Yusuf Aydin

The Value of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Subcentimeter Thyroid Nodules

BACKGROUND The need to perform fine-needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB) on subcentimeter thyroid nodules is less clear than for larger nodules. We compared the ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules less than and greater than one centimeter and correlated this information with the cytological results for TFNAB and the final histopathological diagnosis in selected patients. METHODS We evaluated 520 thyroid nodules (247 subcentimeter [group 1], 273 supracentimeter [group 2]) in 426 patients. Ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed on all nodules. Surgery was recommended for patients with TFNAB results that were read as malignant or suspicious. The results of ultrasonography, TFNAB, and histopathology were compared between the groups. RESULTS Out of 426 patients, 337 had one nodule, 84 had two, and five had three. There was indeterminate cytology in 20 cases, 10 from each group. Inadequate cytology was obtained in 41/247 (16.6%) nodules in group 1 and 61/273 (22.3%) nodules in group 2, and the difference in rate was not significant (p = 0.067). The malignancy rate as determined by TFNAB was 4.9% in group 1 and 1.5% in group 2 (p < 0.025). In patients who underwent surgery for thyroid nodules the malignancy rate was 6% in group 1 and 2.9% in group 2 (p = 0.08). Hypoechoic pattern, microcalcification, and a long axis/short axis ratio (LA/SA) of < 1.5 were associated with malignancy in subcentimeter thyroid nodules (group 1), while only a hypoechoic pattern was associated with malignancy in supracentimeter thyroid nodules (group 2). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of cancer in thyroid nodules < 1 cm does not appear to be lower than in larger nodules and may even be higher. Physicians should consider obtaining biopsy samples from subcentimeter hypoechoic nodules that contain microcalcification and have a relatively round shape (LA/SA < 1.5).

Compatibility of different methods for the measurement of visceral fat in different body mass index strata.

PURPOSE Obesity, particularly visceral obesity, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, cardiovascular risk should be determined by evaluating visceral fat tissue not only in obese individuals but also in non-obese individuals. We aimed to evaluate the comparison of visceral fat tissue measurement methods with computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred four participants, 19 to 58 years of age (21 males, 83 females) were enrolled in this study. Participants underwent anthropometric evaluation, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), ultrasonography (US), and CT examinations on the same day. RESULTS The mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.2 +/- 8.7 kg/m2 (73 individuals [70.2%] had BMI > or =30, and 31 individuals [29.8%] had BMI < 30). The non-obese group (BMI < 30) that showed the best correlation coefficient values were for visceral fat area (VFA) by BIA in all participants, males and women (r = 0.902, P < 0.001; r = 0.994, P < 0.001; r = 0.645, P = 0.01, respectively); in case of BMI > or =30 the best correlation coefficient values were for VFA by BIA (r = 0.774, P < 0.001) for all participants, and visceral fat thickness by US for males (r = 0.851, P < 0.001), and BMI (r = 0.786, P < 0.001) for females. Using multiple stepwise regression analysis, the methods best reflecting VFA by CT were as follows: In subjects with BMI < 25, BIA correlated best with CT measures of VFA; while in subjects with BMI > 30 waist-to-hip ratio showed the best correlation with CT measures of VFA. The method best reflecting VFA by CT was visceral thickness by US in males; and the method best reflecting VFA by CT in females was visceral thickness by US, BMI and waist circumference. CONCLUSION Anthropometric measurements and visceral fat tissue measurement methods such as US and BIA exhibit differences with respect to compliance with CT results in visceral fat tissue measurements by gender and BMI levels.

Association of mean Platelet volume with DSM-IV major depression in a large community-based population: The MELEN study

The relationship between major depression and increased platelet activity has been previously stated by several studies. This study sought to test the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV)--an indicator of platelet activity--and major depression, in an adult Turkish population sample. Respondents were 2286 participants interviewed in a regional survey. The diagnosis of current (one month) major depression was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. MPV was measured along with total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, BMI, and waist circumference. Two hundred eighty-nine participants (12.5%) were diagnosed as having major depression. Patients with major depression were found to have increased MPV levels in comparison with participants without depression (p = 0.001). After excluding the subjects with risk factors capable of influencing platelet activity, MPV was still found to be elevated in patients with major depression compared with non-depressed individuals (p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant independent association of major depression with MPV levels (r = 0.123; p = 0.001). According to the findings of this study, increased MPV (or platelet activation) is associated with current (one month) diagnosis of major depression. Future research should investigate the effect of depression treatment on MPV.

Is insulin lispro safe in pregnant women : Does it cause any adverse outcomes on infants or mothers?

AIM To determine the rate of major congenital anomalies and complications retrospectively in offspring of women with diabetes mellitus treated insulin lispro. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients had used insulin lispro (ILYS) and 59 patients had used regular human insulin (RHI) during the pregnancy period were evaluated. We also evaluated and analyzed the results of 53 of the 86 women who had gestational diabetes mellitus only. They were not using insulin aspart or insulin glarjine. We evaluated the birth weight, congenital anamolies, mode of delivery, abortus and stillbirth rates. RESULTS Mean HbA1c level was 6.27+2.23 for ILYS group and 7.07+2.09 for RHI group (p: 0.067). The duration of diabetes, gestational age, mode of delivery, type of diabetes, number of liveborn, stillbirth and miscarriages were not stastically different between all groups (p>0.05). Nine (15.25%) of 59 infants treated with RHI had congenital anomalies and one stillborn. The infants in ILYS-receiving group had no congenital anomalies but one pregnant (3.70%) had a stillborn. The difference in incidence of congenital anomalies between those using ILYS and RHI was not statistically significant (p: 0.157). There was also no difference in respect to congenital anomalies of gestational diabetic groups which used either ILYS or RHI. CONCLUSION Major congenital anomalies for offspring of mothers treated with ILYS are similar with RHI group. Although HbA1c levels were lower in ILYS group, all outcomes are similar with RHI. So ILYS is an alternative choice in treatment of pregnant women with DM.

A comparative study of pre-operative imaging methods in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: Ultrasonography, 99mTc sestamibi, single photon emission computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging

Aim: This study compares the accuracy rates achieved in ultrasonography (US), 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as imaging methods used in the pre-operative localization of the enlarged parathyroid glands. Subjects and methods: For the purposes of this study, US, MIBI, SPECT, and MRI were performed on 98 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). All patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Results: Pre-operative localizaion of an abnormal parathyroid gland was successfully performed in 82 of the cases scanned with US (83.7%), while the result was 66 in the cases scanned with MIBI (67.3%), 71 of the cases were successfully localized with SPECT (72.4%), while MRI revealed the diseased gland in only 60 of the total cases (61.2%). In MIBI-positive and -negative patients there was a statistically significant difference among cases in terms of adenoma volume (1.30±1.51 vs 0.58±0.91, p<0.05). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy values were 87.2%, 25.0%, and 83.0%; 70.2%, 50.0%, and 69.4%; 75.5%, 50.0%, and 74.5%; 63.8%, 50.0%, and 63.3% for US, MIBI, SPECT, and MRI, respectively. The respective values for sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 94.9%, 25.0%, and 91.1 % when US was combined with MIBI. Conclusions: Combining US and MIBI as imaging methods for pre-operative imaging of pHPT often produces more satisfactory results. While the accuracy of US is relatively low in the ectopic localizations, the size of the lesion can be an important factor in the accuracy achieved with MIBI.

Serum transforming growth factor-beta levels in patients with vitamin D deficiency

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) contributes to tissue repair by promoting tissue fibrosis, and elevations have been reported in patients with bone marrow fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between TGF-β1 levels and vitamin D deficiency. METHODS All patients presenting to the outpatient Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases clinic between June and September of 2008 were approached, and consenting patients who were deemed suitable candidates were enrolled. Hematological parameters were measured, along with serum levels of total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, iron, folic acid vitamin B12 levels, 25 OH vitamin D3 (25OHD(3)) and TGF-β1. RESULTS A total of 132 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on levels of 25OHD(3) [group 1 (<5 ng/ml), 20 patients; group 2 (5-15 ng/ml), 38 patients; group 3 (16-30 ng/ml); and group 4 (>30 ng/ml), 28 patients]. TGF-β1 levels were higher in patients in group 1 compared to the other groups. Transforming growth factor-beta levels correlated negatively with vitamin D3 and positively with leukocyte count, platelet count, of MCV and MCH. Multiple regression analyses revealed TGF-β1 levels to be associated with 25OHD(3) as well as with platelet count. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study are suggestive of the presence of a significant relationship between TGF-β and vitamin D deficiency. Increased TGF-β1 and platelet count may be an early indicator of bone marrow fibrosis in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Comparison of efficiencies of michigan neuropathy screening instrument, neurothesiometer, and electromyography for diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.

Aim. This study compares the effectiveness of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), neurothesiometer, and electromyography (EMG) in detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes type 2. Materials and Methods. 106 patients with diabetes type 2 treated at the outpatient clinic of Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital Department of Endocrinology between September 2008 and May 2009 were included in this study. Patients were evaluated by glycemic regulation tests, MNSI (questionnaire and physical examination), EMG (for detecting sensorial and motor defects in right median, ulnar, posterior tibial, and bilateral sural nerves), and neurothesiometer (for detecting alterations in cold and warm sensations as well as vibratory sensations). Results. According to the MNSI score, there was diabetic peripheral neuropathy in 34 (32.1%) patients (score ≥2.5). However, when the patients were evaluated by EMG and neurothesiometer, neurological impairments were detected in 49 (46.2%) and 79 (74.5%) patients, respectively. Conclusion. According to our findings, questionnaires and physical examination often present lower diabetic peripheral neuropathy prevalence. Hence, we recommend that in the evaluation of diabetic patients neurological tests should be used for more accurate results and thus early treatment options to prevent neuropathic complications.

Early severe pre-eclamptic findings in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.

Cushings syndrome occurs rarely in pregnancy because of ovulatory disturbances including anovulation which is caused by hypercortisolism, but it can cause maternal complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, spontaneous abortion, premature birth, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. Herein we present the case of a 22-year-old patient in the 11th week of pregnancy who was admitted to our hospital with Cushings syndrome complicated by early pre-eclampsia. Severe pre-eclampsia has high maternal and perinatal morbidities, and therefore the possibility of this complication requires that Cushings syndrome, although rare in pregnancy, be given a high clinical suspicion. Medical therapy and/or surgical therapy should be considered promptly to influence outcome favorably.

Liaison between rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis

To the editor, In the year 2000, a 36-year-old lady was seen in our internal medicine department with the complaints of mucoid and bloody diarrhea for the previous 2 weeks. She also reported abdominal discomfort accompanying her symptoms. Her frequency of defecation was allegedly about 7–10 times daily and she never had fever during that period. She denied having had any concomitant diseases other than hypertension for the previous 6 years, which started after an episode of ectopic pregnancy. In physical examination, the only pathological finding was left lower quadrant tenderness. Subsequent laboratory investigations revealed normal complete blood count (CBC), liver, and kidney function tests. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 53 mm/h. Stool samples demonstrated excessive amounts of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) without evidence of parasitic infection. No pathogenic bacterial growth was detected in the stool cultures. Colonoscopy showed rectal mucosal inflammation—edema and hyperemia—up to the sigmoid colon with no involvement of the rest of the large intestine. The simultaneous biopsy results were in agreement with the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Accordingly, an ongoing regimen of 3 g/day of sulfasalazine and mesalazine fleet enema twice daily was started. The patient’s complaints subsided gradually and she was completely in remission after 6 months. One and a half years later (2002), despite a daily regimen of 1.5 g of sulfasalazine, the patient came back with attacks of bloody diarrhea 2–3 times daily. She had recently started to suffer from painful and swollen wrist, ankle, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and also had morning stiffness lasting for 2 hours. When carefully examined, she was found to have symmetrical arthritis in the aforementioned joints bilaterally. Immediate laboratory evaluation revealed significant rheumatoid factor positivity (1/128), WBC 12,500/ll, hemoglobin 11 g/dl, ESR 47 mm/h, albumin 4 g/dl, and normal C-reactive protein. Radiological evaluation illustrated no abnormalities in wrist, ankle, MCP, MTP, and sacroiliac joints. The patient was then put on a therapy of 3 g/day of sulfasalazine, 7.5 mg/week of methotrexate, and 7.5 mg/day of prednisolone with the likely diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Her symptoms started to improve before the end of first week of treatment. Peripheral arthritis is not an uncommon finding in UC and is oligoarticular and asymmetric, affecting predominantly the lower extremity joints [1, 2, 3]. It is always seronegative and usually subsides with control of the bowel inflammation [1]. Involvement of the MCP, MTP, wrist, and ankle joints is observed quite rarely. The differential diagnosis of RA—especially when there is also seropositivity—becomes quite challenging, in case these types of joint involvements are present. To the best of our knowledge, there are two reports in the literature mentioning about patients in whom RA and UC were seen concurrently [4, 5]. One describes a patient with a flare of both diseases after delivery without explaining details of the proceedings of either disease, and one mentions about a patient in whom the RA had preceded UC. In our patient, the diagnosis of UC was established 1.5 years before the onset of RA. According to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, in our Rheumatol Int (2003) 23: 47–48 DOI 10.1007/s00296-002-0264-1

Carotid artery intima-media thickness and erectile dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a pandemic in Turkey, as is the case globally. Increase in carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and erectile dysfunction (ED) may be evident before the clinical signs of cardiovascular disease appear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of increased CIMT and ED as markers of atherosclerotic disease in patients with MS. Material/Methods Thirty-two patients with MS and 29 healthy controls were included. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, along with total testosterone (TT), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were recorded. Carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured. Erectile dysfunction was assessed with International Index of Erectile Function. Results Patients with MS had higher BMI, fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, and CIMT, whereas TT levels were lower (p<0.0001). The prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction were higher in patients with MS (p<0.0001). Erectile dysfunction scores correlated inversely with CIMT. MS patients with ED were older and had higher CIMT compared to those without ED. Increase in age and HOMA and decrease in TT increased the risk of ED. When KIMT exceeding the 95th percentile of healthy controls was accepted as a risk factor for CVD, presence of ED was the only determinant for this increase. Conclusions Erectile dysfunction was more prevalent and severe in patients with MS and correlated with subclinical endothelial dysfunction. Total testosterone deficiency was prominent among MS patients. Presence of ED points to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when MS is present.