-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To compare the efficacy and patients' tolerance of a new mixed biphasic oral contrast solution with routine biphasic oral contrast agent in magnetic resonance (MR) enterography (MRE).
Thirty-seven patients (group 1) had MRE with the new mixture, whereas 14 patients (group 2) had MRE with biphasic oral contrast agent (lactulose). Magnetic resonance enterography images were evaluated by 2 experienced radiologists. Each intestinal segment was evaluated for luminal distension (LD), distinction from the surrounding tissue (wall conspicuity), and the confidence of radiologist for evaluation of the specified segment (radiological evaluation confidence). Comparisons between the 2 groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Interrater and intrarater agreement values were obtained. In addition, patients' acceptability and tolerance were assessed.
The new mixture was more effective than the oral contrast agent used in group 2 for LD, wall conspicuity, and radiological confidence. The values of interrater and intrarater agreement in scoring LD, wall conspicuity, and radiological confidence were generally moderate.
Our new mixture allowed good-quality enterographic images, and this solution was well tolerated by patients. In addition, this mixture is useful for evaluation of small bowels and colonic segments. We suggest the use of it for enterographic examinations.
Journal of computer assisted tomography 01/2013; 37(1):65-74. · 1.38 Impact Factor
-
Japanese journal of radiology 05/2012; 29(1):83-83. · 0.65 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the structural-neurochemical abnormalities of the frontal white matter (FWM), deep gray
matter nuclei, and pons in patients with Wilson’s disease (WD) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion-weighted
imaging (DWI).
Materials and methodsNine patients with WD and 14 age-matched controls were examined with MRS. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr) peaks were calculated. DWI scans from six WD patients and six controls
were also obtained. The relative metabolite ratios and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the WD patients were
compared to those of the control subjects by using statistical measures.
ResultsMeasurements in the thalamus and pons showed significantly lower NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios in the WD group than in the control
group (P < 0.05). Thalamic and pontine Cho/Cr ratios in the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group
(P < 0.05). No statistically significant relation was found between the patient and control groups as a result of the MRS examinations
of FWM and all ADC measurements (P > 0.05).
ConclusionMRS is a noninvasive, valuable modality for detecting structural-neurochemical changes of the brain stem and deep gray matter
in patients with WD. The contribution of DWI in these patients is limited.
Key wordsWilson’s disease-Proton MR spectroscopy-Neuroimaging-Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-Neuronal loss
Japanese journal of radiology 04/2012; 28(9):663-671. · 0.65 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the use of three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip-angle evolutions (3D-SPACE) in the diagnosis of spontaneous third ventriculostomy (STV) and to compare it with phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). METHODS: PC-MRI and 3D-SPACE images were obtained in 15 patients with hydrocephalus for evaluation of STV as well as in 10 control cases. The presence of STV was evaluated visually by two experienced radiologists on both PC-MRI and 3D-SPACE images, and the results were statistically compared. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between PC-MRI and SPACE scores for both readers (correlation coefficient [r]=0.784; P=0.001). There was also a good correlation between PC-MRI scores and consensus-based results. Interobserver reliabilities were strong for all STV scores. In addition, there was excellent correlation between 3D-SPACE scores and consensus-based results (first reader's kappa value: 0.87; second reader's kappa value: 1). CONCLUSION: 3D-SPACE can provide morphological-physiological information for the evaluation of STV with no need for additional PC-MRI analysis or other sequences. As a non-invasive test, it can also be included among the first line of choices of MRI sequences for patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.
Journal of Neuroradiology 02/2012; · 1.21 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) and to evaluate the reliability of these MRI findings.
Seventy hips of 50 patients with hip pain and quadratus femoris muscle (QFM) edema and 38 hips of 30 control cases were included in the study. The QFM edema and fatty replacement were assessed visually. Ischiofemoral space (IFS), quadratus femoris space (QFS), inclination angle (IA), hamstring tendon area (HTA), and total quadratus femoris muscle volume (TQFMV) measurements were performed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists. The intra- and interobserver reliabilities were obtained for quantitative variables.
IFS, QFS, and TQFMV values of the patient group were significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.001). HTA and IA measurements of the patient group were also significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.05). The QFM fatty replacement grades were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities were strong for all continuous variables.
Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of IFI in patients with hip or groin pain, and MRI should be obtained for the presence of the QFM edema/fatty replacement, narrowing of the IFS-QFS, and other features that may help in the clinical diagnosis of IFI for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Skeletal Radiology 08/2011; 41(5):575-87. · 1.54 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To evaluate neurochemical and structural changes in the patients with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by MR spectroscopy (MRS), T2 relaxometry, and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).
Following the acquisition of routine cranial MR, MRS, T2 relaxometry, and DWI images; spectroscopic metabolite ratios and DWI-T2 relaxometry findings of the thalami, hippocampi, frontal white matter (FWM) and frontal cortex of 24 OSAS patients and 9 controls were statistically compared. The relationship between two groups was evaluated with Mann-Whitney test.
Spectroscopic measurements in the frontal cortex and frontal white matter of the OSAS patients revealed significantly lower NAA/Cr ratios than those of the control group (P=0.004 and P=0.006, respectively). The measurements in the frontal white matter of the OSAS patients exhibited significantly lower NAA/Cho ratios compared with those of the control group (P=0.005). Thalamic Cho/Cr ratios of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P=0.002). In terms of the ADC-T2 relaxometry values, there was no significant relationship between the patient and the control groups (P>0.05).
MRS is a useful and non-invasive modality in showing neurochemical changes in various regions of the brain but our data does not show any change on diffusion weighting or T2 quantification in the OSAS group. DWI and T2 relaxometry appear to be not effective techniques to evaluate the brain structural changes of the patients with newly diagnosed OSAS.
European journal of radiology 02/2011; 81(3):491-5. · 2.65 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the structural-neurochemical abnormalities of the frontal white matter (FWM), deep gray matter nuclei, and pons in patients with Wilson's disease (WD) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
Nine patients with WD and 14 age-matched controls were examined with MRS. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr) peaks were calculated. DWI scans from six WD patients and six controls were also obtained. The relative metabolite ratios and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the WD patients were compared to those of the control subjects by using statistical measures.
Measurements in the thalamus and pons showed significantly lower NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios in the WD group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Thalamic and pontine Cho/Cr ratios in the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No statistically significant relation was found between the patient and control groups as a result of the MRS examinations of FWM and all ADC measurements (P > 0.05).
MRS is a noninvasive, valuable modality for detecting structural-neurochemical changes of the brain stem and deep gray matter in patients with WD. The contribution of DWI in these patients is limited.
Japanese journal of radiology 11/2010; 28(9):663-71. · 0.65 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Accurate assessment of the morphology of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) bone cortex and cartilage bears importance in terms of detecting sacroiliitis in its earliest period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of fat-saturated T1-weighted (T1WFS) spin-echo, three-dimensional (3D)-fast low angle shot (3D-FLASH), and 3D-double excitation in the steady-state (3D-DESS) sequences for the detection of SIJ cartilage and bone cortex abnormalities in patients with clinically suspected active sacroiliitis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 9 controls and 30 patients with suspected active sacroiliitis. T1WFS, short tau inversion recovery, 3D-DESS with FS, 3D-FLASH with FS, postcontrast (the same precontrast T1WFS sequence) T1WFS, and subtracted images were obtained in all the cases. The bone cortex and cartilaginous morphology were visually scored on the T1WFS, 3D-DESS, and 3D-FLASH images. MRI findings were statistically evaluated.
Active sacroiliitis was observed in 28 patients (49 SIJs) that were examined by postcontrast and subtracted images. T1WFS, 3D-DESS, and 3D-FLASH images revealed cartilage erosions in 26 (47 SIJs), 28 (55 SIJs), and 28 (55 SIJs) patients, respectively. Cartilage and bone cortex erosion scores in SIJs were significantly higher in 3D-DESS and 3D-FLASH images than in T1WFS images (P < .05). Bone erosion scores assessed on T1WFS and 3D-FLASH images of active sacroiliitis patients, were found to be significantly different (P < .05). A similar relationship was not determined between 3D-DESS and T1WFS sequences (P > .05).
3D-FLASH sequence with FS is recognized as the most useful sequence for the detection of cartilaginous and cortical bone abnormalities.
Academic radiology 10/2010; 17(10):1292-8. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the distinctive features of normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and other dementias on routine T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Also, the contribution of these parameters to the diagnosis and treatment of NPH was investigated.
Routine MR images were used to investigate the morphologic features (dilatation of Sylvian cisterns, narrowness of convexity sulci, thickness of corpus callosum (TCC), and dilatation of perihippocampal fissures) and the flow void phenomenon (FVP) in patients with idiopathic NPH (INPH) and other dementias. Routine MR images of 18 patients with INPH, 11 with dementias other than INPH, and 20 controls were retrospectively examined. Morphologic features and the FVP were graded subjectively. The TCC was measured quantitatively. Morphologic parameters, the FVP, and the shunt response were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.
The mean FVP score was significantly higher in patients with INPH (2.89 +/- 0.75) than in controls and patients with other dementias (1.1 +/- 0.85 and 1.09 +/- 0.83, respectively) (P < .001). There was significant difference in terms of TCC between patients with INPH (3 +/- 0.7 mm), those with other dementias (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm), and controls (5.2 +/- 0.8 mm) (P < .001). Significant differences in terms of other morphologic features were found between patients with INPH and those with other dementias (P < .05). No significant difference was found between morphologic parameters and the FVP and the outcome of cerebrospinal fluid diversion (P > .05).
Intense FVP is a signature of but is not pathognomonic for INPH. The morphologic analysis of MR images can be distinctive for the diagnosis of INPH or dementias other than INPH. Detailed evaluation of morphologic features and the FVP in routine MR workup of dementia will be useful for accurate diagnosis.
Academic radiology 08/2009; 16(11):1373-80. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced MRI using the subtraction technique in the detection of active sacroiliitis.
Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 8 asymptomatic volunteers and 50 patients with clinically suspected active sacroiliitis. On precontrast MR images, T1-weighted spin-echo images with and without fat saturation (T1WFS and T1W), STIR and 3D-FLASH images with fat saturation were obtained in the semicoronal plane using a 1.5 Tesla imager. Postcontrast MRI was performed using the same T1WFS sequence as before contrast injection for all volunteers and patients. Postcontrast images were subtracted from fat-suppressed precontrast images. Enhancement within the joint space and bone marrow was considered to demonstrate active sacroiliitis.
In 50 patients (100 sacroiliac joints [SIJs]), 40 (76 SIJs) were considered to have active sacroiliitis based on MR images. Bone marrow edema was present in 33 patients (62 SIJs) on STIR images. Routine MRI allowed identification of contrast enhancement in SIJs on postcontrast T1WFS images in 31 patients (49 SIJs). Contrast enhancement was observed in 40 patients (76 SIJs) who were examined by MRI using the subtraction technique. Contrast enhancement was significantly more conspicuous on subtraction images than on non-subtracted postcontrast T1WFS images (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.001).
Contrast-enhanced MRI with subtraction technique may be useful for early detection of active sacroiliitis.
Skeletal Radiology 06/2009; 38(10):983-8. · 1.54 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Sexual dimorphic characteristics, which play an important role in human evolution studies and biological research, can be studied morphologically and metrically. Geometric morphometrics allows a better assessment of morphological characteristics. Statistical shape analysis has a long history in neuroanatomical and other research. The aim of this study was to identify shape differences of the corpus callosum between genders. Landmark coordinate data were collected from two-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging scans of 93 homogeneously aged patients, 45 men and 48 women. These data were analyzed using Euclidean distance matrix analysis and thin plate spline analysis. The general shape variability of the corpus callosum of men was greater than that of women (men, 0.134; women, 0.097). We found no significant difference between sexes in the general shape of the corpus callosum, but we did find significant differences in the distances between some landmarks. Deformation of the corpus callosum between men to women was mainly detected in the posterior of the corpus callosum. These results serve as a reference for future studies on shape alterations of the corpus callosum associated with certain conditions.
The Anatomical Record Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology 08/2007; 290(7):825-30. · 1.47 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: There are several anthropometric studies regarding the nose, however none of them involves data about a statistical shape analysis. In this study, a landmark-based geometric morphometric technique was used to analyze the nasal shapes in a young Turkish adult population.A population of 75 female and 75 male volunteer Turkish young adults whose ages ranged 18-39 years (24.82 +/- 5.64 year) was examined. The stratified sampling method was used to determine the subjects according to the seven main geographic regions of Turkey. All data was obtained from standardized digital photographic images taken from anterior, lateral and inferior aspects by using standard anthropometric measurement methods. Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis (EDMA) is used to calculate all possible linear distances among landmarks by creating matrixes for each subject.Today, the anthropometric methods and surgical practice intersected at a point to treat the congenital or post-traumatic facial disfigurements in various racial or ethnic groups. Rhinoplasty surgeons require access to facial databases based on accurate anthropometric measurements to perform optimum correction in both sexes. There should be some points brought to mind during the cosmetic nasal surgery for men because of different expectations, which is not technically different from the one for women. This study is a way to clarify these important points and a basis for further clinical studies enhancing the plans of the corrective surgery.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 02/2007; 18(1):219-24. · 0.82 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Angiogenic factors induce tumour growth and angiogenesis which leads to tumour metastasis and a poor survival rate. This study aimed to assess the possible roles of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the overall survival of patients with late stage lung cancer.
The study was carried out with primary lung carcinoma patients (n=31) and healthy controls (n=15). Pre- and post-cisplatin-based chemotherapy serum nitrite/nitrate levels were measured as nitrite after enzymatic conversion followed by Griess reaction and serum VEGF-A analysis was performed using ELISA. After patient follow-up, survival rates were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method [Dudek et al. Cancer Invest 2005; 23(3):193-200].
The serum nitrite/nitrate and VEGF-A levels of lung cancer patients and the control group were 93.7+/-48.9 and 63.7+/-32.2 microM (p=0.018), and 620+/-491 and 255+/-157 pg/mL (p=0.001), respectively. High nitrite/nitrate (>67.2 microM) concentration had statistically significant effects on overall survival (Cox analysis, p=0.026). The overall survival of the lung cancer patients with higher serum nitrate concentrations was significantly less than the ones with lower serum nitrite/nitrate (Kaplan-Meier survival functions test, log rank significance=0.0007).
Our results suggest that having a high serum nitrite/nitrate concentration is a strong indicator of poor survival for late stage lung cancer patients. However, this conclusion deserves to be elucidated further by using a larger sample size.
Clinical Biochemistry 09/2006; 39(9):898-903. · 2.08 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to determine statistics knowledge of physicians and students according to their major branches and statutes and find out their thoughts on the importance they give to the biostatistics education and finally decide at which semester the biostatistics education should be given. The questionnaire was applied to 498 undergraduate students, 103 resident physicians and 94 academic staff in Medical School. According to the data, the first choice of the students and the residents is that the biostatistics education should be given at the beginning of the residency. It is seen that there is a correlation between being agree with biostatistics is useful for career and being agree with biostatistics is very important for medicine science. Our results indicate that there is no significant difference on the level of the statistics knowledge between the undergraduate students and the resident physicians. Residents, who are involved in the researches gain increment both on knowledge of general statistics and tests such as non-parametric statistics and sampling techniques. Also another surprising result has been discovered that sampling knowledge of the academic staff is quite insufficient. In the light of those findings, we believe that great importance should be given to the biostatistics education so that the biostatistics education will improve physician's analytical thinking ability, understanding and interpreting statistical results in medical studies. Hence they will manage to use statistics properly.
