Evaluation of endocrine functions before and after enzyme replacement therapy in children with mucopolysaccharidosis

There is a scarcity of data concerning endocrine function and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on growth and other endocrine functions in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). This study retrospectively evaluated height increase, bone mineral density (BMD), and other endocrine functions in MPS patients who received ERT for at least two years in our clinic. The clinical findings, hormonal analysis (TSH, fT4, ACTH, cortisol, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3), and BMD measurements of 10 MPS patients, aged 0-18 years, before and after ERT were recorded and compared retrospectively. Four patients were MPS Type-2, five were MPS Type-4, and one was MPS Type-6. Nine of the patients were male, and one was female. The mean treatment onset age was 7.6 years. The mean ± standard deviation of the patients' height SDS was -4.61±3.01 before treatment and -5.65±2.42 after treatment. While the mean BMD Z-score of the patients was -2.33±1.77 before treatment, it was -0.94±1.52 after treatment. Apart from growth retardation (one of the most prominent disease features), no severe dysfunction was detected in other endocrine organs in our patients with MPS. Severe short stature was evident at the time of diagnosis in MPS patients, and their height SDS worsened, despite ERT. However, osteoporotic BMD Z-scores at diagnosis improved after ERT. No serious dysfunction was seen in other endocrine organs.

Investigation of the prognostic value of psoas muscle area measurement in pediatric patients before liver transplantation: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In this study, our aim is to investigate the prognostic value of psoas muscle area (PMA) evaluation before liver transplantation (LT) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy-six patients under 18 years of age who underwent LT between January 2012 and December 2019 were included in the study. The patients' demographic, laboratory, clinical, and imaging data were scanned retrospectively. PMA was measured at the L4/5 level using computed tomography images. To determine reproducibility, a different radiologist evaluated 30 randomly selected patients.

RESULTS

In patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), PMA was significantly lower than in patients with acute liver failure (P < .001). In patients with ESLD, a weakly significant correlation was found between PMA and 1-year survival after LT (r: .251, P = .030), hospitalization period (r: -.275, P = .039), and pediatric ESLD score (r: -.338, P < .001). Interobserver correlation was excellent (ICC: .941, 95% CI: .925, .971).

CONCLUSION

In children with ESLD, PMA evaluated before LT can be used as a negative prognostic factor.

Traumatic central cord syndrome in a 2-year-old child: minor trauma but major complication

BACKGROUND

Traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS) is the most frequently encountered incomplete spinal cord injury, and it is a relatively rare situation in children younger than 15 years, but may have serious consequences.

METHODS

We report the case of a 2-year-old female child with upper extremity weakness following a simple fall. All vitals and systemic examination findings were normal, except for 2/5 muscular strength in the upper extremities. While radiographic imaging showed no pathologic findings, MRI exposed spinal injury. The patient was treated conservatively with medication only. The medical treatment of the patient consisted of anti-edema treatment with methylprednisolone in the first 24 hours; 330 mg of methylprednisolone infused in the first hour, followed by 59 mg per hour during the next 23 hours. Along with pharmacological treatment, she received physiotherapy sessions during her 11-day hospitalization period.

RESULTS

The child had full recovery within 6 months after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Neurological deficit without plain radiographic evidence in pediatric spinal trauma patients is a rare but significant incident.

Pre-operative trans-thoracic doppler ultrasonography evaluation and intraoperative manual evaluation of the left internal thoracic artery in patients with type 2 diabetes with coronary artery disease

Patients with coronary artery disease, with (n = 25) and without (n = 59) type 2 diabetes, who were scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in this prospective study. The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was assessed for graft suitability before surgery by trans-thoracic Doppler ultra sonography and during surgery by manual measurement. Significant differences were seen between preoperative and intra-operative LITA blood flow rates and LITA diameters, and the values of each at the two time points showed significant correlation, suggesting that pre-operative measurements largely related to intra-operative conditions. The pre-operative and intra-operative LITA blood flow rates and LITA diameters were not significantly different between patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Pre-operative LITA blood flow was monophasic in three patients without diabetes and the LITA grafts of these patients were deemed unsuitable for implantation during surgery. It is concluded that type 2 diabetes does not seem to have a negative effect on the suitability of LITA grafts. In addition, trans-thoracic Doppler ultrasonography is an easy, cost-effective, reproducible and non-invasive examination method, which may help in the evaluation of LIMA function and contribute to graft selection.

Primary Lymphoedema at an Unusual Location Triggered by Nephrotic Syndrome

Introduction: Lymphoedema results from impaired lymphatic transport leading to the pathologic accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, most commonly in the extremities. Primary lymphoedema, a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, may become evident later in life when a triggering event exceeds the capacity of normal lymphatic flow. Clinical Picture: We present a 3-year-old nephrotic syndrome patient with an unusual localisation for primary lymphoedema. Treatment and Outcome: The patient was treated with conservative approach and she was cured. Conclusion: In this particular case, lymphoedema developed at an unusual localisation, which has not been recorded before. Introduction: Lymphoedema results from impaired lymphatic transport leading to the pathologic accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, most commonly in the extremities. Primary lymphoedema, a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, may become evident later in life when a triggering event exceeds the capacity of normal lymphatic flow. Clinical Picture: We present a 3-year-old nephrotic syndrome patient with an unusual localisation for primary lymphoedema. Treatment and Outcome: The patient was treated with conservative approach and she was cured. Conclusion: In this particular case, lymphoedema developed at an unusual localisation, which has not been recorded before.

Primary lymphoedema at an unusual location triggered by nephrotic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Lymphoedema results from impaired lymphatic transport leading to the pathologic accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, most commonly in the extremities. Primary lymphoedema, a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, may become evident later in life when a triggering event exceeds the capacity of normal lymphatic flow.

CLINICAL PICTURE

We present a 3-year-old nephrotic syndrome patient with an unusual localisation for primary lymphoedema.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

The patient was treated with conservative approach and she was cured.

CONCLUSION

In this particular case, lymphoedema developed at an unusual localisation, which has not been recorded before.

Evaluation of in vivo cerebral metabolism on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to investigate possible metabolic alterations in cerebral tissues on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM). Twenty-five patients with T2-DM, 13 patients with IGT, and 14 healthy volunteers were included. Single-voxel spectroscopy (TR: 2000 ms, TE: 31 ms) was performed in all subjects. Voxels were placed in the frontal cortex, thalamus, and parietal white matter. N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr), choline (Cho)/Cr, and myo-inositol (MI)/Cr ratios were calculated. Frontal cortical Cho/Cr ratios were increased in patients with IGT compared to control subjects. Parietal white matter Cho/Cr ratios were significantly higher in patients with IGT when compared to patients with T2-DM. In the diabetic group, frontal cortical MI/Cr ratios were increased, and parietal white matter Cho/Cr ratios were decreased when compared to the control group. Frontal cortical NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios and parietal white matter Cho/Cr ratios were decreased in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (A1C>10%). A1C levels were inversely correlated with frontal cortical NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios and with parietal white matter Cho/Cr ratios. T2-DM and IGT may cause subtle cerebral metabolic changes, and these changes may be shown with MRS. Increased Cho/Cr ratios may suggest dynamic change in membrane turnover in patients with IGT. Diabetic patients with poor glycemic control may be associated with neuronal dysfunction/damage in brain in accordance with A1C levels and, in some, extend with insulin resistance.

Merosin-negative congenital muscular dystrophy: diffusion-weighted imaging findings of brain

Merosin-negative congenital muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic disease of childhood involving the central and peripheral nervous system. There were high signal intensities throughout the centrum semiovale, periventricular, and sub-cortical white matters on T2-weighted images in a 4-year-old girl with merosin-negative congenital muscular dystrophy. An apparent diffusion coefficient map revealed increased signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the periventricular and deep white matters. It may be attributable to increased water content in the white matter because of an abnormal blood-brain barrier rather than to decreased or abnormal myelination.

Giant axonal neuropathy: diffusion-weighted imaging features of the brain

Giant axonal neuropathy is a rare autosomal recessive childhood disorder characterized by a peripheral neuropathy and features of central nervous system involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an 11-year-old boy with giant axonal neuropathy revealed high signal intensity in the white matter of the cerebrum and cerebellum on T(2)-weighted imaging. An apparent diffusion coefficient map revealed increased apparent diffusion coefficient values in the periventricular, deep, and cerebellar white matter, basal ganglia, and thalamus. Increased apparent diffusion coefficient values in distinct locations suggest increased mobility of water molecules in the brain of a patient with giant axonal neuropathy. This finding could indicate a myelin disorder such as demyelination. Diffusion-weighted imaging should be performed to reveal apparent diffusion coefficient changes and determine brain involvement in patients with giant axonal neuropathy.

Pericardiacophrenic shunt: imaging finding of rare splenosystemic collateral. Case report

Portosystemic collaterals are the natural consequence of portal hypertension. These collaterals can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Apart from the usual sites, they can develop in some unusual and rare locations. In this report, imaging findings of an unusual venous collateral pathway between spleen and left subclavian vein in a 30-year-old female patient with cirrhosis and portal hypertension are presented.

Renal Interlobar Artery Parameters with Duplex Doppler Sonography and Correlations with Age, Plasma Renin, and Aldosterone Levels in Healthy Children

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to compare and make correlations between age and Doppler parameters of the interlobar arteries, including synchronously obtained plasma renin and aldosterone levels and to obtain new normative data regarding acceleration time in healthy children from neonates to 16 years.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty-nine healthy children (72 girls and 97 boys) were classified into four groups: group 1 (< 1 year; n = 34), group 2 (range, 1-6 years; n = 48), group 3 (range, 6-12 years; n = 50), and group 4 (range, 12-16 years; n = 37). Blood samples from the renin and aldosterone were collected in the morning after bed rest and fasting. The resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and the acceleration time of the renal interlobar arteries with duplex Doppler sonography, including both kidney longitudinal lengths with grayscale sonography, were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance with the least significant difference post-hoc test and Pearson's correlation test were used to compare the differences between groups and to make correlations, respectively. An independent-sample t test was used to evaluate the differences between all parameters based on sex and to compare the left and right kidney longitudinal lengths in each group.

RESULTS

The RI, PI, and acceleration time were statistically significant in between-group comparisons. Only in group 4 was acceleration time not statistically significant compared with groups 2 and 3. Plasma renin levels were significantly higher in group 1 compared with groups 2 (p < 0.03) and 4 (p < 0.0001); in group 2 compared with group 4 (p < 0.05); and in group 3 compared with group 4 (p < 0.01). The plasma aldosterone levels were significantly higher only in group 1 compared with groups 2 (p < 0.001), 3 (p < 0.008), and 4 (p < 0.0001). The RI correlated linearly with the PI, plasma renin levels, and aldosterone levels and correlated inversely with acceleration time. Age had a negative correlation with the RI, PI, plasma renin levels, and aldosterone levels and correlated positively with acceleration time. There were no statistically significant differences between all parameters based on sex and no significant difference found between the right and left kidney longitudinal lengths in each group.

CONCLUSION

The RI in children up to 54 months old is higher than in adults. Therefore, the adult mean renal RI criterion of 0.70 should be applicable to children 54 months old and older. We showed that the age dependency of the RI was directly related to that of plasma renin and aldosterone levels in healthy children in whom Doppler parameters and blood analysis were evaluated synchronously.

Percutaneous right portal vein embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles in gastric cancer metastasis: report of a case

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles are used for the embolization of various vascular tumors. They are also used before hepatic resection to embolize the ipsilateral portal vein, causing hypertrophy of the remaining liver. We report our first experience with portal vein embolization (PVE) with PVA particles to treat gastric cancer metastasis to the liver. PVE with PVA is a safe interventional radiologic procedure, which does not cause problems during surgery and can improve the outcome of hepatic resection.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: Relationship between clinical stage and diffusion-weighted imaging findings

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between clinical stages and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes in the brain of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 patients with stage II (N = 11) and III (N = 7) SSPE and 11 age-matched controls underwent routine MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The ADC values were automatically calculated. Seven distinct neuroanatomic structures (frontal, parieto-occipital, and cerebellar white matter; deep white matter; thalamus; basal ganglia; and brainstem) were selected for analysis in the patient and control groups.

RESULTS

Hyperintensities in the periventricular and subcortical white matters on T2-weighted images and ADC maps were detected in 63.6% of patients with stage II and in all patients with stage III. There were significant differences between stage II and III patients and also between patients and control group in ADC values that obtained from all locations. The highest mean ADC values were calculated in stage III patients. Although MRI and DWI findings were normal in four patients with stage II disease, ADC values were significantly increased when compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

The stage of disorder may be independent of DWI appearance during the early stage (stages I and II), even though the brain is affected. Therefore, DWI and ADC values supplemental to routine MRI should also be utilized for lesion detection and definition to enhance diagnostic accuracy in patients with SSPE.

Neurofibromatosis type 1: Diffusion weighted imaging findings of brain

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between infra and supratentorial unidentified bright objects (UBOs), between UBOs and normal appearing side (NAS, contralateral regions of the UBOs and/or normal appearing region without UBOs) in the neurofibromatosis type 1 patients (NF1) and control group and also to investigate correlation between age and ADC values.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients and 26 healthy controls were included. The MRI examination consisted of routine imaging and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Seven distinct locations (frontal, parieto-occipital and cerebellar white matter, globus pallidum, thalamus, hippocampus, and midbrain) were selected for the analysis. The ADC values were calculated directly from these automatically generated ADC maps with ROI.

RESULTS

The ADC values of UBOs were significantly increased in cerebellar white matter, hippocampus, globus pallidum, midbrain, and thalamus when compared with NAS and control group. There were statistically significant differences between NAS and control group in the ADC values obtained from hippocampus and thalamus. There were statistically significant differences between supra and infratentorial UBOs in ADC values. There was a negative correlation between age and the ADC values obtained from normal appearing midbrain, hippocampus, thalamus, and globus pallidum.

CONCLUSION

ADC values both in UBOs and in the normal appearing locations as hippocampus and thalamus were detected to be higher in the patients with NF1. The detection of lesions might be independent of MRI appearance in NF1, i.e. although the brain is affected, MRI appearance may be normal. Therefore, DWI and ADC values should also be utilized in the delineation of brain involvement of NF1 patients.

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome associated with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome is a rare clinical entity with unknown etiology characterized by a birdlike face, microphthalmia, a beaked nose, hypotrichosis, and proportional small stature. We present a 4-year-old boy in whom magnetic resonance imaging showed complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, which has not been presented in the literature.

Multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata case

A case of a 5-day-old newborn with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata was investigated with multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including chemical shift imaging maps, which disclosed a decrease in the choline peak and the choline signal intensity, respectively, in the right cerebral hemisphere. This is the second report of multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy examination of the brain associated with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata in the literature. Multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy with chemical shift imaging maps has the advantage of obtaining more information in a short period of time, which shortens the duration of anesthesia and its associated risks and complications. We suggest that future efforts be directed to evaluating such patients with multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy instead of single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Brain MR spectroscopy in children with a history of rheumatic fever with a special emphasis on neuropsychiatric complications

PURPOSE

To investigate whether there are metabolite changes in basal ganglia of children with complete healing of rheumatic fever (RF), history of Syndenham chorea (SC) and obsessive compulsive-tic disorder (OCTD) developed after RF when compared with healthy controls and each other.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 49 children with history of RF and 31 healthy controls were included into the study. All patients and control group underwent a detailed neuropsychiatric evaluation. Children with the history of RF were classified into three groups as; group 1: with history of RF without neuropsychiatric complications (NCRF), group 2: only with history of SC (HSC), group 3: with HSC and OCTD (OCTD). After MR imaging, single voxel MR spectroscopy was performed in all subjects. Voxels (15 x 15 x 15 mm) were placed in basal ganglia. N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatin (Cr), and choline (Cho)/Cr ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

OCTD were detected in 13 children with HSC. NAA/Cr ratio was found to be decreased in these children when compared with NCRF (n:29), HSC without OCTD (n:7) and control groups (n:31). No significant difference was found in metabolite ratios of children with HSC without OCTD when compared with NCRF and control groups. There were no significant differences in Cho/Cr ratio between patient and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Although MR imaging findings was normal, MR spectroscopy findings (decreased NAA/Cr ratio) in our study support the neuronal loss in basal ganglia of children with OCTD and could indicate the development of permanent damage.

Ultrasonographic assessment of mild and moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

AIM

To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in mild and moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional areas (CSA), flattening ratios at three different levels, swelling ratio, and palmar displacement were analysed in 26 patients (14 with bilateral and 12 with unilateral disease, 40 wrists in total) for the presence and the severity of CTS. Twenty had normal nerve conduction studies (NCS) defined as "mild", and 20 of them had abnormal NCS defined as "moderate". The control group consisted of 20 healthy participants.

RESULTS

All parameters were significantly different between patient and control groups. Palmar displacement, swelling ratio, CSA at all levels and distal flattening ratio had the highest significance (p < 0.0001). The criterion with the highest sensitivity was the swelling ratio > or = 1.3 (72.5%), followed by the middle CSA > 9 mm2 and the palmar displacement > 2.5 mm. All of these criteria had a higher sensitivity in diagnosing moderate cases (85-100%) than diagnosing mild cases (30-55%). There was a significant difference between normal and mild CTS groups regarding palmar displacement, distal flattening ratio, middle CSA and swelling ratio (p < 0.0001 for all) and between normal and moderate groups regarding all parameters (p < 0.01 - 0.0001) When combined middle CSA, palmar displacement and swelling ratio had an overall discriminatory accuracy of 83.8%.

CONCLUSION

Additional diagnostic confirmation can be provided by ultrasonography and may be preferred as the initial step instead of electrophysiological studies. Detection of at least two of the three criteria (median nerve CSA > 9 mm2 at pisiform level, swelling ratio > or = 1.3, and palmar displacement > 2.5 mm) may be helpful for the verification of the diagnosis.

The cisternal segment of the abducens nerve in man: three-dimensional MR imaging

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to identify the abducens nerve in its cisternal segment by using three-dimensional turbo spin echo T2-weighted image (3DT2-TSE). The abducens nerve may arise from the medullopontine sulcus by one singular or two separated rootlets.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 285 patients (150 males, 135 females, age range: 9-72 years, mean age: 33.3 +/- 14.4) referred to MR imaging of the inner ear, internal auditory canal and brainstem. All 3D T2-TSE studies were performed with a 1.5 T MR system. Imaging parameters used for 3DT2-TSE sequence were TR:4000, TE:150, and 0.70 mm slice thickness. A field of view of 160 mm and 256 x 256 matrix were used. The double rootlets of the abducens nerve and contralateral abducens nerves and their relationships with anatomical structures were searched in the subarachnoid space.

RESULTS

We identified 540 of 570 abducens nerves (94.7%) in its complete cisternal course with certainty. Seventy-two cases (25.2%) in the present study had double rootlets of the abducens nerve. In 59 of these cases (34 on the right side and 25 on the left) presented with unilateral double rootlets of the abducens. Thirteen cases presented with bilateral double rootlets of the abducens (4.5%).

CONCLUSION

An abducens nerve arising by two separate rootlets is not a rare variation. The detection of this anatomical variation by preoperative MR imaging is important to avoid partial damage of the nerve during surgical procedures. The 3DT2-TSE as a noninvasive technique makes it possible to obtain extremely high-quality images of microstructures as cranial nerves and surrounding vessels in the cerebellopontine cistern. Therefore, preoperative MR imaging should be performed to detect anatomical variations of abducens nerve and to reduce the chance of operative injuries.

Occupational prolonged organic solvent exposure in shoemakers: brain MR spectroscopy findings

Our purpose was to investigate, by magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, the metabolite changes in the brains of subjects in the shoemaking industry who had been chronically exposed to organic solvents. A total of 49 male subjects and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers underwent detailed neurological and psychiatric examinations. All subjects had long-echo [repetition time (TR) 2000 ms, echo time (TE) 136 ms] single-voxel MR spectroscopy. Voxels (15 x 15 x 15 mm(3)) were placed in the parietal white matter, thalamus, and basal ganglia. N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho)/Cr ratios were calculated. There was no significant difference between the study subjects and the control group in NAA/Cr ratios obtained from thalamus, basal ganglia, and parietal white matter. Cho/Cr ratios in thalamus, basal ganglia, and parietal white matter were found to be significantly increased compared to controls. There was a positive correlation between basal ganglia Cho/Cr ratio and duration of exposure (r = 0.63). MR spectroscopy should be performed to reveal metabolite changes and determine the degree of brain involvement in solvent-related industry workers.

Atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis in rheumatoid arthritis: dynamic CT findings

We analyzed the CT appearances of degenerative change in the atlanto-odontoid joint (AOJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluated the effect of these changes on atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) rotation by dynamic CT. This revealed that 9 patients (24%) treated with methotrexate had degenerative features in the AOJ. The ratio of AAJ rotation to the total rotation of the cervical spine was significantly higher in normal subjects (54 +/- 3%) than in patients (38 +/- 12%). The degree of AAJ rotation was significantly lower in the patient group with degenerative features in the AOJ (20.9 +/- 8.4 degrees ) than in patients without degenerative features (28.5 +/- 7.4 degrees ). RA patients with a history of longstanding disease and treatment with antirheumatic drugs may develop AO OA. Although secondary OA was described as healing phenomena in the joints of RA patients, it can limit rotation in the AAJ and cause suboccipital neck pain. A regular check-up of the AAJ and AOJ by means of dynamic CT in all RA patients is proposed to avoid possible antirheumatic drug complications.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with fulminating course: follow-up magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings

The fulminating form of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is an extremely rare condition. Imaging findings are usually not correlated with clinical staging. We describe a 4-year-old girl with severe neuronal loss, demyelination, and gliosis in subcortical white matter by magnetic resonance spectroscopic examination even though she was diagnosed as clinical stage II. In 2 months' time, her clinical status worsened significantly. Follow-up magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed findings that were consistent with clinical status. It is our opinion that magnetic resonance spectroscopy could demonstrate a rapidly progressive fulminating course of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis even in the early clinical stages.

Lower prevalence of non-tumoral perfusion defects in left hepatic lobe during CT arterial portography with splenic artery injection

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of non-tumoral perfusion defects (NTPD) in left hepatic lobe during CT arterial portography (CTAP) through splenic (SA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) injection.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

For the preoperative evaluation, 59 patients (20 females, 39 males) who either have colorectal carcinoma metastasis (n: 42) or hepatocellular carcinoma (n: 17) underwent CTAP examination. Patients were divided into two groups (SA and SMA) according to the injection artery. The presence and type of NTPD in the left hepatic lobe were determined and compared.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in peripherally located wedge shaped, perihilar-periligamentous and pericholecystic NTPD, but no significant difference was found in lobar/segmental defects between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated lower prevalence of NTPD in the left hepatic lobe in CTAPs performed through SA injection and we think that this could be explained by the streamlining of portal blood flow.

Temporary and permanent inferior vena cava filter combination in a young patient: to implant or not to implant?

The decision to implant vena cava filters, either temporary or permanent, is difficult in young patients. We present the case of a young man with pulmonary embolism in whom temporary and permanent inferior vena cava filters were implanted. The decision process is discussed in relation to the current literature.

Pyridoxine-dependent seizures: magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings

Pyridoxine-dependent seizures are an extremely rare genetic disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the prevention of permanent brain damage. Elevated levels of glutamate and decreased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the frontal and parietal cortices are among the characteristic features of this disorder. These metabolic abnormalities eventually lead to seizures and neuronal loss. In this case report, we present magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings of a 9-year-old girl with pyridoxine-dependent seizures with mental retardation. The N-acetylaspartate-to-creatine ratio was found to be decreased in the frontal and parieto-occipital cortices, which could indicate neuronal loss. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy could be a useful tool in the neuroimaging evaluation for assessment of parenchymal changes despite a normal-appearing brain magnetic resonance image in patients with pyridoxine-dependent seizures.

Proton MR spectroscopy features of normal appearing white matter in neurofibromatosis type 1

To determine whether differences exist between neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients with or without focal lesions and healthy normal volunteers in the metabolite ratios of normal appearing white matter, 27 patients with NF1 (with parenchymal lesion, MR positive, n: 17; without parenchymal lesions, MR negative, n: 10) and 20 healthy volunteers underwent MRI and short TE (31 ms) proton MR spectroscopy (MRS). In 17 patients with parenchymal lesions, 61 focal lesions were detected by MRI. MRS was performed from normal appearing frontal and posterior parietal white matter (FWM and PWM) in NF1 and from control groups. NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and MI/Cr ratios were calculated. Significant increase in Cho/Cr and MI/Cr ratios were found in FWM and PWM in MR negative and positive groups when compared to control group. NAA/Cr ratio in MR positive group was significantly decreased in FWM compared to control group. There were no significant differences between FWM and PWM in all metabolite ratios of MR negative group. MI/Cr ratio in MR positive group was significantly elevated in PWM compared to FWM. Metabolite changes detected by MRS could indicate demyelination and gliosis in normal appearing white matter in all NF1 patients, and additionally neuroaxonal damage in the FWM of NF1 patients with focal lesions. For that reason, in the clinical evaluation and follow-up of these patients MRS features of normal appearing white matter should be considered in addition to focal lesions.

Giant axonal neuropathy: MRS findings

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare genetic disease of childhood involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. Axonal loss with several giant axons filled with neurofilaments is the main histopathological feature of peripheral nerve biopsies in this disease. Routine neuroimaging studies reveal diffuse hyperintensities in cerebral and cerebellar white matter. In this case report, the authors present the brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic features (normal N-acetylaspartate/creatine and increased choline/creatine and myoinositol/creatine ratios), which might indicate the absence of neuroaxonal loss and the presence of significant demyelination and glial proliferation in white matter, of an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with GAN.

Infantile Sandhoff's disease: multivoxel magnetic resonance spectrosecopy findings

Sandhoff's disease is a rare, genetic lysosomal storage disease leading to delayed myelination or demyelination. Although neuroimaging findings in this disease have been reported previously, magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings have not been reported. In this report, we present magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectrscopy features of two cases with Sandhoff's disease. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed findings indicating widespread demyelination in both cases and neuroaxonal loss and anaerobic metabolism in the second case. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy could provide useful information in the explanation of the clinical picture of cases with Sandhoff's disease.

Vascular endothelial function in patients with slow coronary flow

BACKGROUND

Slow coronary flow (SCF) in a normal coronary angiogram is a well-recognized clinical entity, but its etiopathogenesis remains unclear.

DESIGN

The aim of the study was to determine endothelial function in patients with SCF using a flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) technique in the brachial artery.

METHODS

Coronary flow was quantified using the corrected thrombosis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) method. Endothelial function was studied in 27 patients with SCF (23 men, four women, mean age 47.6+/-8.7 years) and in 30 people with normal coronary flow (NCF) (22 men and eight women, mean age 47.5+/-7.4 years).

RESULTS

The flow-mediated diameter increase in the SCF group was significantly smaller than that in the NCF group (3.48+/-0.10% compared with 9.11+/-0.10%, P < 0.001). The percentage of nitroglycerine (NTG)-induced dilatation was not significantly different between patients with SCF and people with NCF (16.8+/-1.1% compared with 17.1+/-1.1%, P = 0.87). Simple regression analysis showed that mean CTFC (CTFC(m)) was strongly and inversely related to the percentage of FMD (r = -0.29, P < 0.01) in all participants. When the patients with SCF were excluded, CTFC(m) was still inversely related to the percentage of FMD (r = -0.36, P < 0.05). CTFC(m) was also inversely related to NTG-induced dilatation in the 57 participants (r = -0.23, P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that CTFC(m) was inversely related to the percentage of FMD only (r = -0.37, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that endothelial function is impaired in people with SCF and that CTFC correlates well with endothelial dysfunction.

Early- and late-state subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: chemical shift imaging and single-voxel MR spectroscopy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive, inflammatory neurodegenerative disease. Our aim was to determine the metabolic abnormalities of brain in early- and late-stage SSPE by using MR spectroscopy and to assess areas of involvement in the early stages when MR imaging findings were normal.

METHODS

Children with stage II (n = 3) or III (n = 3) SSPE and 10 healthy, age-matched children underwent MR imaging, multivoxel MR spectroscopy, and short-echo single-voxel MR spectroscopy (SVS). Areas of involvement in the brain were determined with chemical shift imaging. For SVS, 2 x 2 x 2-cm voxels were placed in the frontal subcortical white matter (FSWM) and parieto-occipital white matter (POWM). N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr), choline (Cho)/Cr, myo-inositol (Ins)/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

Comparisons of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, Ins/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios between patients and control subjects showed significant differences in FSWM and POWM (P <.01). In patients with SSPE, NAA/Cr ratios in POWM were significantly less than those in FSWM (P <.01). NAA/Cr ratios in patients with stage II SSPE and those in the control group were not significantly different; this may reflect the absence of neuronal loss. Decreased NAA/Cr, increased Cho/Cr and Ins/Cr ratios, and increased lactate and lipid peaks were found in patients with stage III SSPE.

CONCLUSION

MR spectroscopy showed findings suggestive of inflammation in stage II and findings of demyelination, gliosis, cellular necrosis, and anaerobic metabolism in stage III. MR spectroscopy could be a promising technique for early diagnosis and treatment planning in cases of SSPE.

The effects of the chorda tympani damage on submandibular glands: biometric changes

OBJECTIVE

It was aimed to analyze the biometric changes in ipsilateral submandibular glands of patients with unilateral chorda tympani (ChT) section during otological operations, compared with change in size of the contralateral glands and with those of healthy subjects.

METHODS

29 patients with unilateral complete ChT section and 29 healthy subjects with identical ages, genders, and weights to the patient group were examined ultrasonographically. The patients having a mean duration to follow-up examination of 32 months (2-84 months) were subdivided into two groups by their time to follow-up as short-term patient group (2-12 months, 14 patients) and long-term patient group (13-84 months, 15 patients). The ultrasonographic dimensions and volumes of submandibular glands were compared statistically between the groups.

RESULTS

In the patient group, the glands on the contralateral, non-operated side were found to be greater than the ipsilateral, denervated glands in terms of both paramandibular depth dimension (P<0.05) and volume (P<0.01). The differences could be determined only in long-term patient group. When comparing the submandibular glands of the patient group with those of the control group, it was found that paramandibular depth dimension and volume of the submandibular glands on the contralateral, non-operated side were statistically greater (P<0.01). There was no difference between submandibular glands on the operated side of the patient group and those of the control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The late (13-84 months) biometric results of ChT damage on submandibular gland were significant for increase in the size of the contralateral, non-denervated submandibular gland. An atrophying effect was not ascertained in the submandibular glands denervated parasympathetically due to the section of the ChT.

Delayed myelination in a rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata case: MR spectroscopy findings

Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata is a member of genetic peroxisomal disorders. Delayed myelination, which is probably related to the inadequacy of plasmalogens biosynthesis, is an important feature of this disorder. Direct assessment of neuropathologic aspects of RCDP syndrome such as neuronal degeneration and delayed myelination is possible with MR spectroscopy. In this report, MR spectroscopy findings (decreased Cho/Cr and increased Ins-Gly/Cr ratios and increased levels of mobile lipids) of a rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata case supporting delayed myelination are presented. This is the second report of MR spectroscopy examination of the specific brain metabolic changes associated with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata.

Quantitative Doppler evaluation of the splenoportal venous system in various stages of cirrhosis: differences between right and left portal veins

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the splenoportal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and the stage of the disease.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis were grouped according to modified Child-Pugh scoring into stages A, B, and C of cirrhosis. A control group of healthy volunteers was included. After gastroenterologic clinical and laboratory examinations, all participants underwent a splenoportal Doppler sonographic evaluation in which the vessels' diameter, area, and blood flow velocity were measured and blood flow rate and the congestion index in the splenoportal venous system were calculated.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients with cirrhosis (25 women and 50 men) were enrolled; the control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers (15 women and 15 men) with no liver disease. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of the patients was 54.4 +/- 14.8 years (range, 13-80 years) and of the control subjects was 47.3 +/- 14.5 years (range, 18-72 years). No significant differences in vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, and blood flow rate were found in the main and left portal veins between the study group and the control group. In the right portal vein, we found decreases in the vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, and blood flow rate, and in the splenic vein, we found increases in vessel diameter and blood flow rate. The congestion index was increased in the main portal and splenic veins but was unchanged in the left portal vein.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our data indicate that there is no difference in Doppler sonographic parameters of the main portal vein according to Child-Pugh scores, the hemodynamic differences between the left and right branches of the portal vein may be clinically useful in patients with cirrhosis.

Glutaric aciduria type I diagnosed after poliovirus immunization: magnetic resonance findings

Glutaric aciduria type I is an uncommon inborn error of metabolism. It is a serious disease, often with a fatal outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging findings and the clinical course of monozygotic twin females with glutaric aciduria type I who were admitted with acute encephalopathic crisis symptoms 3 days after immunization for poliovirus are presented in this report. Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed hyperintensity in the putamen, head of the left caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus, periventricular white matter (on T(2)-weighted images), arachnoid cysts in bilateral temporal regions, and enlargement of the sylvian fissures. Glutaric aciduria type I should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute encephalopathic crisis occurring shortly after poliovirus immunization. Typical magnetic resonance findings guide urinary organic acid analysis in these patients.

Effects of testicular microlithiasis on Doppler parameters: report of three cases

BACKGROUND

Testicular microlithiasis is a rare, usually asymptomatic, non-progressive disease of the testes associated with various genetic anomalies, infertility and testicular tumors. According to our literature search, there is no specific data about Doppler findings in this disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

Doppler findings of three cases of testicular microlithiasis during last two years in our institution are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our hypothesis was to find increased Doppler parameters due to intratesticular arterial compression, our findings suggest that there are no Doppler findings specific to testicular microlithiasis.

Early MRI findings in stab wound of the cervical spine: two case reports

MR imaging was found to be the most sensitive modality for the detection of spinal cord abnormalities in the acutely injured spine. Although it is reported that traumatic pneumomyelogram indicates a base-of-skull or middle cranial fossa fracture and is almost certainly associated with intracranial subarachnoid air, early MR imaging may demonstrate subarachnoid air in penetrating trauma of the spinal cord without head injury. We report two cervical-spine stab-wound cases, one of which had subarachnoid air on early MR findings.