Erkan Gökçe

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Developmental Venous Anomalies

PurposeThis study evaluated morphological features of developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The study also evaluated the factors affecting the visibility of DVAs on MRI.MethodsWe reviewed contrast-enhanced MRIs of 75 patients with DVA. The images were selected from 1,165 consecutive cranial MRIs. The images were examined for the DVA location, the number of collecting veins, the collecting vein diameter, drainage veins and sinuses, any accompanying parenchymal abnormalities or lesions, and the DVA visibility on MRI.ResultsDVAs prevalence was determined as 6.4 %. A total of 88 DVAs were observed. Single DVAs were observed in 65 patients, two were observed in 7 patients and three were observed in 3 patients. The DVA caputs had deep localization most frequently in 54.5 % of patients. A total of 98 collecting veins were identified, with a single vein identified in 80 DVAs. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.000) was found in the diameter of the collecting veins between DVAs that were the visible and nonvisible on noncontrast MRI.ConclusionsMost frequently, a single DVA was observed in the patients. A DVA caput could be located in the deep, subcortical, juxtacortical or deep + subcortical and juxtacortical + subcortical regions. Increasing collecting vein diameter increased visibility on noncontrast MRI, and small DVAs could be overlooked, even with contrast-enhanced MRI series if the images were not examined carefully.

MRI in the diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to establish the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixteen female MRKHS patients (mean age, 19.4 years; range, 11-39 years) were studied using MRI. Two experienced radiologists evaluated all the images in consensus to assess the presence or absence of the ovaries, uterus, and vagina. Additional urogenital or vertebral pathologies were also noted. RESULTS Of the 16 patients, complete aplasia of uterus was seen in five patients (31.3%). Uterine hypoplasia or remnant uterus was detected in 11 patients (68.8%). Ovaries were clearly seen in 10 patients (62.5%), and in two of the 10 patients, no descent of ovaries was detected. In five patients, ovaries could not be detected on MRI. In one patient, agenesis of right ovary was seen, and the left ovary was in normal shape. Of the 16 cases, 11 (68.8%) had no other extragenital abnormalities. Additional abnormalities were detected in six patients (37.5%). Two of the six had renal agenesis, and one patient had horseshoe kidney; renal ectopy was detected in two patients, and one patient had urachal remnant. Vertebral abnormalities were detected in two patients; one had L5 posterior fusion defect, bilateral hemisacralization, and rotoscoliosis, and the other had coccygeal vertebral fusion. CONCLUSION MRI is a useful and noninvasive imaging method in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with MRKHS.

Scapular Bone Grafts: Good Options for Craniofacial Defects?

Introduction There is still no consensus on the ideal material to be used in craniofacial defects. Autogenous bone grafts are mostly preferred owing to their use with fewer complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the scapular bone graft can be used with equal or more advantages to other bone graft resources in orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects. Patients and Methods Twenty-four orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed with scapular bone grafts. Sixteen patients presented with complicated orbital fractures, 5 patients presented with isolated orbital floor fractures, and 3 patients presented with frontal bone fractures. The grafts were radiologically evaluated 1 day, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively by 3-dimensional computed tomography scan. Results All orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed successfully with scapular bone grafts. Clinical evaluation of the patients at 6 to 24 months of follow-up was considered satisfactory. Minimal donor site morbidity was observed. Scapular bone grafts adapted nicely to the recipient area, and bony union was complete as demonstrated by 3-dimensional computed tomography scans. Conclusions Reconstruction of orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects with scapular bone grafts is an easy and safe procedure with minimal donor site morbidity. Scapular bone graft is a good reconstructive option for orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects.

Radiological Imaging Findings of a Case with Vertebral Osteoid Osteoma Leading to Brachial Neuralgia

Osteoid osteoma is a small, benign osteoblastic tumor consisting of a highly vascularized nidus of connective tissue surrounded by sclerotic bone. Three-quarters of osteoid osteomas are located in the long bones, and only 7-12% in the vertebral column. The classical clinical presentation of spinal osteoid osteoma is that of painful scoliosis. Other clinical features include nerve root irritation and night pain. Osteoid osteoma has characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings. Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the osteoid osteomas causing intense perinidal edema can be confusing, these patients should be evaluated with clinical findings and other imaging techniques. In this study, we present X-ray, CT, and MRI findings of a case with osteoid osteoma located in thoracic 1 vertebra left lamina and transverse process junction leading to brachial neuralgia symptoms.

Locations of lesser tuberosity cysts and their association with subscapularis, supraspinatus, and long head of the biceps tendon disorders.

Background Humeral head cysts are not uncommon in individuals with rotator cuff disorders. The cysts are usually considered an indicator of rotator cuff pathologies; however, they may have different meanings in different regions. Purpose To determine the frequency of cysts within and adjacent to the lesser tuberosity and the relationship between these cysts and subscapularis, supraspinatus, and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) disorders. Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 760 consecutive shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Among these MRIs, we selected a group of patients with cysts located around the lesser tuberosity. The study population was also divided into two subgroups, patients with cysts within the lesser tuberosity and those with cysts adjacent to the lesser tuberosity. In addition to the number and size of cysts, the MRI appearance of the tendons was evaluated. Results Eighty-one (10.7%) patients had cysts within and/or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity, 34 (42%) patients had cysts within the lesser tuberosity, and 47 (58%) patients had cysts adjacent to it. LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders were significantly related to more than one cyst. In a univariate analysis, cysts within the lesser tuberosity were significantly associated with LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders; however, multivariate analyses showed that only LHBT disorders were significantly associated with cysts within the lesser tuberosity. Conclusion Cysts within the lesser tuberosity were less common than cysts adjacent to it. LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders were more frequently found in patients with more than one cyst within and/or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity. In addition, cysts within the lesser tuberosity were associated with LHBT disorders.

The use of temporalis muscle graft, fresh and cryopreserved amniotic membrane in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis after discectomy in rabbits

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of temporalis muscle-fascia graft, fresh and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane as an interpositional material in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 21 New Zealand white rabbits were used. The condyle and the joint disc were removed to induce ankylosis in left TMJs. Reconstruction was immediately performed with temporalis muscle-fascia graft (tMFG) in group I (n = 7), fresh human amniotic membrane (fHAM) in group II (n = 7) and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (cHAM) in group III (n = 7). All rabbits were sacrificed at 3 months after the operation. The comparison was made among three groups by means of vertical mouth opening and weight measurements, radiologic and histologic findings obtained before and after surgery. RESULTS In all rabbits, there was no statistically significant difference in the jaw movements and weight among groups at commencement and 3 months after surgery. The condylar surfaces were more irregular in HAM groups. There were mild osteophyte formations, sclerosis, fibrosis and calcification around the condyle in all groups however the joint gap was more preserved in group I. All interpositional materials were also seen to be partially present in the joint gap at 3 months. Ankylosis was not seen in the joint gap in any group. CONCLUSION With the results of this study it was concluded that interpositional arthroplasty with HAM and tMFG have an almost similar effect in preventing TMJ ankylosis after discectomy in the rabbit model.

Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma Accompanying Gorlin Syndrome

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by skeletal anomalies, numerous cysts observed in the jaw, and multiple basal cell carcinoma of the skin, which may be accompanied by falx cerebri calcification. Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly skin tumor with slow clinical course and low metastatic potential. Its concomitance with Gorlin syndrome, resulting from a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene, may substantially change morbidity and mortality. A 66-year-old male patient with a history of recurrent basal cell carcinoma was presented with exophthalmus in the left eye and the lesions localized in the left lateral orbita and left zygomatic area. His physical examination revealed hearing loss, gapped teeth, highly arched palate, and frontal prominence. Left orbital mass, cystic masses at frontal and ethmoidal sinuses, and multiple pulmonary nodules were detected at CT scans. Basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed from biopsy of ethmoid sinus. Based on the clinical and typical radiological characteristics (falx cerebri calcification, bifid costa, and odontogenic cysts), the patient was diagnosed with metastatic skin basal cell carcinoma accompanied by Gorlin syndrome. Our case is a basal cell carcinoma with aggressive course accompanying a rarely seen syndrome.

Subclinical optic neuritis in neuromyelitis optica.

cluded that OCT could not be used to differentiate individuals with congenitally crowded optic nerves from individuals with mild papilledema. Conversely, Johnson et al (4) argued that OCT could be used to differentiate optic disc edema from optic nerve head drusen, but these authors included subjects with disc edema that was “mild, moderate, and severe” and drusen that were both visible and buried. These authors also included subjects with papilledema, ischemic optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis in their study population. Lee et al (5) claimed that spectral domain OCT may be used to differentiate optic disc edema from optic nerve head drusen, but they also included subjects in whom the edema ranged from “subtle to severe,” and did not state the etiology of the disc edema in their subjects. In the study by Sarac et al, the optic nerve head drusen group contained eyes with both visible and buried drusen. The optic disc edema group was also heterogeneous, containing subjects with “subtle to severe” optic nerve swelling. In addition, the optic disc edema group contained subjects with papilledema, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis. However, most clinicians would have no difficulty distinguishing a patient with optic nerve head drusen from a patient with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or optic neuritis. We do not dispute the results reported by Sarac et al. Our concern is that clinicians reading this article will inappropriately extrapolate these conclusions to clinical care. When faced with a patient in whom the differential diagnosis includes mild optic disc edema and buried optic nerve head drusen, the guidelines proposed by Sarac et al may not hold. Their study population was not relevant to the clinical question being asked. Currently, it appears that the conclusions reached by Karam and Hedges (3) still hold. Until a study is designed with a clinically relevant population of subjects, the question of the utility of OCT in the differential diagnosis of optic disc edema and optic nerve head drusen remains unanswered.

Radiological imaging findings of scheuermann disease

AIM To find accompanying anomalies of typical and atypical Scheuermann’s disease (SD) is reported in the present study. METHODS Study included 20 patients (16 men and 4 women) who had radiological imaging radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography, if available, due to back pain, curved back and low back pain in November 2011-February 2016 period. Patients were categorized into typical and atypical patterns based on the region involved. Thoracic kyphosis values were measured using real Cobb angle. Accompanying disc degeneration, herniations and spinal cord pathologies were studied using MRI. RESULTS Age of the patients ranged from 11.0 to 23.0 (mean 17.2 ± 3.0). Typical pattern of SD were detected in 15 patients while atypical pattern were detected in 5 patients. Cobb angle range was 40.2-67.2 (mean 55.5 ± 8.7) in typical Scheuermann’s patients and 24.7-49.9 (mean 36.7 ± 10.8) in atypical ones. Intervertebral level was affected and had the measures of 3-8 (mean 5.3 ± 1.6) and 7-9 (mean 8.2 ± 0.8) in typical and atypical Scheuermann’s patients, respectively. Level of degenerative disc disease in MRI was 1-7 discs (mean 4.1 ± 1.7) in typical patients and 5-10 discs (mean 7.6 ± 1.9) in atypical patients. CONCLUSION SD can be seen in typical and atypical patterns, typical being more frequent. Because degenerative disc diseases, herniations and cord pathologies such as syringomyelia can accompany SD (albeit more common in atypical pattern), it is necessary to evaluate these patients with plain radiography and MRI together.

Evaluation of pineal cysts with magnetic resonance imaging

AIM To evaluate radiological imaging findings of patients who had been found to have pineal cyst (PC) in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS A total of 9546 patients who had brain MRI examination in March 2010-January 2018 period were studied. Fifty-six patients (44 female and 12 male) found to have PC were evaluated. Eighteen of the patients had had follow-up examinations of 2-94 mo (mean 30.50 ± 28.83). PC dimensions and volume, radiological imaging features (signal intensities, contours, internal septation-loculation and contrast-enhancement features) and natural history in cases who had been followed-up were evaluated by two radiologists. RESULTS Of 9546 patients, 5555 were female (58.2%) and 3991 male (41.8%). Age range was 1-99 (mean 43.18 ± 20.94). PC frequency was calculated to be 0.58%. Forty-four of the 56 patients (78.57%) with PC were female and 12 male (21.43%), and their age range was 5-61 (mean 31.26 ± 12.73). Thirty-five of the PCs were typical (62.50%) and 21 (37.50%) were atypical. No significant difference was found between initial and final imaging sizes of PCs which were monitored by follow-up examinations (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION PCs are cysts which do not show clear size and natural changes and are more frequently observed in females and in adult ages. Most of them are isointense with cerebrospinal fluid on T1 and T2A weighted images, hyperintense compared to cerebrospinal fluid on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; sequence and smoothly contoured. Their typical forms have peripheral rim and multilocular ones may have septal contrast-enhancement.