Search

Objective: Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) refers to the use of portable ultrasound machines to perform quick and focused ultrasound examinations at a patient's bedside or point-of-care. POCUS can be performed by all health workers with specific training to use POCUS. The aim of this study was to investigate the radiological performance and feasibility of POCUS using a handheld ultrasound device (HHUSD) in children for examining the thyroid gland. Methods: A pediatric endocrinologist performed thyroid imaging in children referred to our hospital with suspected thyroid disease using an HHUSD. The same children underwent ultrasonography (US) imaging using the same device by the first radiologist, and a second radiologist performed thyroid US using an advanced high-range ultrasound device (AHUSD) (defined as the gold-standard method) within two hours. The data obtained by the three researchers were compared with each other. Results: This study included 105 patients [68.6% girls (n=72)] with a mean age 12.8±3.6 years. When the thyroid volume was evaluated, a strong correlation was found between the measurements of the three researchers (AA vs. MG: r=0.963, AA vs. GT: r=0.969, MG vs. GT: r=0.963, p<0.001). According to the Bland-Altman analysis for total thyroid volume, AA measured 0.43 cc [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.89-0.03] smaller than MG, and 0.11 cc (95% CI: -0.30-0.52) larger than GT, whereas MG measured 0.52 cc (95% CI: 0.09-0.94) larger than GT. When evaluated for the presence of goiter and nodules, a near-perfect agreement was found between the results of the three researchers (AA vs. GT; κ=0.863, MG vs. GT; κ=0.887, p<0.001, and AA vs. GT; κ=1.000, MG vs. GT; κ=0.972, p<0.001, respectively). When evaluated in terms of the longest axis of nodules, a high correlation was found between the measurements of the three researchers (AA vs. MG; r=0.993, AA vs. GT; r=0.996, MG vs. GT; r=0.996, p<0.001). When evaluated in terms of the final diagnosis, the evaluations of the three researchers showed excellent agreement with each other (AA vs. GT; κ=0.893, MG vs. GT; κ=0.863, p<0.001, accuracy rate AA vs. GT: 93.3%; MG vs. GT: 91.4%). Conclusion: A pediatric endocrinologist, equipped with sufficient training in thyroid US evaluation, incorporated HHUSD examination as a routine clinical tool in an outpatient setting. It was shown that, they could effectively assess normal thyroid tissue in pediatric patients. Moreover, the HHUSD proved to be useful in detecting thyroid pathologies. However, it is important to note that for a more comprehensive evaluation of thyroid nodules, including detailed assessment and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) classification, patients should be referred to radiology departments equipped with AHUSD systems. These specialized devices, along with the expertise of radiologists, are essential for in-depth evaluations and accurate classification of thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Atherosclerotic heart diseases can occur at an early age in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) values are reliable markers for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between visfatin levels and indirect markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with AS. Materials and methods: Forty-two patients diagnosed with AS and 42 age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were included in the study. Visfatin levels, FMD, and cIMT were measured using appropriate methods. Results: Visfatin levels of the patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). FMD values in patients with AS were significantly lower (p = 0.007) whereas cIMT were significantly higher than the controls (p = 0.003). There was a negative relationship between FMD with visfatin levels (p = 0.004), BASDAI (p = 0.010), and BASFI (p = 0.007). There was a positive relationship between cIMT with visfatin (p = 0.005), BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). There was a positive relationship between visfatin with BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Visfatin levels are increased and associated with impaired FMD and increased cIMT in patients with AS. Increased visfatin levels may be associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a marker of vascular endothelial dysfunction that may be used in the evaluation of inflammatory-associated atherosclerotic lesions. Endocan may be a marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Materials and methods: We included 39 RA patients assessed according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatology 2010 diagnostic criteria and recruited 30 age- and sex-matching healthy subjects for the control group. Results: Endocan values were 14.11 ± 3.27 for the RA patients and 12.10 ± 2.92 for the controls. The endocan values of the patients were significantly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.009). In the correlation analysis, endocan showed a significantly positive correlation with disease activity score-28 (r = 0.386, P = 0.029) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (r = 0.419, P = 0.008). Linear regression analysis revealed that there was an independent relationship between endocan and cIMT (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Endocan can be a marker for early atherosclerosis and disease activity in RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to present computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of internal ear abnormalities detected at our clinics and to demonstrate the efficiency of MRI in determining abnormalities and nerve morbidities at these cases. Methods: Between July 2009-April 2011, 15 patients (9 females, 6 males) with a mean age of 5.7 (1-12) and a diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss, assessed by temporal bone MDCT and MRI, were included in the study. The patients were retrospectively evaluated by using a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Results: Mondini deformity was found in 7 (46%) of patients, and isolated large vestibular aquaduct was found in 5 (33%) patients. Michel deformity, cochlear aplasia, and common cavite anomaly were detected in 1 (7%), 1 (7%), and 1 (7%) patient, respectively. Conclusion: Structural inner ear anomalies are causes of congenital or progressive sensorineural hearing loss. MDCT and MRI have high diagnostic yield in detecting the anomalies of the inner ear in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss and have a valuable role in the management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Istanbul Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Istanbul Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Morgagni hernia was first defined by Giovanni Morgagni in 1761. It is the least common type of diaphragmatic hernia. Morgagni hernias are typically located on the right. Patients are usually asymptomatic and are often diagnosed coincidentally after a chest radiograph. When they do occur, symptoms are nonspecific and can include abdominal pain, chest pain and dyspnea. A diaphragmatic defect causing the hernia to pass through the thorax can also cause compression of omental vascular structures and omental infarction. In this study, we aim to present chest radiography and computerized tomography (CT) findings of a patient with Morgagni hernia and an associated omental infarction. Morgagni hernia should be considered in the differential diagnosis when chest radiographs show an area of increased opacity in the right cardiophrenic angle. Besides the typical findings suggestive of Morgagni hernia on CT, the formation of a large cake-like hyperdense mass and changes due to inflammation indicate the possibility of a developing omental infarction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Istanbul Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Meme Sagligi Dergisi / Journal of Breast Health is the property of Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Associations and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tailgut cysts are congenital lesions located in retrorectal area and originate from embryological tailgut. They often present in middle-aged women with perirectal symptoms. These cysts have occasionally shown retrorectal abscess, rectal fistula and malignant transformation. In this case report we discuss radiologic findings of tailgut cyst with fistula to rectum in a patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to report the significance of echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (EP-DWI) in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of patients with surgically corrected cholesteatoma and granulation tissue according to DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values., Patients and Methods: Ninety-one patients (52 males, 39 females; mean age 40.7±15.8 years; range 3 to 77 years) who admitted to radiology clinic of our hospital between December 2009 and May 2011 with a pre-diagnosis of chronic otitis media with primary acquired cholesteatoma and assessed preoperatively in our clinic by ear magnetic resonance imaging and DWI were included in the study. Diffusion-weighted imaging results were compared with operative findings and pathology results. Patients were retrospectively evaluated using picture archiving and communication system. Diffusion-weighted imaging and ADC images were examined qualitatively and quantitatively., Results: Ninety-one patients suspected of cholesteatoma were operated. According to the results of operations, 50 patients had cholesteatoma and 41 patients had granulation tissue. The mean DWI values of patients with cholesteatoma were significantly higher than patients with granulation tissue (p<0.05). The mean ADC values of patients with cholesteatoma were significantly lower than patients with granulation tissue (p<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of EP-DWI in detection of cholesteatoma were 97.6% and 92.0%, respectively., Conclusion: Echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging by using ADC and DWI is a valuable tool with high sensitivity and specificity rates in detecting cholesteatoma particularly bigger than 5 mm and in differentiating them from other pathologies.