Endometriosis of the rectosigmoid colon mimicking gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Endometriosis is defined as the growth of functional endometriotic gland and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Although it is common in women of reproductive age, extragenital endometriosis is considerably rare. Due to its frequent localization at the rectosigmoid junction in the gastrointestinal system, endometriosis may manifest with abdominal pain, constipation, and rectal bleeding. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal system and develops from the muscularis propria. Its extraluminal component is prominent. This study aimed to report a rare case of a 37-year-old patient who was operated with laparoscopic colon resection for a malignant-appearing submucosal mass with indistinct borders at the rectosigmoid junction that received the final diagnosis in histopathological examination. Endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms in female subjects of reproductive age as the one reported here.

Discrepancy between ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in patients treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip; hip maturation on ultrasonography may not be consistent with radiographic hip maturation.

Currently, hip sonography is used for early diagnosis and for monitoring developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment in many countries. An early pioneer of ultrasonography for early diagnosis of DDH was Graf. Based on the Graf approach, hip ultrasonography is more sensitive and specific than radiography for the diagnosis of DDH, because of its capability to show cartilaginous structures of the hip joint. The aim of this study was to compare radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in patients treated for DDH. This study included 88 infants (98hips) treated for DDH. Radiography was simultaneously used for treatment and follow-up evaluation in addition to ultrasonography after six months of age. A retrospective evaluation was made of the ultrasonographs and radiographs of these infants. Of the total 98 hips, 28 were normal both ultrasonographically and radiographically, and a pathologic hip was demonstrated in 32 hips both sonographically and radiographically. Hip ultrasonography showed abnormal development in 32 hips, while radiography showed abnormal development in 70 hips. In 38 hips, the findings were normal according to ultrasonography but pathological according to radiography. There were no hips that were normal radiographically but pathological sonographically. When radiography is accepted as the standard imaging method in our study patients, the sensitivity and specificity of hip ultrasonography were determined as 45.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41.5-45.7] and 100% (95% CI: 89.4-100), respectively. These findings suggest that hip maturation apparent on ultrasonography may not be consistent with radiographic hip development in infants treated for DDH.

Evaluation of pulmonary venous variations in a large cohort : Multidetector computed tomography study with new variations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary venous anatomy and to determine the frequency of each drainage pattern in a large cohort using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chest CT images of 550 patients were retrospectively reviewed for pulmonary venous anatomy and variant patterns. All CT scans were performed using a 128 detectors row CT scanner after intravenous contrast administration. Pulmonary venous drainage pattern was documented for each patient and frequency of each drainage type was calculated. A useful classification system was used to simplify complex pulmonary venous anatomy. RESULTS: The expected typical anatomy was observed in 239 (43.5%) patients. The remaining 311 (56.5%) patients had anatomic variations on the right, left, or both sides. The most common variation was left common vein, seen in 177 (32.2%) patients, followed by accessory right middle lobe vein(s), seen in 112 (20.4%) patients. In the present study the frequency of variant anatomy on the right (34%) and left (33.3%) sides were similar. CONCLUSION: The use of MDCT with 3D imaging is a preferable imaging tool for demonstrating pulmonary venous anatomy in detail, which shows significant variability. Considering the high prevalence of variations in the population, performing preprocedural MDCT may facilitate higher success rates in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and help to perform safe and accurate surgery especially in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Perianal fistula imaging: a comparison between two-channel superficial Flex coil and eight-channel body coil.

PURPOSE: Perianal fistula is an important health problem with devastating morbidity. For diagnosis and prevention of recurrence, perianal fistula imaging (PFI) is crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate if a Flex-M superficial coil images would provide more information than images obtained with a phased-array body coil in PFI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one fistulas of 29 patients were prospectively evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. A phased-array body coil was used in all patients as in routine practice, and sequences with Flex-M coil were also obtained. Afterwards, images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists who were blinded to the patients, coil and also to each other. The site of internal and external openings, and presence or absence of abscess and secondary tracts were recorded. RESULTS: The conspicuity of images was better with the Flex-M coil. Both radiologists saw more internal openings with the Flex-M coil. Cohen's κ value was 0.100 (p = 0.201) for Reader 1 and 0.110 (p = 0.361) for Reader 2 between these two coils. Additionally, numerically more internal/external openings and secondary tracts were seen by both readers. Interobserver variability was not statistically significant, and Cohen's κ values signifyied good concordance between readers. CONCLUSIONS: In our study we showed that multichannel superficial phased-array coils improved imaging quality in PFI. We think that Flex-M coil can easily be used in routine clinical practice to gather better images of perianal fistulas.

Role of γ-glutamyl transferase levels in prediction of high cardiovascular risk among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of elevated liver functions. There is evidence showing an association between NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis independent of traditional risk factors. We undertook this retrospective study to determine the association of Framingham cardiovascular risk scoring system with liver function tests and inflammatory markers and to find the role of liver function tests in determination of CVD risk among non-obese and non-diabetic subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: A total of 2058 patients were included in the study. Framingham cardiovascular risk scoring was done of all patients according to the age, gender, systolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels, smoking and antihypertensive medication history. Liver function test, lipid profile, insulin, uric acid, ferritin levels, etc. were determined. RESULTS: According to the ultrasonography findings, patients were grouped as without any fatty infiltration of the liver (control group) (n=982), mild (n= 473), moderate (n=363) and severe fatty liver disease (n= 240) groups. In severe fatty liver disease group, the mean Framingham cardiovascular risk score was significantly higher than that of other groups. t0 here was a positive correlation between GGT, uric acid and ferritin levels with Framingham cardiovascular score. In multivariate analysis, high GGT levels were positively associated with high-risk disease presence (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.62-3.42) compared to low GGT levels independent of the age and sex. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular disease risk increases with the presence and stage of fatty liver disease. Our findings showed a positive correlation between elevated GGT levels and Framingham cardiovascular risk scoring system among non-diabetic, non-obese adults which could be important in clinical practice. Though in normal limits, elevated GGT levels among patients with fatty liver disease should be regarded as a sign of increased cardiovascular disease risk. Larger studies are warranted to elucidate the role of GGT in prediction of cardiovascular risk.

Incidentally found retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in an adult.

The ganglioneuroma is a very rare tumor arising from sympathetic nerve system. An asymptomatic retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma was found incidentally in a 35-year-old woman. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a retroperitoneal mass extending to the left adrenal gland, and surrounding abdominal aorta, celiac axis, left renal and adrenal arteries, and veins. The tumor was resected and histologic examination showed ganglioneuroma.

Isolated intrapulmonary Castleman's disease: a case report, review of the literature.

Castleman's disease (CD), also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, is an uncommon, lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology, mostly involving the mediastinum. Parenchymal lung involvement of the disease is extremely rare. Intrapulmonary CD has been reported in seven cases in the English literature. We describe an asymptomatic 28-year-old woman with lesion in the chest X-ray. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest confirmed a 5.5 × 5 cm well-defined, lobulated mass in the hilum of the right upper lobe. She underwent surgical resection for diagnosis and treatment. Pathologic examination showed hyaline vascular type (Castleman's disease) lymph node hyperplasia. CD rarely arises from the intrapulmonary lymph nodes. In these patients, preoperative diagnosis is difficult and invasive attempts may be required.

IGF-I levels and visceral fat accumulation in colonic neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: IGF-I, visceral obesity, IGF binding protein-3 and insulin are reported to be potential risk factors for colorectal carcinogenesis. Many studies report a relation between obesity, insulin resistance and the risk of colon cancer. This study investigates the association between IGF-I levels, insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation in patients with colon cancer and adenoma. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 48 sequential patients were diagnosed with either colorectal adenoma or carcinoma were enrolled. The control subjects were 30 sequential subjects. Serum IGF-I, HOMA insulin resistance index and visceral fat were measured in patients with colorectal adenoma and carcinoma. RESULTS: Serum IGF-I levels were significantly higher in patients with colorectal adenoma and carcinoma compared with controls. Visceral fat accumulation was lower in colorectal carcinoma group compared with colorectal adenoma group, but no statistically significant difference was observed among them and controls. No statistically significant difference was observed in HOMA insulin resistance index, fasting insulin and fasting glucose concentrations among the three groups. No correlation was found between insulin resistance and serum IGF-I levels and visceral fat accumulation. Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma IGF-I concentration was significantly associated with colorectal adenoma and carcinoma. Body mass index and waist circumference were associated with colorectal, carcinoma but were not associated with adenoma. CONCLUSION: In our study we found that, IGF-I levels are associated with colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, independent of insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation; supporting the hypothesis that an increase in IGF-I levels may be a factor involved in the development of colon cancer.

Spontaneous urinary extravasation: detection rate with 64-row multidetector computed tomography in patients presenting with acute abdomen.

The aim of this study was to detect the rate of spontaneous urinary extravasation (SUE) with computed tomography (CT) in patients presenting with acute abdomen. Seven hundred thirteen abdominal CT examinations with i.v. contrast media requested mainly from the emergency department and urology clinics for sudden onset abdominal pain, flank pain, nonspecific abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, and renal colic between September 2007 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Only adult patients were included in the study. Three patients with SUE were detected. One had a mid-ureteral stone while the etiology for the other two patients was unknown. Two of the patients were treated conservatively; one was treated with stenting with a double-j catheter. SUE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute abdomen and perinephric-periureteral fluid collection inconsistent with stone size and who are occasionally stone free. Early and precise diagnosis of SUE plays an important role in the management protocol of patients presenting with acute abdomen.

Effect of dialysis type on orbital vascular flow in patients with end-stage renal disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular blood flow dynamics by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Additionally, to investigate the effect of dialysis type on ocular blood flow by comparing the findings of peritoneal dialysis (PD) subjects, hemodialysis (HD) subjects, and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients (21 HD and 19 PD) and 40 controls were included in the study. CDU and spectral analysis of temporal posterior ciliary artery (TPCA) and central retinal artery (CRA) were performed to evaluate peak systolic flow velocity (PSV), end diastolic flow velocity (EDV), and resistive indices (RIs). Ocular blood flows were examined before and after HD. Post-HD findings were compared with those in PD subjects and healthy controls. RESULTS: PSV and EDV values in CRA and TPCA after HD sessions were found to be significantly decreased when compared with pre-dialysis values. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre-dialysis and post-dialysis RI values of both arteries. Systolic and diastolic blood flows in CRA and TPCA were higher and RI values were lower in PD subjects than in HD and controls. No significant difference was seen between HD subjects and controls. CONCLUSION: After a single HD session, ocular blood flows of patients with ESRD were normalized. But PD subjects show higher systolic and diastolic ocular blood flows than healthy controls, suggesting that HD is more effective than PD for achieving normal ocular blood flow.

Splenic infarction following conventional open gastrectomy in patients with gastric malignancy: a CT-based study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this CT-based study was to investigate the frequency of splenic infarction (SI) following conventional open gastrectomy performed for gastric malignant neoplasms. METHODS: 20 patients who underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy, omentectomy, and D2 lymph node dissections preserving the spleen for gastric malignant neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with postoperative CT scans within 3 months were enrolled in this study. CT imaging was performed with a 64-row multidetector CT scanner. Abdominal CT scan with precontrast and postcontrast portal phase images was performed on 19 of the patients, while pulmonary CT angiography was performed on 1 patient for chest pain. Second postoperative control abdominal CT images were also present for 3 of the 5 patients with SI. These examinations were also reviewed for the evolution of the SI's. RESULTS: SI was detected in 5 of the patients (25%) at a postoperative early stage. A single infarct area was detected in 4 of the 5 patients while two distinct infarct areas were present in one patient. The infarct areas in two patients disappeared on the second postoperative control CT. A decrease in the size of the SI area in 1 patient was also detected on the second postoperative control CT scan. CONCLUSION: The frequency of SI as a complication of abdominal surgeries tends to increase in CT-based studies. We have detected the highest frequency in the literature and suggest that SI, especially when accompanying D2 lymphadenectomy, should be included in the list of early stage gastrectomy complications.

Interatrial shunt: diagnosis of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect with 64-row coronary computed tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency with which interatrial shunts are found during routine coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography and to describe imaging characterizations of patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD), and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1081 adult patients were evaluated retrospectively for interatrial shunting; 77 were excluded from the study. CT diagnosis of PFO was defined as (1) a channel-like appearance of the interatrial septum (IAS) and (2) a contrast agent jet flow from the left atrium (LA) to the right atrium (RA). ASD was defined as (1) the IAS resembling a membrane with a hole and (2) a contrast jet flow between the two atria. ASA was identified by detecting a minimum 10-mm protrusion of the LA beyond the IAS into the RA. RESULTS: Among 1004 patients, 86 patients (8.6%) were diagnosed to have PFO. Another 23 patients (2.3%) had a hole in the IAS and were diagnosed as having ASD: 21 with an ostium secundum-type ASD and 2 with the sinus venosus type. ASA accompanied ASD in three patients. CONCLUSION: Electrocardiography-gated CT using the saline-chaser contrast injection technique that is routinely used for coronary arterial imaging can be used to detect interatrial shunts. The technique can also serve as a method for differentiating PFO, ASD, and ASA.

Diagnosis and percutaneous treatment of partial subclavian steal: Doppler ultrasonography and phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography findings and a brief review of the literature.

A 66-year-old woman presented with back pain and arm claudication. Severe stenosis of the left proximal subclavian artery was detected incidentally by thorax computed tomography. Doppler ultrasonography and phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) evaluation revealed partial subclavian steal. The stenosis was successfully treated with percutaneous stenting. Imaging findings are described and a brief review of the literature emphasizing the role of PCMRA in diagnosing partial steal is discussed.

Neuroimaging in metabolic disorders.

Although genetic and chemical studies are most helpful for the diagnosis of metabolic disorders of the brain, there is a role for neuroimaging to quantify the degree of brain involvement and the response to therapy. Also, in some instances the imaging pattern can guide in the selection of genes or gene products to be studied.

Inborn errors of metabolism presenting in childhood.

Neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders may cause significant morbidity and mortality in children. Imaging is important in early diagnosis of metabolic disorders and in determining the extent of brain injury. Especially after the development of new techniques such as diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), neuroimaging plays more important role in the diagnosis and management of these disorders. In these disorders, usually a mutation causes a clinically significant block in one or more metabolic pathways. This blockage usually results in either a deficiency of the product or in an accumulation of substrate with damage induced by either storage or toxicity. The presenting symptoms are usually nonspecific. In some of the metabolic disorders, long-term dietary or medical treatment options are available, and to make an early diagnosis in these disorders is important before the brain damage occurs. Prompt diagnosis, particularly in treatable disorders, is crucial to prevent neurological sequelae or death. If treatment is indeed available, neuroimaging also provides a baseline in evaluation of the efficacy of treatment. Therefore, the neuroradiologist should be aware of these disorders to prevent devastating results of delayed diagnosis. Metabolic disorders affecting the central nervous system, both gray and white matter can be classified by involvement of the primary cellular organelle as lysosomal, peroxisomal, mitochondrial disorders, or biochemical classification can be made as amino acid and organic acid metabolism defects or primary white matter disorders. This article presents the neuroimaging features of relatively more common metabolic disorders.

Anatomic evaluation of the xiphoid process with 64-row multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interindividual variations of the xiphoid process in a wide adult group using 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in the study were 500 consecutive patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) images on coronal and sagittal planes, and three-dimensional volume rendering (VR) reconstruction images were obtained and used for the evaluation of the anatomic features of the xiphoid process. RESULTS: The xiphoid process was present in all patients. The xiphoid process was deviated ventrally in 327 patients (65.4%). In 11 of these 327 patients (2.2%), ventral curving at the end of the xiphoid process resembled a hook. The xiphoid process was aligned in the same axis as the sternal corpus in 166 patients (33.2%). The tip of the xiphoid process was curved dorsally like a hook in three patients (0.6%). In four patients (0.8%), the xiphoid process exhibited a reverse S shape. Xiphoidal endings were single in 313 (62.6%) patients, double in 164 (32.8%), or triple in 23 (4.6%). Ossification of the cartilaginous xiphoid process was fully completed in 254 patients (50.8 %). In total, 171 patients (34.2%) had only one xiphoidal foramen and 45 patients (9%) had two or more foramina. Sternoxiphoidal fusion was present in 214 of the patients (42.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant interindividual variations were detected in the xiphoid process. Excellent anatomic evaluation capacity of MDCT facilitates the detection of variations of the xiphoid process as well as the whole ribcage.

Frequency of pleural effusion in acute bronchiolitis and its effect on prognosis.

AIM: To analyze the frequency of pleural effusion and the effect on prognosis in children with acute bronchiolitis. METHODS: A total of 69 infants aged 1-24 months with acute bronchiolitis were studied between September 2009 and December 2010. All patients'age, sex, breastfeeding duration, exposure to smoking, history of using vitamin D, symptoms duration, physical examination and laboratory findings were recorded. Bronchiolitis score and predisposing factors that influence the disease process were determined. Thorax ultrasonography was carried out in all patients, who were evaluated on the 3rd and 7th day of the treatment. RESULTS: Mean age of patients (43 boys, 26 girls) was 11.97 ± 0.69 months (median 11 months). Breastfeeding duration was 8.26 ± 0.56 months (median 8 months). According to bronchiolitis score, 52 patients (75.4%) had mild and moderate bronchiolitis and 17 (24.6%) had severe bronchiolitis; 34 patients (49.2%) had pleural effusion. There was no relation between pleural effusion and symptoms. Frequency of pleural effusion was significantly higher in patients with risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that most of the acute bronchiolitis cases in the infants studied were accompanied by pleural effusion. Pleural effusion in acute bronchiolitis had no effects on prognosis.

Influence of obesity on bone mineral density in postmenopausal asthma patients undergoing treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES: The etiology of osteoporosis in asthma is complex as various factors contribute to its pathogenesis. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of obesity and inhaled steroids, as well as the severity and duration of asthma, on osteoporosis in postmenopausal asthma patients as compared to healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 46 patients with asthma and 60 healthy female controls, all postmenopausal, were enrolled in our study. Bone mineral density was assessed at the lumbar spine and hip using a Lunar DPX-L densitometer. RESULTS: Bone mineral density (BMD) scores were comparable between the asthmatic and control groups, with average scores of 0.95 +/- 0.29 and 0.88 +/- 0.14 g/cm(2), respectively. Likewise, osteoporosis was diagnosed in a similar percentage of patients in the asthmatic (39.1%) and control (43.3%) groups. Bone fracture was identified in four patients with asthma (8.6%) and in six patients from the control group (10%). We could not detect any relationship between BMD and duration of asthma, asthma severity, inhaled steroids or body mass index (BMI). There was no difference between the two groups with respect to age or years since menopause. Although asthma patients were more likely to be overweight and presented higher BMD scores on average than the control subjects, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There is a slight positive protective effect of high BMI against osteoporosis in asthma patients, but this effect is overcome by time and menopause status. Therefore, the protective effect of obesity against osteoporosis in asthma patients seems to not be significant.

A new radiological approach to cyclic mastalgia: venous doppler ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the venous system in cyclical mastalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 healthy women and 39 women with cyclic mastalgia underwent venous Doppler examination in both pre- and postmenstrual period. Upper-outer quadrant veins of breast were evaluated. The impedance indices of both groups were compared in both the premenstrual and postmenstrual period. RESULTS: During the premenstrual period, venous impedance indices were significantly higher in the patients with cyclic mastalgia (p=0.004) than in the control group. After the menstrual period, there was no difference in venous impedance indices between the groups. CONCLUSION: Excessive tissue oedema might be responsible for both a tension-mediated pain and a compression of the venous system thereby showing higher impedance than that in control group.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and fibrocystic breast disease: is there any association?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association between a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibrocystic breast disease. METHODS: A total of 93 women, aged between 17 and 36 years, not using oral contraceptives, were entered in this case-control study. Laboratory, clinical and ultrasound findings were used to diagnose PCOS. The study group was consisted of 53 PCOS women and the control group consisted of 40 women. Breast ultrasonography was performed for all patients. Fibrocystic breast disease is described as common benign changes involving the tissues of the breast. RESULTS: Twenty-one (39.6%) of 53 women with a PCOS had fibrocystic breast disease. Five (8%) of 40 controls had fibrocystic breast disease. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Relative risk (95% CIs) was 3.17 (1.31-7.68). Overall sonographic benign breast pathologies were significantly higher in the PCOS group (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: This study showed a statistically significant association between a PCOS and fibrocystic breast disease. Women with a PCOS should be evaluated for fibrocystic breast disease.