Bekir Cagli

Combined antithrombotic treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel for patients with capsular warning syndrome: a case report.

Capsular warning syndrome is characterized by recurrent transient ischemic attacks and is caused by microthrombosis or hypoperfusion of small-sized vessels. The pathophysiological basis of this syndrome is not well understood and currently a consensus has not been reached on its optimal treatment. In this study, we present 2 cases with favorable clinical outcomes after combined antithrombotic treatment with loading doses of clopidogrel and aspirin.

Sonography of the chest using linear‐array versus sector transducers: Correlation with auscultation, chest radiography, and computed tomography

The primary purpose of our study was to compare the efficacies of two sonographic (US) probes, a high‐frequency linear‐array probe and a lower‐frequency phased‐array sector probe in the diagnosis of basic thoracic pathologies. The secondary purpose was to compare the diagnostic performance of thoracic US with auscultation and chest radiography (CXR) using thoracic CT as a gold standard.

Digital subtraction angiography of a persistent trigeminal artery variant.

Persistent trigeminal artery variants are described as cerebellar arteries that directly originate from the precavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. This has been observed in 0.18% of cerebral catheter angiograms. On the other hand, a persistent trigeminal artery variant feeding both the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory is very rare. We present this uncommon anomalous artery along with digital subtraction angiography findings and discuss its clinical significance in light of the literature.Persistent trigeminal artery variants are described as cerebellar arteries that directly originate from the precavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. This has been observed in 0.18% of cerebral catheter angiograms. On the other hand, a persistent trigeminal artery variant feeding both the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory is very rare. We present this uncommon anomalous artery along with digital subtraction angiography findings and discuss its clinical significance in light of the literature.

Extraspinal Incidental Findings on Routine MRI of Lumbar Spine: Prevalence and Reporting Rates in 1278 Patients

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and reporting rate of incidental findings (IF) in adult outpatients undergoing lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods Re-evaluation of a total of 1278 lumbar MRI images (collected from patients with a mean age of 50.5 years, range 16-91 years) captured between August 2010-August 2011 was done by a neuroradiologist and a musculoskeletal radiologist. IFs were classified according to organ or system (liver, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, lymph node, intestine and aorta). The rate of reporting of a range of IF was examined. The outcome of each patients treatment was evaluated based on review of hospital records and by telephone interviews. Results A total of 253 IFs were found in 241 patients (18.8% of 1278). Among these, clinically significant IFs (n = 34) included: 2 renal masses (0.15%), 2 aortic aneurysms (0.15%), 2 cases of hydronephrosis (0.15%), 11 adrenal masses (0.86%), 7 lymphadenopathies (0.55%), 6 cases of endometrial or cervical thickening (0.47%), 1 liver hemangioma (0.08%), 1 pelvic fluid (0.08%) and 2 ovarian dermoid cysts (0.15%). Overall, 28% (71/253) of IFs were included in the clinical reports, while clinically significant findings were reported in 41% (14/34) of cases. Conclusion Extraspinal IFs are commonly detected during a routine lumbar MRI, and many of these findings are not clinically significant. However, IFs including clinically important findings are occasionally omitted from formal radiological reports.

Intracranial hypotension is a rare cause of orthostatic headache: a review of the etiology, treatment and prognosis of 13 cases.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this investigation is to examine the causes, clinical picture, treatment, and prognosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, a rare cause of orthostatic headache, among the cases presenting in our clinic. METHODS Thirteen cases (5 males and 8 females), diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension in our clinic between January 1st, 2009 and October 30th, 2011, were included in this study. The presenting symptoms, treatment, findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid pressure measured at lumbar puncture (in available patients), and the healing period of the patients were recorded. RESULTS Five patients with orthostatic headache and accompanying symptoms were treated with bed rest, increase in oral fluid intake, intravenous hydration and caffeine, and experienced a complete recovery. Complete recovery was observed in two patients (15.3%) within 10 days, in another two (15.3%) within 15 days and in one patient (7.6%) within 21 days. Headache and other clinical symptoms significantly regressed within 30 days in four patients (37.6%) who received similar treatment, but a mild headache persisted intermittently during follow-up in these individuals. As the headache had not resolved after 30 days, an epidural blood patch was applied in these four cases (37.6%) and the clinical picture completely improved within 10 to 15 days. CONCLUSION Spontaneous intracranial hypotension should primarily be suspected in cases complaining about postural headache and contrast-enhanced cranial imaging should be performed. The presence of cranial nerve paralysis and pyramidal tract signs should b considered. Conservative treatments should be considered initially, however if conservative treatments fail, epidural blood patches must be applied.

Efficacy of diffusion-weighted MRI in the differentiation of all liver hydatid cyst types

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of diffusion‐weighted images (DWIs) in the differentiation of hydatid cysts (HCs) of the liver.

Frequency, distribution and severity of prevalent osteoporotic vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

AIM Assessment of previous vertebral fractures provides useful information to predict future fracture risk. This study aimed to determine the frequency, distribution and severity of prevalent osteoporotic vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data on patient characteristics, bone densitometry values, and spine radiographs (T2-L5) were reviewed in 232 postmenopausal women admitted to our osteoporosis clinic. RESULTS Prevalent vertebral fractures were detected in 28 (12.1%) women (95%CI: 7.8 16.3). Fifteen women (6.5%) had mild fractures and 13 (5.6%) had moderate or severe fractures according to Genants semi-quantitative technique. The T-score was associated with the presence of prevalent vertebral fractures (OR= 0.61; 95%CI: 0.38-0.96, P= 0.034). The most frequently fractured vertebrae were T11 and T12, followed by T7 and T9. Sixty percent of fractures were wedge-type while 40% were biconcave. The frequency of wedge-type fractures at the T11-T12 levels (93.8%) was higher compared to that at all other levels (44.1%) (P= 0.001). CONCLUSION We determined the frequency, distribution, and severity of prevalent fractures and identified certain distribution patterns of fracture locations and types. To verify our results and detect possible predictive factors for fracture risk, population-based larger trials are needed.

Lumbar Opening Pressure and Radiologic Scoring in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Is There Any Correlation?

Summary Background To investigate correlation between lumbar opening pressure (LOP) and radiological scores based on cranial MRI and contrast-enhanced MR venography in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Material/Methods Patients with IIH who underwent brain MRI and contrast-enhanced MR venography before measurement of LOP between 2010–2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Three experienced radiologists (blinded to LOP values) evaluated a total of 51 patients. They reached a consensus on the presence or absence of 6 radiological findings identified in the literature as characteristic for IIH: empty sella, perioptic dilation, optical tortuosity, flattening of the posterior globe, swelling of the optic disc, and bilateral transverse sinus stenosis. The radiological score was obtained by giving 1 point for the presence of each finding, with the highest possible score of 6 points. The correlation between the calculated radiological scores and LOP was evaluated. Results There was no significant correlation between LOP and radiological scores (r=0.095; p=0.525, Spearman’s rank coefficient). Similarly, no significant correlation was detected between LOP and each of the radiological findings (partial empty sella [p=0.137], perioptic dilation [p=0.265], optical tortuosity [p=0.948], flattening of the posterior globe [p=0.491], swelling of the optic disc [p=0.881], and bilateral dural sinus stenosis [p=0.837], Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions There was no significant correlation between LOP and reliable radiological features of IIH.

Successful sleeve lobectomy of pediatric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon solid tumor that was originally described in the lung. A 4‐year‐old girl was admitted to hospital with urticarial rash. On chest radiographs, an opacity was seen in the inferior zone of the left lung, and computed tomography showed a mass in the left lower lobe. Left lower sleeve lobectomy was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed as IMT. Sleeve resection is the best option in lesions located in the mainstem bronchus or secondary carina. Herein, we present a rare case of IMT of the lung that was successfully treated with sleeve lobectomy. There have been fewer than 15 childhood cases of IMT reported in the literature, and the present 4‐year‐old patient is one of the youngest.

Two-detector Computed Tomography Map of the Inferior Epigastric Vessels for Percutaneous Transabdominal Intervention Procedures

BACKGROUND It is crucial to know anatomic variations and the exact course of an inferior epigastric artery (IEA) to prevent any complications during percutaneous abdominal interventions. AIMS The aim of this study was to map the inferior epigastric vessels using reconstructed two-detector computed tomography images and measure the distance from the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) to the midline to determine a safe route for percutaneous abdominal interventions. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective comparative study. METHODS Coronal reconstructed two-detector computed tomography images of 200 patients were evaluated to measure the distances between the IEA and midline at three levels (origin, middle, and distal). Vein and artery arrangements were documented. RESULTS The most frequently encountered arrangement (41.5%) was a single vein and artery on both sides. Mean distances on the right and left sides were 4.01 and 4.47 cm at the umbilical level, 3.81 and 4.26 cm at the midlevel, and 5.62 and 5.51 cm at the origin level. On both sides, measurement differences between the three levels were highly significant (p<0.05). In addition, a total of 56 IEA bifurcations were depicted in all 200 patients. Thirteen of the 56 bifurcations occurred only on the right side, 11 only on the left side, and 32 on both sides. CONCLUSION It is important to be attentive to the IEAs course, at different midline levels, when attempting percutaneous interventions via an abdominal approach.