-36 questionnaire domains were significantly and negatively correlated with BMI and waist circumference measurements in IH patients. Both BDI and BAI scores were significantly and positively correlated with BMI (r=0.348, p<0.001, and r=0.162, p=0.012, respectively) and waist circumference (r=0.326, p<0.001, and r=0.344, p<0.001, respectively). Six out of eight domains of the SF-36 QOL scores were significantly and negatively correlated with the mFG scores. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with IH have impaired HQOL, similar to patients diagnosed with PCOS. Improving HQOL should be a goal when deciding on a management approach for hirsutism, which is one of the most common reasons for referral to endocrinology and dermatology outpatient clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The major cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is parathyroid adenoma. Today, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become the standard treatment for patients in whom the pathological gland can be localized with pre-operative imaging methods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of 4D-CT in pre-operative localization in patients with pHPT who are negative for ultrasonography (USG) and/or sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) and will undergo primary surgery. Methods: Patients whom were operated between 2018 and 2023 were included to this study. 4D-CT results of patients with one-or two-negative USG and SPECT/CT results were evaluated retrospectively. Results: In this study, 19 patients (5 men and 14 women) with a mean age of 57.1±8.5 years were evaluated. Pathology results were consistent with parathyroid adenoma in 18 patients (94.7%) and parathyroid hyperplasia in 1 patient (5.3%). USG was negative in six patients, SPECT/CT was negative in 14 patients, and both were negative in four patients. In 4D-CT, positive images were detected in 15 patients and these results were finalized as true positive in 14 patients and false positive in 1 patient. The sensitivity of 4D-CT was 82.4% (95% CI: 60.4-95.3%), positive predictive value was 93.3% (95% CI: 73.8-99.6%), accuracy was 78.9%, and localization rate was 73.7%. In 14 (73.7%) patients, the pathological glands were removed by MIP. Conclusion: In approximately 75% of patients with negative USG and/or SPECT/CT, the pathological gland can be localized with 4D-CT and MIP can be applied in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the assessment of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic viral hepatitis by measuring apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (Fa) values. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients (5 women and 22 men;mean age39.8±11.3) with hepatic fibrosis were included in our study. The relationship between ADC, Fa values and histological activity index (HAI) score were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Patients were subgrouped as group A (fibrosis score 1) and group B (fibrosis score 3). The mean ADC and Fa values of groups A and B were compared using Student's t-test. To evaluate the use of ADC and Fa values in distinguishing group A from group B, ROC analysis was applied; sensitivities and specificities were calculated. Results: Fa values correlated with HAI scores significantly (r=0.397, p<0.05) The difference was significant between the mean ADC values (group A:1.46± 0.191x103mm2/s; group B:1.105± 0.141x10-3 mm2/s; p<0.001) and Fa values (group A: 0.473±0.091; group B: 0.643± 0.007; p<0.001) between the groups. For distinguishing group A from group B, ADC had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 93.8%. The sensitivity and specificity of Fa were 90.9% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Diffusion tensor imaging may play a role in the evaluation of fibrosis and HAI scores in patients with liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare condition characterized by chronic mesenteric ischemia, secondary to the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. Occasionally, in addition to the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery may be partially compressed by the median arcuate ligament. We report a case with complaints of chronic abdominal pain from compression of both the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery due to MALS, which was primarily detected by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis was confirmed with CT-angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compression of the proximal part of the celiac trunk by median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm during expiration is defined as median arcuate ligament syndrome. It is a rare cause of chronic mesenteric ischemia. We report two cases with this syndrome, primarily diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis was confirmed with digital substraction and computed tomography angiography in both cases. The role of ultrasound in the diagnostic work up of this syndrome is discussed with regard to the recent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the criteria for use in differentiating benign and malignant nodules with the help of the receiver operating characteristic analysis and to increase the objective diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography. Materials and methods: A total of 363 patients (307 women, 56 men) with 363 nodules (22 malignant and 341 benign nodules) were included in the study. The presence and absence of each US feature of the evaluated nodule - shape taller than wide, irregular margin, hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, and intranodular vascularity - were scored 1 and 0, respectively. The total ultrasound score was obtained by the summing up of each positive ultrasound findings for malignancy. The effect of the total US score in the discrimination of benign and malignant nodules was analysed using ROC analysis. Results: The cut off values of US score at maximum sensitivity and specificity for nodules larger and smaller than one centimeter were two (Az: 0.783) and three (Az: 0.935), respectively. For nodules greater than one centimeter, the calculated diagnostic performances including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, and accuracy were 62.5%, 91.5%, 30.3%, 97.7%, and 89,9%, respectively. For nodules smaller or equal to one centimeter; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 83.3%, 94.9%, 62.5%, 98.2% and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Using ultraound, thyroid nodules can be characterized effectively. The number of the US features used in this distinction varies in respect to the nodule size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile Mondor's disease is an unusual condition, which is characterized by thrombosis in superficial dorsal penile vein. Here, we report the sonographic findings of this disease in a 35-year-old male along with the absence of right dorsal penile artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid nodules are common and the prevalence varies between 4 and 7% by palpation and 19-68% by high-resolution USG. Most thyroid nodules are benign, and the malignancy rate varies between 7 and 15% of patients. Thyroid nodules are detected incidentally during clinical examination or, more often, during imaging studies performed for another reason. All detected thyroid nodules should be evaluated clinically. The main test in evaluating thyroid function is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If the serum TSH level is below the normal reference range, a radionuclide thyroid scan should be performed to determine whether the nodule is hyperfunctioning. If the serum TSH level is normal or high, ultrasonography (US) should be performed to evaluate the nodule. US is the most sensitive imaging method in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are not routinely used in the initial evaluation of thyroid nodules. There are many risk classification systems according to the USG characteristics of thyroid nodules, and the most widely used in clinical practice are the American Thyroid Association guideline and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard method in the evaluation of nodules with indication according to USG risk class. In the cytological evaluation of FNAB, the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is the most frequently applied cytological classification. TBSRTC is a simplified, 6-category reporting system and was updated in 2023. The application of molecular tests to FNAB specimens, especially those diagnosed with Bethesda III and IV, is increasing to reduce the need for diagnostic surgery. Especially in Bethesda III and IV nodules, different methods are applied in the treatment of nodules according to the malignancy risk of each category, these are follow-up, surgical treatment, radioactive iodine treatment, and non-surgical ablation methods., Competing Interests: None declared., (©Copyright 2023 by The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital.)

Objective: Hirsutism affects 5-15% of women of reproductive age. Health-related quality of life (HQOL) is a multidimensional assessment of well-being that considers the physical, social, and emotional aspects associated with a specific disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate HQOL in patients diagnosed with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and compare it with patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)., Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was performed on 183 female individuals, consisting of 51 patients diagnosed with idiopathic hirsutism, 76 patients diagnosed with PCOS, and 56 healthy volunteers. Participants with a history of neuropsychiatric disorders, under 18 and over 45 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, with any chronic disease that could interfere with diagnostic laboratory tests, and who had previously been treated for IH or PCOS were excluded from the study. Demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, and clinical data on the cases were recorded. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered in a face-to-face interview by related authors involved in the study., Results: The mean age, level of education, lifestyle, and marital status of all three groups were similar. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference between the groups. Mean modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores were similar in the IH and PCOS groups. In the IH patients, the general health and mental health domains of the SF-36 questionnaire scores were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.026, respectively). When the SF-36 questionnaire scores were compared between the IH and PCOS groups, the general health and role emotional domains were significantly lower in the PCOS group (p=0.013 and p<0.001, respectively), and the other domains were similar. All SF-36 questionnaire domains were significantly and negatively correlated with BMI and waist circumference measurements in IH patients. Both BDI and BAI scores were significantly and positively correlated with BMI (r=0.348, p<0.001, and r=0.162, p=0.012, respectively) and waist circumference (r=0.326, p<0.001, and r=0.344, p<0.001, respectively). Six out of eight domains of the SF-36 QOL scores were significantly and negatively correlated with the mFG scores., Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with IH have impaired HQOL, similar to patients diagnosed with PCOS. Improving HQOL should be a goal when deciding on a management approach for hirsutism, which is one of the most common reasons for referral to endocrinology and dermatology outpatient clinics., Competing Interests: None declared., (©Copyright 2023 by The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital.)

Objectives: The major cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is parathyroid adenoma. Today, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has become the standard treatment for patients in whom the pathological gland can be localized with pre-operative imaging methods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of 4D-CT in pre-operative localization in patients with pHPT who are negative for ultrasonography (USG) and/or sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) and will undergo primary surgery., Methods: Patients whom were operated between 2018 and 2023 were included to this study. 4D-CT results of patients with one- or two-negative USG and SPECT/CT results were evaluated retrospectively., Results: In this study, 19 patients (5 men and 14 women) with a mean age of 57.1±8.5 years were evaluated. Pathology results were consistent with parathyroid adenoma in 18 patients (94.7%) and parathyroid hyperplasia in 1 patient (5.3%). USG was negative in six patients, SPECT/CT was negative in 14 patients, and both were negative in four patients. In 4D-CT, positive images were detected in 15 patients and these results were finalized as true positive in 14 patients and false positive in 1 patient. The sensitivity of 4D-CT was 82.4% (95% CI: 60.4-95.3%), positive predictive value was 93.3% (95% CI: 73.8-99.6%), accuracy was 78.9%, and localization rate was 73.7%. In 14 (73.7%) patients, the pathological glands were removed by MIP., Conclusion: In approximately 75% of patients with negative USG and/or SPECT/CT, the pathological gland can be localized with 4D-CT and MIP can be applied in these patients., Competing Interests: None declared., (©Copyright 2023 by The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital.)

Objective: To determine the role of peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity and resistance indices of both the right and left inferior thyroid arteries measured by color-flow Doppler ultrasonography for a differential diagnosis between gestational transient thyrotoxicosis and Graves' disease during pregnancy., Methods: The right and left inferior thyroid artery-peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity and resistance indices of 96 patients with thyrotoxicosis (41 with gestational transient thyrotoxicosis, 31 age-matched pregnant patients with Graves' disease and 24 age- and sex-matched non-pregnant patients with Graves' disease) and 25 age and sex-matched healthy euthyroid subjects were assessed with color-flow Doppler ultrasonography., Results: The right and left inferior thyroid artery-peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in patients with gestational transient thyrotoxicosis were found to be significantly lower than those of pregnant patients with Graves' disease and higher than those of healthy euthyroid subjects. However, the right and left inferior thyroid artery peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in pregnant patients with Graves' disease were significantly lower than those of non-pregnant patients with Graves' disease. The right and left inferior thyroid artery peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities were positively correlated with TSH-receptor antibody levels. We found an overlap between the inferior thyroid artery-blood flow velocities in a considerable number of patients with gestational transient thyrotoxicosis and pregnant patients with Graves' disease., Conclusions: This study suggests that the measurement of inferior thyroid artery-blood flow velocities with color-flow Doppler ultrasonography does not have sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be recommended as an initial diagnostic test for a differential diagnosis between gestational transient thyrotoxicosis and Graves' disease during pregnancy.

Intracranial metastases represent 7-17% of all brain tumors. Renal cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, choriocarcinoma, melanoma, retinoblastoma, lung cancer and breast cancer have a propensity for producing hemorrhagic brain metastases. Leukemias have also been rarely reported to cause hemorrhagic brain metastases. We describe an 18-year-old girl diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with multiple hemorrhagic brain metastases. MRI demonstrated high signal intensity lesions on both T1- and T2-weighted images which were characteristic for extracellular methemoglobin and consistent with hemorrhagic metastases.