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Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) and associated with increased mortality. The definition of PH has recently been changed from a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPm) ≥25 mmHg to a PAPm20 mmHg. Since this change, there are no data evaluating group 2 PH subgroups on outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of updated group 2 PH subgroups on outcomes, as well as to evaluate the clinical, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic characteristics of subgroups, and determine predictors of PH in patients with ESHF.A total of 416 patients with ESHF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤25% were divided into three groups. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as PAPm20 mmHg. Primary outcome was defined as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, urgent heart transplantation (HT), or death. Secondary outcome was defined as LVAD implantation and HT.Over a median follow-up of 503.5 days, combined pre- and postcapillary PH (Cpc-PH) displayed greater risk of primary outcome than those with isolated postcapillary (Ipc-PH) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-1.91; p0.001) and those with no PH (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.68-3.63; p0.001). Patients with Ipc-PH demonstrated greater risk than those with no PH (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.57-1.90; p0.001). Likelihood ratios of updated PH criteria and old PH criteria (PAPm ≥25 mmHg) in identifying primary outcome were 75.6 (RPulmonary hypertension increases the risk of LVAD, urgent HT, or death, and Cpc-PH further increases risk in patients with ESHF. Compared to the previous definition, a new PH definition better discriminates death, going to urgent HT, or LVAD implantation for PH subgroups.

Objective In this study, we aimed to report early outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with alteplase in patients with subacute limb ischemia and to assess whether there is a link between malnutrition (determined by Controlling Nutritional Status [CONUT] score) and response to thrombolysis and bleeding. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted between 2007 and 2020 with 118 patients with Rutherford class 3 (34.7%), class 4 (40.7%), and class 5 (24.6%) symptoms owing to infraaortic subacute thrombotic occlusion who were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Results Immediate technical success (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade 2/3) was achieved in 56%, overall technical success after all adjunctive procedures was seen in 83.9%. Clinical success was obtained in 74.5% within 30 days. Major bleeding occurred in 11.8%. When we excluded access site hematomas, the rate of major bleeding was 5.1%. In-hospital mortality rate was 5.1%, and the amputation rate within 30 days was 12.7%. Any-degree malnutrition was detected in 48.3% according to CONUT score (≥2). Any-degree malnutrition was associated with failed thrombolysis and bleeding. The CONUT score predicted insufficient lytic response even after adjustment for confounding factors; however, serum C-reactive protein or neutrophil/lenfosit ratio did not. Other predictors of immediate technical failure after thrombolysis were symptom duration, Rutherford class 4/5 symptoms, and worsened distal runoff. Conclusion In patients with subacute limb ischemia, CDT combined with adjunctive interventions was effective in many patients at the expense of a substantial risk of bleeding and death. Malnutrition was associated with insufficient lytic response and bleeding. Physicians should be aware of malnutrition and consider the nutritional status of patients with limb ischemia when selecting appropriate treatment.

Identifying Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutation status is important for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. Validating KRAS mutation profile on neuroimaging without histopathologic analysis would be beneficial. We aimed to differentiate Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene mutation profile according to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics obtained from colorectal brain metastases (CRBM). Total of 8 patients with 17 CRBM included with known KRAS gene mutation status. All patients were categorized into two groups according to the KRAS mutation status as positive (+) (n: 5, 11 lesions) and negative (-) (wild type) (n: 3, 6 lesions). DTI values of the BMs were evaluated by consensus of two radiologists. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (nADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the two groups were compared. For comparison the Mann-Whitney U test was used. KRAS mutation (+) group showed significantly lower ADC and nADC values on CRBM rather than the wild-type. Comparison of the FA values of the two groups did not reveal any statistical significance. In conclusion, decreased ADC and nADC values of CRBM are correlated with presence of KRAS mutation. Lower ADC and nADC values obtained from CRBM can be utilized to insight KRAS mutation profile. [Med-Science 2021; 10(3.000): 886-9]

The effect of malnutrition on outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is not well known. This study reports the relationship between malnutrition and post-procedure 30-day major adverse events (MAEs). A total of 978 patients hospitalized for CAS were enrolled in the study. Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, the nutritional risk index (NRI), and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were calculated. MAEs (myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack and mortality) were compared. According to the CONUT score, NRI, and PNI, 9.4%, 41%, and 11.4% patients were moderately or severely malnourished, respectively; 74.8% were at least mildly malnourished by at least 1 score. Forty-seven patients (4.8%) had a post-procedure 30-day MAE. Continuous classifications of the indexes were independently associated with higher MAE. CONUT showed the highest predictive ability, whereas NRI had the lowest (C-index: CONUT, 0.701; NRI, 0.681; PNI, 0.688). According to categorical classification of indexes, only CONUT and PNI showed predictive ability for MAE. Malnutrition assessment could identify patients with CAS at elevated risk for MAE. CONUT, NRI, and PNI continuous scores were independent prognostic factors for the post-procedure 30-day MAE. According to our study, CONUT showed the highest predictive ability.

Objective:To evaluate the results of treatment with computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for osteoid osteomas (OO) and to evaluate imaging findings.Methods:Sixty-three patients (18 female, 45 male) with OO included. Patients were diagnosed by clinic and radiologic findings. Mean age was 18.2 (4-51). Ablation was performed under sedoanalgesia and local anestesia in CT room. Eleven-fifteen gauge coaxial needle was introduced to nidus and 17 gauge RF probe was placed to nidus trough coaxial system. Ablation duration was 6 minutes.Results:Mean nidus size was measured as 8.3 mm (2-16 mm). As a result of statistical analysis, as the size of the nidus increased, the chance of detecting nidus increased on both plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (p

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a malignancy of the bone marrow precursor cells, often associated with acute or chronic myeloid leukemia, forming isolated masses with extramedullary spread. It rarely shows laryngeal involvement. In this case report, a case of GS accompanying acute myeloid leukemia involving larynx with mass of neck and mediastinum as two separate masses was presented.

Background:: Hyperechoic breast lesions are a rare group of breast masses in routine practice. Most of these lesions are benign. However, they rarely may be malignant. Hyperechoic lesions can be evaluated using the same criteria for malignant lesions. Clinical history, mammographic appearance, and certain sonographic features (non-circumscribed margins, irregular shape, presence of hypoechoic areas, nonparallel orientation, and association with microcalcifications can be suggestive of malignancy). In this article, hyperechoic breast lesions with malignant pathology have been presented. Methods: : Seven cases during breast ultrasound examination were detected. Results:: Four patients had invasive ductal carcinoma, 1 patient had invasive lobular carcinoma, 1 patient had high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 1 patient had lymphoma. Ultrasonography of the breast showed a heterogeneous appearance in all the patients, microcalcification in two patients, and an ambiguous contour in one patient. Conclusion:: Hyperechoic breast lesions should be evaluated using specific sonographic criteria to prevent misdiagnosis and identify patients who require biopsy and further examination.

Background In daily practice, C-reactive protein (CRP) may be used to predict recurrence and treatment response in patients with acute pericarditis; however, the predictive role of CRP might be insufficient for clinical prediction in some patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the composite endpoint of pericarditis recurrence and/or tamponade within 1 year in patients with acute pericarditis. Methods A total of 104 patients diagnosed with acute idiopathic pericarditis (mean age 42.8 +/- 15.2 years, 55.8% male) were included in the study. Physical examination findings of these patients, electrocardiography, echocardiography, chest X-ray and laboratory findings were evaluated and analysed. During the 1-year follow-up, the composite of cardiac tamponade and/or pericarditis recurrence was investigated as the primary endpoint of the study. Results Compared to the group without the composite outcome, the group with the composite outcome had significantly higher rates of moderate and severe pericardial effusion (p < 0.01) and higher white blood cell (WBC) count (p:0.001), platelet count (p = 0.003), NLR (2.14 (1.49-3.02) vs 6.60 (5.50-8.68); p < 0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (8.01 (5.1-24.5 vs 69.5 (40.8-128); p:0.001). Higher hs-CRP (p < 0.001), WBC (p:0.001), NLR (p < 0.001) and platelets (p:0.02) were associated with pericarditis recurrence. NLR and hs-CRP were independently associated with the composite endpoint (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion NLR and hs-CRP were found to be independent predictors for the composite endpoint of tamponade and/or recurrence in acute pericarditis patients during the 1-year follow-up. Similar to hs-CRP, NLR may also be used for risk assessment in patients with idiopathic pericarditis.

Purpose: Histopathological differentiation of primary lung cancer is clinically important. We aimed to investigate whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of metastatic brain lesions could predict the histopathological types of the primary lung cancer. Methods: In total, 53 patients with 98 solid metastatic brain lesions of lung cancer were included. Lung tumors were subgrouped as non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) (n = 34) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC) (n = 19). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated from solid enhanced part of the brain metastases. The association between FA and ADC values and histopathological subtype of the primary tumor was investigated. Results: The mean ADC and FA values obtained from the solid part of the brain metastases of SCLC were significantly lower than the NSCLC metastases (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed diagnostic performance for mean ADC values (AUC=0.889, P = < 0.001) and FA values (AUC = 0.677, P = 0.002). Cut-off value of > 0.909 × 10-3 mm2/s for mean ADC (Sensitivity = 80.3, Specificity = 83.8, PPV = 89.1, NPV = 72.1) and > 0.139 for FA values (Sensitivity = 80.3, Specificity = 54.1, PPV = 74.2, NPV= 62.5) revealed in differentiating NSCLC from NSCLC. Conclusion: DTI parameters of brain metastasis can discriminate SCLC and NSCLC. ADC and FA values of metastatic brain lesions due to the lung cancer may be an important tool to differentiate histopathological subgroups. DTI may guide clinicians for the management of intracranial metastatic lesions of lung cancer.

Background Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In recent years, a strong correlation was found between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and the development of atrial fibrillation. In addition, EAT has been reported to be a predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation development in different clinical situations. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between EAT thickness in patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospital follow-up. Material and methods Four hundred and thirteen consecutive patients [284 men (69%) and 129 women (31%)] with a mean age of 59 ± 11 years diagnosed with STEMI were included in this study. Atrial fibrillation developed in 52 (12.5%) patients during in-hospital follow-up and the remaining 361 patients were determined as the control group. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex. EAT thickness was measured using transthoracic echocardiography. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of atrial fibrillation. Results EAT thickness was higher in the group with atrial fibrillation than in the control group (P Conclusion EAT thickness is an important marker of atrial fibrillation development in STEMI patients in the post-pPCI period. We think that EAT thickness can be used as a cardioembolic risk factor in STEMI patients.

Symptomatic occlusion of the peripheral arteries due to radiation-induced arteritis (RIA) is an extremely rare condition. Patients generally present with the symptoms of ischemic claudication months or years after radiotherapy. Treatment options for symptomatic patients include surgical or endovascular interventions. Although success rate of percutaneous angioplasty in RIA is lower than in atherosclerotic disease, there are several case reports in the literature to demonstrate successful percutaneous angioplasty for RIA. In this report, we presented a case with right upper extremity occlusion due to RIA treated by percutaneous angioplasty successfully.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and inexpensive marker of subclinical inflammation for chronic diseases. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a platelet function index. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of NLR and MPV with microalbuminuria in participants with different glucose tolerances. 951 patients (male/female=302/649) were divided into five groups according to their oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results: group 1=normal glucose tolerance (NGT), group 2=impaired fasting glucose (IFG), group 3=isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), group 4=both IFG and IGT, and group 5=type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Additionally, patients were divided into three groups according to their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results: group 1=NGT, group 2=prediabetes, and group 3=type 2 DM. Outcomes were compared between groups. According to the OGTT, HbA1c, and OGTT+HbA1c criteria, there was a significantly positive correlation of microalbuminuria with MPV and NLR in all DM patients (p0.05); however, there was a significantly positive correlation between NLR and microalbuminuria in the group with HbA1c 5.7–6.49 (p, Nötrofil/lenfosit oranı (NLO), kronik hastalıklar için subklinik inflamasyonun basit ve ucuz bir belirtecidir. Ortalama trombosit hacmi (MPV) bir trombosit fonksiyon indeksidir. Bu çalışma, farklı glukoz toleranslarına sahip katılımcılarda NLO ve MPV'nin mikroalbüminüri ile ilişkisini değerlendirmeyi amaçladı. 951 hasta (erkek / kadın = 302/649) oral glukoz tolerans testi (OGTT) sonuçlarına göre beş gruba ayrıldı: grup 1 = normal glikoz toleransı (NGT), grup 2 = bozulmuş açlık glikozu (BAG), grup 3 = izole bozulmuş glukoz toleransı (BGT), grup 4 = hem BAG hem de BGT ve grup 5 = tip 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Ek olarak, hastalar glikolize hemoglobin (HbA1c) sonuçlarına göre üç gruba ayrıldı: grup 1 = NGT, grup 2 = prediyabet ve grup 3 = tip 2 DM. Sonuçlar gruplar arasında karşılaştırıldı. OGTT, HbA1c ve OGTT + HbA1c kriterlerine göre tüm DM hastalarında mikroalbüminüri ile MPV ve NLO arasında anlamlı pozitif korelasyon vardı (p 0.05); ancak HbA1c 5,7–6,49 olan grupta NLO ile mikroalbüminüri arasında anlamlı pozitif korelasyon vardı (p

OBJECTIVE: Increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) are important prognostic factors in patients with heart transplantation (HT). It is well known that severe mitral regurgitation increases pulmonary pressures. However, the European Society of Cardiology and the 6(th) World Symposium of pulmonary hypertension (PH) task force redefined severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and PH, respectively. We aimed to investigate the effect of severe FMR on PAP and PVR based on these major redefinitions in patients with HT. METHODS: A total of 212 patients with HT were divided into 2 groups: those with severe FMR (n=70) and without severe FMR (n=142). Severe FMR was defined as effective orifice regurgitation area ≥20 mm(2) and regurgitation volume ≥30 mL where the mitral valve was morphologically normal. A mean PAP of >20 mm Hg was accepted as PH. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤25% were included in the study. RESULTS: The systolic PAP, mean PAP, and PVR were higher in patients with severe FMR than in those without severe FMR [58.5 (48.0–70.2) versus 45.0 (36.0–64.0), p

Introduction: Although there are several reports on omentum metastasis, limited studies have evaluated omental micrometastases, particularly isolated microscopic metastases in endometrial cancer (EC). We performed this study to assess the frequency of omental micrometastasis in EC, especially when the omentum is the only site of extrauterine spread. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess cases of EC with an omental sample during primary surgical treatment for EC at the Gynecological Oncology Unit, Uludag University Hospital, Bursa, Turkey, between January 2005 and May 2018. Results: In total, 435 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which comprised a complete surgical staging. The prevalence of omental metastases was 5.3% (n = 23), regardless of the subtype or clinical stage. Omental micrometastasis was detected in four cases (17.4%). In half of these patients, the omentum was the only site of disease outside the uterus, with an estimated 0.46% of isolated omental involvement. The grade of the endometrioid tumor was found to be statistically correlated with omental metastases (p = 0.01). There was a significant correlation between omental metastasis and positive peritoneal cytology, as well as adnexal involvement (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: We recommend omentectomy routinely in serous EC. In addition, we suggest selective omentectomy in patients with EC who have concomitant adnexal involvement or grade 3 tumors.

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in young adults. Patients and methods A total of 621 patients, who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) due to Myocardial Infarction (MI) at our hospital were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, risk factor profile, laboratory test results, electrocardiographic and CAG findings were assessed in the selected groups. Results Total cholesterol, triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Tg/HDL) ratio, Tg levels, were higher in younger patients with MI, while glucose and high-density lipoprotein levels were lower. Using propensity score matching in the matched population comparing young patients to the older ones, serum triglyceride levels [179 (145-231) vs 148 (101-197)] and triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio [5.8 (4.1-9.1) vs 3.0 (1.8-4.6)] were significantly higher, whereas high density lipoprotein levels were observed dramatically lower (32.6 ± 8.2 vs 41.7 ± 8.8). Conclusion This study demonstrated that Tg/HDL ratio may be an important predictor for an acute coronary syndrome in the young adult population. Tg/HDL ratio can be used to prevent MI in young adults (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 32.).

To search for CSF dynamics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and communicating hydrocephalus and any correlation between MRI findings, CSF metrics and CSF opening pressure in IIH. Healthy subjects (30) and subjects with IIH (29) and high-pressure communicating hydrocephalus (43) were enrolled. Nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test (p = 0.05) was used to compare three groups, Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction to compare two groups (p = 0.016). Correlation of MRI findings of IIH with CSF metrics and CSF opening pressure was analyzed by Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient (p = 0.05). In IIH, no correlation between MRI findings and aqueductal stroke volume (ASV) but statistically significantly CSF opening pressure in the presence of transverse sinus compression was noted. Comparing with healthy subjects, ASV was nonsignificantly lower and standardized diastolic and sum and difference of systolic and diastolic flow durations were statistically significantly lower. Comparing with hydrocephalus, the width of prepontine cistern (PPC)/the width of aqueductus sylvii (AS) was significantly higher and other CSF metrics with standardized systolic and sum of systolic and diastolic flow durations were significantly lower. In hydrocephalus, ASV and peak velocities were significantly higher. Compared with normal group, PPC/AS and reverse/forward flow duration were significantly lower and other CSF metrics were significantly higher. In hydrocephalus, significant increase in ASV and peak velocities were noted. In IIH, CSF opening pressure was statistically significantly high in the presence of transverse sinus compression and standardized diastolic flow durations were statistically significantly short that are probably effects of increased impedance of CSF flow against increased intracranial pressure and unchanged or even decreased intraventricular CSF volume.

Aim: Urine Ph (U-pH) is a clinical indicator of acid excretion in the urine and acid load in the diet. The association between low U-pH and net acid secretion with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and uric acid nephrolithiasis were showed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the U-pH in patients with different glucose tolerance status. Materials and methods: This study was designed as single-center, retrospective, and cross-sectional. A total of 1666 subjects (male/female: 531/1135) were divided into three groups according to their OGTT results: group 1 = normal glucose tolerance (NGT), group 2 = prediabetes, group 3 = T2DM. Than subjects were divided into five groups according to their OGTT results: group 1 = NGT, group 2 = impaired fasting glucose (IFG), group 3 = isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), group 4 = both IFG and IGT, and group 5 = T2DM. Additionally, patients were divided into three groups according to their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results: group 1 = NGT, group 2 = prediabetes, and group 3 = T2DM. U-pH values and other outcomes were compared between groups. Results: Age, male gender, hemoglobin, creatinine, triglycerides, and OGTT groups showed significant association with low U-pH through univariate logistic regression analyses. In model 1 (with OGTT 3 groups), it was found that creatinine (OR: 3.471; % 95 CI: 1.377-8.749; p=0.008) and triglycerides (OR: 1.001; %95 CI: 1-1.003; p = 0.013) were positively associated with low U-pH. Patients with DM (OR:1.437; %95 CI: 1.015-2.035; p=0.041) had higher risk for low U-pH compared to patients with NGT. In Model 2 (with OGTT 5 groups), creatinine (OR:3.423; %95 CI: 1.354-8.654; p = 0.009) and triglycerides (OR:1.001; %95 CI: 1-1.003; p = 0.014) were identified as independent predictive factors associated with low U-pH. Patients with IFG+IGT (OR:1.522; %95 CI: 1.083-2.138; p=0.015) and DM (OR:1.447; %95 CI: 1.022-2.049; p=0.037) had higher risk for low U-pH compared to patients with NGT. Conclusion: In this study, the frequency of diabetes was found to be increased in patients with low U-pH. More detailed clinical studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between total acid load in the body and U-pH and glucose tolerance disorders.

Background: No‑reflow (NR) is a strong and independent predictor of poor cardiovascular outcomes among patients with ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the acute‑to‑chronic (A/C) glycemic ratio with no‑reflow (NR) in STEMI patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This retrospective study included 905 patients with STEMI. The A/C glycemic ratio was determined as admission blood glucose (ABG) divided by the estimated average glucose (eAG). We evaluated 2 primary models (full model and reduced model). The primary outcome was the presence of NR. Results: The incidence of NR was 22.7% (206 cases) in the present study. We divided the study population into 3 tertiles (T1, T2, and T3) based on the ABG/eAG ratio. There was a stepwise increase of the frequency of NR from the T1 to T3 group (36 patients [12%] vs 70 patients [23%] vs 100 patients [33%]; respectively [P < 0.001, for each group comparison]). In a full model, the ABG/eAG ratio (OR, 2.274; 95% CI, 1.587–3.26; P < 0.001) was associated with NR. After the performance of a step-down backward variable selection method, the thrombus grade, the ABG/eAG ratio, the infarct‑related artery diameter, and age remained in the reduced model. The ABG/eAG ratio (contributing 25.3% of the explainable outcome in the model) was one of the strong predictors of NR in the reduced model. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this might be the first study showing a significant relationship between the ABG/eAG ratios with NR in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.

İntroduction: Avascular necrosis of humeral trochlea is a very rare condition and was described by Hegemann in 1957. We reported two cases of avascular necrosis of humeral trochlea and also performed a literature review of the reported cases. We expect that this case report will assist clinicians in making a timely diagnosis when encountering similar clinical scenarios. Materials and Methods: We presented cases of an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old with avascular necrosis of the humeral trochlea. The common etiology was idiopathic because there were no recent trauma history and sports activity. Also, there was no history of drug use. We discussed the clinical and radiological findings of these cases. Results: These cases, two teenage boys, were diagnosed withHegemann’s disease with clinical and radiological outcomes. We found that the etiology of both thecases is idiopathic;. The number of previously reported cases in the literature is limited to 64. In our study, there was a lateral crest in one of our two cases and a posteromedial involvement in another. The radiograph of trochleae of these two cases showed irregularity and granular appearance. In our case, heterogeneous signal changed and irregularities were accompanied by hypointensive changes on T1-weighted images. Also, hyperintensive changes on proton density sequences were detected. Conclusion: Radiological evaluation plays an important role in the diagnosis and evaluation of response to treatment in avascular necrosis of the humeral trochlea. Avascular necrosis should be one of the differential lesions involving the trochlea. Recognition of avascular necrosis in the trochlea may prevent the unnecessary biopsy.

Objective: Acute kidney injury seen in 25-30 % of the cases after open heart surgery where cardiopulmonary bypass was performed, is one of the most important factors that affect the success of the on- pump open heart surgery by increasing the rates of postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive monitoring that frequently used method that allows correction of imbalances in oxygen supply to the brain and vital organs. We aimed to investigate the relationship between renal oxygen saturation values and postoperative acute kidney injury. Method: Fifty patients who underwent on- pump open heart surgery between July 2020 and January 2021 by using cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Demographic data included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, other chronic diseases and left ventricular ejection fraction. The definition of acute kidney injury was defined according to the criteria of KDIGO. At the end of the postoperative 48th hour the relationship between intraoperative renal rSO2 changes in patients with or without acute kidney injury was evaluated. Results: Fifty patients were included in the current study. The median (IQR) age of 50 patients was 62 (54.3-66.5), and mostly male patients constituted the study populatio,. When we evaluated the intraoperative data, there were statistically significant differences in changes in renal rSO2 values in patients who had and had not developed postoperative acute kidney injury (-12%, -3%, respectively) (p: 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the change in rSO2 values in the intraoperative period [(from - 10% to 0.5%), OR: 0.18 (0.04-0.76) p: 0.03] were found to be an independent predictor of postoperative acute kidney injury. Conclusion: We found that the decrease of renal rSO2 measurements during surgery may predict the development of acute kidney injury in the postoperative period. We think that renal oxygen saturation monitoring with NIRS is a very effective method for predicting postoperative renal dysfunction, because it is both noninvasive and reflects simultaneous data.

Introduction: Nephrocolic fistula is a pathological connection between the kidney and colon. Percutaneous tumour ablation therapy is a rare cause of iatrogenic nephrocolic fistulain in the literature. Case Presentation: Interventional radiologist should be careful especially in patients with repeated ablation. Granulation tissue may lead to unexpected results secondary to tissue fragility and impedance changes. Conclusion: In addition, we should keep in mind that there is decreasing hydrodissection benefit in cases with previous ablation. As far as we know, this is the first case report of an iatrogenic ephrocolic fistula after microwave ablation for recurrence renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction In the present study, we investigate the association of acute-to-chronic (A/C) glycemic ratio with no-reflow (NR) development in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Material and methods This retrospective study included 905 consecutive STEMI patients who were treated with primary PCI. The A/C glycemic ratio was determined as admission blood glucose (ABG) divided by the estimated average glucose (eAG). We evaluated two primary models (full model and reduced model).The primary outcome was the presence of NR. Results The incidence of NR was 22.7% (206 cases) in the present study. We divided the study population into three tertiles (T1, T2, and T3) based on the ABG/eAG ratio. There was a stepwise increase of the frequency of NR development from the T1 to T3 group (36 patients [12%] vs. 70 patients [23%] vs. 100 patients [33%]; respectively [p Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this might be the first study showing a significant relationship between the ABG/eAG ratios with NR in STEMI patients after primary PCI. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine DTI properties of brain metastases in subjects with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) to evaluate whether there was a correlation between DTI findings and Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1). Methods: The study population (n:22) was assigned to PD-L1 negative (Group 1: PD-L1 expression Results: The mean ADC values were lower in group 2 compared to group 1. The peritumoral ADC values were higher in group 2 compared to group 1. Mean peritumoral edema FA values were lower in group 2 compared to group 1. The peritumoral edema nADC values were higher in group 2 compared to group 1. As PD-L1 expression frequency increased, ADC values in the peritumoral edema area increased and FA values decreased. Conclusions: We thought that the existence of PD-L1 protein does not affect ADC and FA values of brain metastasis (BM) originating from NSCLC. DTI characteristics of the peritumoral edema area could be a guide in determining the PD-L1 protein status of brain metastases of NSCLC. The relationship between PD-L1 expression status and DTI features in BM from NSCLC could help us to have an idea regarding the response to immunotherapy.

Catheter-directed Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis (USAT) is a novel technology providing a high efficacy with a reduced bleeding risk in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). We performed a meta-analysis based on presented or published PE series in which USAT was utilized. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for trials published up to December 2015. The primary outcomes were mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAMP), right to left ventricle diameter ratio (RV/LV ratio) and computed tomography (CT) obstruction score. The secondary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, major and minor bleeding episodes and recurrent PE. The 11 trials (n=553) and 15 trials (n=655) met eligibility criteria of primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. USAT was found to significantly reduce PAMP, RV/LV ratio and CT obstruction scores. After adjusting for baseline covariates in meta-regression analysis, male sex and number of high-risk patients were found to be associated with PAMP and RV/LV ratio while only male sex was associated with CT obstruction scores. The pooled incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 3.2% and 2.2%, and the incidence of major and minor bleeding episodes were 5.5% and 6.9%, respectively. In the pooled analysis of the remaning trials, the incidence of recurrent PE was 1.7%. USAT compared with three randomized thrombolytic trials showed a similar death rate with a lower rate of major bleeding. This meta-analysis confirmed that USAT significantly reduced PAMP, RV/LV ratio and CT obstruction scores with similar death rates and a lower risk of major bleeding compared with patients with PE undergoing systemic thrombolytic treatment.

WOS: 000404317300028 PubMed: 28576521 Objective: To investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on tympanosclerosis. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups as CAPE (n = 10), alcohol (n = 10), control (n = 8) and normal (n = 4) groups. All tympanic membranes except normal group were myringotomised and type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains was injected into their middle ears. Myringotomies were repeated for 5 weeks. Intraperitoneal (i.p) CAPE were administrated to the CAPE group at 10 mu mol/kg/day and 10% ethyl alcohol administrated to the alcohol group for 5 weeks. The control group were left untreated. Findings of myringosclerosis were recorded by otomicroscope at sixth week. Then, all rats were sacrificed and tympanic membrane thickness and severity of middle ear mucosal inflammation evaluated histopathalogically. Results: Severity of myringosclerosis was significantly higher in the alcohol and control groups compared to the CAPE group (p < 0.001), but was not significant when alcohol and control groups were compared (p = 0.17). The tympanic membrane thickness measured in the alcohol and control groups were significantly higher compared to the CAPE group (p < 0.001), but was not significant when alcohol and control groups were compared (p = 0.17). The severity of inflammation in the middle ear mucosa was significantly higher in the alcohol and control groups compared to the CAPE group (respectively, p < 0.001, p = 0.03). The severity of inflammation in the middle ear mucosa was not significant between alcohol and control groups (p = 0.30). Conclusion: CAPE has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the development of MS in myringotomized rats, so reduces the severity of tympanosclerosis. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Samsun Training and Research Hospital This work was supported by the Samsun Training and Research Hospital.

AIM To assess the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings by comparing the locations of free air in the abdomen and imaging findings with the site of gastrointestinal perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-three patients with acute abdominal pain who visited the emergency department between January 2015 and October 2018 were included in the study. There were 59 male and 34 female patients with a mean age of 50.5 years. The site of perforation was based on surgical findings in all cases. RESULTS Among specific air distributions, periportal free air and subphrenic free air were statistically significant in differentiating upper gastrointestinal tract perforation. Whereas free air in the minor pelvis, right lower quadrant free air, left lower quadrant free air, and air in the mesentery were statistically significant in differentiation of lower gastrointestinal tract perforation. CONCLUSION Multidetector findings may help to predict the site of gastrointestinal perforation, which would change the treatment plan.

Background: This study aims to investigate the existence of any Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) value differences in Brain Metastases (BM) due to lung adenocarcinoma based on the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene mutation status. Material and Methods: 17 patients with 32 solid intracranial metastatic lesions from lung adenocarcinoma were included prospectively. Patients were divided according to the EGFR mutation status as EGFR (+) (group 1, n:8) and EGFR wild type (group 2, n:9). The Fractional Anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), normalized ADC (nADC), Axial Diffusivity (AD), and Radial Diffusivity (RD) values were measured from the solid component of the metastatic lesions and nADC values were calculated. DTI values were compared between group 1 and group 2. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to obtain cut-off values for the parameters presenting a statistical difference between the EGFR gene mutation-positive and wild type group. Results: There were statistically significant differences in measured ADC, nADC, AD, and RD values between group 1 and group 2. The ADC, nADC, AD, and RD values were significantly lower in group 1. There was no significant difference in FA values between the two groups. Analysis by the ROC curve method revealed a cut-off value of ≤721 x 10-6 mm2/s for ADC (Sensitivity= 72.7, Specificity=85.7); ≤0.820 for nADC (Sensitivity=72.7, Specificity=90.5), ≤ 886 for AD (Sensitivity=81.8, Specificity=81.0), and ≤588 for RD (Sensitivity=63.6, Specificity=90.5) in differentiating EGFR mutation (+) group from wild type group. Conclusion: A combination of the decreased ADC, nADC, AD, and RD values in BM due to lung adenocarcinoma can be important for predicting the EGFR gene mutation status. DTI features of the brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma may be utilized to provide insight into the EGFR mutation status and guide the clinicians for the initiation of targeted therapy.

WOS: 000486388800005, Introduction: Idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell's palsy is the most common type of peripheral facial paralysis. Advanced age and systemic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension are considered as negative prognostic factors for Bell's palsy still controversial. Here, we aimed to compare the epidemiologic features and prognostic factors of patients with Bell's palsy aged >= 65 years. Materials and Method: Records of patients with Bell's palsy (age, >= 65 years) who were admitted to our clinic between January 2008 and December 2017 were evaluated. Results: We included 89 (72.4%) patients with Bell's palsy. The patients' ages varied between 65 and 91 (72.70 +/- 5.9) years. Paralysis was in the right side in 59.6% (n = 53) and in the left side in 40.4% (n = 36) of the patients. Three (3.4%) patients had progressive facial paralysis. One (1.1%) had positive family history. After at least 6 months of follow-up, 71 (79.8%), 10 (11.2%), 6 (6.7%), and 2 (2.25%) patients were diagnosed with grade 1 and 2, 3, 4, and 5 Bell's palsy, respectively. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the initial paralysis grade and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.001). Conclusion: Although old age is considered as a negative prognostic factor in patients with BR we observed satisfactory recovery rates in geriatric patients who received appropriate treatment. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the initial grade of facial paralysis and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio upon admission, which can be considered as a prognostic factor.

We present our single-center results on ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) at intermediate high risk (IHR) and high risk (HR). Our study consisted of 75 patients with PE who underwent USAT (60 at IHR and 15 at HR). The median time delay from symptoms to USAT was 5 days. Ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis resulted in improvements in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; pulmonary artery (PA) systolic and mean pressures; Qanadli score; right to left ventricle diameter ratio and right to left atrial diameter ratio; and diameters of main, right, and left PA regardless of the baseline risk status ( P < .0001 for all). Death was documented in 4 patients, and major and minor bleeding were noted in 2 and 5 of the patients, respectively. No PE-related event was noted during postdischarge follow-up period of median 310 days. Our study revealed that USAT facilitates the resolution of PA thrombotic burden, recovery of pulmonary hemodynamics, and right heart functions with acceptable rates of procedure-related complications in patients with PE, irrespective of the IHR or HR status.

Background: Vasodilatory function of radial artery (RA) declines following the transradial catheterization. However, it is uncertain whether impaired vasodilatory function develops in every patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictive factors of impaired vasodilatory function following transradial procedures. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing elective transradial procedures were prospectively enrolled. Ultrasound examination of RA was recorded just before and 1 week after the procedure. RA diameters and flow velocities were measured at baseline, after flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) and after nitrate mediated vasodilation (NMD). Results: Fifty-one patients were included (62 ± 11 years, 55% male, 41% hypertensive, 20% diabetic, 65% with coronary artery disease). Overall FMD and NMD were significantly impaired after 1 week. However, deterioration of FMD and NMD was observed in 67% and 71% of patients, respectively. Absolute change in FMD was significantly different in patients using a renin– angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor compared to those who were not (1.9 ± 12.9 vs. –7.7 ± ± 12.7%, respectively, p = 0.025). Additionally, there was a moderate but significant correlation between baseline RA diameter and absolute change in NMD (r = 0.419, p < 0.001). RAS blockade was independently associated with protection against FMD deterioration (OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.066–0.883, p = 0.032), whereas RA diameter (OR 0.079, 95% CI 0.009–0.720, p = 0.024) and procedure time (OR 1.156, 95% CI 0.989–1.350, p = 0.068) were associated with NMD deterioration, although the latter had borderline significance. Conclusions: Vasodilatory function of RA gets impaired in most patients following transradial procedures. RAS blockade seems to exert a protective role against deteriorating endothelium- dependent vasodilation, whereas smaller RA diameter and potentially longer procedure time are associated with impaired endothelium-independent vasodilation.

BACKGROUND Idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell`s palsy is the most common type of peripheral facial paralysis. Children with Bell`s palsy is an uneasy situation for the family and physician with questions about the etiology, treatment options and the healing process. Here, we aimed to compare the epidemiologic features and prognostic factors of patients with Bell`s palsy aged < 18 years. METHODS Records of patients with Bell`s palsy who were admitted to our clinic between January 2008 and December 2017 were evaluated. RESULTS Forty-seven patients with Bell`s palsy were included to this study. The patients` ages varied between 7 and 17 (14.7±2.5) years. At the end of at least 6 months of follow-up, 32 (68.1%) of the patients presented with House Brackmann (HB) grade 1 facial paralysis, while 12 (25.5%) of them had grade 2 and 3 (6.4%) of them had grade 3 facial paralysis. Mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with advanced grades (grade 4, 5, 6) was higher, compared to that of patients with grade 2 and 3 (4.10 ± 1.06 vs 1.34 ± 1.02 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our study, the response rate to treatment was high. In differential diagnosis, congenital anomalies, malignancy, trauma, middle ear infection and surgery should be considered. In addition, NLR at admission can be considered as a prognostic factor.

Presently described is the case of a 41-year-old male patient with signs of high-output right heart failure (HF) due to a possibly iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the left common iliac artery and the left common iliac vein. Invasively evaluated hemodynamic measurements were consistent with severe shunting, which resulted in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). The AVF was successfully closed with a non-dedicated, 16-mm Amplatzer patent ductus arteriosus occluder (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA). Although his signs and symptoms were documented to be dramatically improved after closure, because mild PH persisted, adjuvant pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted treatment with bosentan was initiated to prevent late pulmonary vascular disease.

Heat stroke is the outcome of over heat stress that results in multiorgan dysfunction with a tendency for central nervous system damage. Brain is very sensitive to hyperthermia, especially the cerebellum that has selective vulnerability to heat stroke. There is complex interaction between heat cytotoxicity, coagulation disorder, cytotoxine - mediated systemic inflammatory response causing multiorgan failure, metabolic derangement, and circulatory insufficiency. We reviewed the literature and discussed brain MRI and MR spectroscopy findings of heat stroke, detailed the pathophysiology underlying brain involvement and proposed excitotoxic injury as an alternative mechanism of brain damage in heat stroke.

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female malignancy in the world and Turkey. Its prevalence and mortality are surprisingly increasing at a rapid rate. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of training sessions on women's knowledge of relevant risk factors of BC and screening methods, screening behaviors and health beliefs among of healthy women in Turkey. Materials and methods: In this study, in order to establish the efficiency of BC training, a semi-empirical single group pre-test & post-test research model was used. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire and by using the Turkish version of Champion's health belief model scale (CHBMS). The pre-test was performed before the training and after one week of the training, post-test was performed with a questionnaire having the same content. Results: In total, 244 women participated in the study. The average age of the women was 39.44 (SD=1.06) years. The mean total knowledge score increased significantly (p

Background: The use of the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system and red cell distribution width (RDW) as post-op Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) predictors may be promising for the identification of patients that are at a higher risk of POAF.Methods: A total of 358 patients (57 patients with POAF, and 301 patients with non-POAF ) with sinus rhythm undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation were included in the study retrospectively. Preoperative RDW levels and electrocardiograms with sinus rhythm were recorded. Patients with at least one 12-lead electrocardiogram with atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period, with or without medical or electrical cardioversion, were considered to have postoperative atrial fibrillation. A CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for all of the patients.Results: RDW levels were significantly higher in POAF group. RDW levels were significantly correlated with CHADS2 ( r = 0.15, P = .007) and CHA2DS2-VASc (r = 0.19 P = .0001) scores. CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly higher in patients with POAF, whereas CHADS2 scores did not differ between groups. In multivariate analysis, left atrial diameter (LAD) (OR:2.44 [95% CI 1.16 – 5.1], P = .018), age (OR:1.04 [95% CI 1.01 – 1.08], P = .01), and RDW (OR:1.16 [95% CI 1.0 – 1.36], P = .05) were found to be predictive for POAF. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of RDW was 0.65 (0.57 – 0.72, P = .0001) with 68.4% sensitivity and 51.2 % specificity to predict POAF.Conclusion: Our study showed that age, LAD, and the reduced probability of RDW are predictors of POAF, and that RDW is strongly associated with the thromboembolic risk as determined by CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores.

Aims Although left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression (Co) by pulmonary artery (PA) aneurysm (A) has been reported in some pulmonary hypertension (PH) series, clinical importance and management of this complication remain to be determined. In this single-centre prospective study, we evaluated correlates, clinical impact, and management strategies of LMCA-Co in patients with PH. Methods and results Our study group comprised 269 (female 166, age 52.9 ± 17.3 years) out of 498 patients with confirmed PH who underwent coronary angiography (CA) because of the PAA on echocardiography, angina or incidentally detected LMCA-Co during diagnostic evaluation with multidetector computed tomography. The LMCA-Co ≥ 50% was documented in 22 patients (8.2%) who underwent CA, and stenosis were between 70% and 90% in 14 of these. Univariate comparisons revealed that a younger age, a D-shaped septum, a higher PA systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance, a larger PA diameter, a smaller aortic diameter and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with patent-ductus arteriosus, atrial or ventricular septal defects were significantly associated with LMCA-Co. Bare-metal stents were implanted in 12 patients and 1 patient underwent PAA and atrial septal defect surgery and another one declined LMCA stenting procedure. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that LMCA-Co is one of the most important and potentially lethal complications of severe PH, and alertness for this risk seems to be necessary in specific circumstances related with PAA. However, long-term benefit from stenting in this setting remains as a controversy.

Postoperative LV dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in patient with mitral regurgitation undergoing surgery. With this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of classic and speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) LV deformational parameters for estimating postoperative LV dysfunction.Fifty-nine asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse, who had sinus rhythm and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%, were included. Patients underwent comprehensive and speckle tracking echocardiographic examination before and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative LV function: group A postoperative LV EF≥50% and group B postoperative LV EF50%.Patients in group A were found to have higher LV twist (19.7±6.8° vs 11.9±4.2°; P.001), LV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) (-21.7±4 vs -16.5±3.4%; P.001), and circumferential strain (-19.5±5.2 vs -14.4±5.1%; P=.004) values but lower end-systolic diameter (ESD) (3.2±0.6 vs 4.1±0.9 cm; P.001) when compared to group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GLPS, ESD, and twist were independent predictors of postoperative LV functions. In the ROC analysis, GLPS ≥18.4% and twist14.4° predicted postoperative LVEF ≥50%.GLPS and twist measured by 2DSTE are predictors of LV preservation after surgery in severe MR. These parameters may also be used as prognostic predictors and optimal timing of operation in this patient population.

WOS: 000398109300008 PubMed ID: 28247458 Background: This study aimed to determine the myocardial damage (infarct size provided by cardiac single-photon emission tomography) in early stages of the infarction using longitudinal strain and rotational parameters of the left ventricle. Methods: The study included 66 patients with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) and 62 patients with inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention as well as a control group consisting of 50 healthy subjects. LV rotational parameters based on parasternal short-axis views in basal and apical planes and global longitudinal strain were measured with apical four-chamber, apical two-chamber, and apical long-axis views. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between infarct size and GLPSavg (r=-.55

An unconscious, 25-year-old, male patient was brought to the emergency department. The patient's electrocardiography demonstrated a wide QRS interval and first-degree atrioventricular block. He was being treated with propafenone twice daily (450 mg) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The patient had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol the day before. He recovered after supportive management with sodium bicarbonate and inotropic therapy. In the presently described case, treatment resulted in quick normalization of QRS interval and stabilization of hemodynamic status.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a commonly acquired autoimmune bleeding disorder in children. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs which are found in cells and circulation, and play a role in protein synthesis and regulation. In this study, we aimed to determine a biomarker for childhood ITP comparing the plasma miRNA levels of children having ITP with healthy children. A total of 86 patients with ITP and 56 healthy children followed up by the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in University of Gaziantep since July 2011 were enrolled in the study. The 86 patients with ITP were evaluated in two groups as 43 acute ITP (aITP) and 43 chronic ITP (cITP) patients. Plasma expression levels of 379 miRNAs were investigated by RT-PCR (quantitative RT-PCR) technique and they were compared between aITP, cITP, and control groups. For all miRNAs, the average of raw quantification cycle values of three groups separately in the analysis chip was accepted as the reference gene value, and normalization was done according to this value. Statistically significant differences were detected in seven miRNAs (miR-302c-3p, miR-483-5p, miR-410, miR-544a, miR-302a-3p, miR-223-3p, and miR-597) investigated between the groups with respect to the expression levels. The expression rates were found to be over 95% in miR-302c-3p and miR-483-5p, over 75% in miR-410, and over 40% in miR-544, miR-302a-3p, and miR-223-3p in all three groups. The detection of significant differences between plasma miRNA levels of aITP and cITP patients and healthy children may provide useful information in the prediction of the course of disease, determination of disease etiopathogenesis, and the development of new therapeutic modalities.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We presented MRI and DWI findings of a 12-year-old boy with primary carnitine deficiency, manifested with hypoglycemic hypoketotic encephalopathy. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) were performed to the patient. RESULTS In our case, T2 hyperintensity and diffusion restriction were noted bilaterally in the corona radiate, cerebral white matter, deep white matter of cerebellum, ascending (inferior cerebellar peduncle) and descending tracts (corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts) of brainstem. CONCLUSIONS MRI and DWI are helpful in the diagnosis, therapy planning and follow up of encephalopathic cases with carnitine deficiency.

Background and objective: To determine the prevalence and the clinical significance of thyroid autoantibodies and their influence on treatment response in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patient and Method: We retrospectively analyzed the antithyroglobulin (anti-TG) and antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies from the records of 151 ITP patients who were admitted to the Pediatric Hematology Department of Gaziantep University between 2009 and 2012. Results: Anti-TPO and/or anti-TG was found positive in 38 (36.8%) of 103 patients whose thyroid autoantibody levels were measured. The comparison of positivity ratios of autoantibodies between acute and chronic ITP patients showed no significant difference. However, the separate comparison of each group of ITP patients with control group showed significantly high positivity ratios of autoantibodies in ITP patients. The initial mean platelet count of anti-TPO positive patients at diagnosis was significantly less than that of the negative patients (P = .008). One month after treatment, platelet count of anti-TPO positive patients was significantly less than that of the negative patients (P = .01). Moreover, the mean platelet counts of anti-TPO positive patients were significantly less than those of the negative patients after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment (P < .001). Conclusion: We demonstrated that the thyroid-autoimmune-diseasesrelated autoantibodies are frequently found in childhood ITP. Although no recommendation is found in international guidelines regarding screening for thyroid autoantibodies in patients with ITP, in view of the high incidence of antithyroid antibodies and their potential negative effect on treatment response, screening these patients for such antibodies would be recommended.

Background:Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially lethal disorder that manifests mainly as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the extremities or pulmonary embolism (PE) and occurs as a consequence of genetic and environmental risk factors. We aimed to assess the role of inherited thrombophilia as a causative or additive factor in the development of VTE.Methods:The study included 310 patients (female: 154; mean age: 52.3 ± 16.9 years) with a first episode of VTE and 289 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent screening for thrombophilia-associated polymorphisms including factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin G20210A (PTG), factor V H1299 R (factor V HR2), factor XIII V34 L, β-fibrinogen-455 G>A, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G, human platelet antigen-1 a/b, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677 T, MTHFR A1298C, angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D, apolipoprotein B R3500Q, and apolipoprotein E (Apo E). In addition, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels were measured.Results:In the patient group, 247 (80%) had isolated DVT, 43 (14%) had DVT plus PE, and 20 (6%) had isolated PE. The mean Hcy levels were similar in VTE subgroups and controls. Compared to controls, patients with isolated DVT, DVT plus PE, and isolated PE showed significantly higher frequencies for the following—heterozygous FVL mutation, isolated DVT (28.3%), DVT plus PE (44.2%), isolated PE (50%), controls (8.3%; P < .001); heterozygous PTG mutation, isolated DVT (11.3%), DVT plus PE (20.9%), isolated PE (25%), controls (5.9%; P < .01); Apo E 2/4, isolated DVT (9.7%), DVT plus PE (9.3%), isolated PE (5%), controls (1%; P < .01).The MTHFR A1298C mutation showed a significantly higher frequency in isolated patients with PE than in those with isolated DVT ( P = .006) and in controls ( P = .008). The frequencies of other genetic mutations or polymorphisms showed similar frequencies in all comparisons. In logistic regression analysis, heterozygous FVL mutation was the only independent predictor of VTE (odds ratio: 3.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-11.2; P = .012).Conclusion:Except than FVL, PTG, and Apo E 2/4 mutations, many of aforementioned thrombophilic factors known to be associated with VTE did not demonstrate any relationship with VTE. Heterozygous mutation of FVL was an independent predictor for VTE.

Fucosidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient activity of the enzyme L-fucosidase in all tissues. We presented magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and MR spectroscopy [MRS] findings of a 4-year-old boy with genetically proven fucosidosis. He had a history and clinical findings of recurrent sinopulmonary infections, hypertonicity on lower extremities, gingival hypertrophy, bilateral ptosis, angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, and dysostosis multiplex. He had no organomegaly and urine glycosaminoglycan analysis were normal. MRI revealed abnormalities within the globus pallidus and periventricular and subcortical white matter. MRS showed a peak at the 3.8-3.9 ppm as a result of accumulating carbohydrate containing macromolecules and another peak at 1.2 which was doublet and inverted on TE 135, suggesting fructose peak. A final diagnosis of fucosidosis was proved by mutational analysis of FUCA1 gene which is responsible for the Fucosidosis phenotype. Two recent reports of MRS of two patients demonstrated that MRS is specific for fucosidosis. In this case, we aim to discuss fucosidosis with MRI and MRS findings accompanied by the literature. (c) 2015 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights