Retrospective analysis of respiratory virus infections in adults with hematologic malignancies

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate respiratory virus infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies (HM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical records of patients who were followed up by the hematology clinic at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital between March 2021 and March 2023 with a diagnosis of HM and who underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens taken with suspected respiratory tract infection constituted the study data.

RESULTS

Infections were symptomatic in 64.56% of patients, and the most common symptoms were fever (48.10%) and cough (18.99%). The mortality rate was 25.32% over a two-year period. When the samples were examined, positive test frequency was 43.04%, and the three most common pathogens were Influenza A (10.13%), SARS-CoV-2 (8.86%), and rhinovirus/enterovirus (7.59%). The frequency of positive tests from HMs was highest in patients with AML (p=0.042). Respiratory PCR kit positivity was higher in patients who had any symptoms (p=0.002) and cough (p=0.003). Test positivity was higher in patients with any pathological radiological finding (p=0.039) and ground glass appearance (p=0.010). The risk of death was found to be 5.848 times higher in patients with dyspnea compared to those without (OR: 5.848, 95% CI: 1.143-29.915, p=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory tract virus panel PCR test positivity is more common in patients with HM presenting with respiratory tract infection symptoms in the presence of AML diagnosis, symptomatic infection, cough, radiological findings, and ground glass appearance. Mortality risk is high in HM patients with respiratory tract virus infection who have shortness of breath.

Pneumosinus dilatans and multiplex: report of three rare cases and review of the literature

Pneumosinus dilatans is a term used to describe a localized abnormal dilatation of one or more paranasal sinuses without radiological evidence of localized bone destruction, hyperostosis or mucous membrane thickening. The involvement of all paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells has been named pneumosinus dilatans multiplex. Although the involvement of one or more paranasal sinuses has been reported widely, all paranasal sinuses and the concomitant involvement of mastoid air cells has been reported in only one case. Herein, we present three unusual cases of pneumosinus dilatans (one is a second case of pneumosinus dilatans multiplex in English literature, another is the first reported case of a frontal pneumosinus dilatans case associated with frontoethmoidal meningocele, mental retardation and facial asymmetry and the third one is pneumosinus dilatans with a huge arachnoid cyst) along with the review of relevant literature.

Appraising the self-assessed support needs of Turkish women with breast cancer

The purposes of this study were to establish the range of needs of women with breast cancer and to examine how women's needs might form clusters that could provide the basis for developing a standardized scale of needs for use by local breast care nurses in the evaluation of care. The sample consisted of 143 women with breast cancer who were admitted to the outpatient and inpatient oncology clinics in a university hospital in Erzurum, Turkey. The data were collected by questionnaire, and included demographic characteristics and the self-assessed support needs of women with breast cancer. Statistical analyses have shown that the standardized scale of needs has statistically acceptable levels of reliability and validity. The women's support needs mostly clustered in Family and Friends (79%) and After Care (78.3%). The most frequently required support category was Family and Friend; however, the women were in need of support of all categories. In terms of age ranges, there are statistically significant differences in relation to Femininity and Body Image, and Family and Friends of the seven categories. Women experienced a high level of needs associated with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The results in this study should increase awareness among cancer care professionals about a range of psychosocial needs and may help them target particular patient groups for particular support interventions.

Ruptured petrous carotid pseudoaneurysm due to tuberculous otitis: endovascular treatment

SUMMARY

We report the imaging findings and endovascular treatment in an unusual case of petrous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to primary tuberculous otitis. The aneurysm was recognized and ruptured during a surgical intervention for otitis. Successful endovascular treatment of the aneurysm was performed by occlusion of the parent vessel using detachable balloon and coils.

CT assessment of tracheal carinal angle and its determinants

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body habitus, dimensions of the thoracic cavity, location of the carina within the mediastinum, and left atrial size on tracheal carinal angle using CT scan. The study population was drawn from the patients referred to CT scan for various indications. A total of 120 patients (65 men and 55 women; age range 17-85 years; mean age 56 years) who denied a history of prior thoracic surgery, and in whom CT scan excluded pulmonary fibrosis, moderate or severe emphysema, atelectasis, intrathoracic mass or adenopathy, pericardial or pleural effusion were prospectively enrolled. The interbronchial (IBA) and subcarinal (SCA) angles were measured on coronal reformatted images. The presternal and retrovertebral fat thickness, the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the thorax, the distances from carina to the sternum and to the vertebral column were obtained at the level of carina. Three orthogonal dimensions and the volume of the left atrium were also assessed. The mean interbronchial angle was 77 degrees +/-13 degrees (range 49-109 degrees ) and subcarinal angle was 73 degrees +/-16 degrees (range 34-107 degrees ). IBA positively correlated with the female gender (r=0.25, p=0.007), body mass index (r=0.28, p=0.002), presternal (r=0.40, p=0.001) and retrovertebral fat thickness (r=0.31, p=0.001). The interbronchial angle was significantly greater in obese patients compared with lean patients (p=0.02). Both IBA and SCA were positively correlated with the left atrial volume (r=0.40, p=0.001 and r=0.34, p=0.001, respectively), and its transverse and craniocaudal dimensions. The carina-vertebral column distance inversely correlated with IBA (r=-0.42, p=0.001) and SCA (r=-0.41, p=0.001). The size of the thoracic cavity did not show significant relation to tracheal bifurcation angle. Tracheal bifurcation angle ranges widely in normal subjects, and absolute measurements of the carinal angle is of little diagnostic value. In addition to left atrial enlargement, female gender, obesity and close situs of carina relative to vertebral column are associated with greater tracheal bifurcation angle.

Pain-relieving factors in migraine and tension-type headache

We performed the present study to compare patients with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in their behaviour during the attacks and the manoeuvres to relieve the pain. One hundred thirty consecutive patients with either migraine (n = 75) or TTH (n = 55) were questioned (including the use of a checklist) concerning their usual behaviour during the attacks and non-pharmacological manoeuvres performed to relieve the pain. The results of the two types of headache were compared. Patients with migraine tended to perform more manoeuvres than patients with TTH (mean: 4.3 vs. 3.6). These manoeuvres included pressing and applying cold stimuli to the painful site, trying to sleep, changing posture, sitting or reclining in bed (using more pillows than usual to lay down), isolating themselves, using symptomatic medication, inducing vomiting, changing diet and becoming immobile during the attacks. The only measure predominantly reported by patients with TTH was scalp massage. Migraineurs, compared to patients with TTH, changing eating habits, pressed the pain site; there were no significant differences between the two groups. The behaviour of patients during headache attacks varies with the diagnosis. Measures that do not always result in pain relief are performed in order to prevent its worsening or to improve associated symptoms. These behavioural differences may be because of the different pathogenesis of the attacks or of various styles of dealing with the pain. They can also aid the differential diagnosis between headaches in doubtful cases.

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging of Wolfram (DIDMOAD) syndrome

Wolfram syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness (DIDMOAD). A wide spectrum of abnormalities of the central nervous system, urinary tract and endocrine glands is also observed. We report cranial MRI findings in a 32-year-old female patient with Wolfram syndrome. In addition to the classical features, including absence of the normal high signal of the neurohypophysis, atrophy of visual pathways, the brainstem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex, we observed bilateral hyperintensity on proton density- and T2- weighted images related to the optic radiations in the periventricular white matter of the temporal and parieto-occipital lobes, which may reflect gliosis pathologically.

Hylan G-F 20 efficacy on articular cartilage quality in patients with knee osteoarthritis: clinical and MRI assessment

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) on symptoms, functional outcome, and changes in articular cartilage assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to treatment with HA (hylan G-F 20, Synvisc) or saline. The treatment group consisted of 20 patients receiving three weekly injections of HA into one or both knees (30 knees). The control group consisted of ten patients receiving three intra-articular injections of 2 ml saline at the same intervals (ten knees). To determine the effectiveness of the HA therapy, all patients were assessed prior to the injections (baseline) and after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 8th weeks. Assessment comprised the following: pain at rest, at night, and on walking using a visual analogue scale (VAS); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, and function scores; 15-m walking time; need for analgesics; and evaluation of treatment by the patients. MRI of patellofemoral (PF) articular cartilage was also examined before and after the course of injections at the 8th week. When compared to placebo, a significant statistical difference was found in all clinical parameters. On MRI, although the difference in the PF joint cartilage quality in the HA group before and after the treatment was statistically significant (p < 0.05), this significance was not detected between the groups after the treatment (p > 0.05). After the HA injections, a significant analgesic effect was seen as early as the 3rd week continuing up to the 8th week and functional improvement was seen at the 8th week. In conclusion, intra-articular injections of HA is an effective choice of treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Renal vein Doppler ultrasound of maternal kidneys in normal second and third trimester pregnancy

The flow pattern in intrarenal veins depends on renal parenchymal histology and cardiac physiology. The intrarenal venous impedance index obtained by Doppler ultrasound is related to compliance in vein, and can be helpful in the assessment of renal parenchymal compliance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether normal pregnancy has a significant effect on intrarenal venous blood flow, and assess if the physiological pyelocaliectasis causes a measurable reduction in venous impedance indexes in pregnant women. Doppler ultrasound of intrarenal veins was performed in 35 asymptomatic pregnant women in the second and third trimester of gestation, and in 24 non-pregnant healthy women. After grading the degree of hydronephrosis, venous impedance index was obtained from the interlobar veins. The venous waveforms in pregnant women showed diminished phasic oscillations owing to elevated pre-systolic flow. The mean venous impedance indexes in pregnant women were significantly lower than the values in non-pregnant subjects, 0.30+/-0.10 versus 0.44+/-0.06 in the right (p<0.001), and 0.36+/-0.11 versus 0.41+/-0.07 in the left kidney (p=0.03). There was an inverse correlation between the grade of pelvicalyceal dilatation and the venous impedance indexes in both kidneys in pregnant women (r=-0.62, p<0.001 for the right kidney, and r=-0.38, p=0.05 for the left kidney). An abnormally reduced venous impedance index in pregnant women can at least in part be explained by reduced vascular compliance from increased interstitial pressure subsequent to partial obstruction of ureters by the gravid uterus, and caution should be exercised in interpreting it as a sign of pathological ureteral obstruction.

Case report: gastric schwannoma: MRI findings

MRI features are described in a case of gastric schwannoma. A large, discretely marginated, multilobular mass was seen adjacent to the gastric antrum with the epicentre of the mass in the gastrocolic ligament. The overall signal pattern was low on T(1) weighted images and moderate to markedly elevated on T(2) weighted images. Post-gadolinium sequences demonstrate slow but fairly uniform enhancement throughout the mass.

Colour Doppler evaluation of ureteral jets in normal second and third trimester pregnancy: effect of patient position

The study was designed to investigate the effect of patient position on the detection of ureteral jets in normal pregnancy. The number of jets was recorded for 1 min using colour Doppler ultrasound in 26 healthy asymptomatic gravid women between 16 weeks and 34 weeks gestation. Each patient was examined in the supine position and in both the right and left lateral decubitus positions. Ureteral jets were present on at least one side in 24 patients in the supine position compared with 26 women in the lateral decubitus position. 13 (54%) of the 24 patients in whom jets were seen in the supine position had jets on only one side. A mean of 1.80 jets x min(-1) was detected on the right side and 3.23 jets x min(-1) on the left (p=0.046) in the supine position. In the contralateral decubitus position, jets were detected on the right side in 22 (85%) women and on the left in 25 (96%) women. A mean of 3.07 jets x min(-1) was detected on the right and 4.15 jets x min(-1) on the left. The difference in the frequency of ureteral jets between the supine and lateral decubitus positions was significant (p=0.004 for the right; p=0.011 for the left). However, the difference in the detection rate was significant on only the right side (p=0.016 for the right; p=0.063 for the left). 10 (77%) of 13 patients in whom unilateral absence of ureteral jets was noted had detectable jets in the lateral decubitus position. Our findings demonstrated the utility of the lateral decubitus position in the evaluation of ureters suspicious for obstruction. However, caution is still recommended in diagnosing ureteral obstruction if jets are persistently absent after this manoeuvre.

Tetraventricular hydrocephalus due to ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst

We present the MR imaging findings in a patient who developed tetraventricular hydrocephalus after massive rupture of dermoid cysts with generalized subarachnoid and ventricular spread of cyst contents. The development of tetraventricular hydrocephalus due to ruptured dermoid is a very unusual complication, and was attributed to cyst contents interfering with passage of cerebrospinal fluid through the arachnoid granulations and fourth ventricular outlet foramina.

Technetium-99m pertechnetate uptake in ectopic parathyroid adenoma

A 37-year-old male with a persistent increased parathyroid hormone level, after subtotal thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy, was referred for scintigraphic localization of a possible ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Tc-99m pertechnetate and Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy were performed on separate days. There was marked uptake of both tracers in the mediastinum, which at surgery was confirmed to be an extrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Hypervascularity was suggested as a possible explanation for rare cases of pertechnetate avid parathyroid adenomas. And Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy proved to be a successful imaging procedure for ectopic parathyroid tissue.

CT diagnosis of an unusual aortic dissection with intimointimal intussusception: the wind sock sign

A unique combination of CT findings is reported in a rare case of aortic dissection with intimointimal intussusception. The CT showed a wind sock-like appearance in the contrast column of the aortic arch, which was felt to be characteristic of the intussuceptum. Complementary CT findings, including proximal flap in the dilated root of the aorta, no mid-ascending aortic flap, a descending aortic flap, and pericardial effusion, enabled establishment of the preoperative diagnosis.

Medullary nephrocalcinosis associated with vesicoureteral reflux

A case of medullary nephrocalcinosis developing in the course of vesicoureteral reflux is described. It is suggested that the probable mechanism of nephrocalcinosis was the stagnation of urine in collecting tubules favouring precipitation of calcium salts.

Obliteration of maxillary and sphenoid sinuses in Gaucher's disease

Paranasal sinus obliteration is described in a patient with adult type Gaucher's disease. Plain radiographs and computed tomography showed obliteration of paranasal sinuses due to medullary expansion of surrounding bone. The mandible and maxilla are rarely affected in Gaucher's disease and obliteration of paranasal sinuses due to bony expansion has not previously been reported.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the esophagus

The esophagus is the least commonly involved gastrointestinal organ, accounting for fewer than 1% of patients with lymphoma. Such involvement is mostly secondary, from mediastinal lymph nodes or gastric lymphoma. The primary form arises from the esophageal wall itself and occurs much less frequently. Primary esophageal lymphoma is mostly seen in male patients with Hodgkin's disease. A primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the esophagus with concomitant involvement of the bone marrow is presented, and imaging features of esophageal lymphoma are reviewed.

Pulmonary involvement in adult Gaucher's disease: high resolution CT appearance

High resolution CT findings of pulmonary involvement are described in a patient with adult type Gaucher's disease. Although the reticular pattern on the chest radiograph was typical, appearance of pulmonary involvement on high resolution CT has not been demonstrated in the literature. High resolution CT demonstrated interlobular septal and intralobular interstitial thickening, irregular interfaces at the pleural surfaces and ground-glass appearance, corresponding to both the alveolar and the interstitial components of the pulmonary involvement.

Imaging of "iliac horns" in nail-patella syndrome

Hereditary osteo-onychodysplasia, also known as the nail-patella syndrome (NPS), consists of a clinical tetrad of nail dysplasia, hypoplastic or absent patella, radial head dislocation, and iliac horns. Bilateral posterior iliac horns are observed only in NPS and present in >80% of patients. We describe the appearance, location, and structure of iliac horns by CT, MRI, and 3-dimensional CT reconstruction.