Prevalence of dual left anterior descending artery variations in CT angiography.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the frequency and features of dual left anterior descending artery (LAD) variants using computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS: A total of 1337 consecutive coronary CT angiography examinations performed between April 2010 and December 2013 were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of dual LAD. CT examinations were performed with either 64- or 320-row multidetector CT scanners. All CT angiography images were evaluated for the presence and morphologic features of dual LAD subtypes. RESULTS: Fifty-six dual LAD variations (4%) were identified in this study population. Type 1 was the most common type of dual LAD (n=48), while Type 3 (n=3) and Type 4 (n=2) were infrequent and Type 2 was not detected. Additionally, we detected previously unclassified dual LAD variations in three cases. CONCLUSION: Dual LAD may be a relatively more common variant than described in the medical literature, which is mostly based on catheter angiography studies. Coronary CT angiography seems markedly efficacious for detecting and documenting the anatomical details of dual LAD subtypes, as well as showing other associated cardiocoronary anomalies.

Evaluation of pharyngeal airway space changes after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with a 3-dimensional simulation and modeling program.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to use 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs to evaluate the effects of bimaxillary orthognathic surgical correction of Class III malocclusions on pharyngeal airway space volume, and to compare them with the changes in obstructive sleep apnea measurements from polysomnography. METHODS: Twenty-five male patients (mean age, 21.6 years) with mandibular prognathism were treated with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and LeFort I advancement. Polysomnography and computed tomography were performed before surgery and 1.4 ± 0.2 years after surgery. All computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the pharyngeal airway space was segmented using SimPlant OMS (Materialise Medical, Leuven, Belgium) programs. The pretreatment and posttreatment pharyngeal airway space determinants in volumetric, linear distance, and cross-sectional measurements, and polysomnography changes were compared with the paired samples t test. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the association between the computed tomography and polysomnography measurements. RESULTS: The results indicated that setback procedures produce anteroposterior narrowing of the pharyngeal airway space at the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal levels and the middle and inferior pharyngeal volumes (P <0.05). In contrast, advancement of the maxilla causes widening of the airway in the nasopharyngeal and retropalatal dimensions and increases the superior pharyngeal volume (P <0.05). Distinctively, bimaxillary orthognathic surgery induces significant increases in the total airway volume and the transverse dimensions of all airway areas (P <0.05). Significant correlations were found between the measurements on the computed tomography scans and crucial polysomnography parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery for correction of Class III malocclusion caused an increase of the total airway volume and improvement of polysomnography parameters. A proposed treatment plan can be modified according to the risk of potential airway compromise or even to improve it with 3-dimensional imaging techniques and polysomnography.

HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis; relation to pulmonary function tests.

BACKGROUND: Chest-X-ray has several limitations in detecting the extent of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis. It might not reflect the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis when compared to computed tomography of the thorax. We aimed to investigate the HRCT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis and to find out the existence of possible relations between HRCT findings and PFTs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the accordance between HRCT findings and conventional chest-X-ray staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis. METHOD: 45 patients with sarcoidosis with a mean age 29.7+/- 8.4 years were evaluated. Six of them were female and 39 were male. The type, distribution and extent of the parameters on HRCT/CTs were evaluated and scored. Chest-X-rays were evaluated for the stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Correlations were investigated between HRCT/CT parameter scores, Chest X-Ray stages and pulmonary function parameters. RESULTS: Nodule, micronodule, ground glass opacity and consolidation were the most common HRCT findings. There were significant correlations between pulmonary function parameters, HRCT pattern scores, and chest-X-ray stages. A significant correlation between chest-x-ray score and total HRCT score was found. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary sarcoidosis patients might have various pulmonary parenchymal changes on HRCT. Thorax HRCT was superior to chest-X-ray in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities. The degree of pulmonary involvement might be closely related to the loss of pulmonary function measured by PFTs. Chest-X-ray is considered to have a role in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Plasma fetuin-A is associated with endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Fetuin-A is associated with MetS and NAFLD. We investigated the relationship of circulating fetuin-A level with markers of endothelial dysfunction and presence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with NAFLD. METHODS: The consecutive 115 patients with NAFLD and age-matched 74 healthy subjects were enrolled. Plasma levels of fetuin-A and markers of endothelial dysfunction [asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) and adiponectin] were measured by ELISA method. Insulin sensitivity was determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography. RESULTS: Fetuin-A and ADMA were higher and, adiponectin was lower in NAFLD group than the control group (P = 0·004, P < 0·001 and P < 0·001, respectively). In addition, NAFLD group had greater cIMT measurements than the controls (P < 0·001). However, no difference was found for fetuin-A, ADMA, adiponectin and cIMT between two groups when the findings were adjusted according to the glucose, lipids and HOMA-IR index. In correlation analysis, fetuin-A was found to be positively correlated with triglyceride (r = 0·23, P = 0·001), HOMA-IR (r = 0·29, P < 0·001), ADMA (r = 0·24, P = 0·001), cIMT (r = 0·3, P = 0·003) and, negatively correlated with HDL-C (r = -0·17, P = 0·02) and adiponectin (r = -0·19, P = 0·01) levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fetuin-A was independently associated with ADMA and cIMT levels. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated for the first time that circulating fetuin-A in NAFLD is independently associated with endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis.

[A case of pulmonary sequestration presenting as solitary pulmonary nodule]. / Soliter pulmoner nodül olarak ortaya çikan bir pulmoner sekestrasyon olgusu.

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare, usually a cystic mass which is composed of nonfunctioning pulmonary tissue that does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree. In computed tomography pulmonary sequestration is seen as usually a discrete mass lesion, with or without cystic changes, associated with local emphysematous areas located in lower lobes. We present a case of pulmonary sequestration located in apicoposterior segment of left upper lobe and presented as a solitary pulmonary nodule having smooth margins different from the classical radiological appearance of pulmonary sequestration.

A giant pericardial cyst in an unusual localization.

Pericardial cysts are rareand benign lesions of the heart. They are usually asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed on chest X-ray. Most are located at the right cardiophrenic angle. Life-threatening complications may be infrequently encountered. We report the case of a 54 year-old male with acute coronary syndrome and a pericardial cyst in an unusual localization.

Serum lactate dehydrogenase levels significantly correlate with radiological extent of disease and spirometric values in patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate serum lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels in patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting (SDDS) and also to investigate possible correlations between serum LD levels and the degree of radiological extent of disease (RED) and pulmonary function tests. METHODS: Forty-four males with SDDS and 32 healthy male subjects were included in the study. Patients and healthy controls were compared for serum LD levels. Correlations between serum LD levels, RED and spirometric values were investigated. RESULTS: Patients with SDDS had significantly higher serum LD levels than healthy controls. Patients with complicated SDDS had significantly higher serum LD levels than patients with simple SDDS. Significant correlations were found between serum LD levels and RED values. Significant correlations were found between serum LD levels and spirometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS: High serum LD levels might be considered as a marker of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in patients with SDDS. This study also suggests that the increase in serum LD levels might be closely related to the degree of pulmonary involvement in SDDS patients.

Elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine in plasma: an early marker for endothelial dysfunction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate circulating ADMA concentrations in biopsy proven NAFLD and also to search its association with carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: Sixty-seven nondiabetic and normotensive patients with NAFLD and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. Plasma ADMA was measured along with glucose, lipids and insulin levels. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) using carotid ultrasonography. RESULTS: ADMA levels and CIMT measurements were significantly higher in NAFLD group than the controls. However, the difference regarding the CIMT disappeared when the findings were adjusted according to the metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity. In contrast, the difference for ADMA remained significant between two groups. No significant association was found between ADMA, CIMT and histopathological findings. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ADMA levels are increased in subjects with NAFLD. This increase seems to be independent from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, insulin resistance and liver histology. Circulating ADMA may be an earlier marker of vascular damage with respect to CIMT in subjects with NAFLD.

Nasal cavity volume changes after rapid maxillary expansion in adolescents evaluated with 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity volume by using 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs. METHODS: The study group consisted of 15 patients (9 boys, 6 girls; mean age, 13.86 years) with maxillary constriction. Computed tomography scans were obtained before treatment and 6 months after the end of expansion. All computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the nasal cavity and maxillary teeth were segmented by using the Mimics and Simplant Ortho software programs (both, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Paired samples t tests were used to compare pretreatment and posttreatment nasal cavity volumes and maxillary areas. Data analysis was performed by using the software program SPSS for Windows (version 15.00; SPSS, Chicago, Ill). RESULTS: Rapid maxillary expansion treatment induced significant increases in nasal cavity volume (P ≤ 0.001) and maxillary transverse dimensions (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior-to-posterior and coronal-to-cranial expansions were observed after rapid maxillary expansion treatment, with the direction of expansion most likely affected by resistance from the cranial bones.

Pulmonary artery embolism due to a ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst: clinical and radiologic imaging findings.

Hydatid pulmonary embolism is an uncommon condition resulting from the rupture of a hydatid heart cyst or the opening of a visceral hydatid cyst into the venous circulation. We report a rare case with multiple intra-arterial pulmonary hydatid cyst emboli originating from a hepatic hydatid cyst ruptured into the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. We present the ultrasonography findings of hepatic hydatid cyst and multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography images demonstrating both multiple hydatid cyst emboli and their hepatic origin.

Measurement accuracy of a computer-assisted three-dimensional analysis and a conventional two-dimensional method.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences between manual and cephalometric measurements on different sections of the human skull, which were obtained using computer-assisted three-dimensional (3D) analysis and conventional two-dimensional (2D) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements were carried out on 13 dry human skulls, then 2D cephalograms and 3D computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained. Anatomic landmarks were determined and marked with clay before CT images were taken, and the same landmarks were marked with the help of metallic balls and pins for lateral and frontal cephalograms. Manual, lateral/frontal cephalometric, and computer-assisted 3D cephalometric measurements were compared statistically. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference tests were used to compare the results among the groups. RESULTS: All measurements were statistically insignificant between the computer-assisted 3D and manual measurements. On the other hand, the differences between the conventional 2D and the manual measurements were statistically significant. The greatest amount of magnification was found at the Nasion-Menton distance (14.6%), which was located at the farthest distance from the central x-ray beam in the lateral cephalogram (P < .01). For the same reason, the greatest enlargement (16.2%) was observed in the distance between the zygomaticomaxillary sutures on the conventional frontal cephalogram (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The computer-aided 3D cephalometric measurements were found to be more accurate than the conventional cephalometric measurements. The results revealed that 3D cephalometric measurements were consistent with the manual measurements. In addition, the magnification and distortion might limit the results of conventional cephalometric measurements.

Mean platelet volume and its relationship with carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, is an emerging risk factor for atherothrombosis. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of MPV in subjects with NAFLD having no confounding factors for atherosclerosis such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. In addition, the possible relationship between MPV and carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT), a well known marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, was also studied. METHODS: MPV and CIMT levels were measured in 60 biopsy-proven NAFLD subjects and 54 healthy controls. Age and sex were similar between two groups. RESULTS: Body mass index and waist circumference levels were higher in the NAFLD group when compared to the controls. There were no differences between the two groups regarding LDL cholesterol levels, whereas HDL cholesterol levels were lower in the NAFLD group. MPV and CIMT levels were not different between the two groups. According to the correlation analyses, CIMT levels were positively correlated to age in patients with NAFLD. However, no significant correlation was found between MPV and CIMT levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not show any difference in MPV levels between subjects with NAFLD and controls. These finding suggests that in the absence of other metabolic risk factors, MPV might not be involved in the mechanism(s) of increased cardiovascular risk in NAFLD.

Renal agenesis in a child with ipsilateral hemihypertrophy.

Hemihypertrophy is a clinical condition defined as an asymmetric enlargement of one side of the body. Inguinal hernias, renal cysts, cryptorchidism, ectasias of collecting tubes, medullary sponge kidney and horse-shoe kidney are examples of abnormalities associated with hemihypertrophy that have been described in the literature. We report here a 17.2-year-old patient with a left hemihypertrophy and renal agenesis with contralateral right compensatory renal hypertrophy together with normal renal function and blood pressure in the absence of proteinuria. He also presented with faint macular hyperpigmented skin lesions on his left upper arm, forehead and abdomen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of renal agenesis and hemihypertrophy in the same patient. Hemihypertrophy can be seen as a component of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. The other components of this syndrome are varicose veins, skin naevus and arteriovenous malformations. Although renal agenesis, hemihypertrophy and hyperpigmented macular skin lesions (skin naevuses) may be incidental findings, together they may form a variant of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, as in our case.

Trifocal biplanar distraction-compression osteosynthesis: a new method for three-dimensional reconstruction of the calvarial defects.

Surgical treatment of calvarial defects and deformities has some drawbacks such as donor site morbidity or use of allogenic materials. In this experimental study, we presented a three-dimensional reconstruction of cranial defects by using trifocal biplanar distraction-compression osteosynthesis (TBDCO).Eight sheep with a mean age of 2 years were divided into 2 groups as the control (n = 3) and distraction groups (n = 5). All the animals were operated on under general anesthesia, and 80 x 50-mm full-thickness calvarial defects were created. In the control group, no treatment was performed. In the distraction group, TBDCO was performed with a custom-made distraction device with 2 transport segments. After 5 days of latency period, the anterior transport segment was distracted to a posterior and superior direction (0.7 and 0.3 mm, respectively) and the posterior transport segment was distracted obliquely to an anterior and superior direction (0.7 and 0.3 mm, respectively) with a resulting total vectorial movement of 0.75 mm/d. Active distraction was approximately 29 days, and the consolidation period was 60 days.No major complications were seen during the whole procedure. In the control group, the bone defects remained unhealed. In the distraction group, defects healed and the reconstructed calvarium was dome shaped. Preoperative and postoperative cranial volume measurements of the distraction group animals revealed an increase in cranial volume (P < 0.05). Histologic evaluation showed inductive bone regeneration and mature bone structure development within the distraction zone. Trifocal biplanar distraction-compression osteosynthesis is an effective and safe technique for three-dimensional closure of the cranial defects. In clinical practice, it could provide several advantages over currently available reconstructive procedures.

A case of anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery in adulthood: multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography findings.

Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare but very serious congenital coronary artery anomaly. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography has recently become the gold standard for depicting anatomical variations and anomalies of the coronary arteries because the origin and course of anomalous arteries can be demonstrated very accurately by this technique. In this report, we present a case of 22-year-old female who was admitted to our emergency department with cardiac arrest. In the course of diagnosis, MDCT coronary angiography revealed a left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery as well as marked dilatation of the coronary arteries.

Massive pulmonary ossification due to recurrent aspiration pneumonia.

Pulmonary ossification is an idiopathic disorder that presents with the formation of mature bone in the pulmonary parenchyma. This is a very rare entity that occurs in conjunction with busulfan therapy as well as with a number of diseases including chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure, myositis ossificans, and idiopathic interstitial fibrosis. It is usually seen in older age groups. We present a 4-year-old boy with massive ossification secondary to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. This is the first reported case of pulmonary ossification secondary to recurrent aspiration, and the first case in a child.

[A case of meningitis emerged as a complication of hidradenitis suppurativa]. / Süpüratif hidradenitin komplikasyonu olarak ortaya çikan bir menenjit olgusu.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which is characterized by the obstruction of the apocrine gland channels and development of secondary bacterial infections, is a rare clinical entity mostly seen in women. In this case report, a bacterial meningitis case, which emerged after HS in the gluteal region, was presented. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case in the literature. Sixty-years-old male patient was admitted to the infectious disease department with high fever, lack of consciousness and orientation and cooperation problems. Upon detection of neck stiffness during physical examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was taken. CSF analysis revealed increased pressure, turbidity, (++++) Pandy reaction and 33.600/ml leucocytes (95% PMNL). CSF glucose was 2 mg/dl (simultaneous blood glucose was 156 mg/dl) and protein was 360 mg/dl. Gram stained smear of the CSF specimen yielded high numbers of gram-positive cocci. Empirical treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone (2 x 2 g/day) and linezolid (2 x 600 mg/day) was initiated upon the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis. Physical examination of the patient revealed HS characterized by common fistulas in gluteal area and drainage from the fistula with drainage in left gluteal area. White blood cell blood count was 26.700/mg, platelet count was 501.000/ml and hemoglobin was 14.8 mg/dl. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 120 mm/hour. In the magnetic resonance imaging of the vertebra, fistula tract was determined between inflammed tissue and sacral subarachnoid region. Since the culture of CSF and blood did not yield any growth, the probable causative agent was thought to be an anaerobic gram-positive coccus. The treatment continued for 21 days for ceftriaxone and 28 days for linezolid. The patient was successfully treated and was transferred to neurosurgery department without any sequela for the management of fistulas.

A case of pancreatic Burkitt lymphoma: radiological findings.

Burkitt lymphoma predominantly involving the pancreas is very rare. There is no specific clinical, laboratory, or radiological sign of the disease. Thus, the diagnosis, especially of focal involvement, is usually difficult. We here report ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of primary pancreatic Burkitt lymphoma in a case with unusual radiological presentation.