A New Technique for Simple Renal Cyst: Cystoretroperitoneal Shunt

Purpose. To evaluate the results of patient symptoms and radiologic outcomes of cystoretroperitoneal shunt (CRS) technique in the treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts. Patients and Methods. In a prospective study, 37 patients with a simple renal cyst were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous CRS-catheter. Radiological success was indicated as no recurrence of the cyst or a reduction in cyst volume by at least half. Results. CRS technique was performed successfully in 36 patients with a simple renal cyst. The mean size of all cysts decreased from 8.8 cm (range 7 to 14) to 1.7 cm (range 0 to 9; P < .001). Symptomatic success (pain relief) was achieved in 29/36 (80.5%) of patients, and radiographic success was achieved in 23/36 (63.8%) of patients, with a median follow-up of 16 months (range 6 to 24). Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous CRS technique for simple renal cysts is fast, safe, effective, and inexpensive

Structural Correlates of Taste and Smell Loss in Encephalitis Disseminata

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction in MS patients is reported in the literature. MRI of the olfactory bulb (OB) is discussed as a promising new testing method for measuring olfactory function (OF). Aim of this study was to explore reasons for and optimize the detection of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients with MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OB and olfactory brain volume was assessed within 34 MS patients by manual segmentation. Olfactory function was tested using the Threshold-Discrimination-Identification-Test (TDI), gustatory function was tested using Taste Strips (TST). RESULTS: 41% of the MS patients displayed olfactory dysfunction (8% of the control group), 16% displayed gustatory dysfunction (5% of the control group). There was a correlation between the OB volume and the number and volume of MS lesions in the olfactory brain. Olfactory brain volume correlated with the volume of lesions in the olfactory brain and the EDSS score. The TST score correlated with the number and volume of lesions in the olfactory brain. CONCLUSION: The correlation between a higher number and volume of MS lesions with a decreased OB and olfactory brain volume could help to explain olfactory dysfunction

Chemosensory function in Wegener's granulomatosis: a preliminary report

Despite the fact that Wegener's granulomatosis affects the nasal and paranasal cavities and the cranial nerves regularly, chemosensory impairments have not been reported. The objective of this study is to test the three chemosensory systems, olfaction, taste, and intranasal trigeminal function in Wegener disease patients. We tested olfactory, gustatory, and intranasal trigeminal function in nine patients (5 women, 4 men, mean age 57 years) with confirmed Wegener's granulomatosis. Olfaction was tested with the Sniffin'Sticks, gustatory function with the "Taste strips" and intranasal trigeminal function with a lateralization task. One patient had anosmia (11%), four patients had hyposmia (44%) and four patients were normosmic (45%). Gustatory testing function showed pathological taste strip results in five patients (55%) and normal results in three patients (33%). One patient did not undergo taste testing. Intranasal trigeminal function was lowered in five patients (56%) and normal in four patients (44%). Neither previous nasal surgery status nor endoscopic status was associated to a higher frequency in pathological scores for any of the three chemical senses. In conclusion, these preliminary results suggest a consistent affection in chemosensory functions in Wegener's granulomatosis patients

MBL, P2X7, and SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms in patients with oropharyngeal tularemia

WOS: 000386069300016PubMed ID: 27223255Conclusion: A significant association was found of oropharyngeal tularemia with SLC11A1 allele polymorphism (INT4G/C) and MBL2 C+4T (P/Q). These results indicate C allele and Q allele might be a risk factor for the development of oropharyngeal tularemia.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of SLC11A1, MBL, and P2X(7) gene polymorphism with oropharyngeal tularemia.Methods: The study included totally 120 patients who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal tularemia. Frequencies of polymorphisms in the following genes were analyzed both in the patient and control groups in the study: SLC11A1 (5'(GT)(n) Allele 2/3, Int4G/C, 3' UTR, D543N G/A), MBL (MBL2 C+4T (P/Q), and P2X(7) (-762 C/T and 1513 A/C).Results: Among all polymorphisms that were investigated in this study, SLC11A1 gene showed a significance in the distriburtion of polymorphism allelle frequency at the INT4 region. Frequency of C allele was 54 (28%) in patients with oropharyngeal tularemia, and 31 (13%) in the control group (p=0.006 and OR = 1.96 (1.21-3.20)). An association was detected between MBL2 C+4T (P/Q) gene polymorphism and oropharyngeal tularemia (p0.05).Gaziosmanpasa UniversityGaziosmanpasa University [2014/14]This study was supported by the Gaziosmanpasa University (project no: 2014/14)

Physician-reported ECOG-PS versus patient-reported (self) ECOG-PS: Which one is a better predictor of survival in cancer?

The aim of this study is to determine the discrepancy and agreement between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) scores evaluated by doctors and patients and examine the factors that influence the performance evaluation of doctors and patients. This study is a prospective and descriptive case-control study. General, demographic, and oncologic data of the patients were collected. e-control study. General, demographic, and oncologic data of the patients were collected. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression surveys were conducted to determine patients&apos; levels of anxiety and depression, and at the same time, both the doctors and the patients were asked to determine their performance status. As a result, the discrepancy in performance evaluation between the patient and the doctor, the factors affecting this discrepancy, and its effect on progression and survival were examined. 277 patients were included. 146 (52.7%) were male, and 131 (47.3%) were female. The most common cancers were breast cancer (17.7%, n=49) and lung cancer (17.3%, n=48). It was found that the doctors&apos; assessment of patient performance increased the progression risk by 3.1 times (HR: 3.080, 95% CI: 1,671-5,675) in ECOG-PS 2 compared to ECOG-PS 0 and by 5 times (HR: 4.980, 95% CI 1.405-17.646) in ECOG-PS 3 compared to ECOG-PS 0. Our study determined a weak agreement between the doctor and patient in terms of performance assessment. The most significant reason for this discrepancy was found to be due to the levels of depression or anxiety in patients. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the performance evaluations determined by doctors are more accurate and meaningful in terms of progression and survival results compared to those determined by patients. [Med-Science 2023; 12(3.000): 827-52

CISS sequence of OB, axial view.

<p>CISS sequence of OB, axial view.</p

Results of the MRI examination.

<p>Results of the MRI examination.</p

Patient data: Results of olfactometry, gustometry and neurological examinations.

<p>Patient data: Results of olfactometry, gustometry and neurological examinations.</p