Morphometric Evaluation of Bony Nasolacrimal Canal in a Caucasian Population with Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Multidetector Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVE: The bony nasolacrimal duct (BNLD) morphology as a contributory factor in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is still controversial. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the morphometric differences of BNLDs in unilateral PANDO patients between PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group using multidetector computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral BNLDs in 39 unilateral PANDO patients and 36 control subjects were retrospectively reviewed. CT images with 0.5-mm thickness were obtained with a 64-slice scanner. The length, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were assessed. The entrance, minimum and distal end transverse diameters (TD) of BNLD was investigated. RESULTS: The mean minimum and distal end BNLD TDs measurements were significantly narrower in PANDO patients, both in PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively); however, there were no significant differences between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. The length, entrance TD, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were not significantly different between PANDO patients and control subjects, as well as between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. CONCLUSION: The narrow mean minimum and distal end BNLD TD in PANDO patients, in both PANDO and non-PANDO sides, may be associated with PANDO development. The lack of difference between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients and some overlap between PANDO patients and control subjects suggest that narrow BNLD is not the sole factor.

Rare cause of bilateral groin swelling: round ligament varicosities

Round ligament varicosity [RLV] is rare and almost all cases are pregnant women. RLV appears as a unilateral or bilateral groin swelling. Pain and tenderness may present. Clinical evaluation is inadequate for exact diagnosis because inguinal hernia has similar findings. Ultrasonography [US] is essential when a groin swelling is detected in a pregnant woman. We present gray scale US and colour Doppler US findings of a 32-week pregnant woman with bilateral RLVs at the inguinal canal, parauterine area and in the myometrium

Evaluation of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine with reformatted and 3-dimensional computed tomography images

To evaluate the identification of degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine with multiplanar reformatted images and 3-dimensional computed tomography [3DCT]. Fifty-three patients with degenerative spinal disease findings on lumbar CT scanning were reviewed in this retrospective study at the Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey between January 2006 to January 2009. Two-dimensional multiplanar reformatted and 3DCT images were obtained. First, the axial CT images, and then 2-dimensional multiplanar reformatted images [2DMPR] were evaluated. The findings seen on reformatted CT images that were not visualized, or visualized only in retrospect on axial images were recorded. Finally, the 3D images were evaluated by the same team. The results were again recorded in the same manner. When 53 patients were taken into account, the 2DMPR provided better visualization of lateral neural foraminal stenosis in 62%, bulging of the disc in 32%, degenerative retrolisthesis in 15%, and spondylolysis in 15% as compared to axial images. The 3DCT images clearly revealed the presence of lateral neural foraminal stenosis in 41%, degenerative retrolisthesis in 13%, lateral spondylolisthesis in 15% as compared to axial and 2DMPR. The 2DMPR and 3DCT images provide significant anatomic and diagnostic information not readily derived from axial CT. It is useful in detecting degenerative conditions of the spine and associated complications

Hydatid Disease Involving Some Rare Locations in the Body: a Pictorial Essay

Hydatid disease (HD) is an endemic illness in many countries, and it poses an important public health problem that's influenced by peoples' socioeconomic status and migration that spreads this disease. Although rare, it may occur in any organ or tissue. The most common site is the liver (59-75%), followed in frequency by lung (27%), kidney (3%), bone (1-4%) and brain (1-2%). Other sites such as the heart, spleen, pancreas and muscles are very rarely affected. Unusual sites for this disease can cause diagnostic problems. This pictorial essay illustrates various radiological findings of HD in the liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, peritoneal cavity, omentum, adrenal, ovary, lung, mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Familiarity with the imaging findings of HD may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis and preventing potential complications.