Sehnaz Olgun Yildizeli

Parenchymal density changes in acute pulmonary embolism: Can quantitative CT be a diagnostic tool? A preliminary study

PURPOSE Determine the ability of quantitative CT (QCT) in defining parenchymal density changes in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIAL & METHODS Mean lung density (MLD) and percentage distribution values (PDV) were calculated in 34 patients suspected of PE using software application based on computerized volumetric anatomical segmentation. RESULTS Total, left, and right MLD differed significantly between emboli positive(n=23) and negative(n=11) groups(p<0.006, p<0.009, p<0.014). PDVs differed between groups (p<0.05) except for LUZ and RLZ. When PE was present in lobe &/segment branches, PDVs were significantly lower except RUZ. CONCLUSION QCT is a promising application for defining parenchymal density changes in PE revealing potential functional impact of emboli. This preliminary study suggests QCT could provide added value to CTPA in peripheral PE.

Influence of Statin Therapy on Exacerbation Frequency in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVES Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease, in which chronic and systemic inflammation plays an important role. By decreasing neutrophil infiltration and cytokine production, statins have anti-inflammatory mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-seven patients who had diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to GOLD guideline were included in the study; 20 of them were statin users. Statin users group were patients being under medication with regular simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin 20 mg per day for at least the past 1 year. RESULTS There was statistically no significant difference between patients with or without statin treatment with respect to; age, female-male ratio, COPD severity level, medication used for COPD, pulmonary function tests results and smoking habits. COPD exacerbation frequency in patients using statins was significantly less than patients not using statins (p<0.05). Patient number with COPD exacerbation, antibiotic treatment and outpatient clinic administration and outpatient clinic administration frequency was significantly lower in statin using patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION COPD patients receiving statins have a lower frequency of COPD exacarbations, hospital administration and antibiotic treatment compared to patients not receiving statins.

Clinical Experience Receiving ECMO for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Yazışma Adresi / Address for Correspondence: Emel Eryüksel, e.posta: dreryuksel@gmail.com DOI: 10.5152/dcbybd.2017.1418 ©Telif Hakkı 2017 Türk Dahili ve Cerrahi Bilimler Yoğun Bakım Derneği Makale metnine www.dcyogunbakim.org web sayfasından ulaşılabilir. ©Copyright 2017 by Turkish Society of Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine Available online at www.dcyogunbakim.org Objective: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), is characterized by hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. ECMO may be a treatment option in patients whose target oxygen level can not be reached.