Evaluation of the Quality and Reliability of YouTubeTM Videos Created by Orthodontists as an Information Source for Clear Aligners.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and content usefulness of videos created by orthodontists on clear orthodontic aligners. Methods: Videos were screened using YouTubeTM by conducting a search for "Invisalign". After a preliminary evaluation of the first 250 results, 61 videos that met the selection criteria were scored and their length, days since upload, and numbers of views, likes, dislikes, and comments were recorded. These data were used to calculate the interaction index and viewing rate. Video reliability was assessed using a five-item modified DISCERN index, and video quality was assessed using the Video Information and Quality Index. A 10-item content usefulness index was created to determine the usefulness of the video content. Descriptive statistics of the parameters were calculated, and correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationships between the parameters. Results: The mean reliability score was 2.75±1.02 (out of 5), and the total quality score was 11.80±3.38 (out of 20). The total content usefulness index was quite low, with a mean score of 2.52±2.14 (out of 10). Interaction index and viewing rate were positively correlated with reliability score (r=0.463, p<0.01; r=0.295, p<0.05) and total quality score (r=0.365, p<0.01; r=0.295, p<0.01, respectively). The reliability score was positively correlated with the total quality score (r=0.842, p<0.01) and total content usefulness index (r=0.346, p<0.01). Conclusion: Videos about orthodontic aligner treatment have average reliability and quality but largely insufficient content.

Esophageal transection.

Herein, a case of intramural esophageal dissection is reported and the literature is reviewed. Intramural esophageal dissection is a rare but well described condition that is characterized by a laceration between the esophageal mucosa and submucosa but without perforation. A female patient aged 86 years was hospitalized with a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm. After placement of an aortic stent, she was started on intravenous heparin. After the procedure, the patient had retching and vomiting due to sedative drugs. On the first day after the procedure, the patient experienced sudden-onset chest pain, hematemesis, back pain and odynophagia. A hematoma was detected in the thoracic esophagus, which was opened during endoscopy and began to bleed suddenly owing to air insufflation. A false lumen was visualized within the esophagus. There was no perforation. The patient was followed up conservatively and discharged from the hospital uneventfully. In conclusion, we propose that esophageal transection, a condition that is widely regarded as relatively benign in the literature, has the potential to lead to perforation. It would be expected that most cases of esophageal transection would be managed conservatively.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) comprises only 0.1-0.2% of all malignant esophageal tumors. PMME tumors are highly aggressive and metastasize early via hematogenic and lymphatic pathways. Treatment outcome is poor because the cancer has often advanced at the time of diagnosis. Inoperability, unsuccessful treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in advanced tumors and metastases have contributed to its poor prognosis. Here, we present the endoscopic features, endoscopic ultrasonography findings and management of a PMME case.

The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and erosive esophagitis in a tertiary referral center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In recent years, changes in the definition of Barrett's esophagus have resulted in some difficulties in its diagnosis. Very few epidemiological data on Barrett's esophagus and erosive esophagitis in Turkey are available in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and erosive esophagitis in a tertiary referral center in Turkey. METHODS: 18,766 endoscopic examinations done in Ege University between October 1996 and June 2001 were included in this retrospective study. The histologic identification of goblet cells confirming the presence of intestinal metaplasia within the esophagus was considered as Barrett's esophagus. RESULTS: 280/18,766 (1.5%) cases were suspected as Barrett's esophagus by endoscopy. 84/18,766 (0.4%) cases were confirmed pathologically. Thirty-six cases were women and 48 men; mean age was 55.6 years. Pathology did not confirm the diagnosis in 46% of the long-segment Barrett's esophagus and in 72% of the short-segment Barrett's esophagus cases (p<0.01). Erosive esophagitis was diagnosed in 12.8% of overall patients by endoscopy and was significantly higher in patients with Barrett's esophagus (27%, p=0.0001). Hiatal hernia was found in 5% of Barrett's esophagus cases and in 11.2% of the endoscopically suspected Barrett's esophagus cases (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and erosive esophagitis are much lower than in developed countries. In the endoscopic examination, overdiagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is still a problem, especially in the presence of short-segment Barrett's esophagus. The presence of hiatal hernia did not affect the diagnosis.