Is there any association between the efficacy of imaging techniques and the age of the patient in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis?

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess whether there is any difference between the time and effectiveness seen in the diagnostic stage of acute appendicitis when an appropriate imaging method is selected for the patients in different age groups. Materials and Methods: During the 6-month period between October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016, we retrospectively reviewed the files of patients who visited our emergency clinic, which is a third-step emergency department of a university hospital, and who then underwent operations at our hospital. Patients were evaluated according to their age: Group 1, 40 years and younger; Group 2, 40-60 years; Group 3, 60 years and older. Results: In this study, 97 patients (59.1%) were male and 67 patients (40.9%) were female. Their ages ranged from 19 to 86 years (mean age, 36.7 +/- 14.7 years). The percentage of patients who underwent only ultrasonography (US) was 52.3% in the first age group, 39.5% in the second age group, and 0.0% in the third age group (p<0.0001). The rates of patients who underwent only computerized tomography (CT) were 15.3% in the first age group, 28.9% in the second age group, and 60% in the third age group (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference between the sensitivities of CT and US by age group (p<0.001). Conclusion: We believe that US should be the first method to be preferred in young and uncomplicated cases and that CT should be preferred in elderly patients with atypical presentations

THE INVESTIGATION of cTNT, cTNI and CK (MB) LEVELS in RATS INDUCED EXPERIMENTALLY ETHYLENE GLYCOL TOXICATION

This project was supported by Erciyes University Scientific Research Council with project number: TYL 2018-8340 The aim of this study was to investigate the possible contributions of cardiac muscle biomarkers (cTnl, cTnT, and CK MB) in pathogenesis of experimentally ethylene glycol (EG) intoxication in rats. The study was conducted on a total of 30 Spraque Dawley rats, 15 females and 15 males with age of 4±1 months, weight of 275±25 gr. The rats were randomly divided into three groups of 10 rats in each group. Group I (High Dose EG): rats given 6 ml / kg EG; Group II (Low Dose EG): rats given 3 ml / kg EG; Group III (Control): rats given the same volume of saline (SF) as the EG. During the study, blood samples were collected from tail and heart in terminal period for biochemical analysis at 0. hour before EG, 72. and at 96th hour after EG. The cTnT and CK (MB) levels obtained after the administration of EG were significantly increased compared to the 0. hour and the control group data, and the cTnI levels were not changed in all groups during study. In group I, the mean cTnT levels before and after EG were 0.013 ± 0.005, 0.041 ± 0.009 and 0.578 ± 0.008 ng / ml respectively; In Group II; 0.043 ± 0.049, 0.177 ± 0.073 and 1.002 ± 0.001 ng / ml respectively. Mean CK (MB) values were found in Group I and II,; 542.67 ± 35.62, 587.67 ± 54.23, 877.50 ± 23.57 and 532.75 ± 110.88, 972.87 ± 781.62, 554.25 ± 10.00 IU / L respectively . In result, it was concluded that cTnT and CK MB levels are useful parameters for monitoring heart muscle damage in EG intoxications in humans or animals. In addition these parameters may use in determination of pathogenesis in EG intoxication.</p

Hemophagocytosis in the Acute Phase of Fatal Kawasaki Disease in a 4 Month-Old Girl

Background: Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis predominately affecting coronary arteries. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can complicate the course of Kawasaki disease. Rare cases of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis occurring during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease have been reported. Case Report: We report here a 4 month-old girl with diffuse coronary ectasia and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis occurring during the acute phase of incomplete Kawasaki disease. Conclusion: Due to the large overlap in clinical symptoms, the presence of atypical findings for Kawasaki disease should suggest the possible diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in these patients