Effects of ionizing radiation on respiratory function tests and blood parameters in radiology staff.

AIM: To evaluate pulmonary function tests and blood parameters and their relationship with sociodemographic data for radiology staff continuously exposed to ionizing radiation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight personnel from Suleyman Demirel University Training and Research Hospital, Radiology Unit, were included in this study. Sociodemographic data were evaluated by a questionnare that was developed by the researchers. Height and weight measurements were performed with a standard scale and meter. Routine blood parameters and spirometric lung function measurements of the cases were recorded. Statistical significances were determined by independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), bivariate correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 32.42 ± 5.5 years; 19 patients (50%) were male and 19 patients (50%) were female. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as 25.68 ± 0.47 for men and 24.58 ± 1.13 for women. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) showed negatively statistically significant differences between gender (p < 0.01). In addition, FEV1 and FEF25-75 also demonstrated statistically negatively significant difference with the type of task (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative difference was found between FEF25-75 value and time to start smoking (p < 0.05). Among FVC, FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 values and alcohol usage, statistically significant positive difference was detected (p < 0.05). Statistically significant positive difference was found among FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 values and sports activity (p < 0.05). According to BMI groups, statistically significant positive difference with FVC, FEV1 and PEF values were found (p < 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found among FVC value and haemoglobin level (Hgb), haematocrit level (Hct) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), among FEV1 value and Hgb, MCV, among PEF value and red blood cell count (RBC), Hgb, Hct, MCV, red cell distribution width (RDW), and between FEF25-75 value and MCV. CONCLUSION: Although respiratory functions of radiology staff are affected by many factors, continuous exposure to ionizing radiation is one of the important parameters. Radiology staff should be informed about factors that negatively affect the respiratory functions.

Fournier's gangrene: evaluation of 68 patients and analysis of prognostic variables.

CONTEXT: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressing acute gangrenous infection of the anorectal and urogenital area. AIMS: The objectives of this study were to investigate patients with FG and to determine risk factors that affect mortality. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical presentations and outcomes of surgical treatments were evaluated in 68 patients with FG. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square, Student's t -test, and logistic regression test. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 54 and female-to-male ratio was 9:59. Among the predisposing factors, diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common ( n =24, 35.3%), and sepsis on admission was detected in 31 (45.6%) and 15 (22.1%) patients, respectively. Seven (10.3%) patients died. Using logistic regression test, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI)> 9, DM and sepsis on admission were found as prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: FG has a high mortality rate, especially in patients with DM and sepsis. An FGSI value> 9 indicates high mortality rate.

An unusual cause of urinary retention: a primary retrovesical echinococcal cyst.

We present a patient with symptoms of frequency, a mild decrease in urinary stream, and urinary retention due to a huge hydatid cyst located in the retrovesical region. Chest radiography and abdominal computed tomography did not reveal any other site of hydatid disease involvement. Since the cyst was in intimate contact with the seminal vesicles and the vasa deferentia, part of the hydatid sac wall adherent to these structures was left behind during the surgical excision. The patient was free of voiding symptoms, and no other episode of urinary retention had occurred at 6 months of follow-up. Pelvic computed tomography did not reveal recurrence of hydatid disease at 6 months postoperatively.