Determining the incidence of gynecoid pelvis using three-dimensional computed tomography in nonpregnant multiparous women

Objectives: To determine the incidence of gynecoid pelvis by using classical criteria and measured parameters obtained from three-dimensional computed tomography [3D CT] pelvimetry in nonpregnant multiparous women who delivered vaginally

Subjects and Methods: Our hospital's picture archiving and communication system was reviewed retrospectively. All adult women who had undergone CT examination with routine abdominal protocols were identified. In the pelvic inlet, midpelvis, and pelvic outlet, classical criteria and measured parameters, both alone and in combination, were used to determine the presence of gynecoid pelvis

Results: 3D CT pelvimetry was performed on 226 women aged 23-65 years without any history of cephalopelvic disproportion and who had at least one delivery of an average fetal size [>2,500 g]. The median parity was 4, and the mean [ +/- SD] birth weight was 3,700 +/- 498 g. Compared to the classical criteria, measured parameters and their combined use with the classical criteria significantly reduced the frequency of gynecoid pelvis [51.3 and 47.8%, respectively, vs. 71.6%; p = 0.001]; however, there was no significant difference between the measured parameters and their combined use with classical criteria with regard to the frequencies of gynecoid pelvis [p > 0.05]

Conclusions: With the use of measured parameters of 3D CT pelvimetry, the incidence of gynecoid pelvis reduces to a more acceptable level [51.3%] in accordance with obstetric knowledge. Since there is no considerable decrease with the addition of classical criteria, 3D CT pelvimetry alone has merit for determining a woman's pelvic capacity for obstetric needs after the improvement and standardization of measured parameters

Value of findings of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients with lumbar disc degeneration

To determine the value of diffusion-weight MRI findings in patients with lumbar disc degeneration. Lumbar discs of 52 consecutive patients were imaged at 1.5 T MR including T2 and diffusion weighted imaging. Apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] values, T2 signal intensity and height of the five lumbar intervertebral discs were measured and disc and endplate degenerations were graded. The mean ADC was 0.90x10H[3] mm[2]/s +/- 0.27 [ +/- S.D.] and the mean T2 was 93.98 +/- 32.32. There was significant correlation between mean diffusion and the T2 signal intensity values of all lumbar discs. The age of the cases was negatively correlated with the T2 signal intensities and ADC values and positively correlated with the disc height of from L1-L2 to L5-S1. There was no significant correlation between the disc height of from L1-L2 to L5-S1 and the measured ADC values and the T2 signal intensities. Evaluation of lumbar disc degeneration with diffusion weight MRI can be a useful procedure in the clinical practice for patients with several lumbar symptoms. There is need for the improvement of image quality of diffusion weighted MRI imaging for more precise diagnosis of the lumbar diseases

Persistent sciatic artery originating from left common iliac artery

Persistent sciatic artery is a very rare seen variation of the lower limb vessels. Anatomically the persistent sciatic artery is the continuation of internal iliac arteries and usually leads to several symptoms such as intermittent claudication, pulsatile mass in the buttocks, and pain radiating to the lower limb. However, in untreated patients with serious complications, amputation can occur. In this case report, we describe persistent sciatic artery originating from left common iliac artery in a 72-year-old male patient who complained pain in the left leg, because of the importance of clinical and diagnostic challenges