Background: Determining the nature of purely cystic hepatic lesions is essential because different kinds have different follow-ups, treatment options, and complications. Purpose: To explore the potential of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for the differentiation of type I hydatid cysts (HC) and simple liver cysts (SLC), which have similar radiological appearances. Material and Methods: This single-center prospective study was conducted during 2016–2019. Round, homogenous, anechoic liver cysts >1 cm were classified according to at least two years of imaging follow-up, radiological features, serology, as well as puncture aspiration injection reaspiration procedure and pathology results. ADC values of 95 cysts (50 type I HCs and 45 SLCs) were calculated on DWI. The differences in ADC values were analyzed by independent t-test. Results: Of 51 patients, 28 were female, 23 were male (mean age 32.07 ± 22.95 years; age range 5–82 years). Mean diameter of 45 SLCs was 2.59 ± 1.23 cm (range 1.2–7.6 cm) and ADCmean value was 3.03 ± 0.47 (range 2.64–5.85) while mean diameter of 50 type I HCs was 7.49 ± 2.95 cm (range 2.8–14 cm) and ADCmean value was 2.99 ± 0.29 (range 2.36–3.83). There was no statistically significant difference in ADC values between type I HCs and SLCs Conclusion: Some studies report that ADC values of type I HCs are statistically significantly lower than those of SLCs. Others suggest no significant difference. In our study with a higher number of cases, using ADC parameters similar to those in previous studies, we did not find any statistically significant difference.
Background: Diverticula are commonly observed in the duodenum. Duodenal diverticulum (DD) usually does not give symptoms throughout life and is diagnosed by coincidence. However, it may present with different symptoms in patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of DD and juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum (JDD) and its association with other possible pathologies and to determine its clinical impact by using Computed Tomography (CT). Methods: This retrospective observational study, which was taken consecutively between the years of 2013-2020, was evaluated in the Radiology Department. The total number of cases was 4850 (male-2440; female-2410). CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists at the workstation. DD and JDD prevalence and clinical findings in the hospital registry system were examined. Results: The age of the patients included in the study ranged from 17 to 92 years (mean age 46.94±16.42). In patients with DD (female-130; male-101), mean age was 62.24 ± 12.69 (21-92). The prevalence of DD was 4.76% (n=231). The prevalence of JDD was 4.02% (n=195) and increased with age (p<0.01). The average diameter of the JDD was measured as 23.29±8.22 (9.5-55.3) mm. A significant positive correlation was found between age and DD diameter (p=0.039). DDs were found most commonly 84.42% (n=195) in the second segment of the duodenum as JDD. In patients with JDD, the mean diameter of choledochus and wirsung canal were 6.7 ± 2.4 (3-15.3) mm and 0.31 ± 0.1 (0.1-6.5) mm respectively. The choledochal diameter was correlated with the JDD size (p = 0.004). Cholelithiasis (n=56), choledocholithiasis (n=20), cholecystitis (n=52), diverticulitis (n=15), duodenitis (n=37), pancreatitis (n=5) and hiatal hernia (n=60) with JDD were observed. Periampullary carcinoma was detected in one patient. Conclusion: Our study shows that cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, duodenitis, pancreatitis may be associated with JDD. Therefore, in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans taken for various reasons, investigation of the presence and characteristics of JDD and detection of pathologies that may be associated with JDD are important for patients to benefit from early diagnosis and treatment opportunities and to take precautions against possible complications.
This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the possible damage to the male reproductive system that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus causes by quantitatively measuring and comparing the tissue stiffness of the testis and epididymis with acoustic radiation force impulse sonoelastography in patients who have COVID-19 with a healthy control group. This prospective study was conducted between February and July 2021 with 65 cases. We used sonoelastography to evaluate male patients 18 years or older, who had applied to the urology clinic with nontesticular complaints, and were found to not have any underlying testicular pathology after a clinical-laboratory evaluation. The clinical-laboratory imaging findings and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction test results of all patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were reviewed from the hospital database. We measured the shear wave velocity values of the epididymis and the testes of 31 proven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 patients and 34 healthy subjects and compared them with an independent t test. For the patient and control group subjects, the mean age was 37.55 ± 13.08 (23–71) and 40.5 ± 16.25 (18–81) years, respectively. The mean shear wave velocity values of the left-right and bilateral testes and epididymis of the patient group were statistically substantially higher (P ˂ 0.05) than in the control group. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, when the cutoff values for the bilateral testes and epididymis were determined as 1.39 and 1.64 m/s, respectively, the AUC was 77% to 73.4%, the sensitivity was 87% to 74%, and the specificity was 65% to 62%. Our findings show that testicular and epididymal tissue stiffness increased in patients with COVID-19. We recommend adding sonoelastography to urogenital examinations of male reproductive system in patients who are recovering from COVID-19.
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is irreversible and may result in end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The kidney replacement program is determined by calculating Kt/V ratios, one of the dialysis efficiency indicators in treatment planning in routine dialysis applications in ESRF patients. We aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between flow rate and Kt/V ratio. Methods: All patients were evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography (US) and color doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). The anastomosis line diameter was measured in the B-mode US. The fistula flow rate was calculated in a spectral examination at the anatomical location where the fistulized flow was best obtained at the anastomosis level. Patients with a fistula flow rate above 300 mL/min in CDUS examinations were considered reasonable flow rates. The fistula flow rate in these patients was compared with the Kt/V ratios. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated since the normal distribution condition was not met to determine the relationship between variables. Results: The results of this study showed a high level (r=0.72, P=0.001) of positive and statistically significant correlation between flow rate and Kt/V ratio in upper arm arteriovenous fistula in patients with end stage renal failure. Conclusion: We found a highly positive and statistically significant correlation between fistula flow rate and Kt/V ratio. Low Kt/V ratios have different causes. Low fistula flow should be considered first in low Kt/V values.