A large primary dumbbell hydatid cyst causing neural foraminal widening of the thoracic spine: A case report and literature review

Introduction: Spinal hydatid cyst is a rare, but serious condition. Presentation of the case: Herein, we present a 17-year-old male patient with back pain radiating to the legs and progressive weakness in the lower limbs. CT and MRI showed a spinal-paraspinal hydatid cyst with a dumbbell appearance that caused neural foraminal widening and spinal cord compression. The case was explored via right T3-T4 hemilaminectomy, and the hydatid cyst was completely removed. Discussion: The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of this rare case of spinal hydatid disease are discussed, and all published cases of primary dumbbell hydatid cyst are reviewed. Conclusion: Even if serological test results are negative, hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the spine

Hematopoietic cell transplantation activity of Turkey in 2014: Ongoing increase in HCT rates

Hematopoietic cell transplantation is an established treatment option with curative potential for a variety of clinical conditions. The last decade especially witnessed a remarkable increase in HCT activity in Turkey. In 2014, 696 pediatric and 2631 adult (total 3327) HCT were performed in Turkey. Corresponding transplant rates per 10 million inhabitants for autologous-HCT and allogeneic-HCT were 226 and 202, respectively. Total HCT procedures in Turkey increased 177% in the last 5 years and 791% in the last 14 years. This report focuses mainly on HCT activity of Turkey in 2014 based on the national HCT registry and presents a general picture of national HCT activity. (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved