Evaluation of Liver Masses and Accompanying Findings by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to differential diagnosis in the characterization of liver masses

Diffusion-weighted MRI and FLAIR sequence for differentiation of hydatid cysts and simple cysts in the liver

Purpose: The contribution of DWI and FLAIR to the differential diagnosis of type 1, 2, and 3 hydatid cysts and simple liver cysts was investigated according to the Gharbi classification. This study is the first report using FLAIR sequence for the differential diagnosis of liver hydatid cysts in this regard. Methods: A total of 82 hydatid cysts and 40 simple cysts were scanned with DWI (in b600-b1000 values) and FLAIR sequence. In 64 patients included in the study, a total of 122 cystic lesions were diagnosed histopatho-logically or during follow-up. FLAIR and DWI signal characteristics were evaluated, and ADC values were calculated. Results: The mean ADC value of hydatid cysts on DWI (b600) was 3.07 +/- 0.41 x 10(-3) s/mm(2), while it was 3.91 +/- 0.51 x 10(-3) s/mm(2) for simple cysts and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). On b1000 DWI, the mean ADC values of hydatid and simple cysts were 2.99 +/- 0.38 x 10(-3) s/mm(2) and 3.43 +/- 0:29 x 10(-3) s/mm(2), respectively (p < 0.05). The qualitative evaluation of the signal intensity on b600-1000 DWI demonstrated the difference between the simple and hydatid cyst groups (p < 0.05). Type 2 hydatid cysts alone were distinguished from type 2-3 hydatid and simple cysts by FLAIR (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ADC values can distinguish between hydatid cyst and simple cyst. FLAIR contributes to the differ-entiation of type 2 hydatid and simple cysts

Value of multislice computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia

Objective: To define the value of multislice computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI)

Influence of duration of heat curing and extra rest period after heat curing on the strength and transport characteristic of alkali activated class F fly ash geopolymer mortar

In the study, the influence of heat curing duration and rest period after heat curing duration on the strength and transport characteristics of alkali activated fly ash (AAFA) mortar were investigated. A local class F type fly ash, CEN reference sand, sodium hydroxide and potable water were used in preparation of cement-less fresh geopolymer mortar mixture. Mixture ratios (in mass basis) were 3, 1, 0.29, and 0.1 for sand, fly ash, water and sodium hydroxide, respectively. Some samples were cured at 75 degrees C temperature for 4 h, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days; then, they were tested after heat curing period. Additionally, some of the equivalent samples were kept in the laboratory at 23 +/- 2 degrees C temperature with 50 +/- 5% relative humidity, until 28 days after their initial heat curing period. Then, they were tested at 28 days for combined curing conditions. The measured properties of AAFA mortar were unit weight, porosity, capillary water absorption, water absorption capacity, flexural-bending and split tension strength, compressive strengths and abrasion resistance. It was observed that the strengths of mortar were significantly increased with the increase in heat curing duration. A significant strength development was also observed after rest period. As a result of the study, high strength and abrasion resistant AAFA geopolymer mortar was produced. However, transport properties of AAFA geopolymer mortar found to be not as good as mechanical properties. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved