Metin Bayram

Variations of sphenoid and related structures

Abstract. The aim of this study was to delineate the precise relationship between the sphenoid sinus and internal carotid artery and the optic nerve, as well as to assess incidence of the anatomic variations of these structures. A review of 92 paranasal sinus tomographic scans was made for anatomic variations of the sphenoid sinus and related bony and neurovascular structures. Coronal and axial tomographic sections were obtained with 2.5-mm section thickness. We assessed the protrusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the optic nerve (ON) into the sphenoid sinus, bone dehiscence of these structures, and pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and pterygoid recess (PR), as well as the variations of the sphenoid sinus septum. The protrusion of the ICA into the sphenoid sinus was found in 24 (26.1 %) patients. An ON protrusion was present in 29 (31.5 %) patients. Pneumatization of the PR was encountered in 27 (29.3 %) patients. There was not a statistically significant relationship between the pneumatization of the PR and ICA protrusion into the sphenoid sinus (χ2 = 0.258, p = 0.168). A significant relationship between the ACP pneumatization and protrusion of the ON into the sphenoid sinus was found (χ2 = 0.481, p = 0.007). Preoperative recognition of the anatomic variations by the radiologist is beneficial for identification of the limits of dissection. This is particularly important in the sphenoid sinus area where extensive pneumatization of the skull base bones may distort the anatomic configuration. Therefore, axial and coronal CT sections should always be obtained prior to any surgery in the sphenoid sinus area.

Important anatomic variations of the sinonasal anatomy in light of endoscopic surgery: a pictorial review.

Abstract. Advances in surgical techniques and instrumentations, utilization of the imaging tools, and understanding the regional anatomy have served to make functional operations with less complications in the paranasal sinus area. In the context of this article, some of these anatomical structures and their variations were reviewed through images. These structures were as follows: course of the anterior ethmoidal artery; roof of the ethmoid; lamina papyracea; uncinate process; optic nerve; and internal carotid artery.

Magnetic resonance imaging based classification of anatomic relationship between the cochleovestibular nerve and anterior inferior cerebellar artery in patients with non-specific neuro-otologic symptoms

In this study, we aimed to assess anatomical relationship between the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and cochleovestibular nerve (CNV) in patients with non-specific cochleovestibular symptoms using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One-hundred and forty patients with non-specific neuro-otologic symptoms were assessed using cranial and temporal MRI. Classification was performed according to four different types of anatomical relationship observed between the AICA and CVN. In type 1 (point compression), the AICA compresses only a limited portion of the CVN. In type 2 (longitudinal compression), the AICA approaches the CVN as both traverse parallel to each other. In type 3 (loop compression), the vascular loop of the AICA encircles the CVN. In type 4 (indentation), the AICA compresses the CVN so as to make an indentation in the nerve. The anatomical relationship between the CVN and AICA was encountered in 19 out of 140 (13.6%) patients (20 ears). The VCC was unilateral in 18 patients (94.7%) and bilateral in one patient (5.3%). There was no other vascular structure causing VCC to the CVN except for vertebral artery that was seen in 2 out of 140 patients (1.4%). These were unilateral cases. There were tinnitus, vertigo or dizziness, hearing loss, and both hearing loss and vertigo in 5 (25%), 13 (65%), 1 (5%) and 1 (5%) ears of 20 patients, respectively. There was no relationship between the cochleovestibular symptoms and type of compression (p>0.05). Neurovascular relationship between the CVN and AICA can be imaged properly using MR and MR based classification may help reporting this relationship in a standard way. Although, MR images can show the anatomical relationship accurately, diagnosis of vascular conflict should not be based on imaging findings alone.

Hydatic cyst located intermuscular area of the forearm: MR imaging findings

Hydatid cyst of the skeletal muscle is rare and can pose various diagnostic problems. The authors report the case of a patient with primary hydatid cysts localized to intermuscular area of the forearm, emphasizing the diagnostic value of MRI. To the best of our knowledge, this localization of the hydatic cyst has not been reported to date.

A new approach to the classification of maxillary sinus hypoplasia with relevant clinical implications.

The purpose of this study was to discover the prevalence of maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) and associated malformations. A total of 490 consecutive axial and coronal computerized tomographic (CT) scans of the paranasal sinuses were obtained from patients with chronic sinusitis. CT scans were assessed for the presence of MSH and associated anatomic variations. A new classification of MSH was made, and the diagnostic criteria listed. The frequency of anatomic variations coexisting with MSH was also estimated. MSH was encountered in 21 (4.2%) of the 490 patients. Unilateral types I, II and III MSH were seen in 7 (1.4%), 6 (1.2%) and 8 (1.6%) respectively. MSH was bilateral only in 3 (0.6%) patients, one of which was a bilateral type II. In the remaining two bilateral MSH cases, there was a type II MSH on one side and type III MSH on the other in each patient. Middle conchal pneumatization was the most common coexisting anatomic anomaly in MSH, followed by agger nasi cell, secondary middle concha,paradoxical middle concha and superior conchal pneumatization. A patient with MSH should be carefully evaluated prior to any sinus surgery in order to avoid surgical complications. With precise CT assessments, an MSH can be diagnosed and distinguished from other maxillary sinus anomalies. With the additional criterion of orbital enlargement, and the help of reproducible measurement techniques explained in this study, an objective diagnosis and classification can be made in further investigations of MSH.

Scrotal gray-scale and color Doppler sonographic findings in genitourinary Brucellosis

Brucellosis is an enzootic disease that is frequently transmitted from Brucella‐infected animals and their products to humans through the gastrointestinal tract. Genitourinary complications are seen in 2–10% of cases. We used sonography to investigate such complications in patients from a Brucella‐endemic area.

Effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) therapy on retrobulbar blood flow parameters in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration

To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab on retrobulbar circulation in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF BILATERAL GROINS IN CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL INGUINAL HERNIA

Purpose: The presence of hernia was investigated prospectively by US in both groins of children with clinically suspected or apparent unilateral inguinal hernia. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight (103 boys, 25 girls) were classified into three groups according to age: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-15 years. The widest diameter of the inguinal canal was measured in the longitudinal plane while the children were in the supine position and at rest. The patent processus vaginalis (PPV) values of 4 mm and higher were accepted as hernia. The groins diagnosed clinically and/or ultrasonographically as hernia were explored surgically. The clinical and US findings were compared with surgical results. The relations between hernia diameters and the age groups, sex, right/left and inguinal/scrotal hernias were analyzed statistically. Results: In 128 children, 138 groins were treated with surgery. One hundred and eleven cases were unilateral hernia (73 right, 38 left) and 10 were bilateral. Seven cases were found to be normal. Ten cases with clinically unilateral hernia were bilateral at US and surgery. One hundred and thirty-one of 138 groins were correctly diagnosed by US. The accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of US were 94.9%, 85.7% and 95.4%, respectively. The accuracy of physical examination was 87.7%. There were no significant differences between hernia diameters and the age groups, sex and right/left side except the difference between inguinal and scrotal hernia diameters (p<0.0001). Conclusion: US can be used routinely in the pre-operative diagnosis of inguinal hernia in children. PPV values higher than 4 mm, with a high accuracy indicate hernia.

Assessment of mastoid air cell size versus sigmoid sinus variables with a tomography-assisted digital image processing program and morphometry

We assessed the mastoid air cell size and variables of the sigmoid sinus in healthy ears and ears with chronic otitis media (COM). Thirty-eight patients with unilateral COM [15 with cholesteatoma (COM/+) and 23 without cholesteatoma (COM/−)], and 20 subjects with healthy ears, were included in the study. Assessment was performed using a quantitative digital image processing computed tomography (CT) program, and the volume of the mastoid bone was measured using the morphometric method of Cavalieri. In both COM/+ and COM/− patients the sigmoid to suprameatal spine distance and mastoid size were greater on the healthy side than on the diseased side (p<0.05). The distance and area were significantly greater in the healthy control subjects than in either the healthy or the diseased ears of the patients with COM (p<0.05). In the healthy ears of COM patients, there was significant correlation between the sigmoid to suprameatal spine distance and air cell size and mastoid volume (p<0.05). In the diseased ears of COM patients, this correlation was absent (p>0.05). The sigmoid sinus shape was of the half-moon type (62%), protrusive type (22%) and saucer type (16%). The digital image processing CT program allowed us to estimate the individual area of the air and soft tissue filled mastoid air cells. The mastoid size in both intact and disease ears of COM patients was smaller than in the healthy controls. The mastoid size may be determined genetically. However, environmental factors such as infection may also affect the mastoid size. Therefore, both genetic and environmental factors may be related to COM as far as the size of the mastoid air cells is concerned.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting with excessive subarachnoid hemorrhage in a 14-year-old boy.

Cerebral venous thrombosis presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is very rare. We report a case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as an initial manifestation of SAH. A 14-year-old boy was admitted with progressive headache, nausea, vomiting, diplopia, and gait disturbance. Cerebral computed tomography scan showed a widely SAH in the basal cisterns, bilateral sylvian fissures, and anterior interhemispheric fissure. Cerebral angiography was performed to detect any aneurysm in intracranial vasculature as a cause of SAH; however, the totally thrombosed superior sagittal sinus, galenic vein, and straight sinus were the sole abnormal findings.