Ahmet Küçükapan

Imaging of cystic and cyst like lesions of the mediastinum with pathologic correlation.

Cystic masses of the mediastinum are a heterogenous group of asymptomatic or symptomatic, congenital, infectious, or neoplastic lesions. For early and correct diagnosis, evaluation, and optimal patient management of cystic mediastinal masses in infants, children, or adults imaging plays an important role. A non-invasive and sensitive imaging modality is an efficient and cost-effective tool. Multidetector computed tomography (MDTC) with volumetric acquisition provides fast acquisition of high resolution images and multiplanar reconstruction. Both 2D and 3D imaging in mediastinal imaging help in surgical planning and assessing resectability of mediastinal lesions. MR imaging has many advantages over other modalities for detecting and identifying cystic, or fluid-filled mediastinal masses, because of its intrinsic high soft tissue contrast and direct multiplanar imaging capabilities. However, histological tissue analysis may be required to differentiate a cystic lesion from other cyst-like or low-attenuation lesions.

A novel modified PAIR technique using a trocar catheter for percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts: a six-year experience.

PURPOSE We aimed to demonstrate the success and reliability of a novel puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique in liver hydatid cysts. METHODS Percutaneous treatment with ultrasonographic guidance was performed in 493 hepatic hydatid cysts in 374 patients. Patients were treated with a new PAIR technique by single puncture method using a 6F trocar catheter. The results of this novel technique were evaluated with regards to efficacy and safety of the procedure and complication rates. RESULTS Out of 493 cysts, 317 were Gharbi type I (WHO CE 1) and 176 were Gharbi type II (WHO CE 3A). Of all cysts, 13 were referred to surgery because of cystobiliary fistulization. Recurrence was observed in 11 cysts one month later. Therefore, the success rate of the PAIR technique was 97.7% (469/480). Minor complications (fever, urticaria-like reactions, biliary fistula) were seen in 44 treated patients (12%, 44/374); the only major complication was reversible anaphylactic shock which was observed in two patients (0.5%, 2/374). CONCLUSION This novel modified PAIR technique may be superior to catheterization by Seldinger technique due to its efficiency, easier application, lower severe complication rate, and lower cost. Further comparative studies are required to confirm our observations.

Splenic artery embolization with Ankaferd blood stopper in a sheep model.

PURPOSE Splenic artery embolization is a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure utilized in a number of disorders. Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) is a novel hemostatic agent with a new mechanism of action independent of clotting factors. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficiency of ABS for splenic artery embolization in a sheep model. METHODS Seven adult female sheep were included in the study. Selective celiac angiography was performed using a 5F diagnostic catheter and then a 2.7F hydrophilic coating microcatheter was advanced coaxially to the distal part of the main splenic artery. Under fluoroscopic guidance, 6 mL mixture composed of half-and-half ABS and contrast agent was slowly injected. Fluoroscopy was used to observe the deceleration and stagnation of the flow. Control celiac angiograms were obtained immediately after the embolization. After the procedure, the animals were observed for one day and then sacrificed with intravenous sodium thiopental. RESULTS Technical success rate was 100%. None of the animals died or experienced a major systemic adverse event during the procedure. All of the spleens appeared dark on macroscopic examination due to excessive thrombosis. Microscopically, the majority of the splenic sinusoids (90%-95%) were necrotic. CONCLUSION In our study, splenic artery embolization by ABS was found to be safe and effective in the short-term. Further studies are needed to better understand the embolizing potential of this novel hemostatic agent.

Sturge-Weber syndrome without facial nevus

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder. Coexistence of facial nevus with epilepsy often suggests the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. However, the diagnosis becomes more difficult when there is no facial nevus. Radi- ologic examinations are often used for diagnosis and management. Especially in cases without skin findings, the radiological examinations with typical findings become more important. In this paper, we report case of a 12-year-old girl who was followed with the diagnosis of epilepsy since the age of two years, had complaints of weakness of the left arm and left leg without skin findings, and was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome after radiological examinations.