Pediatric Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Views.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate morphologic features of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) in children for pediatric head-neck surgeries. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging images of 84 (46 males/38 females) pediatric patients aged ages 1 to 18 years (mean age: 9.38 ± 4.46 y) constituted the study universe. The size of SCM (including its height, width, and angulation) was measured, and the origin types of SCM were noted. RESULTS: All patients had SCM bilaterally. The origin variation of SCM was observed in 22 sides (13.10%). The authors observed type 1 in 146 sides (86.90%), type 2a in 15 sides (8.90%), type 3 in 2 sides (1.20%), type 4 in 1 side (0.60%), and type 5 in 4 sides (2.40%). The absence and presence of SCM variation were not affected by sex (P = 0.370) and side (P = 0.360). All measured parameters were similar in right and left sides, and also in males and females, except from the angle between the junction of the sternal and clavicular heads of SCM. The angle was greater in males than females (P = 0.004). All measured parameters increased with advancing age (between 1 and 18 y; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The authors' SCM-related data may be useful for clinicians to estimate the size origin variations of SCM in children.

Effective diameter of the abdominal aorta in children.

PURPOSE: Measure out of the standard interval in the aorta diameter is a clue for aortic aneurysm or hypoplasia. Pediatric studies focusing specifically on the normal diameter of the abdominal aorta (AA) were limited in the literature. Therefore, the main goal of this work was to determine changes in the effective diameter of AA in healthy children aged 1-18 years for diagnosis of vascular diseases. METHODS: This retrospective work focused on abdominopelvic computed tomography views of 180 children (sex: 90 males / 90 females, average age: 9.50 ± 5.20 years) without any abdominopelvic disease to measure diameters of AA, common iliac artery (CIA), external iliac artery (EIA), and first lumbar vertebra (L1). RESULTS: Vessel and vertebra diameters increased in pediatric subjects between 1 and 18 years (p < 0.001). Considering pediatric age periods, vessel diameters increased steadily, but L1 diameter showed an irregular growth pattern between age periods. All parameters were greater in males than females (p < 0.05), except from effective diameters of AA over the coeliac trunk (p = 0.084) and over the renal artery (p = 0.051). The ratios of diameters of vessels to L1 increased depending on ages between 1 and 18 years. Considering pediatric age periods, the ratios increased from infancy period to postpubescent period in irregular pattern; however, the ratios for right and left CIA, and AA over the aortic bifurcation did not alter after late childhood period. All ratios for males were similar to females (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our age-specific ratios may be beneficial for surgeons and radiologists for the diagnosis of vascular disorders such as aortic aneurysm.

Ischiofemoral space dimensions for ischiofemoral impingement: is it different in children?

OBJECTIVE: This study intended to analyze alterations in ischiofemoral space (IFS) dimensions in normal children between the ages of 1 and 18 years for the ischiofemoral impingement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively focused on computed tomography images of 360 hips of 180 (90 boys and 90 girls) pediatric subjects (mean age: 9.50 ± 5.20 years, range: 1-18 years) without any hip disorders to measure IFS, femoral neck angle (FNA), and ischial angle (IA). RESULTS: Mean IFS, FNA, and IA were measured as 14.64 ± 7.24 mm, 34.61 ± 11.47°, and 131.52 ± 4.22°, respectively. IFS increased in children aged between 1 and 18 years, whereas FNA and IA decreased. IFS was similar in infancy and early childhood periods but then increased up to postpubescent period. FNA decreased proportionally from birth, whereas IA decreased in an irregular pattern. Linear functions were detected as y = 3.451 + 1.178 × years for IFS, as y = 48.555 - 1.468 × years for FNA, and as y = 132.535 - 0.107 × years for IA. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that IFS tends to increase in size with age during childhood but decreases with further aging. Therefore, age-specific values for IFS, FNA, and IA may be beneficial for clinicians and radiologists for the diagnosis of ischiofemoral impingement.

The effect of plasma rich platelet graft on post-operative complications in mid-penile hypospadias.

Hypospadias is one of the most common penile congenital anomalies, which often requires a surgical approach. After the hypospadias is repaired, urethral fistula can occur in around 20% of patients. In this study, we used platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce the urethral fistula and other post-operative complications after hypospadias repair. Only patients with primary mid-penile hypospadias were included study. Patients with forms other than mid-penile hypospadias and cases with previous hypospadias surgery were excluded from the study. A total of 40 hypospadias patients were included in this study. These patients were divided into groups A and B with 20 patients in each group. Hypospadias repair was performed with the Snodgrass TIPU technique on both groups. PRP was used with group A, and PRP was not use with group B. These two groups were compared in terms of early and long-term post-operative complications. Both early and long-term post-operative UCF, urethral stenosis and post-operative infection rates were lower in the group using PRP, group A. PRP has the potential to prevent post-operative complications occurring after hypospadias repair, particularly post-operative infection.

Morphometric Features of the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle in Fetal Cadavers With Meningomyelocele for Prenatal Surgery.

PURPOSE: Latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are frequently used in the prenatal meningomyelocele (MMC) repairs; on that basis, this study aims to reveal the morphometric features of LD, thoracodorsal artery (TDA) and nerve (TDN) in fetal cadavers with MMC defects, with an anatomical perspective. METHODS: The study was conducted on 7 formalin-fixed human fetal cadavers (4 males and 3 females) with MMC defects, aged from 18 to 27 weeks of gestation. The size of LD, TDA, and TDN including their area, length, and width were measured by a digital caliper and digital image analysis software. Our direct measurements were compared with the corresponding estimations of a previous study in the literature which provides regression formulae based on gestational age. RESULTS: The fetal cadavers with MMC had bilateral LD. No significant differences were found in the numerical data of anatomical structures between the sides or the sexes. LD size (ie, area, length and width) was approximately 3% to 10% smaller in the fetuses with MMC defects than that of the normal fetuses. Unilateral LD flap in a 22-week-old fetus with a large MMC was evaluated as insufficient to close the defects. CONCLUSION: Ten percent shrinkage in the area of LD might be too critical to be disregarded by surgeons during the closure of MMC defects. The dimensional findings about LD (area, length, and width) may be helpful in planning of LD flap harvesting for the repairs of MMC.

A new enema for treatment of intussusception with hydrostatic reduction: Olive oil.

OBJECTIVES: Intussusception is routinely treated using ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (USGHR) with normal saline in our paediatric surgery department. With this study, olive oil was added to normal saline in ultrasound-guided reduction of intussusception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients who were diagnosed and treated for intussusception in Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Department from March 2017 to May 2017 were included in the study. During this retrospective study, randomly chosen 20 patients that treated with USGHR using normal saline were marked as Group 1. Moreover, 20 patients that treated with USGHR using a mixture of olive oil and saline (10% olive oil 90% normal saline) were marked as Group 2. Patients' age, gender, symptoms, treatment techniques, complications and hospitalisation periods were retrospectively noted. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in the study. In Group 1, 14 patients were treated in the first session, 4 patients were treated in the second session and 2 patients required laparotomy. Mean reduction time in this group was 15 min mean fluid volume used in each reduction was 80 ml/kg and mean hospitalisation period was 38 h. In Group 2, 19 patients were treated in the first session, and only 1 patient required a second session. Mean reduction time was 12 min, used fluid volume was 58 ml/kg for each reduction and hospitalisation period was 24 h. CONCLUSION: The average volume of fluid used for reduction, average reduction time, numbers of recurrent reductions and hospitalisation were less when a mixture of olive oil and normal saline were used in comparison with when normal saline was used alone to reduction the intussusception under ultrasound guidance. Using olive oil mixed with normal saline as a new enema fluid is likely to increase the success rate of ultrasound-guided reduction of intussusception.

A new esophageal elongation technique for long-gap esophageal atresia: in vitro comparison of myotomy techniques.

BACKGROUND: Complications such as stricture, leakage, recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula and mucosal pouch are commonly seen in myotomy techniques used for long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) treatments. Therefore, we think that there is a clear need for other techniques which would enable us to create more robust and longer esophagus in such cases. In this study, we reviewed multiple V-myotomy (VM) technique and the differences of the said technique with Livaditis circular myotomy (LM) and Kimura spiral myotomy (KM) techniques using literature as an aid. METHODS: 21 esophagus samples from 21 male lambs aged 12 months were used in vitro for the study. All esophageal samples were matched to have a length of 120 mm. Samples were divided into 3 groups of 7 and VM, LM and KM techniques were used in each group, respectively. Post-op esophagus lengths, elongation amount with each incision and perforation pressures were measured. RESULTS: Post-op esophageal lengths were measured as 227, 210 and 200 mm for VM, LM and KM, respectively. Elongation amount per incision was measured as 5.1, 4 and 3.34 mm, again in previous order of VM, LM, and KM. Finally, perforation pressure following VM, LM, and KM was measured as 460, 400, and 410 mmHg. CONCLUSION: VM was found to significantly increase total esophagus length and elongation per incision over LM and KM. In addition, VM was also shown to have a higher perforation pressure. Although in vivo live animal studies are required, we can say that VM can be used to create longer and robust esophagus.

Multiple muscular abnormalities in a fetal cadaver with CHARGE syndrome.

The CHARGE syndrome characterized by coloboma, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retarded growth, genitourinary hypoplasia, and ear anomalies is one of the rare syndromes. Although certain clinical issues (scapular winging, sloping shoulder, Sprengel's deformity, kyphosis and scoliosis) which could be related to abnormalities in musculoskeletal structures of the neck and shoulder have been identified in CHARGE syndrome, data on details of muscle anomalies seem to be quite limited in the literature. In this case report, bilateral multiple muscular abnormalities (agenesis of the trapezius, presence of the rhombo-atloid muscle, and presence of the bipartite rhomboid minor with superficial and deep parts) was presented in a fetus cadaver with atypical CHARGE syndrome to attract the attention of clinicians for definitive diagnoses and surgical reconstruction of the shoulders deformity such as scapular winging and Sprengel's deformity. By considering the previous studies, we propose that the absence of the trapezius, as well as the other muscle abnormalities around the neck and shoulder, should be revised as being a component of CHARGE syndrome.

Quantitative assessment of the growth dynamics of the teres major in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The main objective of the study was to examine the use of teres major (TM) as a flap in the pediatric surgeries from an anatomical perspective by: (1) revealing the growth dynamics of the developing TM; (2) assessing the possible interconnecting structures between TM and latissimus dorsi (LD); (3) exposing the innervation patterns of TM in human fetuses. METHODS: Study was conducted on 50 fetuses (26 females and 24 males), on a mean gestational age of 22.86 ± 3.21 (range 18-30) weeks. All the measurements were collected with a digital caliper and a digital image analysis software. Additionally, structural relations between TM and LD were examined in detail and further classified. RESULTS: No significant difference of side and sex was detected on TM measurements (p > 0.05). Linear functions for the surface area, width, length of the superior and inferior margins of TM were detected as follows: y = - 257.142 + 18.334 × age (weeks), y = - 5.497 + 0.545 × age (weeks), y = - 1.621 + 1.068 × age (weeks), and y = - 2.147 + 1.284 × age (weeks), respectively. As classified in five types, a number of 33 muscular or tendinous connections between TM and LD were detected. Musculo-tendinous slips from TM to triceps brachii (TB) were evident in four sides. Innervation of TM was observed to be providing by the lower subscapular nerve in all the cases. CONCLUSION: First, linear functions, representing the developing fetal morphometry obtained by our study can be adapted for estimating the morphometric of this muscle in early childhood. Besides, acknowledging the diverse appointments of TM with the surrounding muscles such as LD and TB may facilitate the prevention of neurovascular structures and the application of surgical procedures during tendon transfers. In brief, our findings are highly potent to bring the attention of pediatric surgeons.

Quantitative and Neurovascular Anatomy of the Growing Gracilis Muscle in the Human Fetuses.

This study is intended to obtain the algebraic growth dynamics of the gracilis in fetuses and determine the variations of neurovascular pedicle(s) of the gracilis, to aid infant surgeries. Forty fetuses (19 males and 21 females) were included in the study. Gestational mean age of the fetuses was 22.40 ±â€Š2.67 (range, 18-28) weeks. Numerical values were obtained using a digital caliper and a digital image analysis software. Linear functions for the surface area, width, anterior, and posterior margin lengths of the gracilis were calculated, respectively, as: y = -289.307 + 20.501 × age (weeks), y = -7.113 + 0.622 × age (weeks), y = -24.421 + 3.434 × age (weeks), and y = -24.397 + 3.314 × age (weeks). In addition, length and width of the gracilis tendon were calculated as y = -6.676 + 0.934 × age (weeks) and y = -0.732 + 0.074 × age (weeks), respectively. Parameters of the gracilis had no statistically significant difference regarding side and sex (P > 0.05). In all the specimens, the gracilis was innervated by the anterior branch of the obturator nerve. Blood supply of the gracilis was identified to be derived from 1 single artery in 38 sides of total 80 (47.5%), from 2 arteries in 36 (45%) and from 3 arteries in 6 (7.5%). In 74 sides (92.5%), the nerve was superficial to the main artery, whereas in 6 sides (7.5%), it was deeper. The data of the present study could be beneficial for surgeons in infant surgeries to treat conditions such as obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis, facial palsy, or anal incontinence. Linear functions can be utilized to better evaluate the growth course of the gracilis in fetuses and to predict the dimensions thereof. Additionally, comprehending the structure and recognizing the variations of the gracilis nerves and arteries can help to protect the neurovascular pedicle(s) of the gracilis during the operations.

Morphometric properties of the levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study is to showcase the growth dynamics of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor algebraically, to help plan surgeries on newborns and young infants. METHODS: Twenty-five formalin-fixed fetuses (11 male-14 female) with a mean gestational age of 21.80 ± 2.61 (range 18-27) weeks present in the inventory of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Anatomy Department were dissected. Surface area of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor was calculated using digital image analysis software; width and length parameters were measured using digital calipers. RESULTS: Neither sex nor side significant differences were observed in relation with the numerical data of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor (p > 0.05). Algebraic parameters such as surface area, width and length were detected to exhibit a linear growth from 18th to 27th week. Linear functions for levator scapulae, rhomboid major and rhomboid minor surface areas were obtained as y = - 136.871 + 10.598 × age (weeks), y = - 480.567 + 33.147 × age (weeks) and y = - 128.090 + 8.843 × age (weeks), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results and data of this study can potentially be beneficial in planning of surgeries for many infancy diseases such as trapezius paralysis, obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, Sprengel's disease, or winged scapula. Linear functions calculated in this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the growth dynamics of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor in fetal term and more precise estimation of muscle sizes.

Morphometric properties of the latissimus dorsi muscle in human fetuses for flap surgery.

PURPOSE: Although latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are extensively used in a wide range of interventions, fetus studies on this subject are quite limited. This study aims to obtain detailed information about the morphometric features of LD, thoracodorsal artery (TDA) and nerve (TDN). METHODS: The study was carried out on both sides of 50 formalin-fixed human fetuses (22 male/28 female) with a mean gestational age of 24.5 ± 4.7 (range 18-36) weeks, which were in the inventory of Anatomy Department of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine. Dimensions of LD, lengths and width of TDA and TDN were measured. Surface area of LD was calculated using digital image analysis software. RESULTS: All samples had LD muscle. Neither gender nor side-significant differences were observed in relation with the numerical data of LD, TDN and TDA. Linear function of surface area was calculated as "y = - 1767.532 + 114.582 × Age (weeks)". LD was attached directly to the posterior part of iliac crest in 59 of 100 sides meanwhile in the rest 41, it was attached by the thoracolumbar fascia. TDA gave a branch to serratus anterior in 96 cases and 2 branches in 4 cases. TDN passed superficial to TDA in 84 and deep to TDA in 16 samples. TDN had bifurcation in 93, trifurcation in 6 and tetrafurcation in 1 side. CONCLUSION: Data obtained from this study can be useful for estimating the sizes of LD and related neurovascular structures, especially in neonate surgeries. Linear function of LD surface area can be helpful to design the flap dimensions in newborn surgeries. A throughout knowledge about the branching pattern of TDN and its location-wise relation with TDA should be kept in mind to prevent possible complications during harvesting LD flaps and TDN grafts.

Ovarian Torsion in the Normal Ovary: A Diagnostic Challenge in Postmenarchal Adolescent Girls in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND Ovarian torsion can be seen in the otherwise-normal ovary and is a challenging issue in the emergency department. The aims were (1) to evaluate and compare the surgically verified ovarian torsion cases in otherwise-normal ovaries and ovaries including a mass or cyst and (2) to investigate whether the normal-appearing ovaries on ultrasound examination affected the diagnosis of ovarian torsion or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study design was used. The medical records of all postmenarchal adolescent girls with surgically verified ovarian torsion treated in a university hospital from 2010 to 2016 were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-nine post-menarchal girls were identified. The subjects were divided into two groups. Eight girls (group 1) had ovarian torsion in a normal ovary, and twenty-one girls (group 2) had ovarian torsion including a mass or cyst. The median ages of group 1 and 2 were 13 and 14 years, respectively. Abdominal pain was the main presenting symptom for all cases in both groups. Doppler flow studies were abnormal in 6/9 (66.6%) in group 1 and 12/21 (57.1%) in group 2. The time from first admission to the operation was statistically longer in group 1 than in group 2 (34.5±24.3 hours vs. 19.5±9.2 hours, respectively; p=0.001). The longitudinal axis of uterine size was significantly shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (34.3±2.9 mm vs. 47.6±4.5 mm, respectively; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Ovarian torsion in adolescent girls can be seen within the otherwise-normal ovary. The normal-appearing ovaries on ultrasound in the emergency department may lead to delay in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion in adolescent girls.

Prevalence, Demographic Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors of Malnutrition Among 0-5 Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study From Van, Eastern Turkey.

Malnutrition in childhood is a dramatic indicator of poor socio-economical status worldwide. To recognize and reveal the socio-demographic features is crucial, especially for developing countries. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and association with sociodemographic variables of malnutrition in 0-5 years old children in Van, Turkey. A total of 702 children are included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic features of subject including age, gender, family characteristics and other data were obtained. Nutritional assessment was done using anthropometric indices including weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, head circumference and body mass index-for-age. Multivariate logistic regressions were carried out to assess malnutrition-associated factors. Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 19.7, 17.7 and 16.2%, respectively. Socio-demographic variables that statistical significantly in association with malnutrition were low monthly family income, educational level and employment status of father, parental consanguinity, number of pregnancies, regular intake of vitamin D and history of prematurity. The prevalence of children with head circumference-z score ≤2SD and body mass index-for-age ≤2SD were 9.8 and 16.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis detected following risk factors for these indices; low monthly family income, history of prematurity, unemployed father and the period between pregnancies (1-2 years). We found that prevalence of malnutrition in the city of Van, was still higher than more developed regions of Turkey. The associated risk factors of malnutrition should be specifically interpreted by health professionals and also by government authorities that are responsible for making practical politics of public health.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis a and associated factors among 1-15 year old children in Eastern Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A is a common infectious disease during childhood worldwide. Recently, great deal of changes in the epidemiology has been reported. The seroepidemiologic studies of this infection are not sufficient in Eastern region of Turkey. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the seroprevalence and association with socio-demographic variables of hepatitis A in 1-15 year old children in Van. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 510 one to fifteen year old children from outpatient pediatric clinics in Yüzüncü Yil University, Faculty of Medicine during last three months of 2009. Anti-HAV IgG was measured in sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The information about subjects was recorded on standardized forms and a chart review survey was performed. RESULTS: The overall ratio for seropositivity was 54.9%. Statistical significance was found between hepatitis A seroprevalence and age, collective use of domestic items, fresh water resources, localization and type of toilet and the number of households. CONCLUSION: This study provided the most recent data of seropositivity and revealed the preliminary indication of epidemiological shift in seroprevalence of Hepatitis A virus in a region with high endemicity.

Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome: a case report.

Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrom (MMIHS) is a quite rare congenital and fatal disease which was firstly defined by Berdon and his colleagues. It appears through a widely enlarged bladder and microcolon and its cause is unknown (Berdon et al., 1976; Carmelo et al., 2005; Makhija et al., 1999; Loening-Baucke and Kimura 1999; Redman et al., 1984; Hsu et al., 2003; Yigit et al., 1996; Srikanth et al., 1993). The disease is found in females three or four times more than in males (Srikanth et al., 1993; Sen et al., 1993; Hirato et al., 2003). Most of the cases die within the early months of their lives (Yigit et al., 1996; Srikanth et al., 1993; Sen et al., 1993; Hirato et al., 2003). We present the case of a female newborn with antenatal ultrasound revealing intestinal mass and bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. The case was admitted for intestinal obstruction after birth.