Alpaslan Yavuz

Advantages of US in Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy: Randomized Controlled Trial and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE To compare procedure times and complication rates of preincisional ultrasonographic (US) evaluation and perioperative US guidance in percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy ( PDT percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy ) with those of the current standard of care, PDT percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy performed without image guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between December 2007 and January 2011, 341 patients were included in this institutional review board-approved study after informed consent was obtained from the patients or their relatives. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. In group A (n = 166), the possible causes of complications, such as aberrations of tracheal, thyroidal, and vascular structures, were determined with US, and tracheal measurements were performed by using US. The clinicians initial considerations at physical examination were compared with the US findings. PDT percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was subsequently performed with US guidance in suitable cases. In group B (n = 175), PDT percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was performed solely on the basis of physical landmarks. The procedure times and complication rates were compared across groups by using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS In group A, the puncture sites designated at the physical examination were reconsidered in 39 (23.8%) of 164 cases. The perioperative complication rates were slightly lower in group A (7.8% [12 of 154]) than in group B (15.0% [25 of 167]); however, the difference did not achieve statistical significance (P = .054). The mean procedure times for groups A and B were 24.09 minutes ± 8.05 (standard deviation) (range, 14-68 minutes) and 18.62 minutes ± 6.34 (range, 12-81 minutes), respectively (P = .001), and the numbers of patients in each group who required multiple puncture attempts were six (3.9%) of 154 and 23 (13.6%) of 169 (P = .003), respectively. CONCLUSION The use of US guidance before and during PDT percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy could render the procedure easier and safer, with fewer complications but a slightly longer procedure time.

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging for Evaluation of Renal Parenchyma Elasticity in Diabetic Nephropathy

OBJECTIVE. The goal of this study is to evaluate the changes in the elasticity of the renal parenchyma in diabetic nephropathy using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The study included 281 healthy volunteers and 114 patients with diabetic nephropathy. In healthy volunteers, the kidney elasticity was assessed quantitatively by measuring the shear-wave velocity using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging based on age, body mass index, and sex. The changes in the renal elasticity were compared between the different stages of diabetic nephropathy and the healthy control group. RESULTS. In healthy volunteers, there was a statistically significant correlation between the shear-wave velocity values and age and sex. The shear-wave velocity values for the kidneys were 2.87, 3.14, 2.95, 2.68, and 2.55 m/s in patients with stage 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 diabetic nephropathy, respectively, compared with 2.35 m/s for healthy control subjects. Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging was able to distinguish between the different diabetic nephropathy stages (except for stage 5) in the kidneys. The threshold value for predicting diabetic nephropathy was 2.43 m/s (sensitivity, 84.1%; specificity, 67.3%; positive predictive value, 93.1%; negative predictive value 50.8%; accuracy, 72.1%; positive likelihood ratio, 2.5; and negative likelihood ratio, 0.23). CONCLUSION. Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging could be used for the evaluation of the renal elasticity changes that are due to secondary structural and functional changes in diabetic nephropathy.

The Role of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Quantification in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Renal Masses by 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is a widely-accepted diagnostic modality whose efficacy has been investigated by numerous past studies in the differentiation of malignant lesions from benign entities. AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the characterization of renal lesions. STUDY DESIGN Diagnostic accuracy study. METHODS A total of 137 patients with renal lesions were included in this study. The median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values as well as the b 800 and b 1600 signal intensities of normal kidneys, solid components of mixed renal masses, and total cystic lesions were evaluated. RESULTS There were significant differences between the ADC values of lesions and normal renal parenchyma, and between the ADC values of benign and malignant renal lesions on DWIs at b values of 800 and 1600 s/mm(2) (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There were significant differences between the ADC values of Bosniak Category 1 and 2 cysts and the ADC values of Bosniak Category 1 and 3 cysts on DWIs at b values of 800 s/mm(2) (p<0.001) and 1600 s/mm(2) (p<0.001). A cutoff value of 1.902 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s for the ADC with a b value of 800 s/mm(2) provided 88% sensitivity and 96% specificity for differentiation between benign and malignant renal lesions. A cutoff value of 1.623 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s for the ADC with a b value of 1600 s/mm(2) provided 79% sensitivity and 96% specificity (p<0.001) for the differentiation between benign and malignant renal lesions. CONCLUSION Accurate assessment of renal masses is important for determining the necessity for surgical intervention. DWI provides additional value by differentiating benign from malignant renal tumors and can be added to routine kidney MRI protocols.

Primary Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Scapula

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an unusual soft tissue malignity, occurring in less than 1% of sarcomas and typically found in the head and neck tissues in children or, in adults, in the deep soft tissues of the lower extremities. In this report, we present a 33-year-old male with primary ASPS in the right scapular bone and discuss the radiologic features of this tumor in the context of the current literature.

Ultrasound Elastography for Distinction Between Parathyroid Adenomas and Thyroid Nodules

The aim of this study was to detect the level of stiffness of parathyroid adenomas and to distinguish them from benign and malignant thyroid nodules using ultrasound elastography with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging.

A Rare Anomaly of Biliary System: MRCP Evidence of a Cystic Duct Cyst.

Cystic duct cysts are a rare congenital anomaly. While the other bile duct cysts (choledochus and the intrahepatic bile ducts) are classified according to the classification described by Tadoni, there is no classification method described by the cystic duct cysts, although it is claimed that the cystic duct cysts may constitute a new “Type 6” category. Only a limited number of patients with cystic duct cysts have been reported in the literature. The diagnosis is usually made in the neonatal period or during childhood. The clinical symptoms are nonspecific and usually include pain in the right upper quadrant and jaundice. The condition may also present with biliary colic, cholangitis, cholelithiasis, or pancreatitis. In our case, the abdominal ultrasonography (US) performed on a 6-year-old female patient who presented with pain in the right upper quadrant pointed out an anechoic cyst at the neck of the gall bladder. Based on the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) results, a cystic dilatation was diagnosed in the cystic duct. The aim of this case-report presentation was to discuss the US and MRCP findings of the cystic dilatation of cystic duct, which is an extremely rare condition, in the light of the literature information.

The Role of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography in the Differentiation of Infectious and Neoplastic Liver Lesions.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in differentiating between hepatic lesions. The prospective study included 117 patients with liver masses. Shear wave velocity (SWV) values for lesions were determined by ARFI imaging and compared statistically. The difference between SWV values for benign and malignant hepatic masses was significant (p < 0.01). The threshold SWV value for malignant hepatic lesions was established at 2.52 m/s, and the sensitivity and specificity of this cut-off value were 97% and 66%, respectively. We concluded that ARFI elastography provides supplementary data that aid in the differential diagnosis of liver masses.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Merits of Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Patient Management in 13 Cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE To review the main sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, and to discuss the value of techniques for its diagnosis and treatment. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome referred to our department with acute abdomen were identified for the period from 2009-2012. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING Two tertiary academic centers. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The evaluation of the clinical features, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the treatment protocols. RESULTS Ultrasonographic evaluation of didelphic or double uterus in 10 and bicornuate-bicollis uterus in 3 patients with hematocolpos or hematometrocolpos associated with agenesis of the ipsilateral kidney revealed the diagnosis. In 10 patients, magnetic resonance imaging provided extra information. In 1 patient, a 25-week pregnancy was additionally detected and follow-up was suggested. Seven patients underwent surgical excision of the septum and drainage of the obstructed vagina. Total hysterectomy and hemicolpectomy were performed in 1 patient with 2 children suffering from severe chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic inflammatory disease. CONCLUSIONS Despite its rarity, accurate diagnosis and morphologic description of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome with radiologic modalities are of importance in relieving the clinical complaints by enabling the suitable surgical treatment to be identified.

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography quantification of muscle stiffness over a course of gradual isometric contractions: a preliminary study.

AIMS To evaluate the feasibility of quantitative analysis of muscle stiffness by Acoustic Radiation Forced Impulse (ARFI) elastography over a course of graduate isometric voluntary contractions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The stiffness of the bilateral biceps muscle of 13 healthy volunteers was measured in real time by ARFI elastography, while the forearm was in neutral-extended position, 90 degree self-flexed positions and 90 degree self-flexed position, with altered weights ranging from 1 to 8 kg placed on flattened palmar surfaces consecutively. The determined increases in biceps muscle stiffness were measured for both arms and correlated with the loadings weights adopted at progressive trial stages. RESULTS The mean shear wave velocity (SWV) values of biceps muscles in a neutral position, in 90 degree flex position and 90 degree flex position with 1 to 8 kg weights on palmar surfaces were 2.162+/-0.302 m/sec, 3.382+/-0.581 m/sec, and 3.897+/-0.585 to 5.562+/-0.587 m/sec, respectively. Significant correlations between the muscle SWV values and related palmar weights and between the SWV values of right and left sides at different trial stages were identified (r=0.951 and r=0.954, respectively). A mutual propagation path of deep regions to entire areas was described to account for the distribution of increase in stiffness with increases in palmar weights. The confidence of method regarding inter-observer difference was confirmed by the correlation analyses of the results (r=0.998). CONCLUSIONS ARFI elastography is a feasible imaging modality for quantifying the stiffness of isometrically voluntarily contracting muscles.

Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the small bowel associated with common variable immunodeficiency and giardiasis: a rare case report

SummaryDiffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (DNLH) of the intestine is an extremely rare lymphoproliferative disorder of uncertain etiology. Typically, numerous polypoid nodules composed of hyperplastic benign lymphoid tissue are present in the small and/or large intestinal mucosa. DNLH has been observed in association with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). A 38-years-old man was admitted to our clinic due to dyspeptic complaints. An upper gastrointestinal system endoscopic examination revealed DNLH in the duodenum. A biopsy specimen showed the presence of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia and a Giardia lamblia infection in the duodenum. CVID was suspected, and the diagnosis was established by demonstrating a significant reduction in the serum gamma-globulin levels. DNLH is a rare benign condition with regards to diagnosis and treatment of unknown etiology. In patients with DNLH, screening for the immune deficiencies is being important in addition to histopathological examinations.ZusammenfassungDie diffuse noduläre lymphoide Hyperplasie (DNLH) des Darms ist eine extrem seltene lymphoproliferative Erkrankung ungesicherter Ätiologie. Typisch für die Erkrankung sind zahlreiche polypoide Knoten in der Mukosa des Dünn- und/oder Dickdarms, die aus benignem hyperplastischem lymphoiden Gewebe bestehen. Es liegen Berichte über ein mit gewöhnlicher passagerer Immundefizienz (CVID) gemeinsames Auftreten vor.Ein 38-jähriger Patient wurde auf unserer Klinik wegen dyspeptischer Beschwerden aufgenommen. Eine Gastro-Duodenoskopie ergab das Vorliegen einer DNLH im Duodenum. Im bioptischen Material wurde eine noduläre lymphoide Hyperplasie, sowie eine Infektion mit Giardia lamblia festgestellt. Eine suspizierte CVID wurde durch den Nachweis einer signifikant verminderten Gammaglobulinämie bestätigt.Was die Diagnose und Therapie betrifft, ist die DNLH eine seltene benigne Erkrankung – allerdings unklarer Ätiologie. Bei Patienten mit DNLH sollte zusätzlich zur Histologie ein Screening auf Immundefizienz durchgeführt werden.