Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt via the Right Adrenal Vein in an Asymptomatic Cirrhotic Patient.

PURPOSE: Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (PSSs) draining to the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) via the right adrenal vein has been reported as very rare, and all the patients who have been recorded have had hepatic encephalopathy. Here, we present a patient with intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal vein diagnosed incidentally without encephalopathy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old patient, who was diagnosed with chronic liver parenchyma disease and a suspecting nodule on the ultrasound was examined by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A 4 cm in diameter Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) was detected. In addition to HCC, an abnormal shunt between the right posterior portal vein and the IVC via the right adrenal vein was also detected. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal vein diagnosed incidentally in the absence of encephalopathy and the fourth case with this abnormal shunt in English literature. CONCLUSION: Intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal vein is rare. It may be asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis but has the potential to cause various problems, later on, especially hepatic encephalopathy. The radiologist must be aware of this abnormal shunt.

A Case of Intestinal Perforation Associated with Mesenteric Thrombosis Due to Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

PURPOSE: We aimed to present a case who developed intestinal ischemia and associated perforation and abscess due to Superior Mesenteric Vein (SMV) thrombosis caused by post-COVID-19 syndrome and discuss the preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) imaging findings used in diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old patient presented to our clinic with a complaint of acute abdominal pain. His CT examination revealed thrombosis in SMV, congestion in the mesenteric venous structures, contamination in the mesentery, and thickening and dilatation of the jejunal loops due to ischemia. The patient had a history of acute COVID-19 infection. He had typical COVID-19 pneumonia findings (peripheral ground-glass opacities in both lung parenchyma predominantly in the lower lobe) on the thorax CT at that time. He was followed up with anticoagulant therapy. During his follow-up, a thoracic and abdominal CT was performed due to recurrent acute abdominal findings. On thorax CT, there was a web-like filling defect consistent with pulmonary embolism, traction bronchiectasis consistent with late findings of COVID-19 pneumonia, and poorly circumscribed subpleural ground glass opacities. On abdominal CT, in addition to mesenteric ischemia findings, loss of wall integrity was observed in the jejunal loops due to perforation and collection areas containing air consistent with an abscess. He was treated with small bowel resection and abscess drainage. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute COVID-19 infection should be followed up for the early diagnosis of serious symptoms that may develop due to post-COVID-19 syndrome, and contrast-enhanced CT should be the imaging method of choice to detect possible mesenteric vascular thrombosis in patients with acute abdominal symptoms.

Are the washout values currently accepted for lesion characterization in dedicated adrenal CT adequate for diagnosis?

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of density characteristics and washout values of lesions detected on computed tomography (CT) at the cutoff values obtained from the literature by taking the pathological results of adrenalectomy specimens as reference and to determine the cutoff values of parameters evaluated on CT for the differentiation of adenoma and nonadenoma lesions in the study group. METHODS: Hospital records and standard CT imaging data (noncontrast early phase [65 s] and late phase [15 min] ) of 84 patients with 87 lesions who underwent adrenalectomy between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively reevaluated by two radiologists in consensus. The patients were categorized as having adenoma and nonadenoma lesions according to the pathology results. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CT parameters (density values and washout percentages) were evaluated. Differences in the CT parameters (size, noncontrast and early-late enhancement density and absolute and relative washout values) were investigated. The optimal cutoff values of CT parameters were determined by ROC analysis. RESULTS: Noncontrast CT had a specificity of 87.75% and 95.9%, sensitivity of 60% and 48.6%, diagnostic accuracy of 77.7% and 89.47% for adenomas, at the cutoff values of ≤10 HU and ≤0 HU, respectively. For absolute washout value ≥ 60%, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 64.7%, 52.38% and 56.75%, respectively; while these rates were 76.47%, 56.52% and 62.16%, respectively, for relative washout value ≥40%. Adenomas and nonadenomas showed significant difference in terms of size (p < 0.0001), unenhanced attenuation (p < 0.0001), relative washout (p = 0.020) and delay enhancement (p < 0.001). But there were no differences in terms of absolute washout (p = 0.230) and early enhancement (p = 0.264). The cutoff values for the differentiation of adenomas and nonadenomas were as follows: size ≤44 mm, noncontrast density <20 HU, early-phase density ≥45 HU, delayed-phase density ≤44 HU, absolute washout 74.83% and relative washout 57.76%. CONCLUSION: The current washout criteria used in the differentiation of adenoma and nonadenoma lesions in dynamic CT imaging can give false negative and positive results. According to the existing criteria, the most reliable parameter in adenoma-nonadenoma differentiation is ≤ 0 HU noncontrast CT density value.

Two novel hepatic arterial variations in a living liver donor detected by multidetector computed tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: Considering that the knowledge of variations in the hepatic vascular structure is essential for hepatic surgery and liver transplantation, we aimed to present a rare case of the anatomic variation of arterial blood supply to the liver to help prevent complications and choose suitable donors. METHODS: We present a novel variant in this case report (living liver donor), an accessory right hepatic artery (supplying segment 6) originating from the dorsal pancreatic artery and a middle hepatic artery (supplying segment 4) arising from the pancreaticoduodenal artery (first branch of the gastroduodenal artery). Preoperative diagnosis was made using computed tomography angiography (CTA) with multiplanar reformate (MPR) images, curved planar reformate (CPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) images and three-dimensional volume renderings (3D VR). RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the English literature describing this type of variation. A search for new donors began since the living liver donor was not suitable due to the very thin segment 4 artery, posing potential risks for the donor and the thin segment 6 artery being a complicating factor for anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative knowledge of liver blood supply has great importance in planning surgery and transplantation. CTA, reformate and reconstruction techniques allow for the evaluation of difficult and complex anatomic variations.

Relationship among CT-based abdominal adipose tissue areas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in male.

PURPOSE: It is known that obesity can be a risk factor for many types of cancer, including the pancreas. Visceral obesity rather than overall obesity is held more responsible for this relationship. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of adipose tissue areas and their distribution (subcutaneous and visceral) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in male patients. MATERIALS AND-METHOD: The medical data and abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations of male patients diagnosed with PDAC who underwent surgery or a biopsy in our hospital between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. An age-matched control group was formed from 49 male patients who underwent CT with a preliminary diagnosis of urinary stone without a history of malignancy and weight loss and no malignancy on CT at the time of presentation. Adipose tissue areas (total [TAT], visceral [VAT] and subcutaneous [SAT]) were measured in both groups, their VAT/TAT, VAT/SAT and SAT/TAT ratios were calculated, and the data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients with PDAC had significantly greater TAT, VAT and SAT areas than the control group (p = 0.002, p = 0.01, and p = 0.003, respectively). However, there was no significant differences in the VAT/TAT, VAT/SAT and SAT/TAT ratios between the two groups (p = 0.60, p = 0.60, and p = 0.73, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, all adipose tissue areas (VAT, SAT, and TAT) were shown to be increased in male patients with PDAC. Both visceral obesity and overall obesity present as risk factors for PDAC in male patients.

Evaluation of relationships between the final Gleason score, PI-RADS v2 score, ADC value, PSA level, and tumor diameter in patients that underwent radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the serum PSA level, Gleason score (GS), PI-RADS v2 score, tumor ADCmin value, and the largest tumor diameter in patients that underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) due to prostate cancer (PCa) and to comparatively evaluate the variables of these parameters in clinically significant and insignificant PCa groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mpMRI examinations of the patients who underwent RP due to PCa were retrospectively evaluated. According to the final GS, the lesions were divided into two groups as clinically significant (GS ≥ 7) and insignificant (GS ≤ 6). The PSA value, tumor ADCmin value, tumor diameter, and PI-RADS score were compared between the clinically significant and nonsignificant PCa groups using Student's t-test. The correlations between the serum PSA level, GS, PI-RADS v2 score, tumor ADCmin value, and tumor diameter were evaluated separately (Pearson's correlation analysis was used for peripheral gland tumors, and Spearman's correlation analysis for central gland tumors). A ROC analysis was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the tumor ADCmin, diameter and PSA values in differentiating clinically significant and nonsignificant tumors. RESULTS: In both central and peripheral gland tumors, there was a correlation between the PSA level, tumor diameter, PI-RADS score, ADCmin value, and GS at various levels (poor, moderate, and high). In central gland tumors, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the PSA value and PI-RADS scores (p > 0.05), but the ADCmin value and diameter of the tumor significantly differed (p < 0.05). For peripheral gland tumors, significant differences were observed in all parameters (p < 0.05). The cut-off values for the peripheral and central gland tumors are as follows: lesion diameter, 13.5 mm and 19 mm; tumor ADCmin, 0.709 × 10-3 mm2/s and 0.874 × 10-3 mm2/s; and PSA level, 8.47 ng/ml and 11.10 ng/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current PI-RADS v2 scoring system can be inadequate in distinguishing clinically significant and insignificant groups in central gland tumors. A separate cut-off value of the tumor diameter should be determined for central and peripheral gland tumors. Tumor ADCmin values can be used as a predictive parameter. The PSA cut-off value should be kept lower in peripheral gland tumors.

Evaluation of the abdominopelvic region using MRI in patients with primary amenorrhea.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the imaging findings of patients who underwent an abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to primary amenorrhea. Methods The pelvic and abdominal images of 34 female patients (mean age 15.61 years, range 14-19 years) were retrospectively analyzed by a single radiologist blinded to the clinical and laboratory data of the patients (other than primary amenorrhea) to evaluate the etiology of primary amenorrhea. The anatomy and anomalies of the internal genital organs and other accompanying abdominopelvic anomalies were investigated. Results Gonadal dysgenesis was present in 14 patients (41.17%) and Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) were present in 20 (58.83%) (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser [MRKH] syndrome in 13 [65%], distal vaginal obstruction [DVO] findings in five [25%], and obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly [OHVIRA] syndrome in two [10%]). Seven patients with MRKH (53.84%) were of type 1 and six (46.15%) were of type 2. A total of eight additional anomalies (vertebral and renal) were detected, six in MRKH and two in OHVIRA syndrome cases. Endometrioma and hematosalpinx were observed in one of the five patients with DVO (5%). Conclusions Primary amenorrhea is a common symptom that affects both the physical and psychosocial status of individuals. Determination of the underlying etiology is the first step in planning treatment. The evaluation of internal genital organ anomalies involved in the etiology is important for sexual function and fertility. MRI is a non-invasive imaging modality that should be preferred in these cases as it provides detailed data about the anatomy and anomalies of internal genital organs due to its high soft tissue contrast resolution.

An Evaluation of Clinicopathological Factors Effective in the Development of Central and Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) constitutes more than 90% of newly emerging differentiated thyroid cancers. Lymph node metastasis is often seen in PTC. There is a high risk of central metastasis in the presence of clinicopathological factors such as extrathyroidal extension, multifocality and lymphovascular invasion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological features that are effective in the development of lymph node metastasis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective examination was made of the records of patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and followed up in our clinic. Patients with and without lymph node metastasis were compared in respect of demographic features such as age, gender, pathology, histopathology, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, multifocality, capsule invasion, extrathyroidal extension and bilaterality. RESULTS: Lymph node metastasis was determined in 52 of 419 papillary thyroid cancers. In the logistic regression analysis, a statistically significant relationship was determined between cervical lymph node metastasis and age <45 years (p < 0.001, OR:4.193), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001, OR:7.762), capsule invasion (p < 0.002, OR:3.054), extrathyroidal extension (p < 0.001, OR:6.450) and bilaterality (p < 0.001, OR: 0.217). CONCLUSION: The risk of cervical lymph node metastasis was determined to be high in the presence of clinicopathological factors such as extrathyroidal extension, multifocality and lymphovascular invasion. Although lymph node metastasis does not clinically develop in all patients, knowing the risk factors related to lymph node metastasis can contribute to the evaluation of prophylactic central neck dissection in high-risk patients and follow-up of the patient in respect of recurrence.

Beta blocker and steroid therapy in the treatment of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma.

Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma (IHHE) is the most common benign vascular liver tumor and typically occurs during the first 6 months of life. A 4-month-old male patient presented with abdominal distention. A physical examination revealed massive hepatomegaly. Liver enzyme levels were normal. The alpha fetoprotein level was 1,323 mg/dL (6-1,000). Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple, well-defined and hyperintense nodular lesions in the liver. MRI findings suggested IHHE. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level was high (177.2 µU/mL). He was started on sodium levothyroxine 50 µg daily. The patient has hypoxemia due to abdominal distention during the follow-up period. Oral methylprednisolone therapy was started at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/dose, and propranolol at a dose of 1 mg/kg/dose, bid. Fifteen days later his TSH level remained elevated at 212.3 µU/mL despite repeatedly increasing the dose of levothyroxine up to 200 µg/daily. One month after the initial presentation, his TSH level was reduced to 11.28 µU/mL. We observed a marked improvement in abdominal distention and respiratory distress within 15 days and an average reduction of 50% in the lesion diameters after a month. Despite its benign nature, IHHE may lead to development of complications. Steroid and propranolol treatment may be useful in in the management of emergency complications.

Comparison of 64-Detector CT Colonography and Conventional Colonoscopy in the Detection of Colorectal Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The early detection of colorectal cancer using screening programs is important for managing early-stage colorectal cancers and polyps. Modalities that allow examination of the entire colon are conventional colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema examination and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) colonography. OBJECTIVES: To compare CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy results and to evaluate the accuracy of CT colonography for detecting colorectal lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study performed at Gastroenterology and Radiology Departments of Medical Faculty of Eskisehir Osmangazi University, CT colonography and colonoscopy results of 31 patients with family history of colorectal carcinoma, personal or family history of colorectal polyps, lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding, change in bowel habits, iron deficiency anemia and abdominal pain were compared. Regardless of the size, CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy findings for all the lesions were cross - tabulated and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. To assess the agreement between CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy examinations, the Kappa coefficient of agreementt was used. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS ver 15.0. RESULTS: Regardless of the size, MDCT colonography showed 83% sensitivity and 95% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 95% and a negative predictive value of 83% for the detection of colorectal polyps and masses. MDCT colonography displayed 92% sensitivity and 95% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 95% for polyps ≥ 10 mm. For polyps between 6mm and 9 mm, MDCT colonography displayed 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 90%. For polyps ≤ 5 mm MDCT colonography displayed 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: CT colonography is a safe and minimally invasive technique, a valuable diagnostic tool for examining the entire colon and a good alternative compared to other colorectal cancer screening tests because of its high sensitivity values in colorectal lesions over 1 cm.

Sonographically guided core biopsy: a minimally invasive procedure for managing adnexal masses.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that sonographically guided core biopsy is an effective method for the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses and evaluated patients who underwent core biopsies in our gynecologic oncology department. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 55 patients who underwent sonographically guided core biopsies in our gynecologic oncology department between 2010 and 2013. Patients with suspected ovarian malignancies who were unsuitable for optimal debulking surgery and patients at risk for higher morbidity and mortality because of a poor performance status, suspected nongynecologic tumors, and peritoneal tuberculosis were indicated for sonographically guided biopsy. RESULTS: The indications for sonographically guided core biopsy were candidacy for suboptimal cytoreduction (n = 32 [58.2%]), a poor performance status (n = 11 [20.0%]), and suspected nongynecologic tumors (n = 12 [21.8%]). Histopathologic evaluations revealed primary ovarian tumors in 36 patients (65.5%). Tuberculosis was found to be the second most common disease (n = 8 [14.5%]) among the patients who underwent core biopsies. In 2 patients (3.6%), histologic examination revealed metastatic colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided core biopsy may be preferred as a minimally invasive procedure for managing adnexal masses, particularly in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and high comorbidities who might benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in cases of suspected nongynecologic tumors, including pelvic tuberculosis.

Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of 20 patients diagnosed as tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) mimicking ovarian cancer during a 10-year period at a single center. STUDY DESIGN: Among 612 operations for ovarian malignancy we retrospectively reviewed the surgical and pathological reports of 20 patients suspected preoperatively as having ovarian malignancy but whose pathological results revealed TBP, between 2000 and 2011 in a university clinic. Demographic characteristics, physical and pelvic examination, laboratory investigations and radiological imaging of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Diagnostic laparotomy, laparoscopy and ultrasound guided tru-cut biopsy were performed in 11, 2 and 7 of the 20 patients, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 37.5 ± 17.3 years (range 16-70 years). The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (n=14%, 70%) and abdominal distension (n=13%, 65%). Serum CA 125 was elevated in 16 (80%) cases and the average CA 125 level was 289 ± 186.2 IU/ml. During ultrasonographic imaging and CT scans, ascites and a pelvic mass were detected in 19 (85%) and 12 (60%) patients respectively. TBP was suspected in 7 (35%) patients and ultrasound guided tru-cut biopsy was preferred as a first-line approach. Surgery was performed in 11 patients (55%) and during exploration widespread miliary nodules (n=9%, 81%), widespread adhesion (n=5%, 45%), adnexal mass (n=8%, 72%) and caseous necrotic substance (n=4%, 36%) were observed. Patients underwent unilateral (n=3% 27%) or bilateral (n=4%, 36%) salpingo-oophorectomy in seven (63%) cases. CONCLUSION: Since ovarian cancer is a serious condition and preoperative diagnosis of TBP is difficult, laparotomy is usually mandatory to distinguish these two entities. Ultrasound guided tru-cut biopsy is useful in selected patients and frozen section analysis avoids hazardous radical surgery at operation.

Radiologic findings of urachal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma causing pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Urachal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma causing pseudomyxoma peritonei is very rare. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and our radiologic findings. Ultrasonography revealed a well delineated, large cystic tumor adjacent to the anterior wall of the abdomen. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor of which the left posterior wall was defective. A large amount of ascites was present in the peritoneal cavity. The ascites caused displacement of the intestinal structures toward the dorsal region. The tumor wall and septa in the ascites were well enhanced on contrast-enhanced images. Radiologically, pseudomyxoma peritonei due to rupture of urachal cystic tumor was considered. The pathologic diagnosis was mucinous adenocarcinoma and pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema caused by sigmoid diverticulum perforation secondary to blunt abdominal trauma: report of a case.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are very rare reported signs of colonic perforation most often associated with diverticulitis, toxic megacolon and colonoscopy. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, which developed three days after a car accident without pneumothorax. A computed tomography scan demonstrated perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum in conjunction with air. A laparotomy was performed and revealed a perforated sigmoid diverticulum, fistulized into the retroperitoneal cavity. We suspect that this diverticular perforation was caused by the deterioration of the sigmoid mesocolon secondary to the blunt abdominal trauma. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature about pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema caused by sigmoid diverticular rupture following mesosigmoid trauma.

Factors affecting swallowing during thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was conducted to examine the factors that affect swallowing during thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). METHODS: Consecutive patients who were to undergo FNAB were approached for inclusion in the study. The depth and size of the nodule were measured in all patients. In a random fashion, patients were told not to swallow during the procedure, or they were not given any instructions regarding swallowing. RESULTS: Regarding the 143 participants in the study, no significant differences in age (P = .07), diameter and depth of the thyroid nodules (P = .14; P = .46, respectively), or cytologic diagnosis of thyroid aspirates (P > .20) were found between the swallowing (n = 50) and nonswallowing (n = 93) patient groups. Swallowing was observed in 29 patients who were instructed not to swallow (36%) and in 21 patients who were not given any instructions regarding swallowing (34%; P = .95). The mean duration of the procedure for swallowing patients was 19.8 seconds, and it was 15.7 seconds for nonswallowing patients. The duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in patients who did not swallow (P = .001). More male patients swallowed than female patients (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Giving specific instructions about not swallowing did not make a difference regarding swallowing by patients during the FNAB procedure. More male patients swallowed than female patients. A longer duration of the FNAB procedure meant that the operator was more likely to encounter swallowing (and thus displacement of the thyroid) while doing the procedure. Completing the procedure quickly is the surest method to avoid a moving thyroid while performing FNAB.

Spontaneous common bile duct perforation due to chronic pancreatitis, presenting as a huge cystic retroperitoneal mass: a case report.

Spontaneous perforation of the bile duct, is a disease in which spontaneous perforation occurs in the wall of the extrahepatic or intrahepatic duct without any traumatic or iatrogenic injury and more often described in neonates. In this report, we present a 38-year-old female patient who underwent surgery due to an intraabdominal cystic mass. The diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of the common bile duct and huge retroperitoneal biloma was made by intraoperative abdominal exploration. The biloma was drained, ruptured portion of the common bile duct was primarily repaired over a T-tube.